Patent ID: 7536040

Claim:
A method for generating a three-dimensional image dataset from a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray recordings, comprising the steps of: obtaining a plurality of 2D x-ray recordings of a subject, respectively at different projection directions, using an imaging facility at a first location without making a calibration from said 2D x-ray recordings of a projection geometry needed for generating a three-dimensional volume dataset from said 2D x-ray recordings, said 2D x-ray recordings being selected from the group consisting of visually observable 2D complete x-ray images from which a diagnosis of the subject can be made, and electronic data representing visually observable 2D complete x-ray images from which a diagnosis of the subject can be made; establishing a customer/service provider relationship between said imaging facility and a reconstruction center located remote from said first location by being physically and spatially unassociated with and separated from said first location and by being operable independently of said imaging facility, with said imaging facility as a customer and said reconstruction center as a service provider thereto; transmitting said plurality of 2D x-ray recordings from said first location to said reconstruction center at said second location; only at said reconstruction center, making said calibration from said 2D x-ray recordings of said projection geometry needed for generating said three-dimensional volume dataset from said 2D x-ray recordings and, using said calibration and said plurality of 2D x-ray recordings, generating a 3D volume dataset; transmitting said 3D volume dataset from said reconstruction center at said second location back to said first location; and substantially contemporaneously with transmitting said 3D volume dataset from said reconstruction center back to said first location, making a monetary charge to said imaging facility by said reconstruction center, based on said customer/service provider relationship, to require payment by said imaging facility to said reconstruction center at least for generating said 3D volume dataset.