Apparatus and method to correct for position errors in diagnostic imaging

Abstract

An x-ray source ( ) transmits a beam of x-rays through an examination region (E). A receiver ( ), in an initial spatial orientation relative to the source ( ), receives the beam and generates a view of image data indicative of the intensity of the beam received. A sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects motion in a selected portion of a mechanical structure (M) supporting the source ( ) and the receiver ( ). Upon detection of motion, the sensor generates a motion signal. In one embodiment, a first accelerometer ( ) is associated with the receiver ( ) and a second accelerometer ( ) is associated with the source ( ). A position calculator ( ) mathematically calculates a position of both the source and receiver based on the acceleration data generated by the accelerometers. An image reconstruction processor, ( ) receives the relative position data, electronically corrects for any misalignment or change in beam travel distance, and reconstructs the views into a volumetric image representation. In another embodiment, a sensor ( ) detects motion of a mechanical structure (M ) and provides a motion signal to a processor ( ). The processor ( ) compares the detected motion with a database loaded with an empirically determined vibration model. Based on this comparison, the processor ( ) then generates a cancellation signal, which controls an electromechanical actuator ( ) to impart an offsetting force or motion to the mechanical structure (M ).