Optimization of the Source Firing Pattern for X-Ray Scanning Systems

摘要

The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.

主权项

1. An X-ray imaging apparatus for obtaining a radiation image of an object having a length, comprising:
a. a plurality of X-ray tubes arranged in a first ring around the object, each X-ray tube comprising a predefined number of X-ray sources, each X-ray source being equally spaced from an adjacent source, each X-ray source emitting X-rays during a predefined emission period; and b. a controller configured to cause each of said X-ray sources to emit X-rays in accordance with a firing pattern, wherein said firing pattern causes a substantially even distribution of X-rays from the X-ray sources over a surface of a virtual cylinder, having a length, wherein the virtual cylinder is positioned around the object and the length of the virtual cylinder is equal to or greater than the length of the object.