Simultaneous Generation of X-ray and Range Images using XCAT under Motion

Novel algorithms in the field of X-ray imaging are commonly evaluated on simulation software first, before they are implemented on a clinical scanner in order to test their performance in a very controlled setup. This reduces patient dose and facilitates the development of new approaches and methods. In recent years, range imaging applications were established in the field of medical imaging. Range imaging showed its potential in radiotherapy, augmented reality, and, recently, also for motion correction in cone-beam computed tomography. In this work, we present an open-source software tool that allows to generate X-ray projections and surface information in one step completely on the graphics processing unit. To this end, we extend a state-of-the-art rendering method based on an append buffer. Arbitrary imaging geometries for the X-ray source and the range imaging camera can be selected. We test the proposed method on the XCAT phantom in two fundamentally different scenarios: a weight-bearing acquisition showing a squat, and a supine acquisition of a breathing patient.