US20030076919A1 - X-ray computed tomography apparatus - Google Patents

X-ray computed tomography apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030076919A1
US20030076919A1 US10/262,895 US26289502A US2003076919A1 US 20030076919 A1 US20030076919 A1 US 20030076919A1 US 26289502 A US26289502 A US 26289502A US 2003076919 A1 US2003076919 A1 US 2003076919A1
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ray
basis
tube current
tube
detection element
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Tatsuro Suzuki
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Toshiba Corp
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Individual
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Assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA reassignment KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SUZUKI, TATSURO
Publication of US20030076919A1 publication Critical patent/US20030076919A1/en
Priority to US11/107,901 priority Critical patent/US7142630B2/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03—Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/032—Transmission computed tomography [CT]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/542—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving control of exposure

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  • the present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus including an X-ray tube and multi-slice X-ray detectors.
  • a significant challenge for recent X-ray computed tomographic imaging apparatuses is to realize both an improvement in image quality and a decrease in dosage.
  • Image quality improves as the intensity of X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated decreases, and vice versa.
  • the intensity of X-ray generated during a helical scan is maintained at a constant value.
  • techniques of changing the intensity of X-rays in accordance with the X-ray transmission factor which changes in accordance with a region of the object have been proposed.
  • the X-ray intensity is changed in accordance with a value at a given point on a scanogram.
  • a scanogram is the two-dimensional intensity distribution of transmitted X-rays which is acquired for a scan plan.
  • an X-ray tube 10 is fixed at a given rotational angle, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A.
  • a table top 2 a is moved at a constant velocity. During this period, signals are repeatedly read from an X-ray detector 11 at a predetermined cycle.
  • This X-ray intensity control is effective in a single-slice scan shown in FIG. 1B.
  • X-ray intensity cannot be satisfactorily optimized for a multi-slice scan (also called a volume scan).
  • the biggest reason for this is that in a multi-slice scan, data are acquired at once in a wide range with a slice width T 2 larger than a slice width T 1 in scanogram data acquisition.
  • an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector which has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, a scanogram generating unit which generate a scanogram on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of the output from the X-ray detector, a tube current determining unit which determines a tube current value for the X-ray tube on the basis of pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in a two-dimensional partial region of the scanogram, and a control unit which controls the high voltage generator on the basis of the determined tube current value.
  • an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector which has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of outputs from at least two X-ray detection element lines selected in accordance with a slice thickness and the number of slices indicated by a user instruction, a tube current determining unit which determines a tube current value for the X-ray tube on the basis of an output distribution, X-ray transmission factor distribution, or X-ray attenuation factor distribution of the X-ray detector which corresponds to a range corresponding to the slice thickness and the number of slices, and a control unit which controls the high voltage generator on the basis of the determined tube
  • an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector which has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of the output from the X-ray detector, and a control unit which dynamically controls the high voltage generator on the basis of a profile of the object in a slice direction which is associated with an X-ray transmission factor or a similar index.
  • an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector which has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, a moving mechanism which moves the object relative to the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of outputs from at least two detection element lines selected from the plurality of X-ray detection element lines in accordance with a user instruction, and a control unit which dynamically controls a tube current value for the X-ray tube along with relative movement of the object on the basis of outputs from at least two X-ray detection element lines preceding at least the two selected detection element lines.
  • an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which an object to be examined is irradiated, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector which has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, a moving mechanism which moves the object relative to the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of outputs from at least two detection element lines selected from the plurality of X-ray detection element lines in accordance with a user instruction, and a control unit which dynamically controls a tube current value for the X-ray tube along with relative movement of the object on the basis of outputs from the at least two selected X-ray detection element lines.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1 C are views showing a conventional single-slice scan
  • FIGS. 2A to 2 C are views showing a conventional multi-slice scan
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of an X-ray detector in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of transmission factor calculation processing by a transmission factor calculating unit in FIG. 3;
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a data profile acquired by a center element line of an X-ray detector in FIG. 2;
  • FIGS. 7A to 7 D are views showing an example of the mask setting window in step S 2 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8 is a view for a supplementary explanation of a scan width in step S 2 of FIG. 5;
  • FIGS. 9A to 9 C are views showing the start position, intermediate position, and end position of a mask in step S 3 of FIG. 5;
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing the discrete distribution of transmission factors calculated by the transmission factor calculating unit in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of tube current control (X-ray intensity control) in a helical scan by a scan controller in FIG. 3;
  • FIGS. 12A to 12 D are graphs showing various relationships between X-ray transmission factors and tube currents which are stored in a data storing unit in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 13 is a graph showing a change in tube current over time in this embodiment
  • FIG. 14 is a view showing how scanogram data in two orthogonal directions are acquired in a modification to this embodiment
  • FIGS. 15A to 15 C are graphs showing a change in tube current over time in the modification to this embodiment
  • FIGS. 16A and 16B are views showing how basic data for a transmission factor are acquired during a scan in another modification to this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing how a scan is done in still another modification to this embodiment.
  • X-ray computed tomographic imaging apparatus includes various types of apparatuses, e.g., a rotate/rotate type apparatus in which an X-ray tube and X-ray detector rotate together around an object to be examined, and a stationary/rotate type apparatus in which many detection elements are arrayed in the form of a ring, and only an X-ray tube rotates around an object to be examined.
  • the present invention can be applied to either type. In this case, the rotate/rotate type, which is currently the mainstream, will be exemplified.
  • FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of an X-ray computed tomographic imaging apparatus according to this embodiment.
  • a substantially cylindrical rotating frame 12 is housed in a gantry 1 .
  • the rotating frame 12 is rotated by a gantry driving unit 25 under the control of a gantry controller 33 in scan operation, and fixed at a predetermined angle position, e.g., an angle position of 0° by the braking function of the gantry driving unit 25 at the time of scanogram data acquisition.
  • An X-ray tube 10 and X-ray detector 11 are mounted on the rotating frame 12 .
  • a high voltage generator 21 applies a high voltage (tube voltage) between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube 10 under the control of a high voltage controller 31 .
  • the high voltage generator 21 supplies a filament current to the cathode filament under the control of the high voltage controller 31 .
  • a tube current that flows between the cathode and the anode is determined in accordance with the filament current.
  • the intensity of X-rays generated is determined in accordance with the tube current.
  • a collimator 22 which trims X-rays into a pyramidal shape is attached to the X-ray radiation window of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • the opening degree of the collimator 22 is variable.
  • the X-ray detector 11 opposes the X-ray tube 10 through an object P to be examined which is placed on a table top 2 a of a bed 2 .
  • the X-ray detector 11 has a plurality of X-ray detection element lines 14 , N X-ray detection element lines 14 in this case, arranged along the slice direction.
  • Each X-ray detection element line 14 has a plurality of X-ray detection elements 13 , M X-ray detection elements 13 in this case, arranged in the channel direction.
  • the table top 2 a of the bed 2 is moved along the slice direction by a bed driving unit 2 b such as a servo motor under the control of a bed controller 32 .
  • a cabinet 3 includes a system controller 43 for controlling the operation of the overall system, a scan controller 30 , a preprocessing unit 34 , a data storing unit 35 , a reconstructing unit 36 , a display processor 37 , a display 38 , an input device (console) 39 , a scanogram generating unit 43 , a transmission factor calculating unit 41 , and a tube current value calculating unit 42 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a transmission factor calculation procedure executed by the transmission factor calculating unit 41 .
  • scanogram data are acquired (S 1 ).
  • Scanogram data is essentially data that is acquired to be referred to when a scan plan including a scan range, imaging conditions, and the like is made. This scanogram data is also used as basic data for the calculation of a transmission factor.
  • scanogram data is generally acquired by the center element line 14 .
  • the rotating frame 12 is fixed to, for example, an angle position of 0°, and the table top 2 a is moved at a constant velocity.
  • the X-ray tube 10 While the table top 2 a is moved at a constant velocity, the X-ray tube 10 continuously emits X-rays having a low intensity. While X-rays are continuously emitted, signals are read from the center element line 14 at a predetermined cycle (see FIG. 6B).
  • the resolution in the slice direction of a scanogram is determined by the cycle at which signals are read out and the moving velocity of the table top 2 a .
  • the resolution in the channel direction of a scanogram is defined by a channel pitch. Assuming that one channel corresponds to one element, the channel pitch is equal to the element pitch, i.e., the distance between the center points of adjacent detection elements.
  • the signals read at the predetermined cycle are sent to the scanogram generating unit 43 through a data acquisition system 24 and the preprocessing unit 34 .
  • the scanogram generating unit 43 associates channel number data and the position data in the slice direction of the table top 2 a which is detected by a position sensor 25 with each channel data, thus generating scanogram data.
  • the generated scanogram data is stored in the data storing unit 35 .
  • Each pixel value of this scanogram represents the intensity of transmitted X-rays.
  • An X-ray transmission factor at each position in the slice direction can be calculated from the intensity of transmitted X-rays and a know generated X-ray intensity.
  • a transmission factor at each position is calculated from the pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in a two-dimensional area centered on the position. This two-dimensional area is called a mask.
  • the transmission factor calculating unit 41 sets a mask size (n ⁇ m) in accordance with a user instruction associated with the mask size input through the input device 39 (S 2 ).
  • the display processor 37 displays a scanogram on the display 38 in accordance with the scanogram data read out from the data storing unit 35 , and superimposes a mask frame on this scanogram.
  • FIG. 7A shows an example of the scanogram and default mask frame displayed on the display 38 .
  • the scan width is defined by the product of the number of slices and the slice thickness.
  • the number of slices and the slice thickness are set by the user at the time of scan planning.
  • the number of slices is set to at least two in a multi-slice scan.
  • the slice thickness is defined by the thickness of one slice on the rotational center axis and selectively designated from a positive integer multiple of a reduced length on the rotational center axis of the sensible width of one X-ray detection element line 14 .
  • the mask frame can be arbitrarily enlarged/reduced with the range of 2 ⁇ n ⁇ N and 2 ⁇ m ⁇ M in accordance with the operation of the input device 39 by the user. That is, a mask frame includes at least 2 ⁇ 2 pixels.
  • the shape of the mask frame can be changed into an arbitrary polygonal shape including a cross shape in accordance with the operation of the input device 39 by the user.
  • the shape of the mask frame can be changed into an elliptic or circular shape in accordance with the operation of the input device 39 by the user.
  • the transmission factor calculating unit 41 places a mask at the start position with respect to the scanogram, as shown in FIG. 9A (S 3 ).
  • the pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in the mask at the position are selectively read out from the data storing unit 35 (S 4 ).
  • the average of the readout pixel values of the pixels is calculated (S 5 ).
  • the maximum value (or minimum value) of the readout pixel values of the pixels may be extracted instead of the average value.
  • the user determines whether to calculate an average or extract a maximum or minimum value. If an average is selected, stable tube current control can be realized. If a maximum value is selected, tube current control effective for a reduction in dosage. If a minimum value is selected, tube current control effective for an increase in S/N can be realized.
  • the average within this mask is equivalent to the value obtained by averaging the pixel values of a scanogram in the channel direction and calculating the moving average in the slice direction from the average in the channel direction.
  • the transmission factor calculating unit 41 calculates a transmission factor F 8 ( z ) corresponding to a center position z in the slice direction of the mask on the basis of the average (or maximum or minimum value) in the two-dimensional area according to the following equation:
  • I 0 is the intensity of generated X-rays
  • I 1 is the intensity of transmitted X-rays
  • a tube current value is determined on the basis of scanogram data in a two-dimensional area.
  • a tube current value may be determined on the basis of a distribution in a two-dimensional area associated with an output (called raw data) from the detector 11 before the creation of scanogram data.
  • Raw data, scanogram data, and various types of index data obtained from the raw data are generically called X-ray data.
  • the mask is moved in the slice direction by a unit distance (S 8 ), and the processing in steps S 4 to S 6 is repeated until the mask reaches the end position in step S 7 (see FIG. 9C).
  • the discrete distribution of X-ray transmission factors F(z) in the slice direction is generated.
  • the above unit distance is initially set to either the resolution in the slice direction of the scanogram or the width of the detection element lines 14 .
  • the unit distance can be arbitrarily changed in accordance with an instruction from the user.
  • a continuous distribution (to be referred to as a transmission profile) of X-ray transmission factors F(z) in the slice direction is generated from the discrete distribution of X-ray transmission factors F(z) in the slice direction by interpolation (S 9 ).
  • This transmission profile is stored in the data storing unit 35 .
  • the X-ray transmission factor F(z) at the shoulder or abdominal portion is lower than that at the chest portion. Since the lungs exist in the chest portion and the chest portion is mostly occupied by the air in the lungs, the X-ray transmission factor becomes high. In contrast to this, since the bones exist in the shoulder portion and the organs exist in the abdominal portion, the X-ray transmission factor becomes low.
  • a transmission factor is calculated on the basis of the average (or maximum or minimum value) of transmitted X-ray intensities in a two-dimensional area spreading in not only the channel direction but also the slice direction. This makes it possible to realize suitable tube current control in a multi-slice scan with a significantly large field of view in the slice direction as compared with a single-slice scan.
  • FIG. 11 shows a tube current control procedure using a transmission factor profile in a helical scan.
  • a helical scan is started under the control of the scan controller 30 (S 11 ).
  • the table top 2 a is moved at a constant velocity, and the X-ray tube 10 and X-ray detector 11 are continuously rotated together. During this period, X-ray are continuously generated, and signals are read from the X-ray detector 11 at a predetermined cycle.
  • the position data of the table top 2 a are sequentially supplied from the position sensor 25 to the scan controller 30 at a predetermined cycle (S 12 ).
  • the scan center position is the Z position of a central axis of X-rays diverging in the slice direction (Z-axis direction) in the moving coordinate system of the table top 2 a .
  • a transmission factor read request is output to the data storing unit 35 , together with position data, under the control of the system controller 43 .
  • the X-ray transmission factor data corresponding to the position is read out from the data storing unit 35 to the tube current value calculating unit 42 (S 13 ).
  • the tube current value calculating unit 42 calculates a tube current value on the basis of the readout X-ray transmission factor (S 14 ).
  • FIG. 12A is a graph showing the general relationship between the X-ray transmission factor F(z) and the tube current (Itube). As shown in FIG. 12A, the X-ray transmission factor F(z) is proportional to the tube current value (Itube). By using such a graph, a tube current (Itube) value can be uniquely specified from the X-ray transmission factor F(z). In practice, a tube current value (Itube) is calculated from the readout X-ray transmission factor F(z) in accordance with a functional expression that defines the relationship between the X-ray transmission factor F(z) and the tube current (Itube).
  • the relationship between the X-ray transmission factor F(z) and the tube current (Itube) may be calculated in advance, and the calculation result may be held in the form of a table.
  • the tube current value calculating unit 42 is formed as a ROM designed to output a tube current value (Itube) corresponding to the input X-ray transmission factor F(z).
  • the relationship between the X-ray transmission factor F(z) and the tube current (Itube) is not limited to the proportional relationship shown in FIG. 12A.
  • the exponential function shown in FIG. 12A may be used.
  • an upper limit (Itube, max) and lower limit (Itube, min) may be set for the tube current value (Itube). This makes it possible to always generate X-rays within the capacity range of the X-ray tube and prevent electrical discharge of the X-ray tube.
  • the scan controller 30 controls a filament current such that a current flows between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube 10 in accordance with the determined tube current value (S 15 ).
  • the processing in steps S 12 to S 15 is repeated until the helical scan is terminated in step S 16 .
  • the helical scan is terminated when the table top reaches the end position of the planned scan range (S 17 ).
  • the tube current Itube is dynamically changed upon movement of the table top 2 a by controlling the tube current Itube on the basis of the profile of the transmission factor F(z) in the slice direction.
  • the transmission factor F(z) is calculated on the basis of the average (or maximum or minimum value) of transmission X-ray intensities in the two-dimensional area spreading in not only the channel direction but also the slice direction, and a tube current is controlled on the basis of the transmission factor.
  • a tube current is dynamically controlled in accordance with the movement of the table top 2 a in the slice direction by using one transmission factor profile corresponding to one direction.
  • a tube current may be controlled with higher precision in accordance with not only the movement of the table top 2 a in the slice direction but also a change in the rotational angel of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • at least two transmission factor profiles corresponding to two directions are required.
  • scanogram data are acquired while the X-ray tube 10 is fixed to an angle position of 0°.
  • scanogram data are acquired while the X-ray tube 10 is fixed at an angle position of 90°.
  • Scanogram data are acquired in two directions in this manner.
  • Two transmission factor profiles Fx(z) and Fy(z) are generated on the basis of the two scanograms in different directions by the processing shown in FIG. 5.
  • the profile Fx(z) corresponds to the 0° position of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • the profile Fy(z) corresponds to the 90° position of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • FIG. 15A shows transmission factor profiles Fx(z)ave and Fy(z)ave obtained from the averages within the mask.
  • FIG. 15B shows transmission factor profiles Fx(z)max and Fy(z)max obtained from the maximum values within the mask.
  • the human body is flattened in the X direction, and hence Fy(z) is lower than Fx(z). The user can selectively use either of them.
  • the X-ray transmission factor profile Fx(z) corresponds to the 0° rotation angle of the X-ray tube 10 (almost corresponds to 180° as well).
  • the X-ray transmission factor profile Fy(z) corresponds to the 90° rotational angle of the X-ray tube 10 (almost corresponds to 270° as well).
  • the transmission factor profile Fx(z) represents the maximum transmission factor throughout 360°. In contrast to this, the transmission factor profile Fy(z) represents the minimum transmission factor throughout 360°. Therefore, the actual transmission factor during a helical scan changes between the two transmission factor profiles Fx(z) and Fy(z) upon rotation of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • FIG. 15C shows a new transmission factor profile F′(z) generated such that a straight line or sine wave alternates twice between the transmission factor profiles Fx(z) and Fy(z) in each cycle.
  • the tube current can be finely changed in accordance with not only a change in transmission factor due to the movement of the table top 2 a but also a change in transmission factor due to the rotation of the X-ray tube 10 .
  • a transmission factor profile is obtained in advance on the basis of the scanogram data acquired before a scan, and a tube current is dynamically controlled during the scan in accordance with the transmission factor profile.
  • a transmission factor may be calculated on the basis of the data acquired during a scan, and a tube current may be dynamically controlled along with the progress of a helical scan on the basis of the transmission factor.
  • basic data for the calculation of a transmission factor are acquired from detection element lines corresponding to a scan width T 2 , i.e., at least two detection element lines (oblique lines) preceding a detection element line that is set to acquire data for image reconstruction.
  • a tube current at the position is determined in accordance with the transmission factor calculated from the basic data acquired at the reference position shown in FIG. 16A. That is, a transmission factor is calculated from the average (or maximum or minimum value) of transmitted X-ray intensities of a plurality of channels acquired by at least two preceding detection element lines.
  • a tube current is controlled in accordance with the transmission factor.
  • Basic data for the calculation of a transmission factor may be acquired by at least two detection element lines set to acquire data for image reconstruction before half rotation or one or a few rotations. That is, a transmission factor is calculated from the average (or maximum or minimum value) of transmitted X-ray intensities of a plurality of channels acquired by at least two detection element lines before one or a few rotations shown in FIG. 17A, and a tube current after one or a few rotations shown in FIG. 17B is dynamically controlled along with the progress of a helical scan in accordance with the transmission factor.

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US20090252286A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba X-ray ct apparatus and control method of x-ray ct apparatus
US20130336456A1 (en) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Radiation imaging control apparatus and method for controlling the same
US20150138200A1 (en) * 2013-11-19 2015-05-21 Inha-Industry Partnership Institute Display devices and image creating methods for layered display technologies
CN110873721A (zh) * 2018-08-10 2020-03-10 东芝It·控制系统株式会社 X射线摄像装置

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JP4537037B2 (ja) * 2003-11-11 2010-09-01 東芝Ｉｔコントロールシステム株式会社 Ｘ線検査装置及びその管電圧・管電流調整方法
DE102004003532A1 (de) 2004-01-23 2005-08-18 Siemens Ag Verfahren zur Lagebestimmung dreidimensionaler Strukturen eines Patienten mit Hilfe eines Computertomographen
JP4679068B2 (ja) * 2004-04-26 2011-04-27 株式会社東芝 Ｘ線コンピュータ断層撮影装置
US7215733B2 (en) * 2004-07-23 2007-05-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba X-ray computed tomography apparatus
CN101128153B (zh) * 2005-02-25 2010-09-29 株式会社日立医药 X射线ct设备
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