Systems and methods for imaging a subject

Abstract

A method and system for acquiring image data of a subject is disclosed. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and / or motion. More than one projection can be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to imaging a subject, and more particularly to a system for acquiring image data for use in generating selected views of a subject. Background Art

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] A subject, such as a human patient, can undergo a procedure. The procedure can include a surgical procedure to correct or enhance the anatomical structure of the subject. The enhancement of the anatomical structure can include various procedures, such as the movement or enhancement of bones, the insertion of implants (i.e., implantable devices), or other appropriate procedures.

[0004] A surgeon can perform a procedure on a subject based on an image of the subject's projections. The images can be generated using an imaging system such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, a computed tomography (CT) system, fluoroscopy (e.g., a C-arm imaging system), or other suitable imaging system. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a system that acquires image data of a subject using an imaging system may use x-rays. The subject may be a living patient (e.g., a human patient). The subject may also be an inanimate subject, such as a housing, a shell, etc. The imaging system may include a movable source and / or a detector movable relative to the subject.

[0007] The imaging system may include a movable source and / or detector to create multiple projections of a subject. The multiple projections may be acquired in a linear path of movement of the source and / or detector. The multiple projections may then be combined, for example by splicing together, to produce or form a long view (also referred to as a long film). The long view may be a two-dimensional view of the subject.

[0008] In various embodiments, the imaging system can acquire multiple projections at different viewing angles relative to the subject. Different viewing angles may occur due to parallax effects between different x-ray paths through the subject from a single source to the detector. The parallax effect can allow different views of the same position of the subject. The parallax effect can be formed because the filter has multiple slits or slots through which the x-rays pass and impinge on the detector. Therefore, movement of the source and / or detector relative to the subject can allow acquisition of multiple projections through the subject that include parallax effects. Due to the movement of the source and / or detector, the multiple projections can then be stitched together to form multiple long views of the subject.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a contextual view of the imaging system in the operating room;

[0012] Figure 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of an imaging system having a dual energy source system;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4A is an exploded view of a slot filter assembly according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figure 4B is a top plan view of a slot filter body according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the slot filter body around line 4C;

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of a slot filter assembly relative to a source and a detector;

[0018] Figure 6 is a flow chart of performing a long view or long film image according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 7 A detailed flow chart that is part of the long view approach;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of acquiring multiple projections in an intermediate image according to various embodiments;

[0021] Fig.9A is a schematic illustration of a focal plane relative to a slot filter assembly;

[0022] Fig. 9B is a schematic illustration of the registration of the intermediate images;

[0023] Fig.10 is a schematic illustration of the formation of a long view with a weighting function; and

[0024] Fig.11 is a Gaussian graph plotted against intensity for a detector with fan-shaped x-rays.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of an operating room 20 is shown. A user 24, such as a surgeon, can perform surgery on a subject, such as a patient 28. The subject can be placed on a support, such as a table 32 for selected portions of the surgery. The table 32 does not interfere with the acquisition of image data by the imaging system 36. While performing the procedure, the user 24 can use the imaging system 36 to acquire image data of the patient 28 to allow the selected system to generate or create images to assist in performing the procedure. Images generated using the image data, such as models (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) images), long views, single projection views, etc., can be generated using the image data and displayed as images 40 on a display device 44. The display device 44 can be part of and / or connected to a processor system 48, the processor system including an input device 52 (e.g., a keyboard) and a processor 56, the processor can include one or more processors or microprocessors combined with the processing system 48, and a non-transitory and / or transient memory 58 of a selected type. A connection 62 can be provided between the processor 56 and the display device 44 for data communication to allow the display device 44 to be driven to display or show the image 40. Processor 56 may be any suitable type of processor, such as a general purpose processor that executes instructions contained in a program or a special purpose processor such as an application specific integrated circuit.

[0028] The imaging system 36 may include a 3D imaging system sold by Medtronic Navigation, Inc., having a place of business in Louisville, CO, USA. Imaging system. Imaging System The imaging system 36 or other suitable imaging system may be used during the selected procedure, such as the imaging systems described in US Patent Publications 2012 / 0250822, 2012 / 0099772, and 2010 / 0290690, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] When for example including When imaging the system, the imaging system 36 may include a mobile cart 60 including a controller and / or control system 64. The control system 64 may include a processor and / or processor system 66 (similar to the processor 56) and a memory 68 (e.g., a non-transitory memory). The memory 68 may include various instructions executed by the processor 66 to control the imaging system 36 (including various parts of the imaging system 36).

[0030] The imaging system 36 may include additional additional parts, such as an imaging gantry 70 in which an active unit (also referred to as an assembly) 74 and a detector unit (also referred to as an assembly) 78 are positioned. The gantry 70 is movably connected to the mobile cart 60. The gantry 70 may be O-shaped or annular, wherein the gantry 70 is substantially annular and includes walls that form a volume in which the source unit 74 and the detector 78 can move. The mobile cart 60 may also be mobile and may be moved from one operating room to another operating room and or another room. The gantry 70 may be movable relative to the cart 60, as further discussed herein. This allows the imaging system 36 to be mobile and movable relative to the subject 28, thereby allowing it to be used in multiple locations and with multiple procedures without requiring capital expenditure or space dedicated to a fixed imaging system.

[0031] Processor 66 may be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor. Memory system 68 may be a non-transitory memory, such as a rotating disk or a solid-state non-volatile memory. In various embodiments, the memory system may contain instructions to be executed by processor 66 to perform functions and determine results, as discussed herein.

[0032] In various embodiments, the imaging system 36 may include an imaging system that acquires images and / or image data by using emitted x-rays and detecting the interaction and / or attenuation of the x-rays with the subject 28. Thus, x-ray imaging may be one imaging modality. It should be appreciated that other imaging modalities are also possible.

[0033] Thus, the imaging system 36 including the source unit 74 may be an x-ray emitter that may emit x-rays that pass through the patient 28 to be detected by the detector 78. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the x-rays emitted by the source 74 may be emitted in a cone 90 along a selected primary vector 94 and detected by the detector 78, such as Figure 2 The source 74 and detector 78 may also be collectively referred to as a source / detector unit 98 , particularly where the source 74 is generally diametrically opposed (eg, 180 degrees apart) to the detector 78 within the gantry 70 .

[0034] The imaging system 36 may be moved, in whole or in part, relative to the subject 28. For example, the source 74 and the detector 78 may be moved 360° around the patient 28. Movement of the source / detector unit 98 within the gantry 70 may allow the source 74 to remain approximately 180° relative to the detector 78 (e.g., with a fixed internal gantry or rotor or movement system). Thus, unless otherwise disclosed, the detector 78 may be referred to as moving around the subject 28 (e.g., in a circle or spiral), and it should be understood that the source 74 remains relative to the subject.

[0035] In addition, the gantry 70 can be equidistantly moved (also referred to as "swinging" about the axis 102 generally in the direction of the arrow 100 relative to the subject 28), such as by the cart 60, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The gantry 34 may also be tilted relative to the long axis 106 of the patient 28 as indicated by arrow 110. When tilted, the plane of the gantry 70 may be tilted or form a non-orthogonal angle with the axis 106 of the subject 28.

[0036] The gantry 70 can also be moved longitudinally relative to the subject 28 and / or the cart 60 along the line 106 in the direction of arrow 114. Moreover, the cart 60 can be moved to move the gantry 70. Moreover, the gantry 70 can be moved up and down relative to the cart 30 and / or the subject 28 generally in the direction of arrow 118, generally transverse to the axis 106 and parallel to the axis 102.

[0037] Imaging system 60 is movable in whole or in part to allow positioning of source / detector unit (SDU) 98 relative to subject 28. Imaging device 36 may be precisely controlled to move SDU 98 relative to subject 28 to produce accurate image data of subject 28. Imaging device 36 may be connected to processor 56 via connection 120, which may include a wired or wireless connection or physical medium transfer from imaging system 36 to processor 56. Thus, image data collected using imaging system 36 may be transferred to processing system 56 for navigation, display, reconstruction, etc.

[0038] As discussed herein, source 74 may include one or more x-ray sources for imaging subject 28. In various embodiments, source 74 may include a single source that may be powered by more than one electrical power source to generate and / or emit x-rays having different energy characteristics. Additionally, more than one x-ray source may be a source 74 that may be powered to emit x-rays having different energy characteristics at selected times.

[0039] According to various embodiments, imaging system 36 can be used with non-navigation or navigation procedures. In a navigation procedure, a localizer and / or digitizer, including either or both of optical localizer 130 and / or electromagnetic localizer 138, can be used to generate a field and / or receive and / or transmit signals within a navigation domain relative to subject 28. The navigation space or navigation domain relative to subject 28 can be registered with image 40. As understood in the art, correlation allows registration of the navigation space defined within the navigation domain and the image space defined by image 40. A patient tracker or dynamic reference frame 140 can be connected to subject 28 to allow dynamic registration and maintain registration of subject 28 with image 40.

[0040] The patient tracking device or dynamic registration device 140 and the instrument 144 can then be tracked relative to the subject 28 to allow for a navigation procedure. The instrument 144 can include a tracking device, such as an optical tracking device 148 and / or an electromagnetic tracking device 152, to allow the instrument 144 to be tracked using either or both of the optical locator 130 or the electromagnetic locator 138. The navigation / detection interface device 158 can communicate (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with the instrument 144 (e.g., via a communication line 156), with the electromagnetic locator 138 (e.g., via a communication line 162), and / or with the optical locator 130 (e.g., via a communication line 166). The interface 158 can also communicate with the processor 56 via the communication line 168 and can transmit information (e.g., signals) about various items connected to the interface 158. It should be understood that any communication link can be wired, wireless, physical medium transmission or movement, or any other appropriate communication. However, a suitable communication system may be equipped with corresponding positioners to allow instrument 144 to be tracked relative to subject 28, thereby allowing the tracked position of instrument 144 relative to image 40 to be illustrated for performing the procedure.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that device 144 may be any suitable device, such as a ventricular or vascular stent, a spinal implant, a neural stent or stimulator, an ablation device, or the like. Device 144 may be an interventional device, or may include or be an implantable device. Tracking device 144 allows the position (including x, y, z position and orientation) of device 144 relative to subject 28 to be viewed using registration image 40 without directly viewing device 144 within subject 28.

[0042] In addition, the imaging system 36, such as the gantry 70, may include an optical tracking device 174 and / or an electromagnetic tracking device 178 for tracking with the corresponding optical locator 130 and / or electromagnetic locator 138. Thus, the imaging device 36 can be tracked relative to the subject 28, and the instrument 144 can also be tracked to allow initial registration, automatic registration, or continued registration of the subject 28 relative to the image 40. The registration and navigation procedures are discussed in the above-incorporated U.S. Patent No. 8,238,631, which is incorporated herein by reference. After registering and tracking the instrument 144, the icon 180 can be displayed relative to the image 40, including overlaid on the image 40.

[0043] Continue to refer Figure 2 According to various embodiments, the source 74 may include a single x-ray tube assembly 190 that may be connected to a switch 194 that may interconnect a first power source 198 via a connection or power line 200. As described above, x-rays may be emitted from the x-ray tube 190 generally in a cone 90 toward the detector 78 and generally in a direction from the x-ray tube 190 as indicated by an arrow, beam arrow, beam, or vector 94. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the switch 194 may switch the tube 190 on or off to emit x-rays having selected characteristics. The vector 94 may be a center vector or ray within the x-ray cone 90. The x-ray beam may be emitted as a cone 90 or other suitable geometric shape. The vector 94 may include a selected line or axis associated with further interactions of the beam, such as interactions with a filter component, as further discussed herein.

[0044] Subject 28 may be positioned within x-ray cone 94 to allow acquisition of image data of subject 28 based on emission of x-rays in the direction of vector 94 toward detector 78 .

[0045] The x-ray tube 190 may be used to generate two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projections of the subject 28, including a selected portion of the subject 28 or any region, zone, or volume of interest, based on x-rays impinging on or being detected on a 2D or flat panel detector, such as the detector 78. The 2D x-ray projections may be reconstructed as discussed herein to generate and / or display a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric model of the subject 28, the selected portion of the subject 28, or any region, zone, or volume of interest. As discussed herein, the 2D x-ray projections may be image data acquired with the imaging system 36, and the 3D volumetric model may be generated or modeled from the image data.

[0046] For reconstructing or forming a 3D volume image, suitable algebraic techniques include expectation maximization (EM), ordered subset EM (OS-EM), simultaneous algebraic reconstruction techniques (SART) and total variation minimization (TVM), as generally understood by those skilled in the art. The application of performing 3D volume reconstruction based on 2D projections allows for efficient and complete volume reconstruction. In general, the algebraic technique may include an iterative process to perform reconstruction of the subject 28 for display as an image 40. For example, pure or theoretical image data projections, such as those generated based on or from an atlas or stylized model of a "theoretical" patient, can be repeatedly altered until the theoretical projection image matches the acquired 2D projection image data of the subject 28. The stylized model can then be appropriately changed to a 3D volume reconstruction model of the acquired 2D projection image data of the selected subject 28, and can be used for surgical treatments, such as navigation, diagnosis or planning. The theoretical model can be associated with the theoretical image data to construct the theoretical model. In this way, the model or image data 40 can be constructed based on the image data of the subject 28 acquired with the imaging device 36.

[0047] Continue to refer Figure 2 , source 74 may include various elements or features that may be movable relative to x-ray tube 190. In various embodiments, for example, collimator 220 may be positioned relative to x-ray tube 190 to help form cone 90 relative to subject 28. Collimator 220 may include various features, such as movable components that may help position one or more filters within cone 90 of x-rays prior to reaching subject 28. Additionally, as further discussed herein, various filters may be used to shape the x-ray beam prior to reaching subject 28, such as to shape cone 90 into a selected shape. In various embodiments, as discussed herein, x-rays may be formed into a thin fan or plane to reach and pass through subject 28 and be detected by detector 78.

[0048] Thus, source 74 including collimator 220 may include filter assembly 224. Filter assembly 224 may include one or more portions that allow the filter to be moved relative to x-ray tube 190 to shape and / or position the x-rays before reaching subject 28. For example, referring to Figure 3 , filter assembly 224 can include platform 228. Platform 228 can be positioned relative to x-ray tube 190 and can substantially block all x-rays and / or define the start of cone 90 as the x-rays pass through platform exposure opening 232. Platform opening 232 can be an opening or passage through platform 228 that allows x-rays to exit x-ray tube 190 and form cone 90.

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, the filter holding assembly 240 can include a movable filter holder or step 244. The filter step 244 can include one or more filter holding positions, such as a first open position 246, a first filter or solid filter component 250, and a third or slot filter component 260, as further discussed herein. The filter step 244 can move on one or more tracks, such as a first track 264 and a second track 266. The filter step 244 can be connected to one or more carrier components, such as a ladder cart, which includes a first carrier 268 that moves along the first track 264 and a second carrier component 270 that moves along the second track 266. It should be understood that relative or opposing carrier components can also be provided to ensure smoothness and / or selected planar movement of the filter step 244, thereby including a third carrier 274 and a fourth carrier 276. The third carrier 274 and the fourth carrier 276 can rest on the respective rails 264, 266 as the first carrier 268 and the second carrier 270. Thus, the filter ladder 244 can be generally moved in the direction of the double-headed arrow 280 to selectively position the open filter portion 246, the solid filter portion 250, or the slot filter portion 260 relative to the aperture or passage opening 232 to allow x-rays to form the beam 90 or otherwise impinge on the subject 28, as further discussed herein. The filter assembly 224 can be used to enhance the emission of x-rays from the x-ray tube 190 to help produce an image or image data of the subject 28, as further discussed herein.

[0050] The filter carrier or filter ladder 244 can be moved by a selected mechanism, such as a servo or drive motor associated with the corresponding carrier 268, 270, 274, 276 or other appropriate mechanism. Moving the filter ladder 244 can be controlled by the user 24, such as by manual input and / or instructions provided to the imaging system 26. For example, the control system 64 can execute selected instructions to move the filter carrier 244 in a selected manner. In addition, the control system 64 can move the filter carrier 244 at a selected time based on a selected input, such as an input from the user 24, which is a selected image or image data about the subject 28 to be acquired. Therefore, the filter assembly 224 can be controlled by the controller 64 and / or any other appropriate controller, such as the processor system 48.

[0051] refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C, showing the narrow slot filter assembly 260 in more detail. The narrow slot filter assembly 260 can include a filter assembly formed by one or more components. However, it should be understood that the narrow slot filter assembly can be formed by a single component that only includes a narrow slot filter body 352, as further discussed herein. In various embodiments, the narrow slot filter assembly 260 includes a slot-shaped component or portion 300 that can be clamped or placed between a first component or sheet 304 and a second component or sheet 308. However, it should be understood that the slot-shaped component is not placed between the first component 304 and the second component 308. The first component 304 and the second component 308 can both be placed on a single side and / or incorporated into a single component placed on a single side of the slot-shaped component 300. However, in various embodiments, the first component 304 and the second component 308 are solid and help ensure that the narrow slots 340, 344, 348 (discussed further herein) remain free of debris.

[0052] The first sheet 304 can be formed of a selected material, such as substantially pure aluminum (i.e., pure aluminum that is generally available to those skilled in the art), an aluminum alloy, or other suitable aluminum material. The top member 304 can include a first side or outer side 312 and a bottom or contact side 314. The two sides or surfaces 312, 314 can be substantially planar. The bottom or second side 314 can contact the first side 320 of the channel member 300. The second side 314 can be adhered to the first side 320, such as using a selected adhesive or bonding component, such as an adhesive transfer tape. The thickness or distance between the first side 312 and the second side 314 can be about 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches, including about 0.02 inches (about 0.5 millimeters (mm)).

[0053] The second layer or component 308 may include a first surface 324, which may be an outer surface, and a second surface or inner surface 326. The second surface 326 may contact the bottom or second surface 330 of the channel-shaped component 300. However, the second layer 308 may include or be formed as a dual material structure formed by an aluminum portion 309 (formed from the same or similar aluminum material as described above) and a copper portion 310 (e.g., substantially pure copper). In various embodiments, the first portion may be 0.5 mm thick 1100 series aluminum bonded to 0.1 mm 99% pure copper using a selected material such as Scotch brand adhesive 924. However, the entire second layer may have a thickness of about 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches, including about 0.02 inches (about 0.5 millimeters (mm)). The sheets 304, 308 will generally have parameters that are generally coextensive with the edges of the channel-shaped component 300.

[0054] The trough component 300 may include dimensions, as further discussed herein. The trough component 300 may be formed of a selected material, such as tungsten carbide having a selected amount of tungsten, such as a minimum of about 90% tungsten. In various embodiments, the tungsten carbide is ANSI grade C2 tungsten carbide. For example, the tungsten carbide may be TECHMET grade TMK-22 tungsten carbide having approximately 94% tungsten carbide and 6% cobalt. In various embodiments, the grain size of the tungsten carbide component may be in the order of microns or submicrons, such as about 0.5 microns to about 2 microns, and includes about 1.0 microns to about 1.4 microns, and further includes about 1.2 microns. The trough component 300 also includes a selected number of slots or slits formed through the trough component 300, such as a first slot 340, a second or intermediate slot 344, and a third slot 348. When the slots 340, 344, 348 are located above the orifice 232 of the platform 228, they can be used to form a selected x-ray beam, volume or region, such as a fan. As described above, and further herein, slot filter 260 may be used to generate or shape an x-ray beam relative to subject 28 to collect image data thereof.

[0055] Typically, the slotted filter 260 can be positioned so that the first sheet 304 is positioned away from the subject 28 and generally proximate to the x-ray source (e.g., the x-ray tube 190). Thus, x-rays can generally pass through the slotted filter component assembly 260 generally in the direction of the vector or arrow 94, first engaging the first layer of components 304 and finally engaging or passing through the second layer of sheets 308. Typically, the slotted component 300 will block all or substantially all x-rays that pass through the first sheet 304, except for x-rays that pass through the slots 340, 344, 348. Thus, x-rays that engage the detector 78 when passing through the slotted filter component 260 are limited to only those x-rays that pass through the slots 340, 344, 348. However, it should be understood that the components 304, 308 mentioned above can be positioned relative to the slotted component 300 in any suitable manner. Additionally, the materials selected for first component 304 and second component 308 may help refine and / or select the spectral content of the x-rays that pass through filter assembly 260 .

[0056] The slot filter assembly 260 includes a slot-shaped member 300, as described above. Figure 4B and 4C300. The slotted filter 300 includes a body or member 352 through which the slots 340, 344, 348 are formed. The body 352 may have a selected thickness 354, which may be about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch, including about 0.01 inches to about 0.1 inches, and further including about 0.07 inches to about 0.1 inches and further about 0.09 inches (about 2.2 millimeters). It should be understood that the thickness 354 of the body 352, alone or in combination with other filter layers 304, 308, can be used to shape or limit the x-rays passing through the filter assembly 260. The body 352 may include other dimensions for various purposes, however, these dimensions may be based on the size of the aperture 232, the size of the filter assembly 224, or other appropriate limitations. However, in various embodiments, the main plate 352 can include a length dimension 356 between the terminal ends of about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches and including about 1.4 inches (35 mm). The width dimension 360 can be about 0.1 inches to about 2 inches, and further includes about 0.9 inches (22 mm). The main plate 352 of the slot filter assembly 300 can include various configurations, such as a chamfer or angled corner 364 that can form an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the end of the main body 352. Again, it should be understood that the filter assembly 260 can include various configurations for fitting in a selected imaging system (e.g., the imaging system 36), and the specific shape of the exterior can be based on the configuration of the imaging system 36. However, the thickness 354 can be selected to ensure that only minimal or no x-ray radiation passes through the filter assembly 260 except through the slots 340, 344, 348.

[0057] Continue to refer Figure 4A and Figure 4B , and with particular reference to Figure 4C , the main slot filter body component 352 has a thickness 354. The thickness 354 is defined by or between the two surfaces 320 and 330. In various embodiments, the surface 320 can be the surface closest to the x-ray radiation source, while the second surface 330 is the surface closest to the subject 28. It should be understood that these surfaces may also be referred to as the top surface 320 and the bottom surface 330, respectively. However, it should be understood that the top and bottom are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the absolute position of the filter body component 352.

[0058] The filter body component 352 including three slots includes a middle slot 344 and two edge slots 340, 348. As further discussed herein, each slot is formed between and through the two sides 320, 330. Each of the three slots can be formed through the component 352 in a suitable manner, such as by electrical discharge machining or other suitable tool (e.g., a router or punch). It should also be understood that the slots can be forged or otherwise cut into the component 352. However, near or at the first surface 320, each of the three slots 340, 344, 348 is formed by two respective side walls, such as the first slot 340 is formed between the side walls 370 and 374; the second slot 344 is formed between the side walls 378, 382; and the third slot 348 is formed between the side walls 386 and 390. It should be understood that as Figure 4C As shown, the sidewalls extend between the two ends 357 and 358 of the part 352. The sidewalls of each of the slots 340, 344, 348 are substantially spaced at equal distances and substantially parallel along the length of the corresponding slot. In addition, the slot walls are generally straight and parallel relative to each other. However, it is understood that certain tools may cause the various portions of the slot to have slightly different dimensions, such as entering or exiting the cut to start or end the slot. However, each of the slots 340, 344, 348 is generally formed to have a dimension 398 of about 0.001 inches to about 0.1 inches, including about 0.009 inches to about 0.03 inches, and further including about 0.025 inches to about 0.01 inches, and further including about 0.02 inches (about 0.5 mm). For each slot, the width 398 of the slots 340, 344, 348 can be substantially the same, typically the dimension between the inner surfaces of the corresponding opposing walls of the corresponding slots.

[0059] The respective walls forming the respective slots at the first surface 320 may each have a center located between the respective walls. For example, the slot 340 may have a centerline or axis 400, the second slot 344 may have a center axis 404, and the third slot 348 may have a center axis 408. Each of the axes 400, 404, 408 may be a point located at the center between the respective walls and substantially perpendicular to the surface 320. The center points or axes 400, 404, 408 are generally or substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 320, 330 and may be separated by a selected distance, such as distance 412. The distance 412 between each slot may be the same and may be about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch, and further about 0.1 inches to about 4 inches, and further about 0.318 inches to about 0.322 inches (8.0 millimeters to about 8.2 millimeters) apart. The distance 412 can be selected based on various parameters, such as the size of the slot member 352, the size of the aperture 232 in the filter platform 228, or other appropriate considerations. Thus, the distance 412 can be selected based on various parameters. However, it will be appreciated that the spacing 412 between the respective slots 340, 344, 348 can be selected substantially precisely for various imaging collection techniques and / or stitching, as further discussed herein.

[0060] As described above, the respective central axes 400, 404, 408 are defined or may be defined by a point located at the center between the respective walls at the first side 320 and substantially orthogonal to the first side 320. The central or second slot 344 may have side walls 378, 382 that are substantially parallel to the central axis 404 and substantially perpendicular to the surface 320. Thus, the central axis 404 may extend through the plate member 352 substantially parallel to the side walls 378, 382. Thus, the distance or width 398 may be substantially divided in half or split by the central axis 404.

[0061] However, the edge slots 340 and 348 can have respective central axes 420 and 424 that extend substantially parallel to the respective sidewalls 370, 374 and 386, 390 rather than perpendicular to the surface 320. The central axes 420, 424 can form an angle relative to the respective center point axes 400, 408. For example, the first slot 340 having the central axis 420 can form an angle 428 relative to the center point axis 400. The angle 428 can be about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, and further about 6 degrees to about 8 degrees, and further about 7 degrees. The center axis 424 can also form an angle 432 relative to the center point axis 408. The angle 432 can be about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, and further about 6 degrees to about 8 degrees, and further about 7 degrees. Therefore, the angles 428, 432 can be substantially similar or the same as the inner angle between the respective central axes 420, 424 and the center point axes 400, 408. The angles 428 , 432 may also be formed relative to either of the surfaces 320 , 330 because the centerpoint axis is substantially perpendicular to both surfaces 320 , 330 .

[0062] Angles 428, 432 can help allow x-rays such as Figure 4C Schematically illustrated is the passage of light from source 190 through respective slots 340, 344, 348 without any or significant distortion due to interaction with respective side walls 370, 374, 379, 382, ​​386, 390. Figure 4C As shown and described above, x-rays may be emitted from the source tube 190 in a substantially conical shape. Thus, x-rays traveling substantially perpendicular to the surface 320 will pass through the center slot 344 along the center axis 404 without substantial or any interaction with the side walls 378, 382. Also due to the respective angles 428, 432, x-rays near the edge of the cone 90 may pass through the edge slots 340, 348 without substantial interaction with the respective side walls 370, 374, 386, 390 due to the respective angles 428, 432.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the slit filter component 300 of the slot filter assembly 260 can allow three x-ray sectors or x-ray regions to be formed due to the corresponding slots 340, 344, 348, including a first sector 440, a second sector 444, and a third sector 448. The three sectors are formed by the slot filter 260, including the main component 300, filtering the x-rays from the source 190 except for the regions of the slots 340, 344, 348. In other words, the slot filter 260 filters the x-rays from the source 190 and allows the x-rays to pass through the slots 340, 344, 348 to form the sectors 440, 444, 448. In various embodiments, the slot filter assembly 260, such as the main body 300, is located at a distance 450 from the source 190. The distance 450 may be from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, including from about 60 mm to about 80 mm, and further including from about 68 mm to about 72 mm.

[0064] As further discussed herein, due to the imaging area on the detector 78, the three sectors 440, 444, 448 allow for the generation of selected image projections. In addition, due to the angles 428, 432, as described above, the first sector 440 and the third sector 448 are substantially free from distortion due to the interaction of the x-rays with the plate member 352. It should also be understood that the numbering of the slots 340, 344, 348 and the corresponding sectors 440, 444, 448 is only for clarity of the current discussion and is not intended to require any particular order. In addition, it should be understood that the filter member 352 can include a selected number of slots, such as less than three or more than three, and three are shown and discussed for the current disclosure. However, it should be understood that the three slots 340, 344, 348 allow for the generation of long views in an efficient and rapid manner, as further discussed herein. The inclusion of a selected different number of slots can allow for the generation of different numbers of intermediate images, as discussed herein, but this is not required.

[0065] As described above, the slot filter assembly 260 may be used in the imaging system 36 to acquire images of the subject 28. Figure 2 , SDU 98 can be moved around subject 28 within gantry 70. It should be understood that SDU 98 can be moved in any suitable manner and imaging system 36 is exemplary. However, in various embodiments, the SDU can be rotated from a first position to a second position, for example, about 90 degrees apart. For example, Figure 2As shown, a first position of the SDU 98 may include the source 74 directing x-rays along a cone 90 for the detector 78, which may be generally oriented in an anterior-posterior (AN) orientation relative to the subject 28. The SDU 90 may be rotated 90 degrees so that the source is at a second source position 74' and the detector may be moved to a different position, such as at a second detector position 78'. The SDU 98 may be located at either position or both positions and may form a line scan of the subject 78.

[0066] The line scan may include moving the gantry 70 including the SDU 98 along the long axis 106 of the subject 28, which may also be referred to as the Z axis or Z direction of the imaging system 36, generally in the direction of the double-headed arrow 114, as shown. Figure 1 Thus, detector 78 can be moved in a linear direction, essentially only along the Z axis in the direction of double-headed arrow 114. The acquired image data can be used to form a long film or long view of subject 28, wherein image data is acquired at one or both of the positions of detectors 78, 78', such as Figure 2 As discussed further herein, the use of a slot filter 260 can be used to generate multiple views along the Z axis.

[0067] like Figure 4C As shown and further referenced Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the slot filter assembly 260 can be used to form three sectors 440, 444, 448 that reach or have attenuation detected by the detector 78. Each of the sectors 440, 444, 448 directly or have attenuation that strikes or contacts the detector 78 in a substantially narrow location or area. Figure 5B As shown, the detector 78 may include a plurality of excitable or detector regions or portions 460. The detector regions 460 may also be referred to as pixels and may relate to a single picture element (pixel) shown in the image 40 on the display 44.

[0068] The entire cone 90 from the source 74 may have an area that will excite or strike the entire surface of the detector 78. However, the individual sectors 440, 444, 448 typically only strike a narrow band of pixels 460. It should be understood that the number of pixels excited may include the entire width 464 of the detector 78, but is limited to a selected length 468 of the detector. For example, assuming that no objects or subjects are within the path of the x-rays (e.g., an air scan), the corresponding sectors 440, 444, 448 may strike approximately 10 to approximately 100 pixels. However, the number of pixels excited in the dimension 468 on the detector 78 may be enhanced or adjusted depending on the distance of the detector 78 from the filter assembly 260, the width of the slots (340, 344, 348), or other appropriate considerations. However, as Figure 5Aand Figure 5B As shown, each of the respective sectors 440, 444, 448 will impinge on the detector 78 at a substantially narrow location and excite pixels of a length 468 which may be along substantially the entire width 464 of the detector 78. As discussed herein, the width of the slot 398 that causes the length of the pixels 468 to be excited (e.g., generate image data) limits or eliminates parallax distortion within the portion of an image collected by an imaging system using the slot filter 300.

[0069] In addition, if Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, three sectors 440, 444, 448 can strike detector 78 substantially simultaneously from a single location of source tube 190 along the Z axis generally in the direction of double-headed arrow 114. Thus, detector 78 can output three different images or image data for three different x-ray positions at each single location of source tube 190. However, movement of source tube 190 of source 74 generally in the direction of double-headed arrow 114 can produce up to three views along the Z axis, as discussed further herein. Each of sectors 440, 444, 448 can be separated by a selected distance, which can also be an angular distance 472.

[0070] The imaging system 36 can be used to generate images of the subject 28 for various purposes. As described above, images of the subject 28 can be generated to perform surgery on the subject 28, such as spinal fusion and / or implants related to or attached to spinal fusion. Therefore, in various embodiments, the user 24 can evaluate the subject 28 by viewing and evaluating the image of the subject 28 to determine the placement of the selected implant, such as a pedicle screw. Therefore, the imaging system 36 can be used to obtain images of the subject 28. The imaging system 36 can be used to obtain one or more projections. As described above, the detector 78 detects x-rays that pass through the subject 28 or are attenuated by the subject. However, the detector 78 usually detects a single projection at a time. The imaging system 36 including the control system 64 can generate a long film or a long view of the subject 28 by accumulating (e.g., stitching) multiple projections of the subject 28 alone or in combination with the processor system 48. In various embodiments, the imaging system 36 can therefore be operated to obtain multiple images.

[0071] Turn to reference Figure 6, a method 500 of acquiring an image, such as a long view of a subject 28, is shown. The method 500 may include or begin at a start block 510. The method 500 may then include positioning the subject 28 at a block 514. Positioning the subject 28 at block 514 may include positioning the subject 28, which may be a human patient, on the support 32 relative to the imaging system 36. Furthermore, as described above, the imaging system 36 may be a mobile imaging system, and thus positioning the subject 28 at block 514 may include moving the imaging system 36 relative to the subject 28. In particular, positioning the subject 28 may include positioning the subject 28 relative to a center or isocenter of the imaging system 36, such as within the gantry 70 and between the source 74 and the detector 78.

[0072] After positioning the subject 28 in box 514, acquisition parameters may be set or input in box 518. The input acquisition parameters may include a selected view length of the subject 28, a desired or selected resolution, a specific movement parameter of the imaging system 36, or other appropriate input parameters. For example, the user 24 may input the length or number of vertebrae to be imaged. The controller 64 may then determine the amount of movement, such as the length in the axial direction of the patient's long axis 106 and the direction of the double-headed arrow 114. In addition, the user 24 may choose to acquire image data that can be reconstructed into a three-dimensional model, as discussed herein. Thus, the user 24 may manually or automatically through the control system 64 or other appropriate control or processor system determine to acquire images of the subject 28 at least along the AP view and the side view to allow reconstruction of the three-dimensional model. It may also be understood that only selected two-dimensional views of the subject 28 may be acquired or selected, and therefore only a single line scan may be acquired. It should also be understood that the imaging system 36 may be used to acquire any appropriate type of image of the subject 28, and that the line scan for the long view is merely exemplary. However, a line scan of subject 28 may be acquired by moving SDU 98 in a generally linear manner or direction from a starting point to an end point. In various embodiments, an AP view may be collected in a first direction along arrow 114 and SDU 98 may be rotated 90 degrees to collect a side view on a return path of the same length along arrow 114.

[0073] After setting the acquisition parameters in block 518, projections of the subject are acquired in block 522. The acquisition of the projections may include acquiring slot or fan projections in a line scan of the subject 28. The acquisition of the projections may include acquiring three fan projections at multiple locations along the line path of the source and detector and SDU 98, such as along the longitudinal axis 106 of the subject 28. The number of acquisitions may be selected based on the quality desired or selected for the final long view, including ensuring proper focus, minimizing or eliminating distortion (e.g., edge distortion), or other appropriate considerations.

[0074] After the projections are acquired in block 522, reconstruction of a long view, also referred to as a long film, is performed in block 526. The reconstruction of the long view may include various sub-steps and sub-algorithms, as discussed further herein, to form a selected reconstruction, such as a long view of subject 28. The reconstruction may include various features, such as ensuring proper focus, iterating multiple projections, etc. The multiple projections may then be stitched together to form a long view, either sequentially or to provide multiple long views, as discussed herein.

[0075] The long view may then be optionally saved in box 530. Saving the long view in box 530 may be saving the long view in any suitable memory, such as imaging system memory 68 and / or processing system memory 58. It is understood that saving the long view is optional and not required. The long view may then be displayed on a selected display device, such as display device 44, in box 534. Image 40 may include the long view reconstructed in box 536 or only the long view reconstructed in box 526. However, the display of the image in box 534 may also be used to illustrate the position of instrument 144, such as with the instrument icon or representation 180 discussed above.

[0076] The program 500 can then end at an end block 540. Ending at block 540 can include stopping the operation of the imaging system 36 and allowing the program to continue, as described above. In various embodiments, the acquisition of the long view can be used to plan surgery on the subject 28, such as before surgery or in an operating room during an intermediate step of the surgery. In addition, the long view can be acquired for various purposes, such as the construction of a surgical step (e.g., placing a first pedicle screw or other appropriate number of pedicle screws) or other steps. Therefore, ending in block 540 can end the acquisition of the projection and the reconstruction of the long view for display and use by the user 24 or other appropriate user.

[0077] Continue to refer Figure 1-6 , and additionally refer to Figure 7 , Figure 6 The reconstruction of the long view in block 526 may include the following: Figure 7 The various sub-steps and / or sub-parts shown. Figure 7 The details of the long view reconstruction in block 526 are illustrated and may be incorporated into the above-described method 500. Thus, the method 500 may include the following: Figure 7 Subsection shown.

[0078] Continue to refer Figure 7, the reconstruction of the long view (also referred to herein as the reconstructed long view) typically includes portions or sub-portions, as shown in box 526. It should be understood that various features and steps can be included as instructions, such as with an algorithm, which are executed by one or more processors or processor systems. For example, the imaging system processor 66 and / or the processing system 48 having the processor 56 can execute instructions to generate a long view based on multiple projections acquired from box 522. As described above, the operation of the imaging system 36 can acquire multiple projections in box 522, for example, using the narrow slot filter assembly 260. Therefore, the imaging system 36 can generate projections based on x-rays detected by the detector 78. Inputting the acquired projections in box 550 can initiate the reconstruction process 526, as discussed above and herein, the input of projections from three narrow slots is exemplary and more or less possible.

[0079] X-ray projections may be acquired at the detector 78 using each of the three slots to produce a corresponding sector 440, 444, 448. Figure 7 , and additionally refer to Figure 8, each of the three sectors 440, 444 and 448 will produce three separate series of images or projections 560, 564, 568, respectively. Each of the series of projections includes multiple projections acquired substantially simultaneously. For example, the first series 560 may include a first image slice 560i, which will be acquired at the same location of the SDU 98 as the first image 564i and 568i of each of the corresponding sectors 440, 444, 448. When the SDU 98 moves in a selected direction, such as along the axis 106 in the direction of arrow 114, multiple projections are acquired through each slot due to each of the sectors 440, 444, 448. Therefore, three series 560, 564, 568 of projections are acquired due to the movement of the imaging system 36 along the selected line scan. These series of projections 560, 564, 568 are input projections from each of the three slots in the box 550. As further discussed herein, while each slot and corresponding sector 440, 444, 448 is used to generate a corresponding series of projections 560, 564, 568, all image projections can be used to generate the long view reconstructed in block 526. Thus, the inputs from the x-ray projections of all three slots in 550 can include inputs of all three series of projections 560, 564, 568, which can be analyzed or evaluated individually in various portions of the reconstruction of 526 and then combined to form the final long view, as further discussed herein. Due at least in part to the width and corresponding length 468 of the slot 398 excited on the detector, each of the image slices used for each of the series (e.g., 560i, 564i, and 569i) is generally and / or substantially free of parallax distortion. Thus, due to the slice width 398, the slices can be sharper and have less error or distortion.

[0080] The program 526 also includes inputting a motion profile of the imaging system 36 in box 578. The input of the motion profile of the imaging system in box 578 may include distance traveled, time traveled, distance between projection acquisitions, and other motion information about the imaging system 36. As discussed herein, the motion profile information may be used to determine and evaluate the relative positions of projections for reconstruction.

[0081] After inputting the x-ray projections from block 550, the focal plane may be set, for example, arbitrarily at a selected axis or line such as focal plane (fp) = 0 in block 590. fp = 0 may be defined as the isocenter of the imaging system 36. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , fp may be defined relative to the portion being imaged, such as the spine 28s of the subject 28. FP=0 may be an arbitrary position and is used to stitch or put together a series of projections in block 600 into a selected intermediate image for each slot.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, generating an intermediate image at the selected FP may generate an intermediate image for each of the series 560, 564, 568. Thus, a first intermediate image 610 may be generated based on the first series of projections 560. A second intermediate image 614 may be based on the projection series 564 and a third intermediate image 618 may be based on the third projection series 568. Each of the intermediate images 610, 614, 618 may be stitched together using well-known techniques such as image blending, registration, and view manipulation. These may include blending portions of images that are close to matching (e.g., determined to be similar portions) to achieve continuity. Registration includes matching or identifying identical portions of two or more images. As discussed herein, manipulation allows for changes to different images or portions thereof.

[0083] As SDU 98 moves relative to subject 28, multiple projections, also referred to as image data portions, are captured in each series (e.g., first series 560) at a selected rate. Figure 8 As shown, the subject 28 may include a spine 28s. For example, as the SDU 98 moves, the sector 440 moves a selected distance, such as 1 centimeter (cm) per projection acquisition. Thus, each of the image projections, such as image projection 560i, may be the width on the detector of the sector 440, and the second image projection 560ii may be 1 cm from the first image projection 560i and also the width of the sector 440 on the detector 78. A selected amount of overlap may occur between the two image projections 560i and 560ii, which allows stitching together into an intermediate projection or image 610, as is known in the art. Thus, each of the series of projections 560, 564, 568 (each of which may include portions of image data) may be stitched together at a corresponding focal plane to produce an intermediate image 610, 614, 618. As described above, the focal plane may be initially set to zero or arbitrarily set to zero, which is typically the isocenter of the imaging system 36 that acquires the plurality of projections 560, 564, 568.

[0084] After the intermediate image is generated at FP=0 for each slot in block 600, registration of the intermediate image for each slot and determination of the translation d occurs in block 680. Figure 7 And also refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the intermediate image is generated based on multiple projections caused by the movement of SDU 98. Fig.9A , a schematic diagram of a first movement or distance d1 is shown. d1 may be the d discussed above. d1 is the distance that the source 74 may move from the first position 74i to the second position 74ii. Thus, the slot filter 260 may also move from the first position 260i to the second position 260ii. Fig.9A As shown, the second sector 444 at the first position of the slot filter 260i and the first sector 440 at the second position of the slot filter 260ii may intersect or cross at the focal plane FP=1.

[0085] like Fig. 9B As shown, the source 74 can be moved from the second position 74ii to the third position 74iii, and the slot filter can be moved from the second position 260ii to the third position 260iii, respectively. In this movement, a distance d2 may occur. Fig. 9B The movement shown may include the middle or second sector 444 and the first sector 440 intersecting at the second focal plane FP = 2. It is also understood that each of the other corresponding sectors may also intersect at different positions, and the illustration of two sectors is merely exemplary, and the discussion of other sectors is not repeated, but it can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0086] The location of the intersection of the sectors at the point being imaged (i.e., the distance from the source tube 190) may depend on the location of the object being imaged, such as the spine 28s, from the source tube 190. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that even if the isocenter of the imaging system 36 is moved along the axis 106, the spine 28s may not be straight or extend along a straight line substantially parallel to the long axis 106 of the subject 28. Thus, as Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the focal plane FP can be moved between different positions of the source 74 and the slot filter 260. Thus, the first distance d1 can be different from the distance d2 and can also change the focal plane of the image or projection acquired with the imaging system 36. However, the first intermediate image generated in block 600 can assume that the focal plane is located at the isocenter of the imaging system 36.

[0087] Continue to refer Fig.9A And also refer to Fig. 9B , showing a first intermediate image 610 and a second intermediate image 614. The intermediate images may include all intermediate images, including intermediate images 610, 614, 618, and only the first intermediate image 610 and the second intermediate image 614 are discussed only for clarity of the current discussion. However, the intermediate images 610 and 614 may be registered with each other to determine or generate a registered image 640.

[0088] Registered image 640 may include a first end 644 equal to first end 648 of first intermediate image 610 and a second end 654 equal to second end 660 of second intermediate image 614. Thus, registered image 640 may be a composite or superposition of first intermediate image 610 and second intermediate image 614. In particular, an overlap region 664 may be determined or identified between first intermediate image 610 and second intermediate image 614. Overlap 664 may be identified, for example, by feature-based registration, mutual information-based registration, or other suitable registration or image matching methods.

[0089] like Fig. 9B As shown, the second intermediate image 614 has a second end 660 that is a distance 668 from the second end 670 of the first intermediate image 610. The distance 668 can be used or identified as the moving distance d of the imaging system, and can be used to change or determine the focal plane of each intermediate image, or the mutual focal plane of the intermediate images. Therefore, due to the registered image 640 determined by registering the first intermediate image 610 and the second intermediate image 614, the distance d can be determined in block 680.

[0090] After determining the distance d, which may be a translation distance and is related to the slot filter spacing (e.g., distance 412), the focal plane, and the region of interest in the subject to be imaged (e.g., an anatomical region of interest, such as a particular vertebra or spinous process of a vertebra), in block 680, an updated focal plane FP including the distance d may be made in block 684. The distance d, such as Fig. 9B As shown, the distance d may be related to the distance adjustment used to achieve alignment of registration elements (e.g., spinous processes) between two or more intermediate images (e.g., images 610 and 614) to produce a registered image 640. In addition, the distance between the slots, such as distance 412, may be used to determine the translation distance d to achieve the registered image 640. Even at the same location of the slot filter 260, the image portions acquired through the different slots are at different locations along the subject.

[0091] An updated FP based on the above analysis, including the location of a portion of interest within the subject (e.g., an anatomical structure of interest), may then be input or iterated to generate an updated intermediate image using the updated FP in block 690. The iterative updated FP used to generate the updated image may account for the location of the subject or region of interest from source 74 between two different intermediate images (e.g., image portions). Generation of the updated intermediate image may be substantially similar to generation of the intermediate image in block 600, except that the focal plane has been updated based on the determined translation d. Thus, since the focal plane is determined based on the translation of the image, the focus of the intermediate image may be increased or refined, as determined above. Fig. 9BThe updated images generated in block 690 may then be combined in a combination of intermediate images and weighting functions in block 700. As discussed above and herein, the inclusion of three intermediate images based on three slots is merely exemplary, and more or fewer slots may be permitted or used.

[0092] However, before the combination is generated in block 700, a determination may be made in block 692 whether to further update the intermediate image. For example, at least two iterations may occur to determine whether a selected minimum is reached. If the minimum is not reached, further iterations may occur. Regardless of the determination, a decision may be made in block 692 whether to further update fp. If an update is made, a "yes" path 694 may be followed and the fp position may be updated in block 684 and the process may iterate. If further updates are not required or selected, a "no" path 696 may be followed to combine the three intermediate images in block 700.

[0093] Continue to refer Figure 7 And also refer to Fig.10 , the intermediate images updated in block 690 may include a first updated intermediate image 610u, a second updated intermediate image 614u, and a third updated intermediate image 618u. Each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u may then be combined to produce a first or initial long view or long film image 704, as described above.

[0094] The generation or merging of various intermediate images (e.g., each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u) may include various steps and features. In various embodiments, when generating each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u, initial deformations of various features may be performed. As described above, each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u may be generated based on multiple projections. Therefore, each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u may include similar or identical features (e.g., vertebrae). The amount of deformation that generates each of the three intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u may be determined and used in further merging procedures.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the weighting function 710 may be used to assist in the combination of the updated intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u to produce the initial long view image 704. The weighting function 710 is Fig.10. The first weighting function for the first sector 440w illustrates that due to the position of sector 440, pixels or image portions may be weighted more for the leftmost portion of the long view. The middle or central sector 444 may have a function 444w that will weight more pixels in the middle of the long view 704 from the updated image 614u due to the position of sector 444. Finally, due to the position of sector 448 in the long view 704, sector 448 may have a function 448w to weight pixels at the far right or end. It should be understood that other appropriate stitching functions may be used to generate the initial long view 704, and that weighting function 710 is merely exemplary. In addition, greater weights may be given to the selected intermediate images 610u, 614u, and 618u that have the least deformation when generating the long view. In addition, selected deformations, such as geometric deformations, may be performed when generating the long view.

[0096] In various embodiments, the initial long view 704 may be output as a long view or a long view in block 720. The long view output in block 720 may be saved, for example, saved in block 530 and / or displayed in block 532, as described above in Figure 6 However, in various embodiments, various normalizations and / or processing may be applied to the initial long view 704 before the long view is output in block 720, such as for image enhancement and / or clarity.

[0097] Continue to refer Figure 7 , various procedures may be performed before the final 2D long film or long view image is output in block 720. After the combination of the three intermediate images with the weighting function, various processing steps may be performed before the long view image is displayed and / or saved. For example, air normalization may be applied in block 730 and / or further post-processing may be applied in block 740 for visualization.

[0098] Air normalization can account for or minimize the effects of the slot filter assembly 260. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, a sector, such as sector 448, contacts or impinges on detector 78 within a length distance 468. Distance 468 is a small fraction of detector 78. In addition, due to the narrow size of sector 448, the number of pixels contacting detector 78 is small, and the image or pixel intensity may drop rapidly from the peak intensity pixel or point 744, such as by Fig.11 Gaussian method shown.

[0099] The peak intensity 744 may be at the center of the sector 448, e.g., at the center of the distance 468 at a pixel or point on the detector 78. Within five pixels from the center pixel (i.e., a width of 10 pixels, including the peak intensity pixel), a drop in intensity of about 25% (e.g., the 6th pixel may have an intensity of about 75% of the peak intensity pixel 744) may be observed in pixels outside of the 10 pixels centered on the pixel 744 having the peak intensity. Within 10 pixels from the center pixel (i.e., a width of 20 pixels, including the peak intensity pixel), a drop in intensity of about 66% (e.g., the intensity of the 11th pixel may have an intensity of about 33% of the peak intensity pixel 744) is observed. Thus, the narrow band of pixels may include all or substantially all of the intensity due to the sector 448. It should be understood that each of the other sectors 440, 444 may include or have similar drop in pixel intensity.

[0100] A mask may be used to help reduce the effects of intensity drops. A 40 pixel wide mask may be applied to each image acquired with each slot to account for and eliminate those pixels that have substantially no intensity due to the narrow sector widths 440, 444, 448. The acquired images are thereby normalized in the reconstruction, such as due to the combination of the intermediate images in box 700, to reduce or eliminate distortion that would otherwise be observed. For example, when stitching together multiple narrow images, such as image 460i with image 460ii, if normalization does not occur, then the edges of the images may be substantially shallow or have little to no pixel intensity relative to the center pixel. In the absence of masking and normalization, when stitched or combined, the combined image may have a "moiré effect" that can be seen in the stitched image. Due to the variation in pixel intensity across multiple stitched images, where the amount of pixel intensity drops is considerable over a narrow band or width of the pixel, the moiré effect may alternate between dark and light bands.

[0101] Further post-processing for visualization may occur in block 740. Various post-processing may include any appropriate post-processing to help visualize the combined image from block 700. For example, in various embodiments, normalization or histogram averaging of the image (e.g., of pixel intensities) may occur. For example, the final reconstruction may divide the stitched pixel values ​​by the cumulative pixel values ​​to help reduce or minimize large variations between high contrast and low contrast areas in the combined image from block 700. Thus, the image may be prepared for viewing by further post-processing in block 740. Post-processing may include, but is not limited to, enhancing anatomical features, highlighting anatomical features (e.g., masking), sharpening edges, etc.

[0102] Thus, in view of the above, imaging system 36 can be used to acquire multiple projections of subject 28. Multiple projections of subject 28 can be acquired in a linear manner, such as in a first line scan in the AP (front to back) direction and a second line scan in the lateral direction. The multiple projections can then be stitched or combined into a single long view or long film view of subject 28. Various intermediate steps, such as those discussed above, can be performed to help perform or produce a single long view. For example, multiple slots in a filter can be used to produce multiple intermediate images, which are then ultimately stitched together to form a single long view. However, imaging system 36 can be used to produce a long view of subject 28.

[0103] In addition, each slot in the slot filter 260 can allow a different "view" of the subject 28 to be acquired during a scan of the subject 28. For example, each of the three sectors 440, 444, 448 acquires a projection at a single location of the SUD 98. Therefore, in each view, the viewing angle of the subject 28 may be different. Therefore, according to various known techniques, a three-dimensional model of the subject 28 can be reconstructed using multiple views of the subject 28 acquired even during a line scan of the subject. As described above, the line scan of the subject can be a substantially linear movement, such as approximately parallel to the long axis 106 of the subject 28. Therefore, during the acquisition of the line scan, the SDU 98 may not rotate around the subject 28. However, multiple projections from various viewing angles can be used to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the subject 28 using a single line scan or two line scans (e.g., AP and lateral line scans). These multiple projections from various viewing angles can also be used to locate items or features in high contrast objects, such as bone anatomy or implants. The local position from each of more than one slot projection can also be used to generate a three-dimensional model of the imaged subject. As is understood in the art, the different positions in the plane determined in each projection may be used to generate a 3D model.

[0104] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be changed in many ways. Such changes will not be considered as departing from the present invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in combinations different from those specifically presented in the specification and drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain actions or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in different sequences, may be added, merged, or omitted entirely (e.g., all described actions or events may not be necessary for performing these techniques). In addition, for the purpose of clarity, although certain aspects of the present disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit, it should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.

[0106] In one or more examples, the described techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. A computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which corresponds to a tangible medium, such as a data storage medium (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer).

[0107] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Thus, the term "processor" as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other physical structure suitable for implementing the described techniques. Moreover, the techniques may be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

Claims

1. A method of creating a long view image of a subject, comprising: forming at least a first sector of x-rays, a second sector of x-rays, and a third sector of x-rays by passing x-rays emitted from a single source through a filter having at least a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot; moving an image detector from a first position to a second position along a linear path relative to the subject; detecting each of the first sector of x-rays, the second sector of x-rays, and the third sector of x-rays with the image detector; collecting a first plurality of image data portions based on a first sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; collecting a second plurality of image data portions based on a second sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to the plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; collecting a third plurality of image data portions based on a third sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to the plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; generating a first intermediate image based on the collected first plurality of image data portions; generating a second intermediate image based on the collected second plurality of image data portions; as well as generating a third intermediate image based on the collected third plurality of image data portions, wherein generating the first intermediate image based on the collected first plurality of image data portions further comprises determining overlapping areas between the first plurality of image data portions; wherein generating the second intermediate image based on the collected second plurality of image data portions further comprises determining an overlap region between the second plurality of image data portions; and Wherein generating the third intermediate image based on the collected third plurality of image data portions further comprises determining overlapping areas between the third plurality of image data portions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the collected first plurality of image data portions, the collected second plurality of image data portions, and the collected third plurality of image data portions are the only image data portions collected at the image detector. The method of claim 2 , wherein emitting x-rays from the sources comprises emitting x-rays from a single source.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: registering the first plurality of image data portions; registering the second plurality of image data portions; as well as The third plurality of image data portions are registered.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: determining a first translation distance based on the registered first plurality of image data portions; determining a second translation distance based on said registered second plurality of image data portions; as well as A third translation distance is determined based on the registered third plurality of image data portions.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: generating an updated first intermediate image based on a first focal plane determined based on the first translation distance; generating an updated second intermediate image based on a second focal plane determined based on the second translation distance; An updated third intermediate image is generated based on a third focal plane determined based on the third translation distance.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A weighting for generating the long view is determined.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The long view is generated by the determined weighting using at least the generated updated first intermediate image, the generated updated second intermediate image and the generated updated third intermediate image.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the weighting selects a weight of each image portion of each generated updated first intermediate image, generated updated second intermediate image, and generated updated third intermediate image along the length of the long view.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: moving the image detector along the path in a first orientation relative to the subject; as well as moving the image detector along the path in a second orientation relative to the subject; Wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation.

11. An imaging system for producing a long view image of a subject, comprising: an image detector positionable between a first position relative to a subject and a second position relative to the subject, wherein the image detector is operable to collect a plurality of image data portions at a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; an x-ray emitter system configured to emit at least a first sector of x-rays, a second sector of x-rays, and a third sector of x-rays by passing x-rays emitted from a single source through a filter having at least a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot; an imager movement system operable to move the image detector and x-ray emitter between the first position to a second position along a linear path relative to the subject; An image processor operable to execute instructions to: generating a first intermediate image based on collecting a first plurality of image data portions based on a first sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; generating a second intermediate image based on collecting a second plurality of image data portions based on a second sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to the plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; as well as generating a third intermediate image based on collecting a third plurality of image data portions based on a third sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to the plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; as well as a display device operable to display said long view of said subject image based at least in part on said generated intermediate image, wherein generating the first intermediate image based on the collected first plurality of image data portions further comprises determining overlapping areas between the first plurality of image data portions; wherein generating the second intermediate image based on the collected second plurality of image data portions further comprises determining an overlap region between the second plurality of image data portions; and Wherein generating the third intermediate image based on the collected third plurality of image data portions further comprises determining overlapping areas between the third plurality of image data portions.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising: The filter is formed as a substantially solid member having at least the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot; wherein the substantially solid member blocks the emitted x-rays from reaching the detector or the subject; Wherein substantially only the x-rays passing through the first slot, the second slot and the third slot reach the subject or the detector.

13. The system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, further comprising: A motion profile system is operable to determine a motion profile of movement of the imager movement system.

14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the imager movement system is configured to move the single source and the image detector substantially relative to each other along the linear path.

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising: A memory system is configured to store at least the generated first intermediate image, the generated second intermediate image, and the generated third intermediate image.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the image processor is operable to execute further instructions to: registering the first plurality of image data portions; registering the second plurality of image data portions; and The third plurality of image data portions are registered.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the image processor is operable to execute further instructions to: determining a first translation distance based on the registered first plurality of image data portions; determining a second translation distance based on said registered second plurality of image data portions; and A third translation distance is determined based on the registered third plurality of image data portions.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the image processor is operable to execute further instructions to: generating an updated first intermediate image based on a first focal plane determined based on the first translation distance; generating an updated second intermediate image based on a second focal plane determined based on the second translation distance; An updated third intermediate image is generated based on a third focal plane determined based on the third translation distance.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the image processor is operable to execute further instructions to: recalling weights for generating the long view from the memory system; and The long view is generated by the recalled weighting using at least the generated updated first intermediate image, the generated updated second intermediate image and the generated updated third intermediate image.

20. A method of creating a long view image of a subject, comprising: forming at least a first sector of x-rays and a second sector of x-rays by passing emitted x-rays from a single source through a filter having at least a first slot and a second slot; moving an image detector from a first position to a second position along a linear path relative to the subject; detecting each of the first sector of x-rays and the second sector of x-rays with the image detector; collecting a first plurality of image data portions based on a first sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; collecting a second plurality of image data portions based on a second sector of the x-rays as the image detector moves linearly to the plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position; generating a first intermediate image by (i) selecting a first focal plane and (ii) determining an overlap of each first image data portion of said collected first plurality of image data portions; generating a second intermediate image by (i) selecting a second focal plane and (ii) determining an overlap of each second image data portion of said collected second plurality of image data portions; updating the first focal plane by registering the collected first plurality of image data portions; updating the second focal plane by registering the collected second plurality of image data portions; generating an updated first intermediate image with the updated first focal plane; generating an updated second intermediate image with the updated second focal plane; as well as The long view is generated by weighted concatenation of the generated updated first intermediate image and the generated updated second intermediate image.

Images