WO2012063181A1

WO2012063181A1 - Module carrier attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2012063181A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054936
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Grass; Dirk Schäfer
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.; Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-11-08
Filing date: 2011-11-04
Publication date: 2012-05-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module carrier attachment for an X-ray imaging system and providing additional data in an X-ray imaging system. In order to provide additional data to an X-ray imaging system, wherein the additional data can be adapted to the particular needs, a module carrier attachment (50) for an X-ray imaging system is provided, with a body structure (52), at least one supplementary accessory sensor module (54) and an interface (56). The body structure is arranged to be attached to an X-ray imaging system. The at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure and arranged to acquire additional data. The interface is arranged for providing the additional data to an X-ray imaging system. For example, the module carrier is adapted to interact with an X- ray imaging system.

Description

MODULE CARRIER ATTACHMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a module carrier attachment for an X-ray imaging system, an X-ray imaging system for acquiring information about an object of interest, a method for acquiring information about an object of interest with an X-ray imaging acquisition device, a computer program element as well as a computer readable medium. The invention relates in particular to providing additional data in an X-ray imaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In X-ray imaging systems, information about an object of interest, for example a patient, is provided by acquiring X-ray image data. Further, next to standard X-ray projection imaging, different measurements with other devices or sensors are also acquired. For example, in WO 2004/060157 Al, 2D X-ray images are acquired as well as the recording of heartbeat phase by an ECG and position measurements of a catheter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been shown that, for example, interventional X-ray systems are integration spots for multi-modal procedures. Thus, imaging systems are becoming increasingly complex. A difficulty exits in combining different measurements with X-ray imaging.

There may be a need to provide additional data to an X-ray imaging system, wherein the additional data can be adapted to the particular needs.

The object of the present invention is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

It should be noted that the following described aspects of the invention apply also for the module carrier attachment, the X-ray imaging system, the method, the program element and the computer-readable medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a module carrier attachment for an X-ray imaging system is provided with a body structure, at least one supplementary accessory sensor module, and an interface. The body structure is arranged to be attached to an X-ray imaging system. The at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure and arranged to acquire additional data. The interface is arranged for providing the additional data to an X-ray imaging system.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the module carrier is adapted to interact with an X-ray imaging system.

The interaction of the module carrier with the X-ray imaging system allows for a consideration of the acquired additional data during the operation of the X-ray imaging system.

According to a further aspect, module carrier data is provided to an X-ray imaging system. For example, the module carrier data comprises data of at least one of the group of geometrical data, supplementary sensor module type, and information about the data type of the additional data to be acquired.

According to a further aspect, the X-ray imaging system knows the module carrier data. For example, the system knows the geometrical data of the module carrier.

According to a further aspect, the geometrical data is used to update and/or adapt the movement possibilities of the X-ray imaging system. For example, the movement possibilities are regulated to provide a body guard to the patient, and the body guard is updated according to the module carrier data provided to the system, for example upon equipping the imaging system with the module carrier attachment.

According to a further aspect, the module carrier data is automatically provided to the image acquisition system when installing the module carrier attachment.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the module carrier attachment provides data to an X-ray imaging system for acquisition procedure, wherein the X-ray imaging system provides data to the module carrier attachment for further measurement with the at least one supplementary sensor. For example, this interaction is provided in one or several feedback loops.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the supplementary accessory sensor module comprises at least one of the group of video cameras, movement sensors, electromagnetic field generators with position sensors, etc.

With a module carrier attachment according to the invention, it is possible to provide adapted supplementary accessory sensors in accordance with the particular needs. Hence, the additional data which is actually required can thus be provided to the X-ray imaging system. According to another exemplary embodiment, an X-ray imaging system is provided for acquiring information about an object of interest. The X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray imaging acquisition device comprising an X-ray source and a detector, a support, a system processing unit and a system interface. The X-ray imaging acquisition device is adapted to acquire image data of a region of interest of an object. The system processing unit is adapted to control the X-ray source and the detector. The system interface is adapted to provide the acquired image data. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are mounted to the support. A module carrier according to one of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments is attached to the support.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the additional data acquired by the at least one supplementary accessory sensors of the module carrier is provided to the system processing unit via the interface. The additional data is applied for the control of the X-ray source and the detector.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a method for acquiring information about an object of interest with an X-ray image acquisition device is provided. A body structure of a module carrier attachment is attached to the X-ray imaging system, and at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure. The module carrier attachment comprises an interface. The method comprises the following steps: - acquiring additional data with the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module, and - acquiring X-ray images with an X-ray image acquisition device,

wherein the additional data is provided to the X-ray imaging system via the interface.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the additional data is used for acquiring the X-ray images.

It can be seen as the gist of the invention to provide a module carrier attachment in order to provide an X-ray imaging system capable of acquiring additional data in relation to the particular situation. By providing the additional data to the X-ray imaging system, the imaging acquisition procedure and/or the following image processing procedure can be improved since the additional data can be considered and used during these procedures. A removable attachment to an X-ray imaging system allows for an adapted sensor layout, i.e. a sensor configuration addressing a particular request or need, thus facilitating and improving X-ray imaging acquisition procedures. The additional data or additional information can be used for the performance of the image acquisition itself, i.e. the X-ray exposure. The additional data or additional information can also be used for system control of an X-ray imaging system, for example for the geometrical and movement control of an X-ray system.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in the following drawings.

Figure 1 schematically shows an X-ray imaging system according to an

exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a module carrier attachment according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a module carrier

attachment attached to an X-ray imaging system.

Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a module carrier

attachment attached to an X-ray imaging system.

Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-section of a module carrier attachment according to the invention in a docking station.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates basic steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates an X-ray imaging system 10 for acquiring information about an object of interest. The imaging system comprises an X-ray imaging acquisition device 12 having an X-ray source 14 and a detector 16. Further, a support 18 is provided, wherein the term support refers to structural load bearing components as well as to covering components such as housing for structural elements as well as to housings for components such as the X- ray source 14 and the detector 16. Further, a system processing unit 20 is provided and a system interface 22. The X-ray imaging acquisition device 12 is shown with a so-called C-arm structure, as an example for an X-ray image acquisition system, where the X-ray source 14 and the detector 16 are arranged on opposite ends of a C-arm 24. The C-arm 24 is mounted by a sleeve-like structure 26 which allows a rotational sliding movement of the C-arm around a central point. 28. The sleeve-like structure 26 is attached to a support arm 30, which attachment is provided by a rotatable attachment structure 32, which allows for a rotation of the C-arm 24 around a horizontal axis 34. The support arm 30 is mounted to a ceiling 36 by a support 38 which allows for a rotational movement around a vertical axis 40. Thus, it is possible to position the X-ray source 14 and the detector 16 at different positions in order to acquire an X-ray image data.

According to a further aspect, a C-arm system is provided in which a non- iso centric movement is provided.

Further, an object receiving device 42 is provided, for example a table for receiving a patient. As indicated, the object receiving device 42 can be adapted in relation to its height by being supported by an adaptable stand 44 which allows for lowering and moving upwards of the table. Further, the receiving device 42 can be moved in a horizontal manner which is indicated by a double arrow 46. Thus, it is possible to position an object of interest, which for illustrating purposes is shown as a ball-like element 48 in different positions with relation to the C-arm. Of course, the object of interest 48 can also be a patient arranged on the table.

It is further noted that the processing unit 20 is connected to the X-ray source 14 and the detector 16 as well as to other controllable components, for example to actuators allowing for the above-described movements of the C-arm and the table, which actuators are not further shown.

The X-ray imaging acquisition device 12 is adapted to acquire X-ray image data of a region of interest of the object 48. Further, the system processing unit 20 is adapted to control the X-ray source 14 and the detector 16. The system interface 22 is adapted to provide the acquired image data.

For example, the acquired image data can be provided to a user by a display which is not further shown.

The X-ray source 14 and the detector 16 are mounted to the support, for example by being mounted inside a housing, which is only schematically shown, which housing is then supported by the C-arm. According to the invention, a module carrier 50 is attached to the support, for example attached to the housing of the detector 16.

According to a further aspect, the invention also comprises a C-arm acquisition system which performs propeller-like movements.

According to a further aspect, the invention also comprises an acquisition system comprising robot systems; for example, a system with two or more robot arms.

The invention also comprises an acquisition system in which source and detector can be moved independently from each other.

Further, the invention also comprises an acquisition system for examining patients in an upright position, for example a standing patient. Of course, the invention also comprises a system in which the patient is examined in any other position.

In the following, the module carrier attachment 50 for an X-ray imaging system is described with reference to Figure 2. The module carrier attachment 50 for the X-ray imaging system comprises a body structure 52, at least one supplementary accessory sensor module 54, and an interface 56. The body structure 52 is arranged to be attached to an X-ray imaging system, as already mentioned above.

The at least one supplementary accessory sensor module 54 is mounted to the body structure 52 and is arranged to acquire additional data.

The interface 56 is arranged for providing the additional data to an X-ray imaging system, for example the X-ray imaging system 10 of Figure 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, the additional data is related to X-ray image data acquisition parameters of the X-ray imaging system.

Further, the module carrier attachment 50 is adapted to interact with an X-ray imaging system.

For example, the module carrier attachment 50 is connected to the processing unit 20, for example by a wireless connection or by a wire connection. It is noted that the connections of the above-mentioned X-ray imaging system 10 can be provided as wireless connection or as wire connections, which connections are not further shown.

According to an aspect of the invention, module carrier data is provided to an X-ray imaging system, wherein the module carrier data comprises data of at least one of the group of geometrical data, supplementary sensor module type, and additional data type.

For example, the module carrier data is provided by the interface 56 to the system interface 22. According to a further aspect, the module carrier automatically provides the module carrier data to the X-ray imaging system, wherein the module carrier data comprises data of at least one of the group of geometrical data, supplementary sensor module type, and additional data type.

For example, the module carrier is provided by sensors activated by attaching, e.g. plugging-in, the module carrier.

For example, sensors are arranged for wireless data transmission. For example, RFID tags provide the module carrier data to respective receivers integrated in the acquisition system.

According to an aspect of the invention, the supplementary accessory sensor module 54 comprises at least one of the group of video cameras, movement sensors, electromagnetic field generators with position sensors, radar sensors, microwave radar sensors etc.

With reference to Figure 3, an exemplary embodiment is provided where the module carrier attachment 50 is provided with four video cameras 58 as supplementary accessory sensor modules 54.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the body structure 52 is attached to the housing of the detector 16.

Thus, it is possible to acquire video images of the patient lying on the table 42 in case of an imaging acquisition procedure.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Figure 4, four electromagnetic field generators are provided which are mounted to the body structure 52. The body structure 52 is attached to an X-ray imaging system, for example to a housing of a detector 16 of the C-arm X-ray imaging acquisition device as described with reference to Figure 1. Thus, it is possible to acquire position data, i.e. spatial information, by providing position sensors on the patient - especially inside the patient (e.g. receive coils on a catheter), for example to detect movement of the patient (not further shown).

According to an aspect of the invention, two video cameras are provided to enable camera-based object tracking.

According to a further aspect, the supplementary accessory sensor module 54 comprises a sensor measuring life parameters of a patient, for example breathing and/or heart rate. According to a further aspect of the invention (not further shown), the supplementary accessory sensor module 54 comprises a radar sensor.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a plurality of supplementary accessory sensor modules is provided, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 3 or Figure 4. It is noted that the number of sensors and the type of sensors can be freely chosen in order to be able to adapt the system to the particular situation.

According to a further aspect, a plurality of sensors is provided as a supplementary accessory sensor module.

According to a further aspect, the modular carrier attachment comprises a modular structure, for example a modular body structure to provide different configurations which can then be supplied or equipped with different sensors.

According to a further aspect, optical cameras are provided.

For example, one camera can be used to track patient and/or table movement or movement of additional devices in the field of view of the camera. For example, this is in particular useful for a robotic system in a hybrid surgery.

For example, with more than one camera, additional depth information can be collected.

For example, with more than one camera and a rotation around the patient, a 3D surface model of the scene can be generated.

According to a further example, this information can be used to control the movement of the X-ray system, control the movement of an additional robot/device, for example for a collision detection.

According to a further aspect, the information can be used to generate a 3D surface model and to combine it with 2D and 3D X-ray data. A further use can be a display of the 3D X-ray data inside the model, since 3D X-ray is mostly region of interest imaging and the surface of the object is not seen, especially important for, for example, biopsies. Further, the information can be used to detect movement of the patient and adapt the imaging geometry automatically.

According to a further aspect, the size of a patient can be measured and the X- ray parameters can be adapted automatically.

Further, as an example, the 3D surface model can be used to calculate virtual DR 's, for example using a template 3D X-ray data set. According to a further aspect, optimal viewing positions can be calculated based on the information provided by the additional data. For example, the optimal viewing positions can consider low foreshortening, low overlap, perform automatic beam shuttering etc.

According to a further aspect, an integrated laser scanning camera is provided.

According to a further aspect, an infrared camera is provided to acquire a picture of the temperature distribution.

According to a further aspect, a fluorescence imaging system is provided, for example especially for neuro-surgery.

According to a further aspect, microwave radar sensors are provided to measure parameters like breathing motion and cardiac motion remotely (not further shown).

According to a further aspect, a terahertz imaging system is provided to get a 3D surface model of the patient although he or she is lying below blankets.

According to a further aspect, a microphone and a loudspeaker are provided to listen to the patient when the clinical staff is outside the intervention room and to give commands to him or her.

As a further aspect, additional acoustic information as well as acoustic entertainment, such as music, can be provided during the intervention.

According to a further aspect, a line of sight navigation system is provided to measure the position of devices which are inserted in the patient in the field of view below the detector.

According to a further aspect, a field generator system for electromagnetic tracking is provided which is automatically close to the patient and is used to generate magnetic fields for micro-coil based device tracking on or even inside the patient, as already indicated in relation to Figure 4.

According to a further aspect, an exhaust equipment is provided which is attached close to the detector in case of open interventions to avoid that dust from the detector comes close to the cut.

According to a further aspect, an LED light band is provided to generate ambient illumination and to train the patient with respect to his/her breathing rhythm or/and to entertain the patient.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the body structure 52 is provided with fixation means 62 which are adapted for removably attaching the body structure to an X-ray imaging system. It is noted that these attachment or fixation means 62 are illustrated in Figure 2 for illustration purposes only.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the module carrier 50 comprises a storage device 64 for electrical energy, which option is indicated in Figure 2 with a dotted line. For example, the storage device 64 can be loaded in a docking station, which is schematically shown in Figure 5. As can be seen, the module carrier 50 is received in a matching part 66 of a docking station base 68. The base 68 comprises electrical connections 70, which electrical connections are adapted to match with respective electrical connections 72 of the module carrier 50. Thus, it is possible to provide electrical energy to the storage device 64.

According to a further aspect, a docking station interface is provided at the module carrier to allow a data exchange between the module carrier 50 and the docking station 68 during the loading or docking phase.

Of course, a communication can also be provided between the docking station 68 and the interface 56 of the module carrier 50.

According to a further aspect (not shown), the interface is adapted to provide spatial information about the body structure 52 and the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module 54 to the X-ray imaging system 10.

This provides the advantage that, when using the module carrier 50, the X-ray imaging system already knows so-to-speak the additional space the module carrier requires such that the C-arm can be freely moved and also the type of sensors are known in order to adapt the imaging acquisition procedures accordingly.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is integrally formed with the body structure in order to provide minimum spatial requirement to provide minimum spatial requirements for using the module carrier on the X-ray imaging system.

For example, the body structure 52 is formed as a frame.

For example, the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module 54 is integrated into the frame.

According to a further aspect, a housing is provided enclosing at least partially the body structure and the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the interface 56 provides a wireless communication for the provision of the additional data. According to a further aspect, a table connection can be provided to connect the interface 56 with the X-ray imaging system and the system interface 22 of the processing unit 20.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the module carrier 50 interacts with the X-ray imaging acquisition device 12.

According to an aspect of the invention, the X-ray imaging system 12 is a medical X-ray imaging system, in particular an interventional X-ray imaging system.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the additional data acquired by the at least one supplementary accessory sensor 54 of the module carrier 50 is provided to the system processing unit 20 via an interface 56. The additional data is applied for the control of the X-ray source 14 and the detector 16.

It is noted that the data connection between the module carrier 50 and the system is not further shown in Figure 1.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the support is a C-arm, as already indicated in Figure 1 with a first and a second end. The X-ray source 14 is attached to the first end of the C-arm, and the detector is attached to the second end of the C-arm. The module carrier 50 is attached to the first or second end of the C-arm.

As can be seen in the example shown in Figure 1, the module carrier 50 is attached to the second end of the C-arm.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the module carrier 50 is removably attached to the support, for example the housing of the detector 16.

As indicated in Figure 2, a plurality of fixation means 62 is provided on the frame of the module carrier. According to a further aspect, a plurality of matching fixation means is provided on the support of the X-ray imaging system to enable different mounting positions of the module carrier. This is indicated in Figure 1 with first fixation means 74 and second fixation means 76, schematically illustrating two different possible mounting positions of the module carrier 50.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least a second exchangeable module carrier is provided in order to allow for configuration of the module carrier in preparation while the first one is already used.

According to a further aspect, spatial information about the body structure 52 and the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module 54 is provided to the system processing unit 20 via the interface 56 of the module carrier 50 and the system interface 22. According to a further aspect, upon attaching the module carrier 50 to the support, the spatial information is used for updating the possible spatial operation range of the X-ray imaging acquisition device, which is, for example, in particular important for C-arm image acquisitions.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a method 100 for acquiring information about an object of interest with an X-ray imaging acquisition device is provided. A body structure of a module carrier attachment is attached to the X-ray imaging system and at least supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure. The module carrier attachment comprises an interface. The method 100 comprises the steps of acquiring 110 additional data 112 with at least one supplementary accessory sensor module, and acquiring 114 X-ray images 116 with an X-ray imaging acquisition device. As indicated in Figure 6, the two acquisition steps 110, 114 are triggered by a processing unit, indicated with reference numeral 118. According the invention, the additional data 112 is provided to the X- ray imaging system via the interface, which provision of the data is indicated with an arrow 120, leading from the box 110 to the square 118.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Figure 7, the additional data 112 is used for acquiring the X-ray images in acquisition step 114. This is indicated with an arrow 122 leading from the acquisition box 110 to the acquisition box 114.

As also indicated in Figure 7, the additional data provided to the X-ray imaging system can of course be provided for further acquisition steps, for example triggered by the processing unit 118.

For example, the additional data 112 is used for determining imaging acquisition parameters (not further shown).

According to a further aspect, in most C-arm based interventions, the detector is above the patient for the majority of the intervention time. Accordingly, the source is below the table. During parts of the intervention, the module carrier attachment can be attached to the detector in order to make supplementary accessory sensor modules available for this or for parts of the intervention. Thus, it is possible to integrate additional sensors, cameras, or other measurement tools in the interventional scenario.

For example, if the module carrier attachment is used for wireless detector in

DXR applications, the module carrier attachment can be loadable in a docking station, as described above, and only be used on demand. According to a further aspect, it is possible to send the measured data via a wireless interface to the system control unit to enable easy integration of the measured information. For example, the connection to the X-ray system itself is thereby reduced to pure mechanical connection.

According to an aspect of the invention, a flexible integration of additional sensors in the interventional work spot is provided and the attachment tool, for example, the X-ray detector leads to an integration of sensors close to the intervention target.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer program or a computer program element is provided that is characterized by being adapted to execute the method steps of the method according to one of the preceding embodiments, on an appropriate system.

The computer program element might therefore be stored on a computer unit, which might also be part of an embodiment of the present invention. This computing unit may be adapted to perform or induce a performing of the steps of the method described above. Moreover, it may be adapted to operate the components of the above described apparatus. The computing unit can be adapted to operate automatically and/or to execute the orders of a user. A computer program may be loaded into a working memory of a data processor. The data processor may thus be equipped to carry out the method of the invention.

This exemplary embodiment of the invention covers both, a computer program that right from the beginning uses the invention and a computer program that by means of an up-date turns an existing program into a program that uses the invention.

Further on, the computer program element might be able to provide all necessary steps to fulfil the procedure of an exemplary embodiment of the method as described above.

The computer program may be stored and/or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

However, the computer program may also be presented over a network like the World Wide Web and can be downloaded into the working memory of a data processor from such a network. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium for making a computer program element available for downloading is provided, which computer program element is arranged to perform a method according to one of the previously described embodiments of the invention.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, is presented wherein the computer readable medium has a computer program element stored on it which computer program element is described by the preceding section.

It has to be noted that exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some exemplary embodiments are described with reference to apparatus type claims whereas other exemplary embodiments are described with reference to method type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters, in particular between features of the apparatus type claims and features of the method type claims, is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A module carrier attachment (50) for an X-ray imaging system, with

a body structure (52);

at least one supplementary accessory sensor module (54); and

an interface (56);

wherein the body structure is arranged to be attached to an X-ray imaging system;

wherein the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure; and arranged to acquire additional data;

wherein the interface is arranged for providing the additional data to an X-ray imaging system.

2. Module carrier according to claim 1, wherein the module carrier is adapted to interact with an X-ray imaging system.

3. Module carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the module carrier is adapted to provide module carrier data to an X-ray imaging system; wherein the module carrier data comprises data of at least one of the group of geometrical data, supplementary sensor module type, and additional data type.

4. Module carrier according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the supplementary accessory sensor module comprises at least one of the group of video cameras (58), movement sensors, electromagnetic field generators (60) with position sensors.

5. Module carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body structure is provided with fixations means (62) which are adapted for removably attaching the body structure to an X-ray imaging system.

6. Module carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is integrally formed with the body structure.

7. Module carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface provides a wireless communication for the provision of the additional data.

8. An X-ray imaging system (10) for acquiring information about an object of interest, with:

an X-ray image acquisition device (12) comprising an X-ray source (14) and a detector (16);

a support (18);

a system processing unit (20); and

a system interface (22);

wherein the X-ray image acquisition device is adapted to acquire X-ray image data of a region of interest of an object;

wherein the system processing unit is adapted to control the X-ray source and the detector;

wherein the system interface is adapted to provide the acquired image data; wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are mounted to the support; and

wherein a module carrier (50) according to one of the claims 1 to 7 is attached to the support.

9. X-ray imaging system according to claim 8, wherein the additional data acquired by the at least one supplementary accessory sensor of the module carrier is provided to the system processing unit via the interface; and wherein the additional data is applied for the control of the X-ray source and the detector.

10. X-ray imaging system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the module carrier is removably attached to the support.

11. X-ray imaging system according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the module carrier provides module carrier data to an X-ray imaging system; wherein the module carrier data comprises data of at least one of the group of geometrical data, supplementary sensor module type, and additional data type.

12. A method (100) for acquiring information about an object of interest with an X-ray image acquisition device;

wherein a body structure of a module carrier attachment is attached to the X- ray imaging system; and wherein at least one supplementary accessory sensor module is mounted to the body structure; and wherein the module carrier attachment comprises an interface;

comprising the steps of:

acquiring (110) additional data (112) with the at least one supplementary accessory sensor module; and

- acquiring (114) X-ray images (116) with an X-ray image acquisition device;

wherein the additional data is provided (120) to the X-ray imaging system via the interface.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the additional data is used (122) for acquiring the X-ray images.

14. Computer program element for controlling an apparatus according to one of the claims 8 to 11, which, when being executed by a processing unit, is adapted to perform the method steps of one of the claims 12 to 13.

15. Computer readable medium having stored the program element of claim 14.