Apparatus and method for tomosynthesis image acquisition

Abstract

A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an X-ray source to a target object while the X-ray source travels along a first path and moving an X-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the X-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the X-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the X-ray source is concealed from the target object.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for X-ray image acquisition, comprising:
 selectively concealing and exposing an X-ray source to a target object while the X-ray source travels along a first path;   moving an X-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the X-ray source is exposed to the target object, and   moving the X-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the X-ray source is concealed from the target object.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising moving the X-ray detector along the second path at an opposite linear velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is exposed to the target object, and moving the X-ray detector along the second path at a same linear velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is concealed from the target object. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first path is generally arcuate about an axis that is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising moving the X-ray detector about the axis at a same angular velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is exposed to the target object, and moving the X-ray detector about the axis at an opposite angular velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is concealed from the target object. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 assessing at least one spacing among multiple images of a point of interest on the X-ray detector; and   locating the point of interest at a height above the X-ray detector, based on the at least one assessed spacing.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second path includes at least one side stepping movement. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the side stepping movements correspond to when the X-ray source is concealed from the target object. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the selective concealing and exposing an X-ray source to a target object, while the X-ray source travels along the first path, occurs in a plurality of respective first and second intervals. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for X-ray image acquisition, comprising:
 an X-ray source moveable about a first path with reference to a target object;   an X-ray detector moveable about a second path with reference to the target object; and   a controller configured to selectively expose the X-ray source to the target object and conceal the X-ray source from the target object while the X-ray source is travelling about the first path, and move the X-ray detector along the second path in a first direction while the X-ray source is exposed, and in a second direction, generally opposite to the first, when the X-ray source is concealed.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first path is generally arcuate about an axis that is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second path is generally linear and the first direction is generally contrary to the movement of the X-ray source, while the second direction is generally aligned with the movement of the X-ray source. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the second path is generally arcuate about the same axis of the first path, moving the X-ray detector along the second path at a same angular velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is exposed, and moving the X-ray detector along the second path at an opposite angular velocity as the X-ray source when the X-ray source is concealed. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is further configured to assess at least one spacing among multiple images of a point of interest on the X-ray detector, and to locate the point of interest at a height above the X-ray detector, based on the at least one assessed spacing. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second path fits into a smaller lateral envelope than does the first path. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second path includes one or more side stepping movements. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the side stepping movements correspond to when the X-ray source is concealed. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is housed within a stand supporting the X-ray source, the target receptacle, and the X-ray detector. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller incorporates a mechanism for coordinating the movements of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector along their respective first and second paths. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller incorporates a processor that is programmed to coordinate the movements of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector along their respective first and second paths. 
     
     
         20 . An article, comprising:
 computer-readable media encoded with image data that was obtained from an X-ray detector during a process that includes selectively exposing an X-ray source to a target object and concealing the X-ray source from the target object while the X-ray source travels along a first path at one side of the target object, and concurrently moving the X-ray detector along a second path at the opposite side of the target object, wherein the X-ray detector was moved in a first direction while the X-ray source was exposed, and in a second direction, generally opposite to the first, while the X-ray source was concealed.