Tomosynthesis system for breast imaging

Abstract

The invention includes both systems and methods for tomosynthesis x-ray imaging. An x-ray source is moved at various positions in an arc around an object, e.g., a breast, to illuminate a stationary digital detector (or its equivalent) placed at an image plane behind the object. A digital image data processor collects data from the detector and a motion controller moves the source around the object. As the source moves along the arc, the detector generates, for a succession of points along the arc, a corresponding succession of image data sets, each set being representative of the intensity of x-rays incident on the detector for the then current position of the source. The image data processor is responsive to the image data sets to generate an output image signal representative of the x-ray absorption of points within the object region. The processor transforms the image plane data to a form corresponding to that which would have been generated had the x-ray source moved in a linear motion in a source plane parallel to the image plane, rather than an arc. The resultant image data thus corresponds in form to that produced by a conventional linear motion, e.g., Twinning-type, system, so that conventional techniques and equipment may be used to produce a final representation of the x-ray absorption of the object region.