Energy imaging with generally constant energy separation

Abstract

The present inventors have recognized that fall times between high-kV to low-kV levels (during a dual energy or fast-kV energy scan) are linked to the discharge of HV (high voltage) capacitance. In an embodiment of the invention, a high voltage generator may be activated during fall transitions from first to second energy levels in order to substantially maintain a predetermined fall transition time. Accordingly, substantially equal energy distributions between high-kV and low-kV levels may be achieved.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This international patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) claims priority to U.S. Application No. 14 / 658,913, filed March 16, 2015, and U.S. Application No. 62 / 098,001, filed December 30, 2014, They are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to imaging systems, and more particularly to high voltage generators for imaging systems. Background technique [0004] Computed tomography (CT) is an x-ray medical imaging procedure that enables the use of multiple two-dimensional (2D) images acquired around a patient or subject to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) image of the patient or subject. In CT, the use of dual energy imaging is known to obtain material signatures and / or reduce artifacts by utilizing two scans of a patient or subject at different voltage / energy levels ("low kV" and "high kV") . [0005] During a sin...

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Problems solved by technology

In other words, modulating the tube current during a dual-energy scan may result in a non-ideal waveform, which may affect the ability to effectively reconstruct the scanned image

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