Generating an image sequence
A method generates an image sequence using a tomosynthesis system. The image sequence represents an object under examination in rotating fashion. In a first step at least two projection data sets for the object under examination are captured. These have been acquired using different X-ray spectra in each case and from a plurality of acquisition angles in each case. In a further step at least one combination data set is calculated on the basis of the projection data sets. Subsequently in a further step the image sequence is calculated on the basis of the combination data set. An image sequence generating apparatus and a tomosynthesis system perform this described method.
1. A method for generating an image sequence using a tomosynthesis system, which comprises the steps of:
capturing at least two projection data sets for an object under examination, the two projection data sets being acquired using different X ray spectra in each case and from a plurality of acquisition angles in each case;
calculating at least one combination data set on a basis of the projection data sets;
calculating the image sequence, on a basis of the combination data set, for a slice image subregion being a volume region of interest in which a change in the tissue is suspected;
arranging images of the image sequence in an order such that successively displaying the images of the image sequence in the order reproduces a rotating representation of the object under examination; and
restricting the method to the volume region of interest in advance to thereby economize computing power or accelerate calculations.
2. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises calculating the combination data set directly from at least one part of the projection data sets.
3. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises:
reconstructing an auxiliary image data set in each case from the projection data sets;
combining the auxiliary image data sets to form an auxiliary combination data set; and
calculating the combination data set on a basis of the auxiliary combination data set.
4. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises:
reconstructing an auxiliary image data set in each case from the projection data sets;
combining the auxiliary image data sets to form an auxiliary combination data set;
calculating the combination data set being a first combination data set on a basis of the auxiliary combination data set;
calculating a second combination data set directly from at least one part of the projection data sets;
combining the first combination data set and the second combination data set to form a third combination data set; and
performing a calculation of the image sequence on a basis of the third combination data set.
5. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises capturing at least one of the projection data sets after administration of a contrast agent.
6. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises performing a calculation of the combination data set with an aid of a weighted subtraction.
7. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises displaying the image sequence on a user terminal.
8. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises capturing a low-energy projection data set and a high-energy projection data set as the projection data sets.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the order is based on successive angular positions.
10. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises displaying the images of the image sequence in the order to display the rotating representation of the object under examination.
11. An image sequence generating apparatus, comprising:
a computer configured for generating an image sequence representing an object under examination;
said computer being configured to capture at least two projection data sets for the object under examination which have been acquired by using different X ray spectra in each case and from a plurality of acquisition angles in each case;
said computer being configured to calculate at least one combination data set on a basis of the projection data sets, and said computer being configured to calculate the image sequence, on a basis of the combination data set, for a slice image subregion being a volume region of interest in which a change in the tissue is suspected, wherein the volume region of interest is defined in advance to thereby economize computing power or accelerate calculations;
said computer being configured to arrange images of the image sequence in an order such that successively displaying the images of the image sequence in the order reproduces a rotating representation of the object under examination.
12. A tomosynthesis system, comprising:
a tomosynthesis device; and
a computer configured for generating an image sequence representing an object under examination;
said computer being configured to capture at least two projection data sets for the object under examination which have been acquired by using different X ray spectra in each case and from a plurality of acquisition angles in each case;
said computer being configured to calculate at least one combination data set on a basis of the projection data sets, and said computer being configured to calculate the image sequence on a basis of the combination data set, for a slice image subregion being a volume region of interest in which a change in the tissue is suspected, wherein the volume region of interest is defined in advance to thereby economize computing power or accelerate calculations; and
said computer being configured to arrange images of the image sequence in an order such that successively displaying the images of the image sequence in the order reproduces a rotating representation of the object under examination.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions to be executed on a computer for performing a method for generating an image sequence by a tomosynthesis system, the image sequence representing an object under examination, the method comprises the steps of:
capturing at least two projection data sets for the object under examination, the two projection data sets being acquired using different X ray spectra in each case and from a plurality of acquisition angles in each case;
calculating at least one combination data set on a basis of the projection data sets for a slice image subregion being a volume region of interest in which a change in the tissue is suspected, wherein the volume region of interest is defined in advance to thereby economize computing power or accelerate calculations;
calculating the image sequence on a basis of the combination data set; and
arranging images of the image sequence in an order such that successively displaying the images of the image sequence in the order reproduces a rotating representation of the object under examination.