Method for acquiring images by medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system (100) comprising: an imaging device (1) comprising at least one radiation source (7) configured to emit radiation (11) towards a target of interest (50) and at least one radiation detector (9) configured to detect the emitted radiation (11), the medical imaging system (100) is configured to acquire at least one first two-dimensional image of a target of interest (50) at at least one first source image distance SID (3) and at least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest (50) at at least one second SID (5) different from the first SID (3); and a reconstruction module (150) configured to at least partially reconstruct at least one three-dimensional image based on the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for acquiring images through a medical imaging system, a medical imaging system, a computer program product, and a computer-readable medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of medical imaging systems such as X-ray imaging systems, while X-ray imaging is often the entry point for a patient's diagnostic pathway, subsequent three-dimensional (3D) examinations (such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans) must be performed frequently to address the ambiguities found in the interpretation of two-dimensional (2D) X-ray images. Such examinations are often expensive, costly, and place additional doses on the patient (e.g., in CT scans).

[0003] Furthermore, conventional X-ray imaging produces purely 2D projection images, characterized by ambiguity that can only be resolved in 3D.

[0004] 3D imaging modalities can resolve such ambiguities, but they are typically expensive, technically complex, and involve additional patient doses, as is the case with CT scans. Therefore, such follow-up 3D examinations should be avoided if possible.

[0005] Furthermore, the quality of X-ray images is highly dependent on the patient's positioning relative to the detector and the X-ray source. Especially in conventional tomography, it is often necessary to track the relative position between the patient and the source externally, for example, via optical fiber.

[0006] To address spatial ambiguity, different views of the same anatomical structure are typically acquired (e.g., posteroanterior and lateral views) or conventional tomographic synthesis is applied, both of which usually result in higher radiation doses and are quite complex to apply.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved medical imaging method and system that overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0008] Reference document US 2008 / 0285712 A1 relates to systems and technical methods for generating tomographic images. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention provides a method for acquiring images via a medical imaging system according to independent claim 1, a medical imaging system according to independent claim 6, a computer program product according to independent claim 13, and a computer-readable medium according to independent claim 14. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] This invention relates to a method for acquiring images through a medical imaging system.

[0011] The method includes the step of acquiring at least one first two-dimensional image of the target of interest at at least one first source image distance SID using at least one imaging device.

[0012] The method further includes the step of acquiring at least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest at at least one second SID different from the first SID using an imaging device.

[0013] The method also includes the step of reconstructing at least one three-dimensional image based on the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image using a reconstruction module.

[0014] In other words, in the method according to the invention, it is permissible to obtain a three-dimensional image by reconstructing at least two two-dimensional images acquired at two different SIDs.

[0015] Unlike existing methods and equipment, the method according to the invention allows 3D information to be obtained by slightly altering the SID and acquiring at least two potentially low-dose X-ray images with different SIDs. Therefore, the radiation dose per acquisition can be significantly reduced compared to conventional imaging techniques, such as a full conventional X-ray examination.

[0016] Unlike existing technology proposals, the relative position between the patient and the source may not require external tracking, as the positional information may already be known or provided by standard parameters of the medical imaging system, such as the size and arrangement of the various parts of the medical imaging system.

[0017] SID can be the distance between a radiation source and its corresponding radiation detector, such as a distance orthogonal to the main surface of the radiation detector, where the main surface can be the surface on which the target of interest is placed. However, SID can also be the distance between a radiation source and its corresponding radiation detector, such as the distance at the tilt angle of the main surface of the radiation detector.

[0018] According to the present invention, one or more imaging devices can be used to acquire images. Therefore, acquisition can be performed by a single device, which can be adapted accordingly to allow the acquisition of one or more images using at least two different SIDs. This can be achieved, for example, by moving the imaging device from a first position defining a first SID to a second position defining a second SID, acquiring a first image at the first SID, and acquiring a second image at the second SID, wherein the second SID is different from the first SID. Therefore, the same device can be used to perform both the first and second image acquisitions.

[0019] However, the medical imaging system according to the invention may also provide more than one imaging device to allow the acquisition of one or more images at at least two different SIDs. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging a first imaging device at a first location defining a first SID and by arranging a second imaging device at a second location defining a second SID, acquiring a first image at the first SID and acquiring a second image at the second SID, wherein the second SID is different from the first SID.

[0020] The method according to the present invention may include acquiring a first two-dimensional image of the target of interest and acquiring a second two-dimensional image of the target of interest. Then, the three-dimensional image reconstruction step may be based on the first and second two-dimensional images.

[0021] However, it is also possible to acquire more than one first-dimensional image and / or more than one second-dimensional image of the target of interest. The reconstruction can then be based on the additional two-dimensional images.

[0022] Two-dimensional images can be projected images and / or absorbed images of the target of interest.

[0023] The medical imaging system according to the invention can be any system that allows examination of a medical target of interest, such as a part or the whole body of a patient.

[0024] The first and second acquisition steps can be performed sequentially (i.e., at different times) or simultaneously (i.e., at the same time).

[0025] A reconstruction step can be performed to obtain a complete reconstruction of the 3D image of the target of interest. Alternatively, the reconstruction step can be performed partially, thus obtaining a partial reconstruction of the 3D image of the target of interest.

[0026] The reconstruction process can also be configured to obtain more than one 3D image.

[0027] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention may also include additional acquisition steps and / or additional acquisition steps.

[0028] The reconstruction module can be any suitable module configured to reconstruct a 3D image based on image data obtained through previous image acquisition steps. This can be achieved through a suitable AI or machine learning module, which includes one or more suitable algorithms to continue acquiring image data and reconstruct a 3D image accordingly.

[0029] Reconstruction can be based on prior knowledge, for example, in the form of training data used for AI-based reconstruction algorithms.

[0030] In addition, AI-based denoising techniques can be applied to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0031] The method can be implemented at least in part by a computer, and can be implemented in software or hardware, or in both software and hardware.

[0032] Furthermore, the method can be executed by computer program instructions running on a module providing data processing functionality. The data processing module can be a suitable computing module, such as an electronic control module, or it can be a distributed computer system. The data processing module or computer can each include one or more of a processor, memory, data interface, etc.

[0033] The method and medical imaging system according to the invention can particularly overcome the shortcomings of conventional imaging techniques (such as tomography), by which, for example, only slightly different views can be acquired.

[0034] Compared to conventional imaging systems and methods, the methods and medical imaging systems according to the present invention allow for seamless integration into routine X-ray examination workflows, with patients not even noticing any differences during the examination, and can also be optionally disabled.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the difference between the first SID and the second SID is in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm.

[0036] SID can be provided, for example, in the range of 1000mm to 3000mm. Given a preferred range of SID variation of 50mm to 500mm, considering a focal spot size of approximately 0.6mm to 1.2mm, a final depth resolution of approximately 1mm can be obtained accordingly.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, a single first two-dimensional image at the first SID and a single second two-dimensional image at the second SID are acquired, and a three-dimensional image is reconstructed based on the single first two-dimensional image and the single second two-dimensional image.

[0038] In other words, only a single image can be acquired for each SID. Therefore, no additional two-dimensional images are acquired and used for the reconstruction of the three-dimensional image. This allows for specific low-dose imaging because no additional two-dimensional images are acquired.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first two-dimensional image is acquired at a first location of the radiation source, and the second two-dimensional image is acquired at a second location of the radiation source, wherein the tomographic angle defined between the first and second locations is substantially zero.

[0040] The radiation source can emit radiation toward the target of interest at a first position along a first radiation axis while acquiring the first two-dimensional image. Furthermore, the radiation source can emit radiation toward the target of interest at a second position along a second radiation axis while acquiring the second two-dimensional image. The tomographic angle can be understood as the amplitude of the radiation source's travel between the first and second radiation axes, measured in degrees.

[0041] Therefore, the method according to the invention allows for the acquisition of a first two-dimensional image and a second two-dimensional image at the same lateral position but at different SIDs, wherein the tomographic angle defined between the first and second positions is substantially zero. Thus, potential errors and blurring that might be introduced by potential misalignment of the imaging device at unwanted angles can be avoided. Since the tomographic angle is substantially zero, it may only be necessary to change the SID to acquire the first and second two-dimensional images to ultimately obtain a reconstructed three-dimensional image of the target of interest.

[0042] This also allows for simplification of the imaging system, as any modules used for angle adjustment, such as motors and corresponding control modules, can be omitted, which are typically necessary for setting different tomographic angles.

[0043] However, it is also possible to acquire the first and second two-dimensional images at a tomographic angle of essentially zero, and to acquire additional two-dimensional images at a tomographic angle of greater than zero.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first two-dimensional image is acquired at a first location of the radiation source, and the second two-dimensional image is acquired at a second location of the radiation source, wherein the tomographic angle defined between the first location and the second location is greater than zero.

[0045] Besides different SIDs, setting the tomographic angle to a greater than zero during image acquisition can allow for improved reconstruction of 3D images. Compared to prior art methods, the imaging method according to the present invention allows only relatively small tomographic angles to be sufficient to obtain complex reconstructed 3D images.

[0046] Furthermore, when the radiation beam (preferably the central radiation beam) varies with acquisition at different SIDs (thus introducing small tomographic angles), the ability of the method and system according to the invention to spatially resolve certain structures along the beam can be improved.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first two-dimensional image is acquired at a first acquisition time, the second two-dimensional image is acquired at a second acquisition time, and the three-dimensional image is reconstructed based on the image and the acquisition times of the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image.

[0048] Therefore, the first acquisition time can be the time when the first two-dimensional image is acquired. This can include different times or durations of emitting radiation and correspondingly detecting the radiation.

[0049] Similarly, the second acquisition time can be the time for acquiring the second two-dimensional image. This can include different times or durations for emitting radiation and correspondingly detecting it. The first acquisition time and the second acquisition time can be the same time and duration or different times and durations.

[0050] Furthermore, additional images can be acquired at different times or for different durations. Additionally, at least two images (X) can be acquired. i The time series (where i indexes the acquisition time) can be, for example, an X-ray image.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a medical imaging system.

[0052] The medical imaging system includes an imaging device comprising at least one radiation source configured to emit radiation toward a target of interest and at least one radiation detector configured to detect the emitted radiation.

[0053] The medical imaging system is configured to acquire at least one first two-dimensional image of the target of interest at at least one first SID.

[0054] The medical imaging system is also configured to acquire at least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest at at least one second SID, which is different from the first SID.

[0055] The medical imaging system further includes a reconstruction module configured to reconstruct at least one three-dimensional image based at least partially on a first two-dimensional image and a second two-dimensional image.

[0056] In other words, in the medical imaging system for which protection is claimed, it is permissible to obtain a three-dimensional image by reconstructing at least two two-dimensional images acquired using at least two different SIDs.

[0057] A medical imaging system can be any system that allows imaging of medical targets of interest, such as, for example, a patient’s body or a part of the body.

[0058] Imaging equipment can be a device that allows for multidimensional imaging of a target of interest, or an arrangement of multiple devices.

[0059] The reconstruction module can be any device or software that allows for the corresponding reconstruction of a three-dimensional image based on a first two-dimensional image and a second two-dimensional image. This can include, but is not limited to, a computer that includes the corresponding software for reconstruction.

[0060] The radiation source can be any suitable source that emits electromagnetic radiation suitable for performing medical imaging, such as an X-ray source. More than one radiation source may also be provided.

[0061] The effective change in SID can preferably be fast enough that no patient motion artifacts are effective. Similarly, the effective change in SID can preferably be slow enough that the absorption image can be recorded by a given detector.

[0062] The radiation detector can be any suitable detector used to receive and detect electromagnetic radiation for medical imaging, such as an X-ray detector. More than one radiation detector may also be provided. The radiation detector can include a sufficiently fast readout time and can be, for example, a fluorescence fluoroscopy detector or a photon counting detector. Such a fast detector allows for continuous detection as the SID changes (i.e., a quasi-continuum of absorbed images).

[0063] Components of a medical imaging device (such as a radiation source or radiation detector) can be configured to move along a predetermined path and / or along a trackable path. Furthermore, components of a medical imaging device (such as a radiation source or radiation detector) can be moved prior to imaging, for example, to adjust the settings of the imaging system to the target of interest to be acquired and / or to set different fields of view (FoV).

[0064] Additional components, such as one or more shutters and / or support structures, may be provided at the medical imaging equipment. The support structure may be an additional component to which the radiation source and / or radiation detector and / or medical imaging system is mounted and / or a structure containing the radiation source, radiation detector and / or additional components, such as a tube head or C-arm.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, the imaging device is an X-ray imaging device including a radiation source, wherein the radiation source is an X-ray radiation source configured to generate and emit X-ray radiation.

[0066] More than one X-ray radiation source can also be provided. The X-ray radiation source can be configured to emit a defined beam of X-ray radiation toward the target of interest, such that different regions of the target of interest can be irradiated. The X-ray radiation can be emitted, for example, in the form of a cone beam. Therefore, the system according to the invention allows for the acquisition of X-ray images at very low doses.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, the X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray tube head, wherein an X-ray radiation source is disposed within the X-ray tube head, and wherein a change between a first SID and a second SID is achieved by moving the X-ray tube head.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the change between the first SID and the second SID is additionally or alternatively achieved by moving the X-ray radiation source within the X-ray tube head.

[0069] Therefore, at least one first two-dimensional image can be acquired at a first SID defined by moving the X-ray tube head to a first position. Furthermore, at least one second two-dimensional image can be acquired at a second SID defined by moving the X-ray tube head to a second position.

[0070] Between the acquisition of the first and second two-dimensional images, the X-ray tube head can also be shifted in a lateral direction, which can be substantially parallel to or inclined to the surface of the X-ray radiation detector. This shift can be performed by automatically shifting the X-ray tube head by a fixed amount (preferably, for example, toward or away from the X-ray radiation detector).

[0071] Furthermore, additional or alternative movement of the X-ray source within the X-ray tube head allows for more flexible positioning of the X-ray source relative to the target of interest and / or the radiation detector.

[0072] X-ray imaging equipment can optionally be configured for CT imaging and / or for fluoroscopy. X-ray imaging equipment can be a C-arm device.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, the variation between the first SID and the second SID is additionally or alternatively achieved by changing the emitted X-ray cone beam to simulate different SIDs.

[0074] Therefore, variations in SID can be achieved by appropriately altering and / or shaping the radiation cone, for example, by changing the divergence of the emitted X-ray cone. This can be achieved through unique design of the X-ray tube and / or shaping of the electron beam.

[0075] This allows for the acquisition of both first and second 2D images without actually moving any part of the medical imaging system. Therefore, the medical imaging system can not only be further simplified, but potential errors and / or blurring that could occur by incorrectly placing the imaging device at a distance from the detector and / or the target of interest can be avoided.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, the reconstruction module includes at least one reconstruction algorithm suitable for at least partially reconstructing at least one three-dimensional image based on a two-dimensional image.

[0077] The reconstruction algorithm is based on one of the following:

[0078] Deep learning algorithms are trained using computed tomography (CT) image data.

[0079] The method for 3D rendering of discrete views is extended to the field of X-ray absorption imaging;

[0080] Motion recovery structure technology.

[0081] Therefore, a three-dimensional image (or volume) can be reconstructed.

[0082] Furthermore, the time index i, which can be based on the acquisition time of the first and second two-dimensional images, can be associated with the corresponding SID of the first and second two-dimensional images, and can be represented accordingly as SID. i .

[0083] Furthermore, for the reconstruction of three-dimensional images, system geometric parameters can also be considered, which can be, for example, known or measurable. System geometric parameters can include the distances and arrangements between corresponding parts of the medical imaging system, such as the distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector.

[0084] Therefore, for each measurement i, the acquisition geometry can be completely known. This information can then be fed into the reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct {X}. i This is mapped to at least a portion of the 3D reconstruction of the imaged anatomical structure. This allows for the resolution of structures along the X-ray beam direction, which might be difficult or unresolvable in conventional X-ray images.

[0085] The reconstruction according to the invention can help resolve the blurring that occurs in conventional X-ray images and can make it redundant to acquire another view (e.g., a lateral view in addition to the already acquired posteroanterior view) on the same anatomical structure.

[0086] In addition, the same or different algorithms can be provided to allow retrospective changes to the imaging geometry based on the aforementioned data.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, the reconstruction algorithm is additionally or alternatively designed to simulate an X-ray image with an infinite number of SIDs based on image data and SID data.

[0088] Therefore, algorithms can be designed (or trained in the case of machine learning) to extract from {(SID) i X i The data simulates X-ray images with infinite SID (parallel projection). This can be particularly useful for avoiding perspective distortion in muscle-bone images that may affect the appearance of joint spaces.

[0089] In addition, it allows for the design of more compact X-ray systems for chest wall examinations that may require large SIDs.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the medical imaging system, no additional modules are provided for tracking the distance between the target of interest and the radiation source and / or the positions of the target of interest and the radiation source.

[0091] Therefore, additional modules for tracking the distance between the target of interest and the radiation source and / or the positions of the target of interest and the radiation source can be omitted. This allows for a simplified medical imaging system that is more robust and less prone to errors compared to a medical imaging system with such additional modules for tracking the distance between the target of interest and the radiation source and / or the positions of the target of interest and the radiation source.

[0092] Distance can be the distance from the radiation source to the surface of the target of interest, or it can be the distance from the radiation source to different points or planes within the target of interest. The location of the target of interest can be a specific orientation of the target of interest in space. The corresponding distance and / or orientation can be known or derived from the dimensions and arrangement of parts of the medical imaging system.

[0093] The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform and / or control any method of the present invention.

[0094] The features of the system and method according to the invention can be implemented by appropriate digital or computing modules, which may include, for example, one or more computers, apps and / or networks.

[0095] The method can be implemented at least in part by a computer, and can be implemented in software or hardware, or in both software and hardware. Furthermore, the method can be executed by computer program instructions running on a data processing module that provides data processing capabilities.

[0096] The data processing module can be a suitable computing module, such as an electronic control module, or it can be a distributed computer system. The data processing module or computer may include one or more of the following: processor, memory, data interface, etc.

[0097] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform and / or control any method of the present invention.

[0098] The features and advantages outlined above in the context of systems and methods are similarly applicable to the computer program products and computer-readable media described herein. Likewise, any features and advantages mentioned with respect to the methods of the invention are correspondingly applicable to the systems of the invention, and vice versa.

[0099] Computer programs (products) can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but they can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0100] Further features, examples, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0101] To better understand the invention and to illustrate its utility, accompanying drawings are provided below and referenced thereto. It should be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments only and therefore do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Elements with the same or similar functions are always indicated by the same reference numerals. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0102] In the attached diagram:

[0103] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic, non-scale view of a medical imaging system according to the present invention; and

[0104] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a flowchart of a method for acquiring images via a medical imaging system according to the present invention. List of reference numerals 1 Imaging equipment 3 First SID 5 Second SID 7. Radiation Sources 9 Radiation Detectors 11 Radiation 50 Interesting Targets 100 Medical Imaging System 150 Reconstruction Module 200 Imaging Methods 300 computer program products 400 computers 500 computer-readable media S1 First Image Acquisition Step S2 Second Image Acquisition Step S3 Reconstruction Steps Detailed Implementation

[0105] Figure 1 An embodiment of the medical imaging system 100 according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0106] The medical imaging system 100 includes an imaging device 1, which includes a radiation source 7 and a radiation detector 9. The radiation source 7 is configured to emit a radiation beam 11 toward a target of interest 50. The radiation passes at least partially through the target of interest 50. By passing through the target of interest 50, at least a portion of the radiation 11 is absorbed by the target of interest 50. The radiation detector 9 is therefore configured to detect the radiation that passes through and / or through the target of interest 50.

[0107] As indicated by the double arrows in the figure, the radiation source 7 can be positioned at different locations orthogonal to the main surface of the radiation detector 9 (on which the target of interest 50 is disposed), namely, a position closer to the radiation detector 9 and a position farther away from the radiation detector 9. Therefore, when the radiation source 7 is positioned in the first location, a first SID 3 is defined between the radiation source 7 and the detector 9. And when the radiation source 7 is positioned in the second location, a second SID 5 is defined between the radiation source 7 and the radiation detector 9. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second locations are not laterally shifted such that the tomographic angle is 0.

[0108] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the radiation source need not be arranged as shown so that irradiation occurs along a vertical irradiation axis, but can also be arranged such that the target of interest 50 is irradiated at an angle relative to the detector and / or the target of interest. In this case, the first SID and the second SID are obtained by correspondingly shifting the radiation source 7 along the tilted irradiation axis.

[0109] Imaging device 1 is configured to acquire a first two-dimensional image of target 50 at the first SID 3. Furthermore, imaging device 1 is configured to acquire a second two-dimensional image of target 50 at the second SID 5.

[0110] As will be understood, radiation source 7 can also be located at other and different positions relative to detector 9, thereby potentially defining other and different SIDs. At each location, medical imaging system 100 can acquire a corresponding image.

[0111] Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the first SID 3 is smaller than the second SID 5. However, the invention is not limited to this particular configuration and also includes configurations, for example, in which the first SID 3 is larger than the second SID 5.

[0112] In the depicted embodiment, the radiation source 7 moves only orthogonally relative to the radiation detector 9. Therefore, no lateral movement of the radiation source 7 is performed between the acquisition of the first and second two-dimensional images, and the tomographic angle is substantially zero. However, in other and undepicted embodiments, the radiation source 7 may also move at least partially parallel to the radiation detector 9, thereby allowing a corresponding lateral displacement of the radiation source 7 such that the tomographic angle is greater than zero. As will be understood, combinations of orthogonal and lateral movements of the radiation source 7 can also be anticipated.

[0113] The dashed arrows indicate the radiation beams 11 emitted from radiation sources 7 at corresponding different locations. As indicated, the two radiation beams 11 define different conical beams emitted toward radiation detector 9.

[0114] The medical imaging system 100 also includes a reconstruction module 150, which is configured to reconstruct a three-dimensional image at least partially based on the acquired two-dimensional image. The reconstruction module 150 employs a corresponding reconstruction algorithm accordingly.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the medical imaging system 100 includes a computer 400. In another embodiment, the computer 400 is not integrated into the medical imaging system 100.

[0116] Furthermore, the medical imaging system 100 includes a computer program product 300. In another embodiment, the computer program product 300 is not integrated into the medical imaging system 100.

[0117] Computer program product 300 includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by computer 400, cause computer 400 to perform and / or control methods for acquiring images via medical imaging system 100, as described herein, for example, regarding Figure 2 Method 200 is described.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the medical imaging system 100 includes a computer-readable medium 500. In another embodiment, the computer-readable medium 500 is not integrated into the medical imaging system 100.

[0119] Computer-readable medium 500 has stored thereon computer-readable instructions that, when executed by computer 400, cause computer 400 to perform and / or control methods for acquiring images via medical imaging system 100, as described herein, for example regarding Figure 2 Method 200 is described.

[0120] Figure 2 The illustration shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for acquiring images via a medical imaging system 100, as illustrated herein, for example, regarding... Figure 1As described. In the depicted embodiment, method 200 includes a first step S1: acquiring at least one first two-dimensional image of the target of interest 50 at at least one first SID 3 using at least one imaging device 1.

[0121] In addition, method 200 includes a second step S2: acquiring at least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest 50 at at least one second SID 5 different from the first SID 3 using imaging device 1.

[0122] In addition, method 200 includes a third step S3: reconstructing at least one three-dimensional image based at least partially on the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image by reconstruction module 150.

[0123] Although the described embodiments disclose two image acquisition steps S1 and S2, other configurations of the invention may employ additional image acquisition steps at different or partially identical SIDs for the first image acquisition step S1 and the second image acquisition step S2.

[0124] Similarly, even though the described embodiment discloses an image reconstruction step S3, other configurations of the present invention may employ other image reconstruction steps, which may be based on one or more previously acquired two-dimensional images.

Claims

1. A method (200) for acquiring images via a medical imaging system (100), the method (200) comprising the following steps: At least one first two-dimensional image of the target of interest (50) is acquired (S1) at at least one first source image distance (3) using at least one imaging device (1). The imaging device (1) acquires (S2) at least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest (50) at at least one second SID (5) different from the first SID (3), and At least one three-dimensional image is at least partially reconstructed (S3) based on the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image by the reconstruction module (150). The first two-dimensional image was acquired during the first acquisition time. The second two-dimensional image was acquired at the second acquisition time, and The three-dimensional image is reconstructed based on the acquisition time of the image, the first two-dimensional image, and the second two-dimensional image.

2. The method (200) according to the preceding claim. in, The difference between the first SID (3) and the second SID (5) is in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm.

3. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, Acquire a single first two-dimensional image at the first SID (3) and a single second two-dimensional image at the second SID (5), and The three-dimensional image is reconstructed based on the single first two-dimensional image and the single second two-dimensional image.

4. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The first two-dimensional image was acquired at the first location of the radiation source (7), and The second two-dimensional image was acquired at the second location of the radiation source (7). The tomographic angle defined between the first position and the second position is essentially zero.

5. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. in, The first two-dimensional image was acquired at the first location of the radiation source (7), and The second two-dimensional image was acquired at the second location of the radiation source (7). Wherein, the tomographic angle defined between the first position and the second position is greater than zero.

6. A medical imaging system (100), comprising: An imaging device (1) includes at least one radiation source (7) and at least one radiation detector (9), the at least one radiation source being configured to emit radiation (11) toward a target of interest (50), and the at least one radiation detector being configured to detect the emitted radiation (11). The medical imaging system (100) is configured to acquire at least one first two-dimensional image of the target of interest (50) at at least one first source image distance SID (3), and At least one second two-dimensional image of the target of interest (50) is acquired at at least one second SID (5) different from the first SID (3), and A reconstruction module (150) is configured to reconstruct at least one three-dimensional image based at least partially on the first two-dimensional image and the second two-dimensional image. The first two-dimensional image was acquired during the first acquisition time. The second two-dimensional image was acquired at the second acquisition time, and The three-dimensional image is reconstructed based on the acquisition time of the image, the first two-dimensional image, and the second two-dimensional image.

7. The medical imaging system (100) according to the preceding claim. in, The imaging device (1) is an X-ray imaging device including the radiation source (7), the radiation source being an X-ray radiation source, and wherein the X-ray radiation source is configured to generate and emit X-ray radiation (11).

8. The medical imaging system (100) according to the preceding claim. in, The X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray tube head. The X-ray radiation source is arranged inside the X-ray tube head, and The change between the first SID (3) and the second SID (5) is achieved by moving the X-ray tube head, and / or The variation between the first SID (3) and the second SID (5) can be achieved, either additionally or alternatively, by moving the X-ray radiation source within the X-ray tube head.

9. The medical imaging system (100) according to the preceding claim. in, The variation between the first SID (3) and the second SID (5) can be achieved, either additionally or alternatively, by changing the emitted X-ray cone beam to simulate different SIDs.

10. The medical imaging system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The reconstruction module (150) includes at least one reconstruction algorithm adapted to at least partially reconstruct the at least one three-dimensional image based on the two-dimensional image. The reconstruction algorithm is based on one of the following operations: Deep learning algorithms are trained using computed tomography (CT) image data. The method used for 3D rendering of discrete views is extended to the field of X-ray absorption imaging; Motion recovery structure technology.

11. The medical imaging system (100) according to the preceding claim. in, The reconstruction algorithm is additionally or alternatively designed to simulate an X-ray image with an infinite number of SIDs based on the image data and the SID data.

12. The medical imaging system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, No additional modules are provided for tracking the distance between the target of interest (50) and the radiation source (7) and / or the positions of the target of interest (50) and the radiation source (7).

13. A computer program product (300) comprising computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by a computer (400), cause the computer (400) to perform and / or control the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A computer-readable medium (500) having stored computer-readable instructions thereon, which, when executed by a computer (400), cause the computer (400) to perform and / or control the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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