X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Specific application – Computerized tomography
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-17
2001-08-14
Porta, David P. (Department: 2876)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Specific application
Computerized tomography
C378S004000, C378S015000, C378S020000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275562
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to computed tomograph (CT) imaging and, more particularly, to a multi-slice CT scanner having a scalable x-ray collimator, x-ray detector, x-ray data acquisition system, scan data processing, and scan image reconstruction.
Typical CT patient scans are executed in either an axial mode (i.e., patient table stops, scan executed, and then patient table moves to next location) or in a helical mode (i.e., patient table moves continuously during the scan). Single slice scanners are common, and dual (two) slice CT systems are known. At least some of the commercially available dual slice systems have a number of limitations. Tradeoffs between patient scan speed, image quality, and x-ray tube loading generally must be made in performing such scans. For example, in order to obtain improved image quality, the patient scan speed may have to reduced or the x-ray tube loading must be increased, or both. Increasing patient scan speed may result in degraded image quality or require increased x-ray tube loading, or both. Until now, no known system provides the benefits of increased patient scan speed, improved image quality, and reduced x-ray tube loading.
Further, the known commercially available dual slice systems are not scalable in that such dual slice systems cannot be configured to collect more than two slices of data. Until now, no know system enables an operator to select for axial scans, the slice thickness and number of images per rotation, and for helical scans, the slice thickness, scan mode, and scan speed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects may be attained by a scalable multislice system which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multi-slice detector, a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and scalable image display and analysis. As used herein, the term scalable generally means that an operator can readily and simply select the desired number of slices and the slice thickness for images to be displayed. In the present multislice system, multiple rows of x-ray scan data can be acquired. In addition, increased patient scan speed, improved image quality, and reduced x-ray tube loading are achieved.
In the axial multi-slice scan mode, multiple rows of scan data can be processed before image reconstruction, and the data can be used to produce either multiple thin slices or a reduced number of thicker slices with reduced image artifact. In addition, images with thicker slice thicknesses can be later reconstructed retrospectively into thinner slices of images based on clinical diagnosis needs. As a result, the number of unwanted images for viewing, filming, and archiving is reduced. In addition, high z-axis resolution images can be later reconstructed for patient diagnosis.
In the helical multi-slice scan mode, multiple combinations of patient table speed and x-ray beam and detector collimations, enable generation of images having different z-axis resolution can be produced. For example, at the table speed of 30 mm/rotation, images of 5-10 mm slices can be generated. Thicker slice (such as 10 mm) images can be generated prospectively, which provides the benefit of a reduced number of images and reduced image reconstruction time. At a later time, thinner slice images can be generated retrospectively using the same data. Such thinner slice images may be necessary depending on the clinical application needs. Such thinner slice images can be generated without rescanning the patient.
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He H. David
Hu Hui
McDaniel Holly A.
Strong Gary R.
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Cabou Christian G.
General Electric Company
Ho Allen C.
Porta David P.
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