U.S. Philips Corporation

Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.v.

Jantje E Wilting

Jan Timmer

Roland Proksa

Fransisca M De Brouwer

John A M Verbruggen

A computed tomography system includes a gantry provided with an examination opening. The computed tomography system is provided with a position measuring system for measuring the position of the gantry. Preferably, an optical position measuring system which includes a camera unit is employed. The camera unit is suspended from a suspension point above the gantry.

Computed tomography device including a position measuring system

The size of a detail of an object is derived from a data set of data values relating to the object. The data set assigns the data values to positions in a multidimensional space. A direction is selected in the multidimensional space. The spatial resolution of the data set is higher in the selected direction as compared to the spatial resolution in other directions. The size of the detail is derived from data values in the selected direction. The selected direction can extend along the line of intersection which intersects a scanning plane in which the data values are acquired and a transverse plane extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the detail. The data values can be acquired an X-ray computed tomography imaging system, a magnetic resonsance imaging system, or a 3D ultrasound imaging system.

Deriving dimensions of a detail of an object

A cross-sectional distribution along a cutting plane is derived from an object data set of data values. The cross-sectional distribution comprises density values. The density values are calculated from data values of the object data set in positions outside the cutting plane. The object data set represents an object to be examined and is, for example, acquired by way of volumetric computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. For example, the density values of the cross-sectional distribution are calculated by local (slab) MIP or mIP or by interpolation.

Deriving a cross-sectional distribution from an object data set

A computer tomography device includes an X-ray source (1) and an X-ray detection system (3) for forming a number of density profiles of an object to be radiologically examined. A reconstruction unit (4) derives an image signal from the density profiles. A control system (20) adjusts the X-ray source (1) on the basis of a density value of the object and the control system is arranged to adjust the X-ray source on the basis of a part of the object to be examined. The control system is also arranged to adjust the X-ray source on the basis of a reference adjustment of the X-ray source. The reference adjustment is dependent on the part of the object to be examined.

Adjustable computer tomography device

A density distribution of an object to be examined is obtained, for example by X-ray computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and an accurate dimension of a detail of the object is derived from density values of a corresponding relevant detail of the density distribution and density values outside the relevant detail. Preferably, a reduction of a maximum density value of the relevant detail is compensated on the basis of density values outside the relevant detail.

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Eindhoven, Netherlands

Jantje E Wilting