Apparatus and method for removing scatter from an x-ray image

Abstract

Apparatus and method for eliminating scatter effects in x-ray imaging using two-dimensional detector arrays. The apparatus consists of, in physical order, an x-ray source, a front two-dimensional x-ray detector, a beam selector, and a rear two-dimensional x-ray detector. The subject is located between the x-ray source and front detector. The beam selector prevents scatter x-rays from reaching the rear detector. The method simultaneously solves the two interdependent problems of obtaining scatter-free x-ray images and conducting dual-energy x-ray imaging with primary x-ray data. A high-resolution composite image containing primary and scatter x-ray components is read from the front detector. A low-resolution composite image is produced from the high-resolution composite image. A pair of low-resolution primary x-ray dual-energy images is read from the rear detector. Using an improved dual-energy data decomposition method, a low-resolution primary x-ray front detector image is calculated. A low-resolution scatter x-ray image is determined by subtracting the low-resolution primary x-ray front detector image from the low-resolution composite image. The low-resolution scatter x-ray image is interpolated to a high-resolution scatter x-ray image and subtracted from the high-resolution composite image to produce a high-resolution primary x-ray image.