Multi-Linear X-Ray Scanning Systems and Methods for X-Ray Scanning

Abstract

A scanning transmission x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source producing x-rays at a focal spot and moving about a source movement axis passing through the focal spot, x-ray detector arrays each detecting x-rays from the x-ray source along a detector dimension, and a collimator between the source and the arrays, fixed to the source, and defining slits to collimate the x-rays into a set of linear x-ray beams. The arrays are spaced from the source such that the linear x-ray beam at each of the arrays has the linear x-ray beam substantially impact within a height and width of a respective one of the arrays. The arrays move correspondingly with the source such that each of the linear x-ray beams remain aligned with a respective one of the arrays.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A scanning transmission x-ray imaging system that minimizes x-ray exposure dose on a subject, the system comprising:
 an x-ray platform at which the subject is to be x-ray scanned from one end of the subject to the other end;   an x-ray source producing x-rays at a focal spot that does not move with respect to a stationary subject being imaged, the x-ray source pivoting about a source movement axis passing through the focal spot to scan the subject;   at least one x-ray detector array having a detector dimension with a height and a width and detecting x-rays from the x-ray source along the detector dimension;   a collimator disposed between the x-ray source and the at least one detector array, fixed to the x-ray source, and defining at least one slit to collimate the x-rays into a linear x-ray beam;   the at least one x-ray detector array:
 being spaced from the x-ray source such that the linear x-ray beam at the at least one x-ray detector array substantially impacts within the height and the width of the detector dimension; and 
 being operable to move and thereby keep the linear x-ray beam aligned with the at least one x-ray detector array; 
   a controller programmed:
 to move the at least one x-ray detector array and keep the linear x-ray beam aligned with the at least one x-ray detector array; and 
 before the subject is scanned, to move the at least one detector array to an intermediate position of the x-ray platform and acquire at least one row of image data using a nominal set of exposure parameters and, based upon the image data acquired, determine beam quality parameters for administering a lowest possible dose for the subject.