Patent ID: 7180977
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A scanning-based apparatus for obtaining tomosynthesis data of an object performing a periodic movement comprising: a divergent radiation source provided for emitting radiation centered around an axis of symmetry; a radiation detector comprising a stack of line detectors, each line detector being directed towards the divergent radiation source to allow a ray bundle of said radiation that propagates in a respective one of a plurality of different angles to enter the line detector, and being provided for repeatedly recording a one-dimensional image of the ray bundle entered into the line detector; an object area arranged in the radiation path between said divergent radiation source and said radiation detector for housing said object; and a movement device provided for moving said divergent radiation source and said radiation detector relative to said object essentially linearly along a path essentially orthogonal to said axis of symmetry, and a distance which is sufficient for scanning each of said line detectors across the entire object, while the line detectors repeatedly detect line images, wherein said movement device, while the line detectors repeatedly detect line images, moves the divergent radiation source and the radiation detector relative to the object said distance along said path a plurality of times, each time with a different phase shift relative to the periodic movement of said object, to obtain, for each of said line detectors, a plurality of two-dimensional images of radiation as transmitted through said object in a respective one of said plurality of different angles, said two-dimensional images constituting said tomosynthesis data.