Abstract: Scalable multislice systems which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multislice detector, a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and a user interface, are described. More specifically, the user interface is implemented in a host computer for defining the configuration of the imaging system. Particularly, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface displays the available scan parameter values for the remaining parameters so that the scan objectives are met. More specifically, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface updates the remaining scan parameters, including prospective and retrospective image thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a system which, in one embodiment, adjusts the x-ray source current to reduce image noise to better accommodate different scanning parameters. Specifically, in one embodiment, the x-ray source current is adjusted as a function of image slice thickness, scan rotation time, collimation mode, table speed, scan mode, and filtration mode. Particularly, a function is stored in a CT system computer to determine an x-ray source current adjustment factor so that the appropriate x-ray source current is supplied to the x-ray source for the determined parameters. After adjusting the x-ray source current, an object is scanned.

Abstract: A scalable multislice system configured to generate multiple streams of image data with different image quality characteristics prospectively and simultaneously is described. Such capability enables improving existing clinical diagnosis and also enables use of clinical application protocol driven method for image reconstruction and display as well as image analysis. More specifically, with the scalable multislice imaging system, multiple rows (>2) of x-ray scan data along the patient's long axis are simultaneously acquired. Multiple protocols are "pre-built" based on specific applications to determine image slice thickness, image reconstruction filter, display method, e.g., field of view, filming requirement and image archiving requirement, prospectively. Multiple image sets with different slice thickness, different reconstruction methods, different display model--axial, 3D or reformat which are pre-determined by the protocol used can then be displayed.

Abstract: A helical CT scanning system includes a real time averager that rapidly processes data from the system's detector array, to enable substantially real time production of X-ray images. The averager, which may be used with an scanning electron beam CT system operating in conventional or helical mode, or with a rotating mechanical gantry CT scanner operated in conventional or helical mode, includes an adder and first and second memory banks and an input FIFO register. The FIFO register synchronously communicates system detector array data to the adder. The adder combines this input data with data previously stored in one of the memory banks. For example, after a first X-ray scan, detector data are written via the FIFO and adder into the first data bank, and after a subsequent scan, the sum of the original data in the first data bank is added to the new data corresponding to the second scan, and the new summation is written into the second data bank.