Computed tomography apparatus

Details Computed tomography apparatus Computed tomography apparatus

1999-08-13

2001-12-04

Bruce, David V. (Department: 2882)

X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices

Specific application

Computerized tomography

C378S015000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06327330

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a computed tomography (CT) apparatus of the type having apparatus with an apparatus part that rotates during the operation of the CT apparatus, a detector system arranged on this apparatus part for the detection of measurement data, and components for the generation of image data from the measurement data.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such apparatuses, for example, can be X-ray CT apparatuses wherein an X-ray source lying opposite to the detector system is arranged, the X-ray source transirradiating an object that is to be examined from different angles. The measurement data that are thereby obtained by the detector system are supplied to components for the generation of image data, which are stationary with respect to the rotating apparatus part, as in the case of a CT apparatus disclosed in German OS 197 27 219, via an appropriate data transmission path that can function without physical contact, optically or inductively for example, but it can also operate using slip rings. High data transmission rates occur on the order of magnitude of 100 Mbit/sec. In order to guarantee a correct data transmission under these circumstances, a significant technical and financial outlay must be expended.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a CT apparatus of the type described above wherein the outlay that is expended in conjunction with the data transmission is reduced.
This object is inventively achieved in a CT apparatus with an apparatus part that rotates during the operation of the CT apparatus, wherein, except for a detector system for the detection of measurement data, all components that are necessary for the generation of image data from the measurement data are arranged on the apparatus part. Since the image data that represent a specific image have a significantly lower data volume compared to the measurement data underlying this image, a significantly lower data transmission rate, which only lies on the order of magnitude of 10 Mbit/sec for example, results in the case of the invention given the data transmission from the rotating apparatus part to stationary apparatus components. Thus, in the case of the inventive CT apparatus, the outlay that is expended for the data transmission from the rotating apparatus part to stationary apparatus components is significantly reduced compared to known systems. At the same time, the danger of data transmission errors is reduced due to the reduced data transmission rate.
In addition, a higher integration density is achieved due to the integration of all components which are necessary for the generation of image data from the measurement data on the rotating apparatus part, with the consequence that a lower data exchange between the involved components is necessary. The outlay that is expended for the data generation is also reduced.
If required, in the case of the invention there is also the possibility, as in conventional CT apparatuses, to transmit raw data (with reduced speed) and correction data between the rotating apparatus part and stationary apparatus components.
In an embodiment of the invention, the components that are necessary for the generation of image data include means for the image reconstruction from the measurement data supplied by the detector system, using back projection, for example, which is known. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the components that are necessary for the generation of image data also include means for pre-processing the measurement data supplied by the detector system for the purpose of the generation of image data with few artifacts, i.e. means for the correction of linearity errors and offset errors of the detector system, for example.
In an embodiment of the invention the CT apparatus has a commercially available, computer system that is stationary with respect to the rotating apparatus part; the image data being supplied to the computer system for further processing, for the purpose of image postprocessing, for example.
In another embodiment of the invention a control computer is provided on the rotating apparatus part. Thus, it is possible to carry out control tasks that have a direct or indirect effect on the recently received image data without transmission of data between the rotating apparatus part and stationary apparatus components having to ensue.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components that are necessary for the generation of image data and the control computer are combined to a processing unit. Thus, a compact construction is guaranteed.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4982415 (1991-01-01), Shibata et al.
patent: 5917878 (1999-06-01), Peter

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