Patent ID: 7822243

Claim:
A method for reconstructing an image from raw data acquired with a medical imaging apparatus, comprising the steps of: loading an algorithm for image reconstruction into at least one reprogrammable FPGA; with a medical imaging apparatus, implementing an examination of an examination subject in the medical imaging apparatus, including executing an imaging sequence to acquire raw data from the examination subject; from said reprogrammable FPGA, accessing said raw data acquired with said medical imaging apparatus, as well as calculation parameters to be used in reconstructing an image from said raw data at a beginning of said imaging sequence; in said reprogrammable FPGA, executing said algorithm using said raw data and said calculation parameters to electronically reconstruct an image from said raw data with substantially no time delay and to generate a data file representing said image, and making said data file available from said reprogrammable FPGA during said examination procedure while the subject remains in said medical imaging apparatus; and continuing said examination procedure by re-programming said reprogrammable FPGA as needed.