JP2014006153A - Radiation ct apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation CT apparatus that can reliably give a tomogram free from deviation of the center axis by one scan and simple operation.SOLUTION: A radiation CT apparatus, in initially performing reconfiguration arithmetic operation of radiation projection data collected by CT scanning by a reconfiguration arithmetic operation unit, uses preset provisional coordinates as projection coordinates of the rotation center axis, architects a tomogram along a prescribed slice face, displays a screen for altering the rotation axis coordinates including that tomogram and the provisional coordinates, shifts the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis in any desired direction to any desired extent by manipulation on that screen, causes the reconfiguration arithmetic operation unit to execute again the reconfiguration arithmetic operation, and thereby enables a clearer tomogram to be obtained by the reconfiguration arithmetic operation using the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis free from deviation of the center axis.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation CT apparatus for investigating the internal structure of various industrial products and the like and the presence or absence of defects using radiation including X-rays.

  In an industrial radiation CT apparatus, in general, a subject is placed between a radiation source and a radiation detector arranged to face each other, and in the radiation optical axis direction (direction in which the radiation source and the radiation detector are connected). A configuration in which a rotary table that rotates around orthogonal rotation center axes is arranged is often used.

  In such a radiation CT apparatus, so-called CT that collects radiation projection data of the subject by rotating the rotary table while irradiating the subject with radiation and capturing the output of the radiation detector at every minute rotation angle. Scanning is performed, and a tomographic image of the subject along the slice plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis is constructed by reconstruction calculation using the data. For this reconstruction calculation, coordinate information of the projection position of the rotation center axis of the rotary table onto the radiation detector is essential.

  As a method for obtaining projection coordinates of the rotation center axis on the radiation detector, a method using a rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom Jc as illustrated in FIG. 6 is generally employed. The rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom Jc has a structure in which, for example, a wire Jw made of a material having a high radiation absorption rate such as tungsten is disposed inside a support member Js made of a material that easily transmits radiation such as acrylic. The projection data of the wire Jw is collected by irradiating the radiation source while applying rotation while the rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom Jc is placed on the rotary table and collecting the output of the radiation detector. Among the projection data, the projection coordinates on the radiation detector of the rotation center axis can be obtained from the sinogram obtained from the projection position of the pixel row along the plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). Each time the positional relationship between the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the rotary table is changed, the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis are correctly obtained by the above method, whereby a blur-free tomographic image can be obtained.

  In addition, as a simplified method of the above method, in each state where the mutual positional relationship between the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the rotary table is changed to a plurality of positions, the above method is used in advance on the radiation detector of the rotation center axis. The projection center is obtained and stored, and the rotation center corresponding to the positional relationship between the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the rotation table at the time of imaging is obtained using the relationship between the plurality of positional relationships and the projection coordinate of the rotation center axis. A method for obtaining the projected coordinates of the axis by interpolation calculation or extrapolation calculation is also employed.

JP 2007-333596 A

  By the way, according to the former method for calculating the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis using the rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom described above, the influence of the diameter of the tungsten wire Jw, particularly at the time of high-magnification shooting, Due to the influence of the movement of the focal position of the radiation source or the like, it may be impossible to calculate the correct projection coordinate of the rotation center axis.

  Further, in the latter method in which the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis in a plurality of positional relationships are obtained in advance by interpolation or extrapolation, one of the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis in each positional relationship obtained in advance is the same as described above. If an error is included, the correct projected coordinate of the rotation center axis cannot be obtained as described above. In this method, the elapsed time from the time when the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis in a plurality of positional relationships are obtained may also be affected due to the time-dependent deviation of the apparatus.

  As described above, when the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis cannot be obtained correctly, the tomographic image obtained by the reconstruction operation is blurred in the two orthogonal tomographic images as illustrated in FIG. A phenomenon called “center-axis blurring” or the like that becomes unclear occurs. Incidentally, when the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis are correctly obtained, a tomographic image as illustrated in FIG. 8 is obtained. When such center axis blurring occurs, the projection coordinates of the rotation center axis must be obtained again by the calibration operation using the rotation center axis calibration phantom, and then the CT scan is executed again to perform the reconstruction calculation. First, it is necessary to repeat such an operation on a trial and error basis until a tomographic image in which the center axis blur is eliminated is obtained. In particular, in cone beam CT, a lot of waste arises because three-dimensional tomographic information consisting of a large number of tomographic images is obtained. In addition, since the error between the original rotation center axis projection coordinates and the coordinates obtained by calculation greatly affects the CT scan at a high magnification rate, the data obtained by the CT scan at a high magnification rate is used. It was not easy to eliminate the center axis blur from the tomogram by the reconstruction calculation used.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation CT apparatus capable of reliably obtaining a tomographic image free from center axis shake by a single CT scan and a simple operation.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the radiation CT apparatus of the present invention has a rotation center axis orthogonal to the radiation optical axis direction by placing a subject between a radiation source and a radiation detector arranged to face each other. A rotating table that rotates around is provided, the rotating table is rotated while irradiating the subject on the rotating table with radiation from the radiation source, and the output of the radiation detector is captured at every minute rotation angle. In the radiation CT apparatus provided with reconstruction operation means for constructing a tomographic image of the object along a slice plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis by an operation using the collected radiation projection data of the object, the reconstruction operation The means performs the first reconstruction calculation after collecting the radiation projection data of the subject as projection coordinates on the radiation detector of the rotation center axis used for the reconstruction calculation. Using pre-set temporary coordinates, construct a tomographic image along a specified slice plane and display the rotation center axis projected coordinate change screen that includes the tomographic image and temporary coordinates. By operating the screen display means and the operation on the screen, the projected coordinate of the rotation center axis is moved in an arbitrary direction with respect to the temporary coordinate by an arbitrary amount, and a recalculation command is issued to the reconstruction calculation means. The reconstruction calculation means is characterized by changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates in accordance with the command and executing the reconstruction calculation again (claim 1).

  Here, in the present invention, the radiation source generates cone-beam-like radiation, the radiation detector is a two-dimensional detector, and the reconstruction calculation means is arranged on the rotation center axis by reconstruction calculation. While constructing a plurality of tomographic images along a plurality of orthogonal slice planes, the first reconstruction operation using the provisional coordinates is performed only for one tomographic image along a prescribed slice plane, For the tomographic reconstruction along the slice plane, a configuration (Claim 2) performed after a command to that effect can be suitably employed.

  Further, in the present invention, the reconstruction calculation means, the first reconstruction calculation after collecting the radiation projection data of the subject, in addition to the tomographic image by the reconstruction calculation using the temporary coordinates, The rotational axis coordinate change screen display means also calculates a tomographic image by reconstruction calculation using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the temporary coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. Can suitably employ a configuration (claim 3) for displaying these three tomographic images together with the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the respective calculations.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the two coordinates shifted to both sides of the provisional projection coordinate can change the setting of the deviation amount from the provisional projection coordinate (claim 4). ) Is preferred.

  Further, in the present invention, a tomographic image reconstructed using the temporary coordinates and a tomographic image reconstructed using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the temporary coordinates, And, with respect to the tomogram reconstructed according to the command from the command input means, the image evaluation calculation means for calculating an evaluation value related to the definition of each image, and the screen display means for rotating axis coordinate change is calculated It is possible to employ a configuration (claim 5) for displaying the evaluated value together with each tomographic image.

  Further, in the present invention, the tomographic image constructed by the reconstruction operation using the temporary coordinates and the reconstruction operation using the two projected coordinates shifted to both sides across the temporary coordinates are constructed. Each tomographic image is displayed on the display unit with the tomographic image constructed by the reconstruction calculation using the temporary coordinates arranged in the center, and the command input means is one of the tomographic images on both sides thereof. The direction of the coordinate movement depends on which of the tomographic images on the left and right sides is clicked, and the amount of coordinate movement is: It can be configured so as to be set according to the distance from the center of the click position on the tomographic images on both sides.

  The provisional coordinates used in the present invention include (A) coordinates calculated using projection data collected by placing a rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom on the rotation table, (B) the radiation source, Using a plurality of coordinates calculated and stored using projection data collected by placing a rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom on the rotation table in a plurality of positional relationships between the radiation detector and the rotation table, Any of the coordinates calculated by interpolation or extrapolation calculation of the projected coordinates in the above-described positional relationship at the time of subject imaging, or (C) the design coordinates set from the beginning may be used.

  On the other hand, claims 8 to 11 are inventions that can optionally eliminate rotational axis blurring of data that has already collected radiation projection data of a subject and constructed a tomographic image.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary table for placing a subject and rotating around a rotation center axis orthogonal to the radiation optical axis direction between a radiation source and a radiation detector arranged to face each other. The radiation projection data of the subject collected by rotating the rotary table while irradiating the subject on the rotary table with radiation from the radiation source and capturing the output of the radiation detector at every minute rotation angle In the radiation CT apparatus provided with reconstruction operation means for constructing a tomographic image of the subject along the slice plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis by computation using the above, the subject of which the tomographic image is constructed by reconstruction computation Rotation that displays a screen for changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates including the corresponding tomogram and the rotation center axis projection coordinates used to construct the tomogram by specifying the radiation projection data The coordinate calculation screen display means and the operation on the screen move the rotation center axis projection coordinates in an arbitrary direction with respect to the coordinates used for constructing the tomographic image, and the reconstruction calculation means Is provided with command input means for instructing recalculation, and the reconfiguration arithmetic means is characterized by changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates in accordance with the command and executing the reconfiguration arithmetic again.

In the invention according to claim 8, the reconstruction calculating means is used for constructing a corresponding tomographic image when the radiation projection data of the subject to be displayed on the rotating axis coordinate changing screen display means is designated. The rotation axis coordinate change screen display means constructs a tomographic image by reconstruction calculation using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the rotation center axis projection coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. Therefore, it is possible to suitably employ a configuration (claim 9) for displaying these tomographic images and the corresponding tomographic images together with the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the respective calculations.
In addition, in the invention according to claim 9, the shift amount of each of the two coordinates shifted to both sides of the rotation center axis projection coordinate used for constructing the corresponding tomographic image can be changed. It is preferable to employ item 10).

  Further, in the inventions according to claims 8 to 10 described above, the tomographic image displayed on the screen for changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates according to the designation of the radiation projection data, and the rotation center used for constructing the tomographic image With respect to a tomographic image reconstructed using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the axis projection coordinate, and a tomographic image reconstructed according to a command from the command input means, the definition of each image Preferably, the rotation axis coordinate change screen display means displays the calculated evaluation value together with each tomographic image (claim 11). Can do.

  Furthermore, in the inventions according to claims 8 to 11, a tomographic image already constructed using radiation projection data designated to be displayed on the rotation axis coordinate changing screen display means, and the tomographic image of the tomographic image are displayed. The tomographic images constructed by the reconstruction calculation using the two projected coordinates shifted to both sides across the rotation center axis projected coordinate used for the construction are arranged with the already constructed tomographic image at the center. The command input means is configured to give a command by clicking one of the tomographic images on both sides thereof, and the direction of coordinate movement is determined by the tomographic images on both sides. The left and right tomograms are clicked, and the amount of coordinate movement is set according to the distance from the center of the click position on the tomograms on both sides. (Claim 12) can be.

  The inventions according to claims 1 to 7 do not use the rotation center axis calibration phantom or use the rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained by other methods to immediately perform the reconstruction calculation, As the rotation center axis projection coordinates, a tomographic image of only the prescribed slice plane is constructed by reconstruction calculation, and this is displayed on the display as information for changing the rotation center axis coordinates for the operator. An object of the present invention is to solve the problem by allowing the reconstruction calculation to be performed again by moving the temporary rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained for the displayed tomographic image in an arbitrary direction by an arbitrary amount. Further, at that time, by using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function to give a coordinate movement command on the screen, it is possible to realize that the operator can quickly and intuitively change the coordinates.

  That is, after obtaining and setting the projection coordinates on the radiation detector of the rotation center axis on the radiation detector by some method using a calibration phantom, etc., the reconstruction calculation means collects the radiation projection data of the subject. Using a part of the projection data and using the rotation center axis projection coordinates set as described above, a tomographic image along a prescribed slice plane (for example, projection data of the midplane portion) is constructed. This tomographic image is displayed on the screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates, and the rotation center axis projection coordinates are displayed as temporary coordinates. Then, on this coordinate conversion screen, when a command for shifting the temporary coordinates by an arbitrary amount in an arbitrary direction is given, the reconstruction calculation means reconstructs using the shifted coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. A tomogram is constructed by calculation. Therefore, the operator looks at the tomographic image initially displayed on the coordinate conversion screen, and determines whether or not to change the rotation center axis projection coordinates or how much to shift the coordinates from the sharpness. Judgment and giving a command based on the judgment will display a tomographic image using the changed coordinates, so even if there is a central axis blur in the original tomographic image, it can be quickly resolved it can.

  In particular, in the case of cone beam CT, for example, only a tomographic image along a specified slice plane such as a midplane is reconstructed using a temporary rotation center axis projection coordinate, and rotated using the one tomographic image. After changing the central axis projection coordinates appropriately, when a clear tomographic image without center axis blurring is obtained, the remaining many tomographic images are reconstructed, so the time required to eliminate the center axis blurring Is significantly shortened compared to the prior art and the operation is extremely simple.

  Further, as in the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the tomographic image calculated using the set temporary rotation center axis projection coordinates on the rotation axis coordinate change screen, a prescribed amount is provided on both sides of the coordinates. By displaying the two tomographic images calculated using the shifted coordinates, and using the coordinates shifted in which direction and how as the rotation center axis projection coordinates with respect to the temporary coordinates, the tomogram based on the current temporary coordinates The operator can quickly determine whether the image can be sharpened.

  In addition, a tomographic image calculated using temporary coordinates, two tomographic images calculated using coordinates shifted on both sides of the tomographic image, and a tomographic image reconstructed after changing the coordinates and displayed on the display unit, For example, if the apparatus calculates and displays an evaluation value related to the sharpness such as the maximum luminance of each image, it is possible to reduce the burden and time required for the operator's decision to change the coordinates.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the rotation axis coordinate change is performed on a total of three tomographic images including the tomographic image using temporary coordinates and the tomographic image using coordinates shifted by a specified amount on both sides thereof. Tomographic images using temporary coordinates are displayed side-by-side on the screen, and the direction of coordinate movement is moved according to the distance from the center by clicking one of the tomographic images on both sides. If the system is configured to input the amount of input, it is possible for the operator to intuitively and quickly give a command to move the coordinates effective for eliminating the center axis shake, and convenience is improved.

  The temporary coordinates used in each of the above inventions, as in the invention according to claim 7, are the rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained each time using a conventional rotation center axis calibration phantom, a radiation source, a radiation detector, and In addition to the rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained by interpolation or extrapolation calculation based on the rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained in advance for each of the plurality of positional relationships of the rotation table, each of the above inventions optionally moves the coordinates. Since the reconstruction calculation is performed, the rotation center axis projection coordinates in the design of the apparatus can be obtained.

  Each of the inventions according to claims 8 to 11 has already reconstructed the above-described technique for obtaining a tomographic image in which center axis shake is eliminated by moving the rotation center axis projection coordinate according to the operator's judgment and executing reconstruction. This is applied to projection data obtained by calculation to obtain a tomographic image.

  That is, by calling the projection data of the subject that has already constructed the tomographic image by the reconstruction calculation, the rotation center axis projection coordinates used when performing the reconstruction calculation to obtain the tomographic image, Displayed on the screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates. On this screen, by moving the rotation center axis projection coordinates by the command input means, using the coordinates after the movement as the rotation center axis projection coordinates, the projection data of the subject is reconstructed and a new tomographic image is formed. Build and display. When the center axis shake is recognized in the initial tomographic image, the operator can eliminate the rotation axis shake by giving a movement command of the rotation center axis projection coordinates.

  In the invention according to claim 9, a prescribed amount is provided on both sides of the tomographic image already constructed by the projection data called up in the same manner as described above and the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the reconstruction of the tomographic image. The projection data of the subject is reconstructed using the shifted coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates, and two tomographic images are constructed and displayed together with the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for reconstructing each. As a result, as in the invention according to claim 3, the coordinate shifted by the rotation center axis projected coordinate used for the reconstruction of the already constructed tomographic image is used as the rotation center axis projected coordinate. For example, the operator can quickly determine whether the current tomographic image can be made clearer.

  In the inventions according to claims 8 to 10, by applying the invention according to claim 11, similarly to the invention according to claim 5, by displaying the evaluation value relating to the clarity regarding each tomographic image. This is useful for the determination when the operator changes the rotation center axis projection coordinates, and by applying the invention according to claim 12, the same effect as that of the invention according to claim 6 can be expected.

  According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the projection data obtained by the CT scan (collecting the radiation projection data of the subject) is reproduced using the preset temporary coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. By using the composition calculation, a tomographic image along a specified slice plane such as a midplane is constructed and displayed on the screen for changing the rotation axis coordinate along with the temporary coordinates used at that time. By instructing the change of the projected coordinates, a tomogram is constructed and displayed by reconstruction calculation using the new coordinates after the change as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. Can be obtained.

  In particular, in the cone beam CT, for example, only a tomographic image along a prescribed slice plane such as a midplane is constructed using temporary coordinates, and for other slice planes, a tomographic image using temporary coordinates is used. Originally, the reconstruction is performed after the rotation center axis projection coordinates are changed to remove the center axis blur, so that clear three-dimensional tomographic image information without center axis blur can be obtained by a quick operation without waste. Further, even with a high-enlargement C scan, which has conventionally been difficult to obtain a clear tomographic image, it is possible to obtain a clear tomographic image with no center axis shake by a simple operation.

  According to the inventions according to claims 8 to 12, by designating projection data that has already been CT-scanned and reconstructed a tomographic image, the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the reconstruction calculation can be arbitrarily changed, Since the tomographic image can be obtained by performing the reconstruction calculation again, even if the rotation center axis projection coordinates used in the previous reconstruction calculation are not accurate, there is no rotation axis blurring by a simple operation later. A clear tomographic image can be obtained.

The block diagram showing together the schematic diagram showing the mechanical structure of this invention, and the block diagram showing a functional structure. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure at the time of performing CT scan in embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrates the screen for a rotation axis coordinate change in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state which expanded and displayed the tomogram of the rotating shaft coordinate change screen in embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure when a rotation center axis coordinate is changed using projection data that has already been CT scanned and a reconstruction calculation is performed again in the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which illustrates the phantom for calibrating the projection coordinate on the radiation detector of a rotation center axis | shaft. The figure which shows the example of the tomogram which the central axis blur has arisen. The figure which shows the example of the tomographic image which the central axis blur does not arise.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which shows a schematic diagram showing a mechanical configuration and a block diagram showing a functional configuration.

  In this example, the radiation source 1 is disposed so as to generate cone-beam radiation in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction), and a two-dimensional radiation detector 2 is disposed opposite to the radiation source 1. A rotary table 3 is provided between the two. The radiation source 1 is typically an X-ray tube and generates X-rays as radiation. The radiation detector 2 is typically a flat panel X-ray detector.

  The turntable 3 is rotated about a rotation center axis R along a vertical direction (z-axis direction) perpendicular to the radiation optical axis direction along the x-axis direction connecting the radiation source 1 and the radiation detector 2. . The rotary table 3 can be moved in the radiation optical axis direction by driving a table moving mechanism (not shown), and the CT scan magnification can be changed by this movement. The radiation detector 2 can also be moved in the radiation optical axis direction by driving a detector moving mechanism (not shown).

  At the time of CT scan, the rotation table 3 is rotated while irradiating the radiation from the radiation source 1 with the subject W placed on the rotation table 3, and the output of the radiation detector 2 is output at every predetermined minute rotation angle. The image data is fetched into the image data fetch circuit 11. The acquired data is stored in the projection data memory 12 as radiation projection data of the subject. The data stored in the projection data memory 12 is used for the reconstruction calculation by the reconstruction calculation unit 13. The reconstruction calculation unit 13 uses the projection coordinates (y-axis coordinates) on the radiation detector 2 of the rotation center axis R of the rotation table 3 obtained in advance by using a rotation center axis calibration phantom or the like. The projection data stored in the projection data memory 12 is reconstructed by a known algorithm such as a projection method, and three-dimensional tomographic information of the subject W, in other words, each tomographic image along a number of slice planes. Build up. The reconstruction calculation result is stored in the tomographic image memory 14.

  The rotation axis coordinate change screen forming unit 15 forms a rotation axis coordinate change screen to be displayed after the CT scan is completed when a center adjustment function for changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates described later is activated. The screen formed by the rotation axis coordinate changing screen forming unit 15 includes three tomographic images including a midplane tomographic image constructed by a reconstruction calculation using temporary coordinates by a reconstruction calculation unit 13 described later. The change of the rotation center axis projection coordinates can be instructed on this screen. The screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates is displayed on the display 17 via the display control unit 16. In addition, the tomographic image stored in the tomographic image memory 14 can be displayed on the display unit 17 through the display control unit 16 as needed by giving a command or the like.

  The image data fetch circuit 11, the projection data memory 12, the reconstruction calculation unit 13, the tomographic image memory 14, the rotation axis coordinate change screen forming unit 15, the display control unit 16, and the display 17 are controlled by the control unit 18. It is placed below. The control unit 18 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and the like, and is connected to an operation unit 19 for performing various commands and settings for the apparatus. Here, the control unit 18 and the like shown as blocks in FIG. 1 are actually configured by a computer and its peripheral devices and realize functions according to installed programs. However, in FIG. The block is shown for each main function.

  The feature of this embodiment is that it has a center adjustment function for performing reconstruction calculation by arbitrarily changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates. This center adjustment function is selected prior to the CT scan. It is possible to activate both the case where the CT scan is completed and the case where it is desired to obtain a tomographic image having no center axis shake from the radiation projection data which has already finished the CT scan.

  First, a procedure for performing a CT scan will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing a CT scan. When performing a CT scan, the rotation center axis projection coordinates are calculated based on the projection data collected using the rotation center axis calibration phantom and set in the reconstruction calculation unit 13 as in the conventional case. In addition, prior to starting the CT scan after placing the subject on the rotary table, whether or not to use the center adjustment function is selected by ON / OFF of a check box or the like.

  When the center adjustment function is not selected, the CT scan is performed as in the past to collect the radiation projection data of the subject, and in parallel, the three-dimensional tomographic information of the subject is obtained by reconstruction calculation using these data. Get.

  When the center adjustment function is selected, radiation projection data of the subject is collected, and at that time, a reconstructing operation is not performed in parallel, and a midplane sinogram is created (extracted). After the CT scan is completed, a tomogram is constructed by reconstructing the sinogram of the midplane using the rotation center axis projection coordinates previously obtained and set in the reconstruction operation unit 13 as temporary coordinates. Further, each tomogram is constructed by reconstruction calculation using the same sinogram as a rotation center axis projection coordinate respectively shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides in the y-axis direction with respect to the temporary coordinate. These three tomographic images are displayed on the rotation axis coordinate change screen based on the GUI technology together with the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the respective reconstructions. While viewing this screen, the operator can change the rotation center axis projection coordinates arbitrarily to obtain a tomographic image without center axis blurring, and then give a command to complete the selection. The configuration calculation unit 13 constructs the three-dimensional tomographic information of the subject by the reconstruction calculation using all the data stored in the projection data storage unit 12 by the reconstruction calculation using the rotation center axis projection coordinates after the change. To do.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates. In FIG. 3, the tomographic image indicated by Pc is a tomographic image constructed by reconstruction calculation using rotation center axis projection coordinates obtained based on data obtained using a phantom, that is, temporary coordinates. The tomographic image indicated by Pm in the figure is reconstructed using coordinates that are shifted in one direction (for example, minus side) in the y-axis direction by a prescribed amount, for example, 5 pixels, relative to the provisional coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. This is a tomogram constructed by calculation. Similarly, the tomographic image indicated by Pp is obtained by reconstruction calculation using coordinates shifted by a specified amount in the direction opposite to Pm in the y-axis direction (for example, plus side) with respect to the temporary coordinates as the rotation center axis projection coordinates. This is a constructed tomogram. Below these tomographic images Pc, Pm, and Pp, display portions Ec, Em, and Ep of rotation center axis projection coordinates (y-axis coordinates, pixel display) used for the respective reconstruction calculations, and each tomographic image Pc. , Pm and Pp are provided with display portions Ic, Im and Ip having the maximum luminance.

  Then, an instruction to change the rotation center axis projection coordinates can be given on the rotation axis coordinate change screen as shown below.

  Clicking the left and right tomographic images of the three tomographic images with the mouse changes the rotation center axis projection coordinates in the corresponding direction. That is, when the left tomogram Pm is clicked, the rotation center axis projection coordinates Em, Ec, Ep are interlocked to the minus side, and when the right tomogram Pp is clicked, the rotation center axis projection coordinates Em, Ec, Ep. Changes in conjunction with the positive side. Simultaneously with the change in the coordinate values, the reconstruction calculation unit 13 executes the midplane reconstruction calculation using the changed coordinate values as the rotation center axis projection coordinates, and newly reconstructs the tomographic images Pm, Pc, and Pp. It changes to the calculated image. Accordingly, the display values of the maximum luminance display portions Im, Ic, and Ip of the tomographic images Pm, Pc, and Pp also change.

  When the center tomographic image Pc is clear and the tomographic images Pm and Pp on both sides of the screen are changed evenly on the rotation axis coordinate changing screen as described above, Alternatively, among the maximum luminance values displayed corresponding to the tomographic images Pm, Pc, and Pp, the maximum luminance value Ic corresponding to the central tomographic image Pc is maximized, and the tomographic images Pm, Pp on both sides of the maximum luminance value are displayed. When the state in which the maximum luminance values Im and Ip are substantially equal and lower than Ic is obtained, the coordinate Ec used for the reconstruction of the central tomographic image Pc is the most suitable rotation center axis projection coordinate. It can be judged that there is. After making the above determination, by clicking the OK button Bo on the screen, the reconstruction calculation using the optimum rotation center axis projection coordinates is performed using all the data stored in the projection data memory 12. Three-dimensional tomographic information of the specimen, that is, a tomographic image of all slice planes is constructed.

  According to the operation procedure of the present invention described above, while viewing the three tomographic images reconstructed using each of the three coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount as the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for the reconstruction calculation, You can intuitively select a tomographic image without axial blurring. In addition, the maximum luminance value of each tomographic image is displayed, and this maximum luminance value is low when there is blurring of the central axis of the tomographic image, and is useful as an evaluation value of the sharpness of the image. It is also possible to select the optimum rotation center axis projection coordinates with reference to the above, and in this case, the optimum rotation center axis projection coordinates can be easily set without requiring skill.

  Here, in the screen of FIG. 3, the initial value of the rotation center axis projection coordinate Ec used for the reconstruction of the central tomographic image Pc displayed on the screen is displayed on the coordinate initial value display section Ei. Therefore, even after changing the coordinates in various ways, the original screen can be restored.

  Further, the shift amount of the rotation center axis projection coordinates Em, Ep for reconstructing the tomographic images Pm, Pp displayed on both sides of the central tomographic image Pc with respect to Ec is changed by a setting unit indicated by S in FIG. The optimum rotation center axis projection coordinates according to the shape, type, etc. of the subject can be arbitrarily changed to any amount that is easy to search.

  Further, in the screen of FIG. 3, the tomographic images are enlarged and displayed by digital zoom by moving the mouse cursor to the three tomographic images Pm, Pc, and Pp and scrolling upward, and in that state, the central tomographic image Pc is displayed. The position of the enlarged display can be changed by dragging the mouse cursor. An example of the enlarged tomographic image is shown in FIG. By using this function, it is possible to facilitate intuitive determination, such as enlarging and displaying an outline portion or the like that is likely to be affected by center axis shake due to the shape of the subject.

  Furthermore, when the left and right tomographic images are clicked using the mouse, the rotation center axis projection coordinates change to the corresponding direction, but the coordinates of the coordinates by one click depend on the position of the click on the image. The movement amount is configured to change. That is, on the left and right tomographic images Pm and Pp, clicking on a half location on the side close to the central tomographic image Pc moves by 1.0 pixel, and clicks on a half location on the side far from the central tomographic image Pc. Then, it moves by 5.0 pixels. By changing the click position appropriately depending on the degree of center axis blurring of the tomographic image, quick coordinate change and fine setting are possible.

  As described above, the example of the operation and operation in the case of activating the center adjustment function prior to the CT scan has been described. However, this embodiment also applies to data that has already completed the CT scan and completed the reconstruction operation. The center adjustment function can be activated to convert to a clear tomographic image with no center axis blurring. The procedure in this case is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the center adjustment of the existing scan data is instructed, a rotation axis coordinate change screen including three tomographic images is displayed as in FIG. However, in the screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates during the center adjustment of the already-scanned data, the central tomographic image Pc among the three tomographic images is a tomographic image of the midplane that has already been constructed by the reconstruction operation. The rotation center axis projection coordinates are the rotation center axis projection coordinates actually used for the reconstruction calculation, and the coordinates are displayed on the display unit Ec of the rotation center axis projection coordinates provided below the tomographic image Pc as described above. Is done. The tomographic images Pm and Pp displayed on both sides of the projection data of the midplane are obtained by using coordinates that are shifted in the opposite directions by a specified amount with respect to the rotation center axis projection coordinates displayed in Ec. Are newly reconstructed tomographic images, and the rotation center axis projection coordinates used for each are displayed on the corresponding display sections Em and Ep. The same is true in that the maximum luminance of each tomographic image Pm, Pc, Pp is displayed on the corresponding display section Im, Ic, Ip.

  Using such a screen for changing the rotation axis coordinates, the optimum rotation center axis projection coordinates are changed by the same procedure as described above, and the OK button Bo on the screen is pressed. Using this, all the projection data is reconstructed and reconstructed to construct three-dimensional tomographic image information of the subject.

  By using the center adjustment function for the above-described already-scanned data, it is possible to eliminate the center axis blur from the already obtained tomographic image and change it to a clearer tomographic image.

  In the above embodiment, the maximum luminance value of the image is adopted as the evaluation value for evaluating the sharpness of the tomographic image. However, the sharpness evaluation value used in various image processing is used. A well-known value such as a value obtained by summing up the evaluation value of the degree, for example, the differential value of the luminance of each part of the image in some form, can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiation source 2 Radiation detector 3 Rotation table 11 Image data acquisition circuit 12 Projection data memory 13 Reconstruction calculating part 14 Tomographic image memory 15 Rotation axis coordinate change screen formation part 16 Display control part 17 Display 18 Control part 19 Operation Part

Claims (12)

Between the radiation source and the radiation detector arranged opposite to each other, there is provided a rotary table for placing a subject and rotating around a rotation center axis orthogonal to the radiation optical axis direction. The rotation table is rotated by irradiating the specimen with radiation from the radiation source, and the rotation is performed by calculation using the radiation projection data of the subject collected by collecting the output of the radiation detector for each minute rotation angle. In a radiation CT apparatus provided with reconstruction calculation means for constructing a tomographic image of a subject along a slice plane orthogonal to the central axis,
The reconstruction calculation means sets in advance the first reconstruction calculation after collecting the radiation projection data of the subject as projection coordinates on the radiation detector of the rotation center axis used for the reconstruction calculation. Rotation axis coordinate change screen display means for constructing a tomographic image along a prescribed slice plane using the provisional coordinates and displaying a rotation center axis projection coordinate change screen including the tomographic image and provisional coordinates And a command input means for moving the projected coordinate of the rotation center axis by an arbitrary amount in an arbitrary direction with respect to the temporary coordinate and instructing the reconstruction calculation means to perform a recalculation by an operation on the screen. The radiation CT apparatus is characterized in that the reconstruction calculation means changes the rotation center axis projection coordinate according to the command and executes the reconstruction calculation again.   The radiation source generates cone beam-shaped radiation, the radiation detector is a two-dimensional detector, and the reconstruction calculation means is arranged on a plurality of slice planes orthogonal to the rotation center axis by the reconstruction calculation. In addition to constructing a plurality of tomographic images, the first reconstruction operation using the provisional coordinates is performed only on one tomographic image along the prescribed slice plane, and the tomographic image along the other slice planes The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reconstruction calculation is performed after a command to that effect is issued.   The reconstruction calculation means performs the first reconstruction calculation after collecting the radiation projection data of the subject with the provisional coordinates in addition to the tomographic image obtained by the reconstruction calculation using the provisional coordinates. In addition to calculating a tomographic image obtained by reconstruction calculation using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides as rotation center axis projection coordinates, the screen display means for rotating axis coordinate change includes the three tomographic images. The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation CT is displayed together with a rotation center axis projection coordinate used for each calculation.   The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the two coordinates shifted on both sides of the temporary coordinate can be set and changed from the temporary projection coordinate.   The tomographic image reconstructed using the temporary coordinates, the tomographic image reconstructed using two coordinates shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the temporary coordinates, and the command input means The tomographic image reconstructed according to the command has image evaluation calculation means for calculating an evaluation value related to the sharpness of each image, and the rotation axis coordinate change screen display means uses the calculated evaluation value for each tomographic image. The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation CT apparatus displays the image together with an image.   The tomographic image constructed by the reconstruction calculation using the temporary coordinates and the respective tomographic images constructed by the reconstruction calculation using the two projected coordinates shifted to both sides across the temporary coordinates are The tomographic image constructed by the reconstruction calculation using temporary coordinates is displayed on the display unit in a state of being arranged in the center, and the command input means issues a command by clicking one of the tomographic images on both sides. The coordinate movement direction depends on which of the left and right tomographic images is clicked, and the amount of coordinate movement depends on the tomographic images on both sides. 6. The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation CT apparatus is configured to be set in accordance with a distance from the center of the click position. The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temporary coordinates are any of the following coordinates (A) to (C).
(A) Coordinates calculated using projection data collected by placing a rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom on the rotation table. (B) In a plurality of positional relationships of the radiation source, radiation detector, and rotation table. Projection coordinates in the above positional relationship at the time of subject imaging using a plurality of coordinates calculated and stored using projection data collected by placing a rotation center axis projection position calibration phantom on the rotation table. Coordinates calculated by interpolation or extrapolation calculation (C) Design coordinates set from the beginning Between the radiation source and the radiation detector arranged opposite to each other, there is provided a rotary table for placing a subject and rotating around a rotation center axis orthogonal to the radiation optical axis direction. The rotation table is rotated by irradiating the specimen with radiation from the radiation source, and the rotation is performed by calculation using the radiation projection data of the subject collected by collecting the output of the radiation detector for each minute rotation angle. In a radiation CT apparatus provided with reconstruction calculation means for constructing a tomographic image of a subject along a slice plane orthogonal to the central axis,
By specifying the radiation projection data of the subject for which the tomographic image has been constructed by the reconstruction operation, it is possible to change the rotation center axis projection coordinate including the corresponding tomographic image and the rotation center axis projection coordinate used to construct the tomographic image. The rotation axis coordinate change screen display means for displaying the screen and the operation on the screen move the rotation center axis projection coordinates in an arbitrary direction in an arbitrary direction with respect to the coordinates used for constructing the tomographic image. And a command input means for instructing the reconstruction calculation means to perform a recalculation, wherein the reconstruction calculation means changes the rotation center axis projection coordinates in accordance with the command and executes the reconstruction calculation again. CT device.   The reconstruction calculation means according to claim 8 is the rotation center axis used for constructing the corresponding tomographic image when the radiation projection data of the subject to be displayed on the rotation axis coordinate change screen display means is designated. A tomographic image is constructed by reconstruction calculation using two coordinates shifted by a specified amount on both sides of the projected coordinates as rotation center axis projection coordinates, and the rotation axis coordinate change screen display means A radiation CT apparatus that displays an image and the corresponding tomographic image together with rotation center axis projection coordinates used for each calculation.   The radiation CT apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the shift amount of each of the two coordinates shifted to both sides of the rotation center axis projection coordinate used for constructing the corresponding tomographic image can be changed. .   By specifying the radiation projection data, the tomographic image displayed on the screen for changing the rotation center axis projection coordinates and the rotation center axis projection coordinates used to construct the tomographic image are shifted by a prescribed amount on both sides of the tomogram. With respect to the tomographic image reconstructed using one coordinate and the tomographic image reconstructed according to the command from the command input unit, the image evaluation calculating unit calculates an evaluation value related to the definition of each image, The radiation CT apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the rotation axis coordinate change screen display means displays the calculated evaluation value together with each tomographic image.   The tomographic image already constructed using the radiation projection data designated to be displayed on the rotation axis coordinate changing screen display means and the rotational center axis projection coordinate used to construct the tomographic image are shifted to both sides. The tomographic images constructed by the reconstruction operation using the two projected coordinates are displayed on the display with the already constructed tomographic images arranged in the center, and the command input means It is configured to give a command by clicking one of the tomographic images on both sides, and the direction of the coordinate movement depends on whether the tomographic image on the left or right of the tomographic images on both sides is clicked, and The amount of movement of coordinates is configured to be set according to the distance from the center of the click position on the tomographic images on both sides, respectively. Radiation CT apparatus described in.