Imaging device and method for multiple image acquisition

Abstract

An imaging device is provided for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a region of a subject's body. The imaging device includes at least three energy sources, at least three detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body located between the energy sources and the detectors, and a controller configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to acquire a time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body. At least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region of the subject's body to be imaged. A method for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a region of the subject's body using the imaging device is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 043994, filed June 25, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 044090, filed June 25, 2020, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an imaging device and method for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a predetermined region of the body of a human or animal subject, acquiring multiple images from different viewpoints, and particularly, but not exclusively, to dynamic in vivo images of organs such as the lungs or heart of the subject. [Background technology]

[0003] Current imaging modalities, such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provide methods for examining the structure and function of a patient's organs, such as the lungs, heart, and brain. However, structural changes in the lungs often occur after the onset of disease, precluding the possibility of disease prevention treatment (e.g., in early-stage cystic fibrosis). High-resolution CT imaging provides excellent structural detail but is costly and involves relatively high levels of radiation exposure (a high-resolution CT is often equivalent to 70 chest X-rays). Due to ionizing radiation doses, technologies based on the use of X-rays (especially CT) for the detection and treatment of various diseases, including acute respiratory diseases, are severely limited in vulnerable patients, such as infants and young children, who are more susceptible to radiation-induced tissue damage. Furthermore, inherent measurement limitations severely limit evidence-based detection and treatment of acute respiratory diseases across all age groups.

[0004] XV technology, developed by 4DMedical, represents a breakthrough in clinical lung function assessment. XV technology is disclosed in patent applications published as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,277,997 and 6,277,997. Current XV technology uniquely combines X-ray imaging with proprietary flow velocity measurement algorithms to measure movement at every location in the lung in fine spatial and temporal detail, enabling regional lung function measurements at every location within the lung throughout the respiratory cycle. This approach allows for the detection of even minor loss of function long before lung structure is irreversibly affected by disease, meaning that treatment can be applied early, when it has the greatest effect and the best chance of success.

[0005] Current XV technology is used in clinical applications via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, whereby scans of a patient's lungs are acquired using existing X-ray fluoroscopy equipment. The scans are then processed using software algorithms that provide functional imaging analyses of the patient's lungs over time via a cloud-based server. However, the accuracy and quality of XV analyses are limited by the images obtainable using existing medical scanners, which require patients to remain motionless and breathe in a controlled manner during the scan. This limits their use in many patient populations, including young children, the elderly, and patients with speech, hearing, or cognitive impairments, who cannot be easily scanned due to positioning issues within the scanner and / or an inability to follow instructions for completing the scan.

[0006] Computed tomography (CT) scanners are commonly used to acquire cross-sectional images of a subject's body. A typical CT scanner configuration employs a ring or C-shaped arm to which an energy source and typically a detector or detector array are mounted for rotation around the subject's body. As the ring or C-shaped arm rotates, multiple images used to generate the cross-sectional image of the subject's body are acquired through X-ray measurements taken from different angles. A disadvantage of existing medical scanners, such as CT scanners, is that a large scanner is typically required to rotate around the subject's body to acquire images at different angles. It would be desirable to provide a smaller, more compact imaging device that can acquire multiple images at different angles without requiring moving parts during acquisition.

[0007] Furthermore, existing medical scanners, such as CT scanners, often employ X-rays, which impose a high X-ray exposure burden on the subject when multiple images are acquired at different angles for in vivo imaging. It would be desirable to reduce the X-ray dose by reducing the operating time of the energy source and detector or detector array to acquire the images. Reducing the X-ray dose would be particularly beneficial for vulnerable patient populations, such as infants and young children, who are more susceptible to radiation-induced tissue damage.

[0008] 1 and 2 show an example of a system 10 for imaging a region 230 of a subject's body 210. The system 10 includes three energy sources 11 and three detectors 12 spatially positioned in a common plane and positioned on a common arc 14 around the subject's body 210. Unlike CT scanners with rotating rings or C-arms, the energy sources 11 and detectors 12 conform to fixed positions within the system 10 and remain stationary during the scan. As shown, the subject 200 may be positioned on a tray or bed 18 during imaging. The spatial arrangement of the energy sources 11 and detectors 12 allows three imaging angles through the region 230 of the subject's body 210 to be captured during imaging, as indicated by the imaging beams 16. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system 10 of FIG. 1 , omitting the detectors 12 for clarity, and illustrating that the common plane with the common arc 14 may be a cross-section through the subject's body 210.

[0009] While system 10 can capture multiple imaging angles, obtaining sufficient imaging data to optimize image acquisition, such as to provide dynamic in-vivo imaging capabilities, requires that energy sources 11 and detectors 12 be spaced sufficiently around the subject's body 210. The energy sources 11 and detectors 12 of system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are equally spaced circumferentially around the subject's body 210 over a 360-degree angle. Similar to a CT scanner, this arrangement requires the provision of a large scanning apparatus in which stationary energy sources and detectors acquire images at different angles surrounding the subject's body.

[0010] Another disadvantage of existing medical scanners, such as CT scanners and the system 10 of Figures 1 and 2, is that the patient is often positioned within the scanner in a supine position on a patient tray or bed 18. Dynamic imaging of the subject's lungs requires the patient to remain motionless and breathe in a controlled manner during the scan. This limits the use of imaging technology to many patient groups, including young infants, the elderly, and patients with speech, hearing, or cognitive impairments, who cannot be easily scanned due to positioning issues within the scanner and / or an inability to follow instructions for the scan to be completed.

[0011] It would therefore be desirable to provide an imaging device and method for obtaining in vivo images of a patient's body, where multiple images are obtained from different viewpoints, ideally suitable for analysis by XV techniques, that can reduce the size of the imaging device and enable its use with large patient populations. It would also be desirable to provide an imaging device and method that improves upon and / or overcomes one or more problems or disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Reference herein to a patent document or any other material identified as prior art should not be construed as an admission that the document or other material was publicly known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of any of the claims. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 032210 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2015 / 157799 Summary of the Invention

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention provides an imaging device for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a predetermined region of a subject's body. The imaging device includes at least three energy sources, at least three detectors positioned between the energy sources and the detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body, and a controller configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to acquire a time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body. At least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy source and detector is spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region of the subject's body being imaged.

[0015] The controller can be configured to acquire images using at least three imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, where at least two imaging angles are provided in a first plane through the subject's body and at least one imaging angle is provided in a second plane through the subject's body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least two imaging angles are spaced apart by an angle ranging from about 45 to 90 degrees. Preferably, the at least two imaging angles are spaced apart by an angle ranging from about 45 to 70 degrees or about 70 to 90 degrees, i.e., about 45 to 60 degrees, about 60 to 70 degrees, about 70 to 80 degrees, or about 80 to 90 degrees. The spacing may be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is about 80 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the spacing may be preferably about 60 degrees, depending on the spatial positioning of the at least two pairs of energy source and detector in the first plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the detectors is tilted with respect to each energy source. At least one detector may indirectly face each energy source. At least one detector may be tilted such that an imaging beam generated by the energy source is not substantially perpendicular to the detector. In some embodiments, at least one of the detectors is substantially aligned with each energy source. At least one detector may directly face each energy source. At least one detector may be aligned such that an imaging beam generated by the energy source is substantially perpendicular to the detector. In some embodiments, the imaging device includes at least one detector tilted with respect to each energy source and at least one detector substantially aligned with each energy source. Preferably, at least two of the detectors or all of the detectors are tilted with respect to their respective energy sources to provide an imaging device that is smaller and more compact yet allows multiple images through a subject's body to be acquired at different angles.

[0018] The at least two energy sources and the at least two detectors in the first plane may each be arranged on a common arc in the first plane. In some embodiments, the two energy sources and the two detectors are arranged on the same common arc in the first plane. In embodiments in which the two energy sources and the two detectors are arranged on different common arcs, the length of the common arc on which the energy sources are arranged is preferably longer than the length of the common arc on which the detectors are arranged.

[0019] The at least three energy sources and the at least three detectors may each be spaced apart in one of a generally triangular or L-shaped configuration.

[0020] In some embodiments, the imaging device further includes at least four energy sources and at least four detectors, wherein at least three pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned in a first plane and at least one pair of energy sources and detectors is spatially positioned in a second plane.

[0021] The controller can be configured to acquire images using at least four imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, where at least three imaging angles are provided in a first plane through the subject's body and at least one imaging angle is provided in a second plane through the subject's body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least three imaging angles in the first plane can be spaced apart from one another by a distance ranging from about 45 to 90 degrees. Preferably, the at least three imaging angles are spaced apart from one another by a distance ranging from about 45 to 70 degrees or about 70 to 90 degrees, i.e., about 45 to 60 degrees, about 60 to 70 degrees, about 70 to 80 degrees, or about 80 to 90 degrees. The spacing can be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is about 80 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the spacing can be preferably about 60 degrees, depending on the spatial positioning of the at least three pairs of energy sources and detectors in the first plane.

[0023] The at least three energy sources and the at least three detectors in the first plane may each be disposed on a common arc in the first plane through the subject's body. In some embodiments, the three energy sources and the three detectors are disposed on the same common arc in the first plane. In embodiments in which the three energy sources and the three detectors are disposed on different common arcs, the length of the common arc along which the energy sources are disposed is preferably longer than the length of the common arc along which the detectors are disposed.

[0024] The at least four energy sources and the at least four detectors may each be spaced apart in one of a generally T-shaped or an inverted T-shaped configuration.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one energy source and detector pair is disposed in both the first and second planes.

[0026] In some embodiments, the imaging device further includes at least four energy sources and at least four detectors, wherein at least two pairs of the energy source and detector are spatially positioned in a first plane and at least two pairs of the energy source and detector are spatially positioned in a second plane.

[0027] The controller can be configured to acquire images using at least four imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, at least two imaging angles provided in a first plane through the subject's body and at least two imaging angles provided in a second plane through the subject's body.

[0028] The at least two imaging angles in the second plane can be spaced apart from one another by an angle ranging from about 45 to 70 degrees. Preferably, the at least two imaging angles are spaced apart by an angle ranging from about 45 to 60 degrees or about 60 to 70 degrees. The spacing can be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, or about 70 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is about 60 degrees.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least two of the detectors are tilted with respect to their respective energy sources, and at least two of the detectors are substantially aligned with their respective energy sources. The at least two detectors tilted with respect to their respective energy sources may indirectly face their respective energy sources and / or may be tilted such that imaging beams generated by the energy sources are not substantially perpendicular to the detectors. The at least two detectors substantially aligned with their respective energy sources may directly face their respective energy sources and / or may be substantially aligned such that imaging beams generated by the energy sources are substantially perpendicular to the detectors. Providing at least two detectors tilted with respect to their respective energy sources enables an imaging device that is smaller and more compact yet allows multiple images through a subject's body to be acquired at different angles.

[0030] The at least two energy sources and the at least two detectors in the second plane may each be arranged on a common arc in the second plane. In some embodiments, the two energy sources and the two detectors are arranged on the same common arc in the second plane. In embodiments in which the two energy sources and the two detectors are arranged on different common arcs, the length of the common arc on which the energy sources are arranged is preferably longer than the length of the common arc on which the detectors are arranged.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least four energy sources and the at least four detectors are spaced apart in a generally diamond-shaped configuration, while in other embodiments, the at least four energy sources and the at least four detectors are spaced apart in a generally square or rectangular configuration.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second plane is offset from the first plane at an angle of about 70-90 degrees. The second plane may be offset at an angle of about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. The second plane may be offset from the first plane at an angle of about 70-80 degrees or about 80-90 degrees. The second plane may be offset from the first plane at an angle of about 80 degrees.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second plane is offset at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first plane such that the second plane and the first plane are approximately perpendicular. The first plane can be a transverse plane through the subject's body and the second plane can be a sagittal plane through the subject's body.

[0034] The imaging device can be configured to accommodate the subject in an upright orientation between the energy source and the detector. The subject can be in an upright seated position within the imaging device. Alternatively, the subject can be in an upright standing position within the imaging device.

[0035] The imaging device may be configured to accommodate the subject between the energy source and the detector at a position closer to the detector than the energy source. The subject need not be centered between the detector and the energy source within the imaging device, but instead may be positioned closer to the detector.

[0036] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquire time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body from each of the detectors. This allows at least three time series of in vivo images to be acquired simultaneously or substantially simultaneously from the at least three detectors. In some embodiments including four energy sources and four detectors, four time series of in vivo images may be acquired simultaneously or substantially simultaneously from the four detectors. The imaging device may further include a processor configured to reconstruct a three-dimensional motion field based on the time series of images acquired from each of the detectors. This allows the three-dimensional motion field to be reconstructed by the processor based on the three or four time series of images acquired from the detectors.

[0037] The imaging device may be configured for use in one or more of X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-ray imaging may include fluoroscopic imaging and / or computed tomography x-ray velocity (CTXV) imaging.

[0038] The region of the subject's body to be imaged may include at least a portion of the subject's lungs. The imaging device may image a portion of the lungs or the entire lungs. The imaging device may also image both lungs of the subject. Alternatively, the region to be imaged may include part or all of the subject's heart or brain. The region to be imaged may include body parts other than organs, including tissues such as abdominal tissue.

[0039] Ideally, the subject's breathing is not restricted or controlled during image acquisition. The imaging device may be configured to acquire images while the subject breathes, and preferably of one complete breath of the subject.

[0040] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a predetermined region of a subject's body. The method includes providing an imaging device including at least three energy sources, at least three detectors positioned between the energy sources and the detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body, and a controller configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to acquire a time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body. At least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy source and detector is spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region of the subject's body to be imaged. The method also includes operating the controller to acquire a time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes operating the controller to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquire time series of in vivo images of the region of the subject's body from each of the detectors, such that at least three time series of in vivo images may be simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquired from the at least three detectors. In some embodiments including four energy sources and four detectors, four time series of in vivo images may be simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquired from the four detectors. The method may further include using a processor to reconstruct a three-dimensional motion field based on the time series of images acquired from each of the detectors, such that the three-dimensional motion field may be reconstructed by the processor based on the three or four time series of images acquired from the detectors.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning the subject within the imaging device in an upright orientation between the energy source and the detector prior to operating the controller to acquire the image. The subject may be positioned in an upright seated position within the imaging device. Alternatively, the subject may be positioned in an upright standing position within the imaging device.

[0043] The imaging device may be configured for use in one or more of X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-ray imaging may include fluoroscopic imaging and / or computed tomography x-ray velocity (CTXV) imaging.

[0044] The region of the subject's body to be imaged may include at least a portion of the subject's lungs. The imaging device may image a portion of the lungs or the entire lungs. The imaging device may also image both lungs of the subject. Alternatively, the region to be imaged may include part or all of the subject's heart or brain. The region to be imaged may include body parts other than organs, including tissues such as abdominal tissue.

[0045] Ideally, the subject's breathing is not restricted or controlled during image acquisition. The imaging device may be configured to acquire images while the subject breathes, and preferably of one complete breath of the subject.

[0046] Also disclosed herein is an imaging device for acquiring a time series of images of a predetermined region of a subject's body. The imaging device includes at least three energy sources, at least three detectors positioned between the energy sources and the detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body, and a controller configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to acquire a time series of images of the region of the subject's body. At least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy source and detector is spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region of the subject's body to be imaged. The imaging device can provide in vivo imaging of the region of the subject's body and provide a time series of in vivo images. The region to be imaged can include at least a portion of the subject's lungs.

[0047] Also disclosed herein is a method for acquiring a time series of images of a region of a subject's body. The method includes providing an imaging device including at least three energy sources, at least three detectors positioned between the energy sources and the detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body, and a controller configured to operate the energy sources and detectors to acquire a time series of images of the region of the subject's body. At least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy sources and detectors is spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region of the subject's body to be imaged. The method also includes operating the controller to acquire a time series of images of the region of the subject's body. The method may provide time series in vivo imaging of the region of the subject's body and acquire the time series of in vivo images. The region to be imaged may include at least a portion of the subject's lungs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for imaging a predetermined region of a subject's body, the system including three energy sources and three detectors positioned in a common arc around the body of a subject positioned in a supine position on a tray during a scan, the energy sources and three detectors being positioned in a common plane. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1 showing three energy sources in a common plane and arranged on a common arc around the subject's body, with the detector omitted for clarity. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an imaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing three energy sources spatially positioned around a subject's body in a generally triangular or L-shaped configuration, with the subject's body oriented in a supine position and with the detector omitted for clarity. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of another imaging apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources spatially positioned around a subject's body in a generally T-shaped configuration, with the subject's body oriented in a supine position and detectors omitted for clarity. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another imaging apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources and four detectors each spatially positioned in a generally diamond-shaped configuration around a subject's body, the subject's body being oriented in an upright standing position within the scanner. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another imaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources and four detectors each spatially positioned in a generally rectangular configuration around a subject's body, the subject's body being oriented in an upright standing position within the scanner. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another imaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources positioned in an exemplary energy source unit and four detectors positioned in an exemplary detector unit of the imaging device, shown in dashed lines, each of the four energy sources and four detectors spatially positioned around the body of a subject in a generally diamond-shaped configuration, with the subject's body oriented in an upright seated position within the scanner. [Figure 8]8 is a perspective view of the imaging device of FIG. 7 with exemplary detector units and energy source units removed for clarity. [Figure 9] 8 is a plan view of the imaging device of FIG. 7 with exemplary detector units and energy source units removed for clarity. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another imaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing a similar arrangement to FIG. 7, except that two of the detectors are tilted relative to their respective energy sources and oriented vertically in the same plane relative to each other. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the imaging device of FIG. 10 with the exemplary detector unit and energy source unit removed for clarity. [Figure 12] 11 is a plan view of the imaging device of FIG. 10 with exemplary detector units and energy source units removed for clarity. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of an exemplary detector unit and energy source unit of the imaging device of FIGS. 7-12 according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps in an imaging method according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like structures are designated by like numerals, and in which it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are examples only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the drawings. The drawings are not to scale and are merely intended to aid in the explanation of the present invention. Reference herein to a subject may include a human or animal test subject, or a human or animal patient undergoing a medical procedure and / or being screened, monitored, and / or diagnosed for a disease or disorder. With respect to an animal patient, embodiments of the present invention may also be suitable for veterinary applications. The terms subject and patient, and the terms imaging device and scanner, respectively, are used interchangeably throughout the description and should be understood to refer to the same configuration of embodiments of the present invention. Reference is also made herein to anatomical planes of a subject's body, including transverse or horizontal, sagittal or vertical, and coronal or frontal planes through the subject's body.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to imaging devices and methods for acquiring in vivo images of a region of a subject's body and for acquiring multiple images from different viewpoints or imaging angles through the subject's body. Ideally, the multiple images from different viewpoints or imaging angles can be acquired simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Preferably, the region to be imaged includes one or both of the subject's lungs or a portion of the subject's lungs. Alternatively, the region to be imaged may include part or all of the subject's heart or brain. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other organs or regions of the subject's body may also be suitable for functional imaging, such as those in which dynamic in vivo changes, including changes in movement, position, and / or size of the subject's body during respiration or other physiological processes, can be detected.

[0052] The acquired images are ideally of a type suitable for XV processing using techniques described in International Application No. PCT / AU2010 / 001199, filed September 16, 2010, and International Publication No. WO 2011 / 032210, published March 24, 2011, by applicant Monash University, and International Application No. PCT / AU2015 / 000219, filed April 14, 2015, and International Publication No. WO 2015 / 157799, published October 22, 2015, by applicant 4Dx Pty Ltd, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The acquired images can therefore be processed using the XV techniques described therein to provide a three-dimensional motion field of the imaged region, preferably showing all three spatial dimensions of the imaged region over time. This allows lung motion to be measured throughout the respiratory cycle in the context of lung imaging, enabling assessment of lung function in each region within the lung in fine spatial and temporal detail. Similar images may be acquired of other regions of the subject's body, including the heart or brain, or other organs or regions in which dynamic biotransformations are detectable.

[0053] The imaging device may be suitable for X-ray imaging techniques, as well as other imaging methods that do not involve the use of X-rays. In particular, the imaging device and method may be configured for one or more of X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The imaging device and associated method may be configured for use with static or dynamic X-ray imaging techniques. Dynamic X-ray imaging techniques may include fluoroscopic imaging and / or computed tomography x-ray velocity (CTXV) imaging. The imaging device 100 and method 300 are preferably configured for fluoroscopic imaging. CTXV imaging techniques that also use fluoroscopy are described in more detail in the aforementioned WO 2011 / 032210 and WO 2015 / 157799.

[0054] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an inventive imaging device 100 for acquiring a time series of in vivo images of a region 230 of a subject's body 210, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 3-13. The imaging device 100 includes at least three energy sources 110 (shown as 110A, 110B) and at least three detectors (shown as 120A, 120B) for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources 110 passing through a region 230 of the subject's body 210 located between the energy sources 110 and the detectors 120. At least two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A are spatially positioned around the subject's body 210 in a first plane, and at least one pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B is spatially positioned around the subject's body 210 in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through the region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged (see also Figure 5). The imaging device 100 also includes a controller 140 configured to operate the energy sources 110A, 110B and the detectors 120A, 120B to acquire a time series of in-vivo images of a region 230 of a subject's body 210.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy source 110 and the detector 120 adopt fixed positions within the imaging device 100 and remain stationary during a scan. The spatial arrangement of the energy source 110 and the detector 120 is an important aspect of the present invention, as described with respect to the embodiment of Figures 3-12. The spatial arrangement allows multiple images to be acquired without having to rotate the energy source 110 and the detector 120 around the subject 200 during imaging. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement allows for a more compact scanner without sacrificing image quality.

[0056] Preferably, the region 230 to be imaged includes at least a portion of the lungs of the subject 200, and the duration of imaging may be based on a single breath of the subject. Desirably, the imaging device 100 allows multiple time series of images of a portion or a single breath of the subject 200 to be acquired. This may include inspiration, expiration, or both inspiration and expiration for a complete breath. Preferably, the imaging device 100 allows multiple time series of a complete single breath of the subject 200 to be acquired.

[0057] In some embodiments, controller 140 is configured to acquire images using at least three imaging angles through region 230 of subject's body 210. At least two imaging angles may be in a first plane through subject's body 210, and at least one imaging angle may be in a second plane through subject's body 210. The spatial arrangement and positioning of the energy source and detector pairs providing the at least three imaging angles is described in more detail below in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-12, controller 140 is configured to acquire images using at least four imaging angles through region 230 of subject's body 210, with at least two imaging angles in each of first and second planes through subject's body 210.

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously acquire a time series of in vivo images of a region 230 of a subject's body 210. Embodiments of the present invention include at least three pairs of energy source 110 and detector 120 (see FIG. 3) or preferably four pairs of energy source 110 and detector 120 (see FIGS. 4-12). This allows for the acquisition of at least three, and preferably four, time series of in vivo images during a scan. Acquiring time series images from multiple angles can provide dynamic imaging of the subject's body 210. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for functional imaging, such as those in the art where dynamic in vivo changes, including changes in the movement, position, and / or size of an organ or body region, can be detected during respiration or other physiological processes of the subject's body 210, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. This is described in more detail below in connection with an inventive method 300 using XV technology and the processing of acquired images.

[0059] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide at least one pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B spatially positioned about the subject's body 210 in a second plane offset at a predetermined angle relative to a first plane having at least two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A. By providing at least one pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B offset in the second plane relative to the other pair of energy source and detector 110A, 120A, the inventive imaging device 100 can be made more compact because the energy sources and detectors can be positioned closer to each other rather than in the same plane on a common arc 14 of the system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. While the inventive imaging device 100 is more compact, the device (imaging device) 100 still acquires images suitable for use with XV techniques, with multiple images acquired from different viewpoints or imaging angles through a region 230 of the subject's body 210, optionally reducing the use of X-rays and / or improving scan quality. Ideally, multiple images from different viewpoints or imaging angles can be acquired simultaneously or substantially simultaneously due to the spatial arrangement of the energy sources 110A, 110B and detectors 120A, 120B.

[0060] It has not previously been considered to provide at least one energy source and detector pair offset in a different plane relative to the remaining energy source and detector pairs in a medical scanner. This arrangement would be considered counterintuitive when viewed from the perspective of system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or other standard CT scanners or those employing CTXV technology. Those skilled in the art would understand that evenly spaced detectors and energy sources circumferentially around 180 degrees (or optionally 360 degrees as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the patient's body provides optimal image acquisition for providing dynamic in-vivo imaging capabilities. Therefore, those skilled in the art would understand that smaller angular spacings between the energy sources and detectors would result in insufficient imaging data. Furthermore, those skilled in the art would understand that the present arrangement of energy sources and detectors would require modified software for processing imaging data, thereby discouraging pursuit of this arrangement.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the invention, including three energy sources 110A, 110B spatially positioned around a subject's body 210 oriented supine on a tray or bed 106. A corresponding detector, omitted from this drawing for clarity, would be located behind the tray (bed) 106 below the subject's body 210. The three energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned in a generally triangular or L-shaped configuration, although other configurations, including irregular shapes, are possible. Two energy sources 110A are positioned on a common first arc 102 in a first plane through the subject's body 210. Preferably, the first plane is a transverse or horizontal plane through the subject's body 210, as shown in FIG. 3. The energy source 110B is positioned on a second arc 104 in a second plane of the subject's body 210. A central energy source 110A positioned above energy sources 110B is disposed on both the first arc 102 and the second arc 104, and is consequently positioned in both a first and a second plane. Preferably, the second plane is a sagittal or vertical plane passing through the subject's body 210, as shown in Figure 3. A similar arrangement is provided by corresponding detectors 120A, 120B (not shown, see e.g., Figure 5).

[0062] In this embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to acquire images using three imaging angles or perspectives through a region 230 of the subject's body 210. The imaging angles may be defined by the spatial positioning of the energy source and detector pairs around the subject's body 210. Two imaging angles may be provided in a first plane through the subject's body 210 by providing two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A (detectors not shown) positioned on a first arc 102. Yet further, one additional imaging angle may be provided in a second plane through the subject's body 210 by providing a pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B (detectors not shown) positioned on a second arc 104. The imaging angles may be defined by imaging or projection lines connecting the energy sources 110 and the corresponding detectors 120. This line passes through a region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged, as shown by imaging beam 116 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-12 (see also, eg, imaging beam 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0063] Two imaging angles in a first plane defined by an imaging line passing through the subject's body 210 and connecting the two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A, 120A can be preferably spaced apart by a distance ranging from about 45 to 90 degrees. Preferably, the two imaging angles are spaced apart by a distance ranging from about 45 to 70 degrees or about 70 to 90 degrees, i.e., about 45 to 60 degrees, about 60 to 70 degrees, about 70 to 80 degrees, or about 80 to 90 degrees. The spacing can be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is about 80 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the spacing can be preferably about 60 degrees, depending on the spatial positioning of the two pairs of energy sources and detectors in the first plane.

[0064] The two energy sources 110A and the two detectors 120A (not shown) in the first plane may each be disposed on a common arc in the first plane, which may be the same common arc, i.e., the first arc 102 shown in FIG. 3. Similarly, the two energy sources 110A (central energy source) and 110B and the two detectors 120A and 120B (not shown) in the second plane may each be disposed on a common arc in the second plane, which may be the same common arc, i.e., the second arc 104 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, in this embodiment, the subject 200 may be positioned centrally within the imaging device 100 and equidistant from the energy sources 110A and 110B and the detectors 120A and 120B.

[0065] The imaging process of Figure 3 is demonstrated by the embodiment of Figures 5-12, which includes four energy sources 110A, 110B and four detectors 120A, 120B. Each energy source 110A, 110B generates an imaging beam 116 that passes through a region 230 to be imaged, and a projection image is acquired by a corresponding detector 120A, 120B. Each energy source 110A, 110B is tilted toward the region 230 to be imaged such that the imaging beam 116 is received through the same volume of interest, the region of interest being imaged by all energy sources 110A, 110B, but from a different angle or perspective.

[0066] 3-9, the energy sources 110A, 110B are tilted toward the region 230 to be imaged, and the corresponding detectors 120A, 120B are tilted toward the respective energy sources 110A, 110B to acquire the image. Each of the detectors 120A, 120B is substantially aligned with, and in fact directly opposite, the respective energy source 110A, 110B. The detectors 120A, 120B are substantially aligned with the respective energy source such that the imaging beam 116 generated by the respective energy source 110A, 110B is approximately perpendicular to the detectors 120A, 120B.

[0067] 10-12 illustrate an alternative arrangement in which two detectors 120B are tilted relative to their respective energy sources 110B. The detectors 120B may indirectly face their respective energy sources 110B. The detectors 120B may be tilted so that the imaging beams 116 generated by the energy sources 110B are not substantially orthogonal to the detectors 120B. Furthermore, the detectors 120B are not positioned on a common arc in the second plane (unlike the detector 120A on arc 103 shown in FIG. 12). However, all of the energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned on the common arc 102 or 104. Nevertheless, the two detectors 120B are spatially positioned and tilted relative to their respective energy sources 110B so as to still receive the imaging beams 116 passing through the region 230 from the respective energy sources 110B.

[0068] Various embodiments of spatial arrangements of the energy source 110 and detector 120 of the inventive imaging device 100 will now be described in more detail with respect to FIGS.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating another imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, including four energy sources 110A, 110B spatially positioned around a subject's body 210 oriented in a supine position on a tray or bed 106. A corresponding detector, omitted from this drawing for clarity, would be located behind the tray 106 below the subject's body 210. The four energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned in a generally T-shaped configuration. Three energy sources 110A are positioned on a common first arc 102 in a first plane passing through the subject's body 210. Preferably, the first plane is a transverse or horizontal plane of the subject's body 210, as shown in FIG. 4. The energy source 110B is positioned on a second arc 104 in a second plane of the subject's body 210. The central energy source 110A on the first arc 102 is also positioned on the second arc 104, and is therefore disposed in both a first and a second plane. Preferably, the second plane is a sagittal or vertical plane passing through the subject's body 210, as shown in Figure 4. A similar arrangement may be provided by corresponding detectors 120A, 120B (not shown, see e.g., Figure 5).

[0070] In this embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to acquire images using four imaging angles or perspectives through a region 230 of the subject's body 210. The imaging angles may be defined by the spatial positioning of the energy source and detector pairs around the subject's body 210. Three imaging angles may be provided in a first plane through the subject's body 210 by providing three pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A (detectors not shown) positioned on a first arc 102. Yet another imaging angle may be provided in a second plane through the subject's body 210 by providing one pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B (detectors not shown) positioned on a second arc 104. The imaging angles may be defined by an imaging or projection line connecting the energy source 110 and the detector 120. This line passes through the region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged, as shown by the imaging line (imaging beam) 116 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-12.

[0071] The three imaging angles in the first plane defined by imaging lines passing through the subject's body 210 and connecting the three pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A, 120A are preferably spaced apart by approximately 45 to 90 degrees. Preferably, the three imaging angles are spaced apart by approximately 45 to 70 degrees or approximately 70 to 90 degrees, i.e., approximately 45 to 60 degrees, approximately 60 to 70 degrees, approximately 70 to 80 degrees, or approximately 80 to 90 degrees. The spacing may be approximately 45 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, approximately 55 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 65 degrees, approximately 70 degrees, approximately 75 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 85 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is approximately 80 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the spacing may be preferably approximately 60 degrees, depending on the spatial positioning of the three pairs of energy sources and detectors in the first plane.

[0072] Each of the three energy sources 110A and three detectors 120A (not shown) in the first plane may be disposed on a respective common arc in the first plane, which may be the same common arc, i.e., the first arc 102 shown in FIG. 4. Similarly, each of the two energy sources 110A (central energy source) and 110B and two detectors 120A and 120B (not shown) in the second plane may be disposed on a respective common arc in the second plane, which may be the same common arc, i.e., the second arc 104 shown in FIG. 4. Thus, in this embodiment, and similar to FIG. 3, the subject 200 may be positioned centrally within the imaging device 100 and equidistant from each of the energy sources 110A and 110B and detectors 120A and 120B. Detectors 120A, 120B are substantially aligned with their respective energy sources 110A, 110B in this embodiment and positioned perpendicular to the imaging beams 116 generated by their respective energy sources 110A, 110B. However, detectors 120A, 120B may not be substantially aligned and may instead be angled with respect to their respective energy sources 110A, 110B, as described in connection with FIGS.

[0073] In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane such that the first and second arcs 102 and 104 are at 90 degrees relative to each other and one energy source 110B is aligned below the central energy source 110A on the second arc 104. However, in other embodiments, the second plane can be offset from the first plane by an angle ranging from about 70 to 90 degrees. Preferably, the offset angle is about 80 degrees. Thus, the energy source 110B can be tilted relative to the central energy source 110A by about 20 degrees to the left or right of a vertical or sagittal plane passing through the subject's body, or preferably by about 10 degrees to the left or right of the vertical or sagittal plane. The three energy sources 110A, 110B (and three detectors 120A, 120B, not shown) in Figure 3 may not form a strict L-shaped configuration, but instead may form an approximately L-shaped configuration due to the tilt of the energy source 110B relative to the central energy source 110A. Similarly, the four energy sources 110A, 110B (and four detectors 120A, 120B, not shown) in Figure 4 may not form a strict T-shaped configuration, but may instead form an approximately T-shaped configuration due to the tilt of the energy source 110B relative to the central energy source 110A, because the vertical line of the "T" may be tilted with respect to the horizontal line of the "T."

[0074] In other embodiments, the energy source 110B may be aligned above the central energy source 110A on the second arc 104 (not shown) in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4. With reference to FIG. 4, the energy sources 110A, 110B, and detectors (not shown) may form an inverted-T configuration. The energy source 110B in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be tilted relative to the central energy source 110A at an angle of about 20 degrees to the left or right of a vertical or sagittal plane passing through the subject's body, or preferably about 10 degrees to the left or right of a vertical or sagittal plane. Thus, the four energy sources 110 may not form a strict inverted-T configuration due to the tilt of the energy source 110B. By varying the angles of the individual energy sources 110A, 110B, and detectors 120A, 120B, various configurations may be generated, including irregular or asymmetric shapes, as described below.

[0075] Although not shown in Figure 3, three corresponding detectors would also be provided within the imaging device 100, where the three detectors would form a generally triangular or L-shaped configuration. Similarly, although not shown in Figure 4, four corresponding detectors would also be provided within the imaging device 100, where the four detectors would also form a generally T-shaped or inverted L-shaped configuration.

[0076] 3 and 4 show the second plane offset from the first plane at an angle of about 90 degrees (and preferably between about 70 and about 90 degrees), embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these angles. The second plane may be offset at an angle of about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. The second plane may be offset from the first plane at an angle of about 70 to 80 degrees or about 80 to 90 degrees. The second plane may be offset from the first plane at an angle of about 80 degrees.

[0077] The energy sources 110A on the first arc 102 may be further spaced apart, up to 180 degrees circumferentially around the subject's body 210. In an alternative arrangement, the energy sources 110A may be spaced apart more than 180 degrees, such that one energy source 110A is positioned behind the subject's body 210 and the corresponding detector 120A is positioned in front of the subject's body 210. However, the energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned closely together to provide a more compact scanner (imaging device) 100. Furthermore, the arrangement of the energy sources 110A, 110B is reflected in the corresponding arrangement of the detector 120 (not shown). Thus, the detector 120 is also ideally positioned closely together to provide a more compact scanner 100. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary energy source unit 112 and detector unit 122, as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 7, 10, and 13.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources 110 (shown as 110A and 110B) and four detectors 120 (shown as 120A and 120B), each spatially positioned in a diamond-shaped configuration around a subject's body 210, which is oriented in an upright standing position within the scanner. The imaging device 100 includes two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A and 120A and two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110B and 120B. The two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A and 120A are spatially positioned in a first plane around the subject's body 210. The first plane is preferably a transverse or horizontal plane through the subject's body 210, as shown in FIG. 5. The two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110B and 120B are spatially positioned in a second plane around the subject's body 210. The second plane is preferably a sagittal or vertical plane through the subject's body 210. As shown in Figure 5, the first and second planes intersect through a region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged, as indicated by the intersections of the imaging beams 116 between each source and detector pair.

[0079] In this embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to acquire images using four imaging angles or viewpoints through a region 230 of the subject's body 210. Two imaging angles may be provided in a first plane through the subject's body 210 by providing two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A. And two more imaging angles may be provided in a second plane through the subject's body 210 by providing two pairs of energy source and detector 110B, 120B. The imaging angles may be defined by an imaging or projection line connecting the energy source 110 and the detector 120. This line passes through the region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged, as shown by the imaging beam 116.

[0080] 5-12, which includes four energy sources and four detectors, the energy sources 110A, 110B and detectors 120A, 120B are not located on the same common arcs 102, 104 in the first and second planes, as in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. This is because the imaging apparatus 100 of Figures 3 and 4 allows the subject 200 to be centered between the energy sources 110 and the detectors 120, while the imaging apparatus 100 of Figures 5-12 is configured to accommodate the subject 200 between the energy sources 110 and the detectors 120 at a position closer to the detectors 120 than the energy sources 110.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 5-12, a pair of energy sources 110A may be disposed on a first arc 102, and a pair of energy sources 110B may be disposed on a second arc 104. However, a corresponding pair of detectors 120A, 120B may be disposed on a common arc different from the first and second arcs 102, 104. This is best seen in the embodiment of FIG. 9, which shows a plan view of the arrangement of the imaging device 100 of FIG. 7. A pair of detectors 120A may be disposed on a common arc 103, and a pair of detectors 120B may be disposed on another common arc (not shown). When the energy sources 110A, 110B and the detectors 120A, 120B are disposed on different common arcs, the length of the common arcs 102, 104 on which the energy sources are disposed is preferably longer than the length of the common arcs on which the detectors are disposed (see arc 103, the other common arcs are not shown). 5-12, the subject 200 may be positioned closer to the detectors 120A, 120B than the energy sources 110A, 110B in the imaging device 100. This will be described in more detail in connection with FIGS.

[0082] In particular, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and in view of the embodiments of the invention described herein, the energy source and detector may not necessarily be disposed on a common arc 102, 104 in the first and second planes, and may optionally not be aligned in the first and second planes around the subject's body 210.

[0083] 5, two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A in a first plane provide imaging angles that are circumferentially spaced apart by an angle of about 80 degrees. Furthermore, as shown, two pairs of energy source and detector 110B, 120B in a second plane provide imaging angles that are circumferentially spaced apart by an angle of about 60 degrees.

[0084] 5 illustrates a diamond-shaped configuration of energy sources 110A, 110B and detectors 120A, 120B, where the diamond is in the form of a sum or "+" sign centered on a region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged at the intersection of the first and second planes. The imaging beams 116 generated by energy sources 110A, 110B intersect through an intersection region 142, which may include one intersection point P (see also FIGS. 9 and 12). The intersection region 142 of the imaging device 100 will correspond to the region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged. The location of intersection region 142 and intersection point P depends on the spatial arrangement of energy sources 110A, 110B and detectors 120A, 120B, which can be selected based on the desired positioning of the subject 200 in the imaging device 100, as described with respect to FIGS. 9-12.

[0085] The first plane may be a horizontal or transverse plane, and the second plane may be in a vertical or sagittal plane of the subject's body 210 positioned in the upright standing position shown in FIG. 5. The energy source 110A may be circumferentially spaced approximately 40 degrees to the left or right of the intersection of the first arc 102 with the second arc 104. Still further, the energy source 110B may be circumferentially spaced approximately 30 degrees above or below the intersection of the second arc 104 with the first arc 102. Similar circumferential spacing may be provided for the detectors 120A, 120B on their respective common arcs in the first and second planes (see, e.g., the common arc 103 for detector 120A in FIGS. 9 and 12).

[0086] While FIG. 5 illustrates imaging angles or angles between viewpoints provided by energy source and detector pairs of approximately 60 and 80 degrees, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these angles, nor are they limited to providing circumferential spacing on an arc within a plane. The imaging angles may be further spaced circumferentially around the subject's body 210, up to 180 degrees. However, the energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned closer together to provide a more compact scanner 100. Furthermore, the configuration of the energy sources 110A, 110B is reflected in the corresponding arrangement of the detectors 120A, 120B, as shown by the imaging beam 116 passing through region 230. Thus, the detectors 120A, 120B are ideally positioned closer together to provide a more compact scanner 100. This is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary energy source unit 112 and detector unit 122, as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 7, 10, and 13.

[0087] In some embodiments, the imaging angles provided by the pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A in the first plane may be spaced apart by approximately 45-90 degrees, preferably approximately 80 degrees in the diamond-shaped configuration shown in Figure 5. Although not shown, various other configurations of energy sources and detectors may be provided, such as rectangular configurations with additional energy sources and detectors, or elliptical or oval configurations. Furthermore, irregularly shaped configurations may also be provided.

[0088] In the diamond-shaped configuration of Figure 5, the two imaging angles provided by the pair of energy source and detector 110A, 120A may be spaced apart in a first plane by about 45-70 degrees or about 70-90 degrees, i.e., about 45-60 degrees, about 60-70 degrees, about 70-80 degrees, or about 80-90 degrees. The spacing may be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. Preferably, however, the spacing is about 80 degrees for the diamond-shaped configuration as shown in Figure 5.

[0089] Furthermore, the two imaging angles provided by the energy source and detector pair 110B, 120B are spaced apart in the second plane by a distance in the range of about 45-70 degrees. Preferably, the distance is in the range of about 45-60 degrees or about 60-70 degrees. The distance can be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, or about 70 degrees. Preferably, the distance is about 60 degrees for the diamond-shaped configuration, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0090] 6 is a perspective view of another imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing four energy sources 110 (designated as 110A and 110B) and four detectors 120 (designated as 120A and 120B) each spatially positioned in a square configuration around a subject's body 210, which is oriented in an upright standing position within the scanner 100. Two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A and 120A are spatially positioned around the subject's body 210 in a first plane, and two pairs of energy sources and detectors 110B and 120B are spatially positioned around the subject's body 210 in a second plane. The first and second planes are tilted with respect to a sagittal or vertical plane of the subject's body 210. The second plane is offset at an angle of 54 degrees from the first plane, as shown between the energy sources 110A and 110B near the subject's feet.

[0091] With respect to the square configuration of Figure 6, four imaging angles may be provided by pairs of energy sources and detectors 110A, 110B and 120A, 120B spaced apart in the first and second planes as shown, in a range of about 45-70 degrees, preferably about 54 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is in a range of about 45-60 degrees or about 60-70 degrees. The spacing may be about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, or about 70 degrees. Preferably, the spacing is about 60 degrees, more preferably about 54 degrees in the square configuration as shown in Figure 6.

[0092] 7-9, another imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, illustrating four energy sources 110 (shown as 110A and 110B) positioned within an exemplary energy source unit 112 of the imaging device 100 and four detectors 120 (shown as 120A and 120B) positioned within an exemplary detector unit 122. The energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 are shown in dashed lines to indicate only exemplary embodiments of the shape and location of these units in the scanner 100. Each of the four energy sources 110 and the four detectors 120 are spatially positioned around the subject's body 210 in a diamond-shaped configuration, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 5. However, here, the subject's body 210 is oriented in an upright seated position within the scanner 100, which includes a seat or chair 124 as part of the detector unit 122. FIG. 8 shows the same imaging device 100 as FIG. 7, but excluding the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 for clarity. The imaging angles and / or angles between the energy sources 110 and / or between the detectors 120 may be substantially similar to those of the diamond-shaped configuration described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.

[0093] 7 , the imaging device 100 is configured to accommodate a subject 200 in an upright orientation between the energy source 110 and the detector 120. The subject 200 may be positioned on a seat 124 of the detector unit 122 for image acquisition. In an alternative embodiment, the seat 124 may be omitted, and a healthy subject 200 may walk into the scanner 100 and position themselves in an upright position between the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 for image acquisition. In some embodiments, the energy source 110 is spaced approximately 1200 mm from the patient's spine, while the detector 120 is spaced approximately 400 mm from the patient's spine. This provides a gap of at least 1000 mm between the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122, sufficient for the subject 200 to walk into and / or be positioned in the scanner 100.

[0094] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the imaging device 100 of FIG. 7 , with the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 removed for clarity. FIG. 9 shows that the imaging beams 116 generated by the energy sources 110A, 110B intersect through an intersection region 142 that may include a single intersection point P. The intersection region 142 of the imaging device 100 will correspond to a region 230 of the subject's body 210 being imaged. The intersection point P is not equidistant from each of the energy sources 110A, 110B and the detectors 120A, 120B. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-12 (compared to FIGS. 3 and 4, where the intersection point P is equidistant from the energy sources and detectors), the intersection point P is located closer to the detectors 120A, 120B than to the energy sources 110A, 110B. The R from the intersection point P to the common arc 103 on which the pair of detectors 120A is located is shown. D The radius of curvature indicated by R is approximately 400 mm, and more specifically, may be approximately 410 mm. S The radius of curvature indicated by can be approximately 1200 mm.

[0095] An advantageous effect of having the intersection region 142, and more specifically, the intersection point P, closer to the detectors 120A, 120B than the energy sources 110A, 110B, is that it reduces exaggeration in the images acquired by the imaging device 100. Exaggeration occurs when the energy sources 110A, 110B are positioned too close to the region being imaged, e.g., region 230 of the subject 200, and the captured image exaggerates the size and dimensions of the structure. In embodiments of the present invention, it may be desirable to reduce exaggeration to provide a more accurate representation of the region 230 being imaged. Positioning region 230 closer to the detectors 120A, 120B makes it less exaggerated, and therefore the anterior-posterior (PA) projection beam view allows for a more accurate representation of the region 230 being imaged, particularly the heart or lungs of the subject 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the radius of curvature R S and R D is the radius R S is the radius R DIt should be understood that although it is still preferable that the value be larger than 1 / 2, this can be varied appropriately depending on the size of the imaging device 100.

[0096] 10-12 illustrate another imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, having a similar arrangement to that of FIGS. 7-9, except that two detectors 120B are tilted relative to their respective energy sources 110B. The two detectors 120B indirectly face their respective energy sources 110B and are tilted such that the imaging beams 116 generated by the energy sources 110B are not substantially perpendicular to the detectors 120B. Like the detector 120A and their respective energy sources 110A, the two detectors 120B are tilted toward their respective energy sources 110B, but the two detectors 120B are in a common plane and oriented vertically relative to each other. More specifically, the two detectors 120B are positioned one above the other within the imaging device 100.

[0097] 12 , the energy source 110A is disposed on a first arc 102 in a first plane through the subject's body 210, the energy source 110B is disposed on a second arc 104 in a second plane through the subject's body 210, and the detector 120A is disposed on a different arc 103 in the second plane through the subject's body 210. Two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A are disposed in the first plane, and two pairs of energy source and detector 110B, 120B are disposed in the second plane, but the detector 120B is not disposed on a common arc in the second plane.

[0098] An advantageous effect of the alternative arrangement of Figures 10-12 is that the two coplanar detectors 120B allow the imaging device 100 to be more compact. Therefore, the detector unit 122 can be narrower because the vertically oriented detectors 120B, which are not aligned on a common arc, are narrower than the arrangements of Figures 7-9. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide an imaging device that is smaller and more compact yet capable of acquiring multiple images at different angles through the subject's body 210. In another embodiment (not shown), the two detectors 120A may be tilted relative to their respective energy sources 110A. The two detectors 120A may indirectly face their respective energy sources 110A and may be tilted such that the imaging beam 116 generated by the energy sources 110A is not substantially perpendicular to the detectors 120A. The two detectors 120A may be coplanar and oriented horizontally relative to each other. In some embodiments (not shown), all of the detectors 120A, 120B may be coplanar with respect to each other while acquiring images while remaining tilted toward their respective energy sources 110A, 110B. This advantageously further reduces the width of the detector units 122, thereby providing a more compact and smaller imaging device 100.

[0099] Advantageously, the configuration of the energy source 110 and detector 120 within the imaging device 100 of the invention allows for the production of a compact device that will acquire multiple images simultaneously or substantially simultaneously without requiring moving parts (such as a C-arm or ring in a standard CT scanner) during acquisition. Unlike standard CT scanners, the energy source 110 and detector 120 remain stationary during scanning and are fixed in position within the imaging device 100. The configuration of the energy source 110 and detector 120 may also provide for tight positioning of components through the various arrangements described herein, allowing for more efficient use of three-dimensional space within the scanner body. This is because the energy source 110 and detector 120 occupy less overall space than, for example, the system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

[0100] In the embodiments described herein, all of the energy sources 110 may be located on one side of the imaging device 100, such as in front of the subject's body 210, and all of the detectors 120 may be located on the opposite side of the imaging device 100, such as behind the subject's body 210, as shown in FIGS. 7-12. As shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 13, the energy sources 110 may be located all in a first housing, designated as energy source unit 112, and the detectors 120 may be located all in a second housing, designated as detector unit 122. This allows the energy sources 110 and detectors 120 to extend circumferentially around the subject 200 at an angle substantially less than 180 degrees, such as only about 45-90 degrees, to provide an imaging angle in a first plane (see FIGS. 5-12), so that there is more space between the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 for the subject 200 to enter and exit the scanner 100.

[0101] Thus, the imaging device 100 of the invention not only provides a more compact scanner without moving parts for acquisition, but also allows the subject 200 to be easily positioned within the scanner, such as by walking between the energy source unit 112 and the detector unit 122 and being positioned in an upright seated or standing position within the scanner. This advantageously enables the use of the imaging device 100 with various patient populations, including young children, the elderly, and patients with speech, hearing, or cognitive impairments, who may not be easily scanned due to positioning issues within conventional scanners and / or an inability to follow instructions for the scan to be completed.

[0102] In the context of dynamic in vivo imaging of the lungs, the most valuable images involve individual lungs separated on the image with minimal bony obstruction. Therefore, the most valuable imaging angle is in the sagittal or vertical plane through the subject's body, since the lungs are separated by the spinal column. As the imaging angle increases relative to the patient's spinal axis, the lungs begin to overlap at approximately 40 degrees, and as the angle increases further, the patient's spine and arms may also be included in the image. Therefore, there is a necessary balance between having images of sufficient field of view or perspective with adequate separation to reconstruct those images and show dynamic lung function. The inventors have discovered that by providing at least one energy source and at least one detector on a different plane from the remaining energy sources and detectors, the energy sources and detectors within the scanner can be positioned close to each other. This advantageously reduces the space required while still allowing images of sufficient perspective to be acquired for dynamic in vivo imaging.

[0103] 13 shows a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary energy source unit 112 and detector unit 122 of an imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The detector unit 122 and energy source unit 112 are shown with dashed lines to indicate an exemplary arrangement of components and systems of the imaging device 100, which may vary as would be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, the XV processing unit 186 (optionally provided in the detector unit 122) may be located in the energy source unit 112. Alternatively, the XV processing unit 186 may not be included in the imaging device 100, but may be provided via a cloud-based server having an XV processing application for off-board processing of image data. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control system 152, safety system 182, output device 117, and communication system 188 of the energy source unit 112 may be located in the detector unit 122.

[0104] The processor 150 and XV processing unit 186 of FIG. 13 used to implement certain steps of the method 300 (see FIG. 14 ) of an embodiment of the present invention and executed in the function of the imaging device 100 may include a microprocessor configured to receive data from components of the device 100 or a computing server, such as via a wireless or wired connection (not shown). The controller 140 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or an embedded PCB (not shown). The controller 140 may include or store multiple predefined protocols or steps in non-volatile memory, such as a hard drive. The protocols may be programmable or predefined by an operator of the imaging device 100 to implement multiple steps for the method 300 executed by the processors 150 and 186. Additionally / alternatively, the controller 140 and the processors 150 and 186 may include any other suitable processor or controller device known to those skilled in the art. The steps performed by processors 150 and 186 may be implemented in various ways through controller 140 and further in software, firmware and / or hardware, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0105] FIG. 13 also omits, for simplicity, some additional components and systems that would otherwise be part of imaging device 100. For example, imaging device 100 may include one or more memory devices (not shown) for storing various types of data, including image data and previously acquired patient data, as well as software instructions for executing image acquisition and processing workflows and XV processing, as described in more detail below. The schematic diagram of FIG. 13 also omits, for simplicity, some of the internal bus lines between various components and systems. The omitted aspects would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, who could readily provide the omitted software, firmware, and / or hardware.

[0106] The energy source unit 112 includes one or more energy sources 110 (ideally, at least three energy sources, shown as 110A and 110B) powered by one or more power generators 114 that form part of a power supply 184 for the imaging device 100. A control system 152 having a controller 140 and a processor 150 may be configured to operate the energy sources 110 and the detectors 120 of the detector unit 122 to scan a region 230 of the subject's body 210. The energy source unit 112 may also include a safety system 182 in communication with the control system 152. The safety system 182 may include an emergency stop 180 in the form of a software or hardware component of the imaging device 100. The emergency stop 180 is located on a surface of the energy source unit 112 adjacent to the subject 200 (not shown). The emergency stop 180 may include an actuator, such as a push-button or switch, for powering off the imaging device 100 in an emergency. When the emergency stop 180 is activated, the controller 140 of the control system 152 may be operable to stop image acquisition via the energy source 110 and, optionally, to directly turn off power to the imaging device 100 via the power supply 184 (not shown) to prevent inadvertent generation of radiation or energy.

[0107] The energy source unit 112 may also include an output device 117, which may include a display 118 and a speaker 119, as shown in FIG. 13 . The display 118 may be disposed on a surface of the energy source unit 112 (not shown) in the line of sight of the subject when positioned within the scanner 100. Although not shown, the imaging apparatus 100 may also include a speaker 119 positioned on the energy source unit 112 and / or the detector unit 122. The output device 117 is provided so that communications can be transmitted between the subject 200 and / or operator and the imaging apparatus 100 via the communication system 188. For example, the control system 152, via the processor 150, may output instructions to the subject 200 and / or operator via the output device 117.

[0108] 13, the detector unit 122 includes one or more detectors 120 (preferably at least three detectors 120A, 120B) operable by a controller 140 of a control system 152 to acquire a time series of in-vivo images of a region 230 of a subject's body 210. The acquired images may be used as input to an XV processing unit 186, as described above, to generate an XV three-dimensional motion field of the region 230 of the subject's body 210, such as the lungs or heart. The XV processing unit 186 may alternatively be provided off-board via a server or cloud-based system in some embodiments.

[0109] 14 shows a method 300 for acquiring a time series of in-vivo images of a region 230 of a subject's body 210, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method 300 includes a step 302 of providing an imaging device 100 including at least three energy sources (shown as 110A, 110B) and at least three detectors 120 (shown as 120A, 120B) for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources 110 passing through the region 230 of the subject's body 210, the detectors 120 being located between the energy sources 110 and the detectors 120. The imaging device 100 also includes a controller 140 configured to operate the at least three energy sources 110 and the at least three detectors 120 to acquire the time series of in-vivo images of the region 230 of the subject's body 210. The method also includes a step 306 of operating the controller 140 to acquire the time series of in-vivo images of the region 230 of the subject's body 210.

[0110] The imaging device 100 may include one or more features described herein and associated with the embodiments of Figures 3-13. The imaging device 100 includes at least two pairs of energy source and detector 110A, 120A spatially positioned about the subject's body 210 in a first plane and at least one pair of energy source and detector 110B, 120B spatially positioned about the subject's body 210 in a second plane. The first and second planes intersect through a region 230 of the subject's body to be imaged.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 14 , method 300 optionally includes step 304 of positioning subject 200 in imaging device 100 in an upright orientation between energy source 110 and detector 120 before operating controller 140 to acquire an image. For example, subject 200 may be positioned in an upright standing position, as shown in the embodiments of imaging device 100 in FIGS. 5 and 6 . Alternatively, subject 200 may be positioned in an upright seated position within imaging device 100, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-12 . For healthy patients (subjects) 200, they may simply walk into the space between energy source 110 and detector 120 and seat in seat 124, or position themselves in an upright or upright position for image acquisition. For wheelchair-bound or limited mobility patients, an operator may assist with transfer to seat 124, or a wheelchair with a radiolucent backrest may be provided and positioned within scanner 100. After this step is completed, the operator or communication system 188 can advise the subject 200 of the estimated duration of the scan.

[0112] 14 , the method 300 may also include two optional steps 308 and 310. The method 300 may include operating the controller 140 to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquire time-series in-vivo images of the region 230 of the subject's body 210 from each of the detectors 120. The controller 140 is configured to acquire at least three time-series in-vivo images of the region 230 of the subject's body 210. However, in some embodiments in which the imaging device 100 includes four energy sources 110 and four detectors 120, the controller is configured to acquire four time-series in-vivo images of the region 230 of the subject's body 210.

[0113] Multiple time series of images are advantageously acquired by the imaging device 100 and method 300 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously over a portion or entire breath of the subject 200. Preferably, the time series of images are acquired over a complete breath of the subject 200. Acquiring multiple time series of a single breath (from different angles) rather than a single time series of multiple breaths (from different angles) eliminates the requirement that the subject 200 maintain consistent breathing over the multiple breaths. The controller 140 may operate each energy source 110 and corresponding detector 120 to acquire images simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Rather than operating the energy source 110 and corresponding detector 120 simultaneously, it may be preferable to acquire images sequentially with a small timing offset for the operation of the energy source / detector pair. This may advantageously reduce x-ray backscatter and result in improved image quality. The processor 150 may be configured to correct for timing differences between acquired time series of images when processing the data. Advantageously, for imaging devices 100 employing the use of X-rays, this reduces the radiation dose since all of the energy sources 110 and corresponding detectors 120 can be operated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously by the controller 140 for a short period of time to acquire an image.

[0114] By capturing images of a single breath simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the inventive device 100 reduces radiation dose and scan duration because fewer separate images need to be captured, with all images acquired within one breath, typically taking approximately four seconds. In comparison, older hardware, such as fluoroscopes, requires repositioning the system and scanning four separate breaths for each image, resulting in scans that require longer times and contain inaccuracies due to measurements taken across four different breaths. Capturing a complete breath simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, rather than four separate breaths, reduces radiation dose, shortens scan time, and advantageously enables use of the imaging device 100 by younger patients, such as children over the age of three, as well as older patients, by eliminating the requirement that the patient 200 maintain consistent breathing across multiple breaths.

[0115] Once the scan is complete after step 308, the image data may be uploaded to the XV processing unit 186, which may be located on-board the imaging device 100 or accessed via a cloud-based server and XV processing application. This step 310 may be initiated in response to an action taken by an operator, or the processor 150 may be configured to automatically upload the image data once the scan is complete. As shown in FIG. 14 , the method 300 may also include step 310 of reconstructing a three-dimensional motion field of the region 230 of the subject's body 210 based on the time series of images acquired from the detector 120 in step 308, using the processor 150, the XV processing unit 186 (see FIG. 13 ), or an off-board XV processing application. This may employ the XV processing techniques described in the aforementioned WO 2011 / 032210 and WO 2015 / 157799, which are incorporated herein by reference. The processor 150 may generate three-dimensional (i.e., three spatial dimensions) motion measurements (e.g., displacement or velocity measurements) of the imaged region 230 over time (which would be a four-dimensional measurement, i.e., three spatial dimensions plus time). Furthermore, the three-dimensional motion measurements may have either one component of velocity (3D1C), two components of velocity (3D2C), or preferably three components of velocity (3D3C). Advantageously, the energy source 110 and detector 120 do not need to rotate around the subject's body 210 to acquire multiple images from different angles, as in existing CT scanners. Beneficially, the energy source 110 and detector 120 remain stationary throughout the imaging process, and images from a sufficient number of angles or perspectives can be acquired through the inventive arrangement of the energy source 110 and detector 120 as described herein. This further reduces the x-ray dose for imaging devices 100 employing x-rays, since fewer independent images need to be taken and shorter scan durations are required.

[0116] Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously provide an imaging apparatus 100 and imaging method 300 that utilizes an inventive arrangement of energy sources and detectors to acquire multiple images simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (potentially with a short timing offset) without requiring the movement of components such as the ring or C-arm of an existing CT scanner during acquisition. The inventive arrangement may provide a compact imaging apparatus 100 because the energy source and detector units can be positioned close to each other rather than spaced apart at least 180 degrees or a full 360-degree rotation around the subject's body 210, as in the system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , thereby reducing the size of the energy source and detector units. By capturing images simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, embodiments of the inventive apparatus 100 and imaging method 300 may reduce radiation dose because fewer independent images need to be captured, requiring shorter scan durations. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 and imaging method 300 may still acquire images suitable for use with XV techniques and for generating a three-dimensional motion field of the imaged region 230, so image quality is not compromised.

[0117] Embodiments of the imaging device 100 and imaging method 300 may be advantageously used with younger patients, such as those over the age of three, by reducing radiation dose and scan time. Embodiments of the inventive imaging device 100 and imaging method 300 may also facilitate use by younger infants, the elderly, and patients with reduced mobility by providing a walk-in scanner that allows for scanning of the patient 200 in a seated or upright position. Positioning the patient 200 in the scanner 100 in an anatomically preferred orientation for scanning, i.e., allowing the patient 200 to sit or stand upright, also allows the patient 200 to breathe normally during image acquisition, improving image quality and assessment of organ structure and function, particularly the subject's 200 lungs.

[0118] Various modifications, additions and / or substitutions may be made to the parts described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims that follow.

[0119] Any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising", when used in this specification (including the claims), should be interpreted as specifying the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components and not as excluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

[0120] It should be understood that the following claims are provided by way of example only and not as limiting the scope of what may be claimed in any future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the claims at a later date so as to further define or redefine the invention or inventions.

Claims

1. An imaging device for acquiring time-series dynamic in-vivo images of a predetermined region of a subject's body, comprising: At least three energy sources; at least three detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body located between the energy sources and the detectors, at least two pairs of energy source and detector are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane and at least one pair of energy source and detector are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane, the first and second planes intersecting through the region of the subject's body to be imaged; a controller configured to operate the energy source and the detector to acquire at least three time series of dynamic in-vivo images of the region of the subject's body from the energy source and the detector; An imaging device comprising:

2. 2. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to acquire the images using at least three imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, at least two imaging angles being provided in the first plane through the subject's body and at least one imaging angle being provided in the second plane through the subject's body.

3. The imaging device of claim 2 , wherein the at least two imaging angles in the first plane are spaced apart in a range of 45 to 90 degrees.

4. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the detectors is tilted relative to each of the energy sources.

5. 5. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the detectors is substantially aligned with each of the energy sources.

6. 6. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two energy sources and the at least two detectors in the first plane is positioned on a respective common arc in the first plane passing through the body of the subject.

7. 7. The imaging device of claim 1, comprising at least four energy sources and at least four detectors, wherein at least three pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned in the first plane and at least one pair of energy sources and detectors is spatially positioned in the second plane.

8. 8. The imaging device of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to acquire the images using at least four imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, at least three imaging angles being provided in the first plane through the subject's body and at least one imaging angle being provided in the second plane through the subject's body.

9. The imaging device of claim 8 , wherein the at least three imaging angles in the first plane are spaced apart from one another by a range of 45 to 90 degrees.

10. 10. The imaging device of claim 7, wherein each of the at least three energy sources and the at least three detectors in the first plane is positioned on a respective common arc in the first plane passing through the body of the subject.

11. 11. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein at least one energy source and detector pair is arranged in both the first and second planes.

12. 7. The imaging device of claim 1, comprising at least four energy sources and at least four detectors, wherein at least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned in the first plane and at least two pairs of energy sources and detectors are spatially positioned in the second plane.

13. 13. The imaging device of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to acquire the images using at least four imaging angles through the region of the subject's body, at least two imaging angles being provided in the first plane through the subject's body and at least two imaging angles being provided in the second plane through the subject's body.

14. The imaging device of claim 13 , wherein the at least two imaging angles in the second plane are spaced apart in a range of 45 to 70 degrees.

15. 15. The imaging device of claim 12, wherein at least two of the detectors are tilted relative to the respective energy source and at least two of the detectors are substantially aligned relative to the respective energy source.

16. 15. The imaging device of claim 12, wherein each of the at least two energy sources and the at least two detectors in the second plane is arranged on a respective common arc in the second plane.

17. 17. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the second plane is offset from the first plane by an angle of between 70 and 90 degrees.

18. 18. The imaging device of claim 17, wherein the first plane is a transverse plane through the subject's body and the second plane is a sagittal plane through the subject's body.

19. 19. The imaging device of claim 1, configured to accommodate the subject in an upright orientation between the energy source and the detector.

20. The imaging device according to claim 1 , configured to accommodate the subject between the energy source and the detector at a position closer to the detector than the energy source.

21. 21. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to operate the energy source and the detectors to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquire time-series dynamic in-vivo images of the region of the subject's body from each of the detectors.

22. 22. The imaging device of claim 21, further comprising a processor configured to reconstruct a three-dimensional motion field based on the time series of images acquired from each of the detectors.

23. 23. The imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 22 configured for use in one or more of X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

24. 24. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the region of the subject's body to be imaged includes at least a portion of the subject's lungs, and the time series of images are acquired while the subject is breathing.

25. 1. A method for acquiring a time series of dynamic in-vivo images of a predetermined region of a subject's body, comprising: Providing an imaging device, At least three energy sources; at least three detectors for detecting energy from the at least three energy sources passing through the region of the subject's body located between the energy sources and the detectors, at least two pairs of energy source and detector are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a first plane and at least one pair of energy source and detector are spatially positioned around the subject's body in a second plane, the first and second planes intersecting through the region of the subject's body to be imaged; a controller configured to operate the energy source and the detector to acquire at least three time series of dynamic in-vivo images of the region of the subject's body; providing an imaging device comprising: operating the controller to acquire at least three of the time series of dynamic in-vivo images of the region of the subject's body; A method comprising:

26. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising operating the controller to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acquire a time series of dynamic in-vivo images of the region of the subject's body from each of the detectors.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising using a processor to reconstruct a three-dimensional motion field based on the time series of images acquired from each of the detectors.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, further comprising positioning the subject in the imaging device in an upright orientation between the energy source and the detector before operating the controller to acquire the image.

29. 29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the imaging device is configured for use in one or more of X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

30. 30. The method of any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the region of the subject's body to be imaged includes at least a portion of the subject's lungs.

31. An imaging device described in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein at least three of the time-series dynamic in vivo images of the region of the subject are acquired while the energy source and the detector remain stationary.

32. A method described in any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein at least three of the time-series dynamic in vivo images of the region of the subject are acquired while the energy source and the detector remain stationary.

Images