JP7399720B2 - X-ray CT device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus.

In X-ray CT apparatuses, a technique called photon counting CT is known. In photon counting CT, imaging is performed by counting the number of X-ray photons in each of a plurality of bins, so a huge amount of data is transmitted from the gantry device to the console device. For example, if the amount of information obtained by performing a scan increases, the amount of data sent to the console device will increase, resulting in a longer data transmission time.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-97977 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-305165 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-131336

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to make necessary images available for immediate reference. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment includes a rotating section, a first communication section, a second communication section, and an image generation section. The rotation unit includes a data collection unit that is provided on the pedestal and collects projection data for each view based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject. The first communication unit is provided on the pedestal, and is provided on a fixed part that supports the rotating part, or outside the pedestal. The second communication unit is provided in the rotating unit, generates transmission data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction out of the projection data, and transmits the transmission data to the first communication unit. Send sequentially to the communication department. The image generation unit executes the real-time reconstruction based on the partial data included in the transmission data received by the second communication unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data transmission of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second data transmission method in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first data transmission method in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example of the first data transmission method in the second embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining partial data in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the X-ray CT apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The X-ray CT apparatus described in the following embodiments is an apparatus capable of performing photon counting CT. That is, the X-ray CT apparatus described in the following embodiments is an apparatus that can reconstruct X-ray CT image data by counting the X-rays that have passed through the subject using a photon-counting detector. .

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40.

In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in a non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 is defined as the Z-axis direction. Further, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction. Further, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction. Note that FIG. 1 depicts the gantry apparatus 10 from multiple directions for explanation, and shows a case where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has one gantry apparatus 10.

The gantry device 10 is a device that irradiates a subject P (patient) with X-rays, detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject P, and outputs data corresponding to the detected X-rays to the console device 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry device 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, and a collimator 17. , DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that has a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon collision with the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays to irradiate the subject P by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode to the anode by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 14 . For example, the X-ray tube 11 includes a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11 and an X-ray generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type.

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. This is a filter that For example, the wedge 16 is a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, and is a filter made of aluminum or the like so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the irradiation range of the X-rays that have passed through the wedge 16, and forms a slit by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like. Note that the collimator 17 is sometimes called an X-ray diaphragm. Further, although FIG. 1 shows a case where the wedge 16 is arranged between the X-ray tube 11 and the collimator 17, it is also a case where the collimator 17 is arranged between the X-ray tube 11 and the wedge 16. Good too. In this case, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and whose irradiation range is limited by the collimator 17.

The X-ray detector 12 is a photon counting type detector having a plurality of detection elements. Each detection element in the X-ray detector 12 detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P, and outputs a signal to the DAS 18 in response to the incidence of the detected X-rays. Each detection element outputs a signal capable of measuring the energy value of the X-ray photon each time the X-ray photon is incident. The X-ray photon is, for example, a photon of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and transmitted through the subject P. Each detection element outputs one pulse of an electrical signal (analog signal) every time an X-ray photon is incident.

For example, the X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector that includes a scintillator array and a photosensor array. A scintillator array has multiple scintillators. The scintillator converts incident X-ray photons into scintillator light. The optical sensor array includes optical sensors such as photodiodes, for example. The optical sensor converts scintillator light into an electrical signal. Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector that directly converts incident X-ray photons into electrical signals.

For example, in the X-ray detector 12 shown in FIG. 1, the detection elements are arranged in N rows in the channel direction (direction along the rotational direction of the X-ray detector 12), and the rotating frame 13 is in a state where the gantry device 10 is not tilted. The detectors are arranged in M rows in the rotation center axis direction (Z-axis direction in FIG. 1) (column direction, row direction). When a photon is incident on the detection element, the detection element outputs a one-pulse electric signal. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 can count the number of X-ray photons that have entered the detection element by discriminating individual pulses output by the detection element. Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can measure the energy value of the counted X-ray photons by performing arithmetic processing based on the intensity of the pulse.

The DAS 18 is a data collection circuit that collects data output from the X-ray detector 12 for each view. The data output from the X-ray detector 12 represents a counting result that is a result of counting processing, and is projection data before being subjected to pre-processing, which will be described later. For example, the DAS 18 includes an amplifier that performs amplification processing on electrical signals output from each detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A/D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals. DAS18 is realized by a processor, for example. The DAS 18 counts photons (X-ray photons) originating from the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and transmitted through the subject P, and collects the result of discriminating the energy of the counted photons as a counting result. For example, when X-rays are continuously emitted from the X-ray tube 11 while the rotating frame 13 is rotating, the DAS 18 collects counting results for the entire circumference (360 degrees). Then, the DAS 18 transmits the counting results to the console device 40.

For example, the DAS 18 uses the incident position (detection position) of X-ray photons counted by discriminating each pulse output by the detection element of the X-ray detector 12 and the energy value of the X-ray photons as the counting result. Collect data for each position of the tube 11 (tube position). The incident position is, for example, the position of the detection element when the pulse used for counting is output. Further, the DAS 18 calculates an energy value from, for example, the peak value of the pulse and a system-specific response function. Alternatively, the DAS 18 calculates the energy value by integrating the intensity of the pulse, for example. The DAS 18 uses, for example, a comparator to allocate the calculated energy values to a plurality of energy discrimination areas (energy bins). The counting results distributed into a plurality of energy discrimination regions (energy bins) become an energy spectrum that shows the distribution of the number of photons according to energy. Hereinafter, the energy bin will simply be referred to as a bin.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 facing each other, and allows the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 to be rotated by the control device 15. For example, the rotating frame 13 is cast from aluminum. Note that, in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 can also support an X-ray high voltage device 14, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, a DAS 18, and the like. Furthermore, the rotating frame 13 may further support various configurations not shown in FIG.

The control device 15 includes a processing circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 receives input signals from an input interface 43, which will be described later, and controls the operations of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30. For example, the control device 15 controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, the tilt of the gantry device 10, the operation of the bed device 30 and the top plate 33, and the like. For example, as a control for tilting the gantry device 10, the control device 15 rotates the rotation frame 13 about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on input inclination angle (tilt angle) information. Note that the control device 15 may be provided on the gantry device 10 or may be provided on the console device 40.

The bed device 30 is a device on which a subject P to be photographed is placed and moved. As shown in FIG. 1, the bed device 30 includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a casing that supports the support frame 34 movably in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a drive mechanism that moves the top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33, and includes a motor, an actuator, and the like. The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. In addition to the top plate 33, the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33.

The console device 40 is a device that accepts operations of the X-ray CT device 1 by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using data (count results) collected by the gantry device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Although the console device 40 will be described as being separate from the gantry device 10, the gantry device 10 may include the console device 40 or a part of each component of the console device 40.

The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and CT image data. Further, for example, the memory 41 stores a program for a circuit included in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to realize its function. Note that the memory 41 may be realized by a server group (cloud) connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 displays various images generated by the processing circuit 44 and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from an operator. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. Note that the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Further, the display 42 may be of a desktop type, or may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console device 40 main body.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from an operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 . For example, the input interface 43 allows input operations such as imaging conditions for X-ray CT image data, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT image data, and image processing conditions when generating post-processed images from CT image data. is received from the operator. For example, the input interface 43 may include a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, and an optical sensor. This is realized by using a non-contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, etc. Note that the input interface 43 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Furthermore, the input interface 43 may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the main body of the console device 40. Furthermore, the input interface 43 is not limited to one that includes physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the console device 40 and outputs this electric signal to the processing circuit 44 is also an example of the input interface 43. included.

The processing circuit 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 . For example, the processing circuit 44 executes a system control function 440, a scan control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, and a display control function 444.

The system control function 440 controls various functions of the processing circuit 44 based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43.

The scan control function 441 executes a scan of the subject P using X-rays. For example, the scan control function 441 controls scanning based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. Specifically, the scan control function 441 controls the output voltage from the high voltage generator by transmitting a control signal to the X-ray high voltage device 14 based on the input operation. The scan control function 441 also controls data collection by the DAS 18 by transmitting a control signal to the DAS 18 .

The preprocessing function 442 performs preprocessing on the data (count results) transmitted from the DAS 18 to generate preprocessed data. Specifically, the preprocessing function 442 generates preprocessed data by performing correction processes such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction. Further, the preprocessing function 442 stores the generated data in the memory 41. Hereinafter, the data transmitted from the DAS 18 will be simply referred to as projection data, and the projection data that has been preprocessed by the preprocessing function 442 will be referred to as preprocessed projection data. The preprocessing function 442 is an example of a combining section.

The reconstruction processing function 443 reconstructs the preprocessed projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 using various reconstruction methods (for example, a back projection method such as FBP (Filtered Back Projection), a successive approximation method, etc.). CT image data is generated by configuring. Furthermore, the reconstruction processing function 443 stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 443 is an example of an image generation section.

Here, the projection data generated from the counting results obtained by photon counting CT includes information on the energy spectrum of the X-rays attenuated by passing through the subject P. Therefore, the reconstruction processing function 443 can, for example, reconstruct X-ray CT image data (energy discrimination image data) in which a specific energy component is imaged. Further, the reconstruction processing function 443 can, for example, reconstruct X-ray CT image data of each of a plurality of energy components.

Further, the reconstruction processing function 443 can generate CT image data for confirmation from the preprocessed projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the CT image data for confirmation is also called a real-time reconstructed image.

The display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display various images generated by the processing circuit 44. For example, the display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, each processing function is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 44 is a processor that reads programs from the memory 41 and executes them to implement functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 44 in a state where each program has been read has a function corresponding to the read program.

Note that the word "processor" used in the above description refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, Refers to circuits such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is, for example, an ASIC, the program is directly incorporated into the processor's circuitry instead of storing the program in a memory circuit. Note that each processor of this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data transmission of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, the projection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from the communication device 52 to the communication device 51, and then transferred to the console device 40. Here, the communication device 51 is an example of a first communication unit, and the communication device 52 is an example of a second communication unit.

The communication device 52 is provided, for example, on the rotating frame 13 of the gantry device 10. For example, the communication device 52 is mounted on a DAS 18 provided on the rotating frame 13. The communication device 51 is provided, for example, on the fixed frame 19 of the gantry device 10. The fixed frame 19 is a non-rotating part of the gantry device 10 and rotatably supports the rotating frame 13. Alternatively, the communication device 51 is provided outside the gantry device 10, for example. Note that the communication device 51 may be provided elsewhere, and may be mounted on the control device 15, for example.

Here, the rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating part, and the fixed frame 19 is an example of a fixed part. Specifically, the gantry device 10 is divided into a rotating unit and a fixed unit. The rotating unit includes, for example, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, a DAS 18, a communication device 52, and the like. The fixed unit includes, for example, a fixed frame 19, a control device 15, a communication device 51, and the like.

For example, when a scan is performed, a control signal is transmitted from the scan control function 441 of the console device 40 to the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side of the gantry device 10. Then, in the gantry device 10, the control signal is transmitted from the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side to the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side via a slip ring (not shown). Here, the transmission path from the console device 40 to the gantry device 10 may be referred to as an uplink.

For example, in the gantry device 10, projection data is collected by the DAS 18 of the rotating section side unit by performing a scan. At this time, the projection data collected by the DAS 18 is transmitted from the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side to the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side via the slip ring. Then, the projection data is transmitted from the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side to the console device 40. Here, the transmission path from the gantry device 10 to the console device 40 may be referred to as a downlink.

The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment reconstructs X-ray CT image data by photon counting CT.

By the way, in photon counting CT, a huge amount of projection data is transmitted from the rotating section side unit of the gantry device 10 to the console device 40 via the slip ring and the fixed section side unit. For example, when the amount of information obtained by performing a scan increases, the amount of projection data transmitted to the console device 40 increases, and the time required to send all the projection data to the console device 40 becomes longer. For example, in photon counting CT, the number of bins increases compared to an X-ray CT device using a conventional integrating type detector, so the amount of data becomes significantly larger and the data transmission time becomes longer. One way to shorten data transmission time is to increase the number of downlink lanes. However, it is necessary to increase the number of slip ring lanes, which increases costs and increases the size of the device.

Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs the following processing in order to be able to immediately refer to images required when transmitting a huge amount of projection data. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a rotating section side unit, a communication device 51, a communication device 52, and a reconstruction processing function 443. The rotating section side unit includes a DAS 18 that is provided on the gantry device 10 and collects projection data for each view based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. The communication device 51 is provided in the gantry device 10 and is provided in a fixed unit that supports the rotating unit or outside the gantry device 10 . The communication device 52 is provided in the rotating unit, generates transmission data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction out of the projection data, and sequentially transmits the transmission data to the communication device 51. The reconfiguration processing function 443 executes real-time reconfiguration based on partial data included in the transmission data received by the communication device 51.

Processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be specifically described. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment selects a data transmission method according to the amount of projection data collected by the DAS 18, and preferentially transmits partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction among the projection data. Switching to the first data transmission method or the second data transmission method for transmitting projection data.

Specifically, first, an operator such as a laboratory technician performs an input operation using the console device 40. At this time, the scan control function 441 acquires patient information of the patient to be examined based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, and displays a screen representing the acquired patient information on the display 42. Display. At this time, the scan control function 441 accepts the settings of the scan plan. Next, the operator creates a scan plan for photographing the abdomen of the subject P (patient), for example, based on the acquired patient information. Here, the screen displayed on the display 42 when scan plan settings are accepted includes buttons such as check boxes for selecting whether or not to execute real-time reconstruction. When the operator operates the button, the scan control function 441 sets real-time reconstruction in the scan plan.

Next, a control signal is transmitted from the scan control function 441 of the console device 40 to the fixed unit of the gantry device 10. The control signal is, for example, a signal that controls the output voltage generated by the X-ray high voltage device 14 or causes the DAS 18 to execute data collection. Further, the control signal includes information representing a scan plan in which real-time reconfiguration is set. In the fixed unit, for example, the control device 15 equipped with the communication device 51 calculates the amount of projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 based on the scan plan included in the control signal. The projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 is projection data for each view obtained by performing a scan. Then, the control device 15 calculates a period Tv corresponding to one view from the scan plan, and determines whether the projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan can be sent within the period Tv corresponding to one view. judge.

Here, if it is determined that the projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan can be transmitted within one view, the communication device 51 incorporates a switching signal for switching to the second data transmission method into the control signal. and sends it to the rotating unit. In this case, in the rotating unit, the communication device 52 switches the data transmission method to be executed to the second data transmission method in accordance with the switching signal included in the control signal.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the projection data of each view obtained by scanning cannot be sent within one view, the communication device 51 incorporates a switching signal for switching to the first data transmission method into the control signal. and sends it to the rotating unit. In this case, in the rotating section side unit, the communication device 52 switches the data transmission method to be executed to the first data transmission method according to the switching signal included in the control signal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second data transmission method in the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 3 is a process that is executed when the projection data of each view obtained by scanning can be sent within one view. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the period Tv corresponding to one view is, for example, a period corresponding to the clock cycle CLK of the processor that implements the DAS 18.

In the gantry device 10, projection data is collected for each view by the DAS 18 of the rotating section side unit by performing a scan. By executing the second data transmission method, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side transmits the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 to the console device via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side in packets. 40 sequentially. The packet includes projection data and a header and footer added to identify the projection data. The projection data is transmitted within a period Tv corresponding to one view.

In the console device 40, the preprocessing function 442 receives the projection data transmitted from the gantry device 10, and performs preprocessing on the received projection data to generate preprocessed projection data. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by reconstructing the preprocessed projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. The display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first data transmission method in the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 4 is a process that is executed when the projection data of each view obtained by scanning cannot be sent within one view. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, similarly to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the period Tv corresponding to one view is, for example, a period corresponding to the clock cycle CLK of the processor that implements the DAS 18.

In FIG. 4, the first data transmission method includes, for example, a data thinning method. For example, data can be thinned out by channels, columns, bins, views, etc.

In the gantry device 10, projection data is collected for each view by the DAS 18 of the rotating section side unit by performing a scan. By executing the first data transmission method, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit transmits data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction out of the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18. Data is generated, and the generated transmission data is sequentially transmitted in packets to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit. The packet includes transmission data and a header and footer added to identify the transmission data. The transmission data is transmitted within a period Tv corresponding to one view.

In addition, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit sends data other than partial data out of the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 at a time different from the time at which the partial data was preferentially transmitted using a packet. , is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit. The packet includes data other than the partial data, and a header and footer added to identify the data other than the partial data.

Here, the amount of projection data collected by the DAS 18 of the rotating unit can be transmitted from the communication device 52 of the rotating unit to the communication device 51 of the fixed unit within a period Tv corresponding to one view. The amount of data for transmission is greater than the upper limit of the amount of data that can be transmitted, and the amount of data for transmission is less than or equal to the upper limit of the amount of data that can be transmitted. Or, it is smaller than the amount of data that can be transmitted.

Specifically, in the process shown in FIG. 4, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side sends transmission data including partial data in packets via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side during scanning. The information is sequentially transmitted to the console device 40. For example, in the first view to the fifth view, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side sequentially transmits transmission data including partial data to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side in packets. .

In the console device 40, the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data transmitted from the gantry device 10, and performs preprocessing on the received transmission data to generate preprocessed transmission data. . Here, the preprocessing function 442 stores the generated data for transmission after preprocessing in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates a real-time reconstructed image by reconstructing in real time based on the preprocessed transmission data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 stores the generated real-time reconstructed image in the memory 41. Furthermore, the display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the real-time reconstructed image generated by the reconstruction processing function 443. This allows the operator to check, for example, whether the scan is being performed correctly.

Here, the transmission data (partial data) is smaller than the amount of data that can be transmitted from the communication device 52 of the rotating unit to the communication device 51 of the fixed unit within a period Tv corresponding to one view.

In this case, for example, from the first view to the fifth view, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit transmits data other than the partial data within the period Tv as data that will not be affected even if sent later. At a later time, the information is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the stationary unit. That is, data other than the partial data is transmitted using an empty portion of a packet for transmitting data for transmission from the first view to the fifth view.

Here, it is assumed that among the data other than the partial data, there is data that cannot be transmitted from the first view to the fifth view, for example. In this case, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side stores data other than the partial data that cannot be transmitted, for example, from the first view to the fifth view, in the DAS 18 or the memory provided in the rotating unit side. I'll keep it. After performing the scan, the communication device 52 of the rotating section unit sends the data stored in the memory to the console device via the communication device 51 of the stationary section unit in packets before performing the next scan. Send to 40.

5 to 11 are diagrams for explaining partial data in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which, in the first data transmission method, for example, at least one of channel data and column data is thinned out, or bin data is thinned out.

The partial data is, for example, data necessary for real-time reconstruction, which is data obtained by thinning out at least one of the projection data in units of channels and units of columns.

For example, when the partial data is data thinned out in columns, as shown in FIG. 5, the partial data 501 is, for example, data in odd columns among data in the column direction. That is, data in even columns is thinned out as data 502 other than partial data 501.

For example, when the partial data is data thinned out in columns, as shown in FIG. This is the data in the column. That is, as data 512 other than the partial data 511, data other than the data in the central column is thinned out.

For example, when the partial data is data thinned out in units of channels, as shown in FIG. This is the data. That is, as data 522 other than the partial data 521, data other than the data of the channel in the central portion is thinned out.

For example, when the partial data is data thinned out in channel units and column units, as shown in FIG. This is data of the central portion corresponding to the abdomen of the subject P. That is, as data 532 other than the partial data 531, data other than the channel and column data in the central portion is thinned out.

Furthermore, since the projection data is data collected in each of a plurality of bins, the partial data is, for example, data thinned out in units of bins as data necessary for real-time reconstruction.

For example, when the partial data is data thinned out in units of bins, the partial data is the data of the basic bin. That is, data other than the data in the basic bin is thinned out.

For example, when a contrast agent is used for imaging, the basic bin is determined according to the type of contrast agent. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined by a table that associates the type of contrast agent with the basic bin. For example, when contrast medium A is used as the type of contrast medium, the third bin "bin 3" shown in FIG. 9 is selected as the basic bin suitable for depicting contrast medium A. . For example, when contrast medium B is used as the type of contrast medium, the fourth bin "bin 4" shown in FIG. 9 is selected as the basic bin suitable for depicting contrast medium B. . Information regarding the contrast agent is incorporated into the scan plan, for example by the scan control function 441.

Alternatively, when performing normal imaging, a bin that is expected to have a large number of X-ray photon counts is selected as the basic bin. For example, since the energy spectrum emitted from the X-ray tube 11 changes depending on the tube voltage, the basic bin is determined according to the tube voltage. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined by a table that associates tube voltages with basic bins. For example, when the tube voltage is 120 keV, the fourth bin "bin 4" shown in FIG. 10 is selected as the basic bin. For example, when the tube voltage is 80 keV, the third bin "bin 3" shown in FIG. 10 is selected as the basic bin. Information regarding tube voltage is incorporated into the scan plan by, for example, the scan control function 441.

Here, in the console device 40, when the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data (partial data) and data other than the partial data transmitted from the gantry device 10, the preprocessing function 442 refers to the header and footer of the packet, and Format the data. Specifically, the preprocessing function 442 synthesizes projection data using partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before data is thinned out.

For example, when the partial data is data obtained by thinning out the channel and column data (see FIG. 8), the preprocessing function 442, as shown in FIG. Projection data is synthesized using data 532 other than data 531. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data 530 before thinning out channel and column data.

Furthermore, when the partial data is data obtained by thinning out column data (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the preprocessing function 442 uses the partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. and synthesize the projection data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before thinning out column data.

In addition, when the partial data is data obtained by thinning out channel data (see FIG. 7), the preprocessing function 442 uses the partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data to perform projection processing. Synthesize data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before thinning out channel data.

Furthermore, when the partial data is data obtained by thinning out the bin data (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the preprocessing function 442 uses the partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. and synthesize the projection data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before thinning out the bin data.

The preprocessing function 442 generates preprocessed projection data by performing preprocessing on the combined projection data. Here, the preprocessing function 442 deletes the preprocessed transmission data stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated preprocessed projection data in the memory 41. That is, the transmission data is replaced with projection data. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by reconstructing the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 deletes the real-time reconstructed image stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41. That is, the real-time reconstructed image is replaced with CT image data. The display control function 444 displays the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443 on the display 42 as necessary, for example, in response to an operation by an operator.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

In step S101 in FIG. 12, the scan control function 441 receives settings for a scan plan. Specifically, the scan control function 441 acquires patient information of the patient to be examined based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43, and displays a screen representing the acquired patient information on the display 42. to be displayed. The operator creates a scan plan for photographing the abdomen of the subject P (patient), for example, based on the acquired patient information.

In step S102 of FIG. 12, the scan control function 441 determines whether real-time reconfiguration is set in the received scan plan.

Here, if it is determined that real-time reconfiguration is set in the received scan plan (step S102; Yes), control is transmitted from the scan control function 441 of the console device 40 to the fixed unit side unit of the gantry device 10. The signal includes information representative of a scan plan configured for real-time reconstruction. After that, step S103 in FIG. 12 is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that real-time reconfiguration is not set in the received scan plan (step S102; No), a control signal is sent from the scan control function 441 of the console device 40 to the fixed unit of the gantry device 10. contains information representing a scan plan for which real-time reconstruction is not configured. After that, step S104 in FIG. 12 is executed.

In step S103 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether the projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan can be passed through within one view. Specifically, in the fixed unit, for example, the control device 15 equipped with the communication device 51 calculates the amount of projection data to be collected for each view by the DAS 18 based on the scan plan included in the control signal. do. That is, the amount of projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan is calculated. Then, the control device 15 calculates a period Tv corresponding to one view from the scan plan, and determines whether the projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan can be sent within the period Tv corresponding to one view. judge.

Here, if it is determined that the projection data of each view obtained by performing the scan can be sent within one view (step S103; Yes), step S104 in FIG. 12 is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the projection data of each view obtained by scanning cannot be sent within one view (step S103; No), step S105 in FIG. 12 is executed.

In step S104 of FIG. 12, the second data transmission method is executed. Specifically, the communication device 51 of the fixed part side unit incorporates a switching signal for switching to the second data transmission method into the control signal and transmits it to the rotating part side unit. In this case, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit switches the data transmission method to be executed to the second data transmission method in accordance with the switching signal included in the control signal.

For example, in the gantry device 10, projection data is collected for each view by the DAS 18 of the rotating unit side unit by performing a scan. The communication device 52 of the rotating unit side sequentially transmits the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side by executing the second data transmission method. Send. In the console device 40, the preprocessing function 442 receives the projection data transmitted from the gantry device 10, and performs preprocessing on the received projection data to generate preprocessed projection data. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by reconstructing the preprocessed projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. The display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443. After that, step S107 in FIG. 12 is executed.

In step S105 of FIG. 12, the first data transmission method is executed. Specifically, the communication device 51 of the fixed part side unit incorporates a switching signal for switching to the first data transmission method into the control signal and transmits it to the rotating part side unit. In this case, the communication device 52 of the rotating section side unit switches the data transmission method to be executed to the first data transmission method according to the switching signal included in the control signal. After that, step S106 in FIG. 12 is executed.

In step S106 in FIG. 12, the data necessary for real-time reconfiguration is sent with the highest priority, and then the remaining data is sent.

Specifically, for example, in the gantry device 10, projection data is collected for each view by the DAS 18 of the rotation unit side unit by performing a scan. By executing the first data transmission method, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit transmits data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction out of the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18. Data is generated, and the generated transmission data is sequentially transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit.

In the console device 40, the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data transmitted from the gantry device 10, and performs preprocessing on the received transmission data to generate preprocessed transmission data. . Here, the preprocessing function 442 stores the generated data for transmission after preprocessing in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates a real-time reconstructed image by reconstructing in real time based on the preprocessed transmission data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 stores the generated real-time reconstructed image in the memory 41. Furthermore, the display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the real-time reconstructed image generated by the reconstruction processing function 443. This allows the operator to check, for example, whether the scan is being performed correctly.

Furthermore, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit transmits data other than the partial data (remaining data) among the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 at a time different from the time at which the partial data was preferentially transmitted. At the same time, the information is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit.

In step S107 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether there is a next scan. For example, in the fixed unit, the control device 15 equipped with the communication device 51 determines whether or not there is a next scan in the scan plan included in the control signal.

Here, if it is determined that there is a next scan (step S106; Yes), step S102 is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next scan (step S106; No), the process ends.

Here, in the console device 40, when the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data (partial data) and data other than the partial data transmitted from the gantry device 10, the preprocessing function 442 refers to the header and footer of the packet, and Format the data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 synthesizes projection data using the partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. The preprocessing function 442 generates preprocessed projection data by performing preprocessing on the combined projection data. Here, the preprocessing function 442 deletes the preprocessed transmission data stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated preprocessed projection data in the memory 41. That is, the transmission data is replaced with projection data. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by reconstructing the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 deletes the real-time reconstructed image stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41. That is, the real-time reconstructed image is replaced with CT image data. The display control function 444 displays the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443 on the display 42 as necessary, for example, in response to an operation by an operator.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in the gantry device 10, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit performs real-time reproduction of the projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18. Transmission data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for the configuration is generated, and the transmission data is sequentially transmitted to the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit. In the console device 40, the reconfiguration processing function 443 executes real-time reconfiguration based on partial data included in the transmission data received by the communication device 51. Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, by performing processing such as transmitting partial data preferentially, it is possible to immediately refer to necessary images. Further, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, due to the above configuration, there is no need to increase the number of downlink lanes or increase the number of slip ring lanes.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which, in the first data transmission method, data is thinned out in units of channels or columns, or data is thinned out in units of bins, for example. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which, for example, data is thinned out in units of views in the first data transmission method. In the following, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on processing that is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the first data transmission method in the second embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining partial data in the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 13 is a process that is executed when the projection data of each view obtained by scanning cannot be sent within one view. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, similarly to FIG. 4, it is assumed that the period Tv corresponding to one view is a period corresponding to the clock cycle CLK of the processor implementing the DAS 18, for example.

Partial data is, for example, data that is thinned out in units of views as data necessary for real-time reconstruction.

For example, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side predicts the time required to send data for one view based on the scan plan, and determines the number of views to be thinned out based on the time. Specifically, for example, the time Tp required to send data for one view exceeds the period corresponding to two views (2Tv) but does not reach the period corresponding to three views (3Tv). (2Tv<Tp<3Tv). In this case, it takes a period corresponding to at least three views to send one view's worth of data. Therefore, the communication device 52 sets the number of views to be thinned out to 2, and sets the data of the first view, the data of the fourth view, the data of the seventh view, etc. as partial data. In other words, data other than partial data such as 2nd view data, 3rd view data, 5th view data, 6th view data, 8th view data, 9th view data, etc. I am drawn to it.

Specifically, in the process shown in FIG. 13, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit converts data of the first view, data of the fourth view, data of the seventh view, etc. during scanning into partial data. Then, the transmission data including the partial data is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side unit in the form of a packet. For example, from the first view to the third view, the communication device 52 of the rotating part side unit sends transmission data including the first view data, which is partial data, via the communication device 51 of the fixed part side unit. It is transmitted to the console device 40. For example, from the 4th view to the 6th view, the communication device 52 of the rotating part side unit sends transmission data including the data of the 4th view, which is partial data, via the communication device 51 of the fixed part side unit in a packet. It is transmitted to the console device 40. For example, from the 7th view to the 9th view, the communication device 52 of the rotating part side unit sends transmission data including the data of the 7th view, which is partial data, via the communication device 51 of the fixed part side unit in a packet. It is transmitted to the console device 40.

In the console device 40, the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data transmitted from the gantry device 10, and performs preprocessing on the received transmission data to generate preprocessed transmission data. . Here, the preprocessing function 442 stores the generated data for transmission after preprocessing in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates a real-time reconstructed image by reconstructing in real time based on the preprocessed transmission data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 stores the generated real-time reconstructed image in the memory 41. Furthermore, the display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the real-time reconstructed image generated by the reconstruction processing function 443. This allows the operator to check, for example, whether the scan is being performed correctly.

Here, in the third view, the sixth view, and the ninth view, the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit sends data other than the partial data as data that will not be affected even if sent later. is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51 of the fixed unit side at a time after the time when it was transmitted. That is, data other than the partial data is transmitted using empty portions of packets for transmitting data for transmission in the third, sixth, and ninth views.

Furthermore, it is assumed that among the data other than the partial data, there is data that cannot be transmitted in, for example, the third view, the sixth view, and the ninth view. In this case, the communication device 52 of the rotating part side unit transmits data that cannot be transmitted to the 3rd view, 6th view, and 9th view among data other than partial data to the DAS 18 or the data provided in the rotating part side unit. Store it in memory. After performing the scan, the communication device 52 of the rotating section unit sends the data stored in the memory to the console device via the communication device 51 of the stationary section unit in packets before performing the next scan. Send to 40.

Here, in the console device 40, when the preprocessing function 442 receives the transmission data (partial data) and data other than the partial data transmitted from the gantry device 10, the preprocessing function 442 refers to the header and footer of the packet, and Format the data. Specifically, the preprocessing function 442 synthesizes projection data using partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before data is thinned out.

For example, if the partial data is data obtained by thinning out view data, the preprocessing function 442 synthesizes projection data using the partial data included in the transmission data and data other than the partial data. That is, the preprocessing function 442 generates projection data before thinning out the view data.

The preprocessing function 442 generates preprocessed projection data by performing preprocessing on the combined projection data. Here, the preprocessing function 442 deletes the preprocessed transmission data stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated preprocessed projection data in the memory 41. That is, the transmission data is replaced with projection data. The reconstruction processing function 443 generates CT image data by reconstructing the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442. Here, the reconstruction processing function 443 deletes the real-time reconstructed image stored in the memory 41 and stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41. That is, the real-time reconstructed image is replaced with CT image data. The display control function 444 displays the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443 on the display 42 as necessary, for example, in response to an operation by an operator.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, necessary images can be instantly referenced by performing processing such as transmitting partial data preferentially. Further, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, due to the above configuration, there is no need to increase the number of downlink lanes or increase the number of slip ring lanes.

(Other embodiments)
Although the first and second embodiments have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms in addition to the first and second embodiments described above.

In the embodiments described above, the methods of thinning out channels, columns, views, and bins have been described, but these methods may be combined. For example, the partial data may be data obtained by thinning out at least one of the projection data in units of channels, units of columns, units of views, and units of bins.

Further, in the embodiment described above, data transmission between the communication device 51 of the stationary unit and the communication device 52 of the rotating unit is performed via a slip ring (not shown), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, optical communication may be used as a means of data transmission between the communication device 51 of the stationary unit and the communication device 52 of the rotating unit.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the real-time reconfiguration settings are performed on the screen that accepts scan plan settings, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, real-time reconfiguration settings may be performed on a screen that is separate from the screen that accepts scan plan settings. Specifically, when scan plan settings are accepted, scan control function 441 displays a screen on display 42 that is different from the screen for accepting scan plan settings. Another screen displayed on display 42 includes buttons such as checkboxes for selecting whether to perform real-time reconstruction. When the operator operates the button, the scan control function 441 sets real-time reconstruction in the scan plan.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the gantry device 10 determines the data transmission method to be executed by performing processing such as calculating the amount of projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 based on the scan plan. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the console device 40 may determine the data transmission method to be executed by calculating the amount of projection data collected for each view by the DAS 18 based on the scan plan.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the communication device 52 of the rotating part side unit transfers the data (remaining data) stored in the memory after performing a scan and before performing the next scan to the fixed part side unit. Although the information is transmitted to the console device 40 via the communication device 51, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the communication device 52 of the rotating unit side unit does not finish transmitting the remaining data by the time the next scan is performed, it may continue to transmit the remaining data while the next scan is being performed. In this case, the communication device 52 transmits the remaining data at a time after the time at which the partial data was transmitted within the period Tv during which the next scan is being performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is described as an apparatus capable of performing photon counting CT. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a high-definition It may also be applied to a CT device (referred to as a CT device).

In a high-definition CT device, the X-ray detector 12 has 0.25 mm x 160 rows of detection elements arranged in the body axis direction, making it possible to The slice width is reduced to 1/2 compared to the conventional device, and the spatial resolution in the body axis direction is twice that of the conventional device. In addition, in the high-definition CT device, in the in-plane direction, by arranging detection elements of 1792 channels as the X-ray detector 12, which is twice the number of channels of the conventional X-ray CT device, in the in-plane direction, Spatial resolution twice as high as before can be obtained. Here, the high-definition CT apparatus is equipped with an X-ray detector 12 having a higher spatial resolution than a conventional X-ray CT apparatus, thereby increasing the number of signals collected by the X-ray detector 12. Therefore, the amount of data on which the X-ray detector 12 performs signal processing increases. For example, a high-definition CT device has a larger number of pixels than a conventional X-ray CT device, resulting in a significantly larger amount of data and longer data transmission time. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment described above is effective even when it is a high-definition CT apparatus. That is, by performing a process of preferentially transmitting partial data, etc., it is possible to immediately refer to a necessary image.

Furthermore, the processing circuit 44 may implement its functions using a processor of an external device connected via a network. For example, the processing circuit 44 reads programs corresponding to each function from the memory 41 and executes them, and also uses an external workstation or cloud connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network as a computing resource. , realizes each function shown in FIG.

Each component of each device according to the embodiments described above is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distributing and integrating each device is not limited to what is shown in the diagram, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

Further, the control method described in the above-described embodiments can be realized by executing a control program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This control program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, this control program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

According to at least one embodiment described above, necessary images can be instantly referenced.

Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 X-ray CT device 10 Frame device 13 Rotating frame 18 DAS
19 Fixed frame 51 Communication device 52 Communication device 443 Reconfiguration processing function

Claims (8)

a rotating part that is provided on the mount and includes a data collection part that collects projection data for each view based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject;
a fixed part provided on the pedestal and supporting the rotating part; or a first communication part provided outside the pedestal;
a second communication unit provided in the rotation unit, which generates transmission data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction among the projection data, and sequentially transmits the transmission data to the first communication unit; communications department and
an image generation unit that performs the real-time reconstruction based on the partial data included in the transmission data received by the first communication unit;
Equipped with
The data amount of the projection data is larger than the upper limit of the data amount that the second communication unit can transmit to the first communication unit in a period corresponding to one view,
The amount of data for transmission is less than or equal to the upper limit of the amount of data that can be transmitted, or is smaller than the amount of data that can be transmitted.
X-ray CT device. a rotating part that is provided on the mount and includes a data collection part that collects projection data for each view based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject;
a fixed part provided on the pedestal and supporting the rotating part; or a first communication part provided outside the pedestal;
a second communication unit provided in the rotation unit, which generates transmission data that preferentially includes partial data necessary for real-time reconstruction among the projection data, and sequentially transmits the transmission data to the first communication unit; communications department and
an image generation unit that performs the real-time reconstruction based on the partial data included in the transmission data received by the first communication unit;
a synthesis section;
Equipped with
The second communication unit transmits data other than the partial data among the projection data at a time different from a time when the partial data was preferentially transmitted,
The synthesis unit synthesizes the projection data using the partial data included in the transmission data received by the first communication unit and data other than the partial data.
X-ray CT device. The data amount of the projection data is larger than the upper limit of the data amount that the second communication unit can transmit to the first communication unit in a period corresponding to one view,
The amount of data for transmission is less than or equal to the upper limit of the amount of data that can be transmitted, or is smaller than the amount of data that can be transmitted.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2 . The partial data is data obtained by thinning out at least one of the projection data in units of channels, units of columns, units of views, and units of bins.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The second communication unit switches between a first data transmission method that preferentially transmits the partial data and a second data transmission method that transmits the projection data.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The second communication unit switches a data transmission method to be executed to the first data transmission method or the second data transmission method according to a scan plan.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5 . The second communication unit transmits data other than the partial data among the projection data at a time different from a time when the partial data was preferentially transmitted.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1 . a synthesis unit that synthesizes the projection data using the partial data included in the transmission data received by the first communication unit and data other than the partial data;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising:

Images