Patent ID: 7016457
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An imaging system for generating an image of an object, said imaging system comprising a base, a mechanical positioning means movably attached to said base, an x-ray source assembly comprising an x-ray source configured to emit x-ray signals and attached to said mechanical positioning means, and a detector assembly comprising a detector attached to said mechanical positioning means, said system configured to: enable an operator to select a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of the imaging system, said plurality of modes including a computed tomography mode in which said mechanical positioning means rotates through an angle of 180 degrees plus a fan angle, said x-ray source emits x-rays and said detector assembly collects signals, and in which an image in said computed tomography mode is generated utilizing said collected signals; alter the position of said detector assembly and said source assembly relative to said other assembly and the object based on the selected mode; and generate an image of the object, and wherein to generate an image of the object, said system is configured to radiate x-ray signals from said x-ray source toward said detector assembly, wherein said detector assembly comprises a first detector panel and a second detector panel, and wherein to collect image data, said system is configured to angularly position said first detector panel relative to said second detector panel at least one of acutely or perpendicularly; and said system further configured to enable the operator to select at least one additional mode of operator from the plurality of modes of the imaging system for imaging the object.