Abstract: An area of an extraneous substance (e.g. area of metal or the like) in images (pre-interpolation projection data in the embodiment) of the extraneous substance (e.g. high-density substance such as metal) extracted and separated by extraction separation in step S1 is interpolated by area interpolation in step S2. Therefore, artifacts can be reduced, while maintaining high spatial resolution, if tomographic images (first tomographic images in the embodiment) are generated by first tomographic image generation in step S3 from the interpolation images interpolated and generated (post-interpolating projection data in the embodiment).

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the radiation dose in a body to be imaged using an X-ray imaging device comprising an X-ray emitting source, a detector, a processing unit and a display. The method comprises exposing the body to be imaged to radiation doses to acquire initial 2D images; computing a 3D model of the body in relation to the initial 2D images using the processing unit; applying a model of the interactions between matter and radiation to the 3D model of the body using the processing unit; calculating, using the processing unit, a dose map of the distribution of the accumulated radiation dose in the 3D model for parameters that define the conditions of X-ray exposure; and displaying the 3D model of the body oriented according to the position of the emitting source with the dose map.

Abstract: A plurality of sets of volume data, each of which represent the state of a beating heart in different phases, are obtained. Coronary artery regions are extracted from at least two sets of volume data from among the obtained sets of volume data. A plurality of analysis points are set in each extracted coronary artery region. Correlations are established among analysis points set at the same anatomical positions within the coronary artery regions. Index values that indicate the character of plaque are calculated at each analysis point within all of the coronary artery regions. The character of plaque is evaluated at positions within the coronary artery regions, by integrating the index values calculated at the analysis points corresponding to each of the positions. The evaluation results regarding the character of plaque at each of the positions within the coronary artery regions are output, correlated with information regarding the positions.

Abstract: An x-ray scanner includes an x-ray source producing a fan of x-rays, an x-ray detector array, a collimator disposed between the source and the array, fixed to the source, and defining a slit collimating the fan of x-rays into a linear x-ray beam. The array is spaced from the source such that a linear extent of the linear x-ray beam is no greater than a detector dimension of the array. An x-ray processing unit processes detection of the linear x-ray beam by the array. A processor-controlled motor moves the x-ray source about a source movement axis to pan the linear x-ray beam and create an x-ray emission cone and moves the array correspondingly with the source. The x-ray processing unit form an x-ray scanned image of an object disposed between the collimator and the array within the x-ray emission cone when the linear x-ray beam is panned across the object.

Abstract: Extracting objects from a computed tomography (CT) image, including: sequentially applying segmentation and carving on volumetric data of the objects in the CT image; and splitting and merging the segmented objects based on homogeneity of the objects in the CT image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an input unit repeatedly inputs a trigger signal originating from a specific cardiac phase from an electrocardiograph. An RR period determination unit determines whether the period between the input time point of the latest trigger signal, of repeatedly input trigger signals, and the input time point of an immediately previously input trigger signal is equal to or more than the preset first threshold, for each input of the latest trigger signal. A scan control unit terminates the generation of X-rays, if it is determined that the period is equal to or more than the first threshold.

Abstract: Approaches are described for addressing artifacts associated with iterative reconstruction of image data acquired using a cone-beam CT system. Such approaches include, but are not limited to, the use of asymmetric regularization during iterative reconstruction, the modulation of regularization strength for certain voxels, the modification of statistical weights, and/or the generation and use of synthesized data.

Abstract: A system for selecting a region of interest in an image is provided. A user interface (1) is applied for receiving user input indicative of a region of interest (504) in an image (502). A slab selector (2) is provided for selecting a position and a thickness of a slab (503) of the image (502), based on a position and a size of the region of interest (504), the slab (503) comprising at least part of the region of interest (504). A visualization subsystem (3) is provided for visualizing the slab (503). The slab selector (2) is arranged for selecting the position and thickness of the slab (503) such that the slab (503) comprises the region of interest (504) and a thickness of the slab (503) corresponds to a size of the region of interest (504) in a thickness direction of the slab (503). The image comprises a dynamic image. The projection image (505) is obtained by processing voxel values of the dynamic image both along a ray and temporally.

Abstract: A method for determining a patient-specific contrast medium impulse response function includes providing patient-specific test bolus contrast medium behavior data and a number of basic impulse response functions on the basis of a defined test bolus input function. Simulated test bolus contrast medium behavior functions are generated by combining the basic impulse response functions with the test bolus input function. The simulated functions and the patient-specific data are fitted to one another by varying a number of fitting parameters to obtain optimum fitting parameter values, and the patient-specific contrast medium impulse response function is then created based on the basic impulse response functions and the optimum fitting parameter values. A method for predicting a likely contrast medium behavior and a method for controlling a medical imaging system are also described. Additionally a corresponding apparatus, a control device and an imaging system having such a control device are also described.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a volumetric image includes obtaining a plurality of volumetric images, the volumetric images generated using respective sets of projection images, wherein the volumetric images and the respective sets of projection images correspond with different respective bins for a physiological cycle, and determining an additional volumetric image using one or more of the projection images from each of the sets that correspond with the different respective bins for the physiological cycle, wherein the act of determining the additional volumetric image is performed using a processor.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for acquiring multi-sector computed tomography scan data. The approach includes activating an X-ray source during heartbeats of a patient to acquire projection data over a limited angular range for each heartbeat. The projection data acquired over the different is combined. An image having good temporal resolution is reconstructed using the combined projection data.

Abstract: A method for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and a corresponding CT scanner. The method includes: determining a lying direction of a patient to be measured; and setting a tube position for a first respiratory cycle measurement of the patient according to the lying direction.

Abstract: A method for recording a four-dimensional angiography data record using an x-ray facility with a C-arm is proposed. Projection images are recorded from different projection directions at different time points of the cardiac cycle. A number of three-dimensional reconstruction image data records assigned respectively to a time segment of the cardiac cycle are reconstructed from the projection images and combined to form the four-dimensional angiography data record by temporal assignment in respect of the cardiac cycle. At least one recording parameter describing the temporal sequence is selected when recording the projection images as a function of cardiac stimulation performed to ensure a stable heart rate during recording so that the recording of the projection images takes place in such a manner that it is synchronized with the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A radio tomographic image generation device includes a reconstruction unit for generating a plurality of reconstructed images of different iteration numbers by a successive approximation process; a region segmentation unit for obtaining information about structure based on radiographic image signals, and segmenting, based on the information about structure, a region, of which the tomographic image is generated, into a plurality of segmented regions having different information about structure; and an image combining unit for generating partial tomographic images by using the reconstructed images of different iteration numbers for the individual segmented regions based on the information about structure of the individual segmented regions, and generating a tomographic image of a subject by using the generated partial tomographic images for the individual segmented regions.

Abstract: Chemical liquid injector 100 includes two piston driving mechanisms 130 each moving a piston of a syringe forward, main injection condition determining section 171 determining injection conditions for a chemical liquid in main injection, test injection condition determining section 172 determining injection conditions for the chemical liquid in test injection performed prior to the main injection to inject a smaller injection amount of the chemical liquid than that in the main injection, and control section 161 creating an injection protocol in accordance with the injection conditions determined by test injection condition determining section 171 and main injection condition determining section 172 such that the chemical liquid is injected in a series of operations in which the test injection is performed, then a preset injection suspension time is present, and subsequently the main injection is performed, and further controlling operation of piston driving mechanisms 130 in accordance with the injection prot

Abstract: A system includes a source that rotates about an examination region and emits radiation that traverses the examination region, a radiation sensitive detector array that detects radiation traversing the examination region and generates projection data indicative of the detected radiation, and a projection data de-noiser that de-noises the projection data, wherein the de-noiser de-noises a projection based on a number of detected photons for the projection.

Abstract: A dynamic radiographing system enables determination of an evaluation value of the heart function of a subject by plain radiography. The dynamic radiographing system comprises a radiographing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a console for diagnosis. The radiographing apparatus dynamically radiographs the heart of a subject and creates radiographs in plural time phases (Step S1). The image processing apparatus calculates an evaluation value of the heart function by using the radiographs in plural time phases (Step S4). The console for diagnosis displays information on the calculated evaluation value on the display section (Step S5).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus which recognizes a marker located at a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from an image of a subject imaged by a camera and which controls a respective movement of each of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to a respective position which corresponds to the recognized marker, and a method for controlling the same. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube which radiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays which propagate through the subject, an imaging unit which generates an image of the subject, a recognizer which recognizes a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from the image of the subject, and a position controller which controls a movement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to a position corresponding to the part to be subjected to X-ray imaging.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an X-ray system is provided. The method comprises: capturing an image of a patient on an examining table of the system by an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is placed at a predetermined position in the system; displaying the captured image on a display for selection of a region of interest or a point of interest by a user on the image; automatically determining a target position of an X-ray source in response to the selection of the region of interest or the point of interest on the image, wherein a desired field of view for exposure covering the region of interest or the point of interest is obtained when the X-ray source is located at the target position; and automatically locating the X-ray source at the target position in response to the determination of the target position.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an identification module, a determination module, and a display module. The identification module is configured to identify one or more first scanning parameters and one or more first display parameters corresponding to a first image, and to identify one or more second scanning parameters corresponding to scanning information acquired during a second scan. The determination module is configured to determine, based on the one or more first scanning parameters and the one or more second scanning parameters, one or more second display parameters so that the scanning information acquired during the second scan may be used to provide a second image appearing more similar to the first image. The display module is configured to use the one or more second display parameters to provide the second image configured to be displayed to a viewer.

Abstract: A gantry rotation control device for a computed tomography scanning apparatus The device includes a radiation dose determination unit for determining radiation doses of the X-rays that will be emitted to each site of the target object to be scanned, a minimum velocity determination unit for determining a minimum rotation velocity of the gantry according to a maximum radiation dose in the determined radiation doses, a maximum velocity determination unit for determining a maximum rotation velocity of the gantry according to the determined minimum rotation velocity, a rotation velocity determination unit for determining a rotation velocity of the gantry at any time during scanning of the target object according to the determined minimum rotation velocity and maximum rotation velocity, and a gantry rotation control unit for controlling the gantry to scan the target object while rotating according to the determined rotation velocity when the target object is to be scanned.

Abstract: Provided is a thoracic diagnosis assistance system. The system includes, an imaging unit, an extracting unit, a region dividing unit, an analysis unit and a display unit. The extraction unit extracts a lung field region from the plurality of successive image frames generated by the imaging unit. The region dividing unit divides the lung field region extracted by the extraction unit into a plurality of sub-regions and correlates the sub-regions among the plurality of image frames. The analysis unit performs an analysis of the sub-regions to calculate an inspiratory feature quantity and an expiratory feature quantity and to calculate a value of a ratio of the calculated inspiratory feature quantity to expiratory feature quantity and creates a histogram of the calculated ratio value. The display unit displays the histogram.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to transmit X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the object and convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals, a gantry in which the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are installed so as to be opposite to each other, the gantry being rotatable about a bore, a controller configured to control a rotation of the gantry during bio-signal cycles of the object so that the gantry is rotated from different start positions whenever one of the bio-signal cycles is started, and an image processor configured to generate a 4D image of the object by applying a prior image-based compressed sensing image reconstruction algorithm to plural 2D projection images acquired from the electrical signals generated by converting the X-rays detected during the rotation of the gantry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically selecting a scanning protocol for a tomographic recording of an X-ray image of a patient in that at least one patient-specific value is retrieved in the internal memory of a first computer. The patient-specific value can in particular be a measure of the anticipated X-ray absorption by the patient. The method includes automatically comparing the patient-specific value with retrievably stored reference values, wherein one scanning protocol can be associated with each reference value. Finally, a scanning protocol is automatically selected by way of the first computer using the comparison. Selection is simplified by automation of selection of the scanning protocol since no manual selection of the scanning protocol has to be made. Automatic selection of a suitable scanning protocol is also quicker than a manual selection.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a body thickness information acquiring unit, a threshold determining unit and an image generating unit. The body thickness information acquiring unit acquires information of a body thickness of an object. The threshold determining unit determines a threshold of an exposure dose according to the body thickness of the object. The image generating unit generates an image indicating a relationship between the body thickness of the object and the threshold and displays a generated image on a display unit.

Abstract: A method for reducing bandwidth required for transmission of data in a device having two portions rotating with respect to one another. The first portion includes a data acquisition system (DAS) having a charge-to-digital converter and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive and compress digital data from the charge-to-digital processor. The second portion includes a computer configured to receive data from the DAS. The DAS and computer are communicatively coupled via a slip ring having a finite transmission bandwidth. The computer is configured to reconstruct and display an image using compressed data. The method includes using the DAS to compress scan data to a predetermined number of mantissa bits and a predetermined number of exponent bits, transmitting the compressed data from the first portion to the second portion across the slip ring, and using the transmitted compressed data to reconstruct and display an image of an object.

Abstract: A multislice CT apparatus includes a setting unit, a correcting unit, a filtering unit and a reconstructing unit. The setting unit sets a weighting coefficient in such a way that data on a middle column is weighted high while data on columns on both sides of the middle column is weighted low on a middle channel in a multislice detector, and that a weight given to data on a middle column falls while a weight given to data on both side columns rises as shifting from the middle channel to an end channel. The correcting unit corrects the weighting coefficient in such a way that a weight rises as shifting from a central column to an end column. The filtering unit filters data on the basis of the corrected weighting coefficient in a column direction. The reconstructing unit reconstructs an image on the basis of the filtered data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that includes a classifier that distinguishes objects based on their color shades. A moving window based operator looks at the color class of the adjacent objects and determines if an adjustment is necessary. If at least one of the objects is the type of interest and the color classes of the objects meet the criteria, then the boundary between the objects is subject to be adjusted. Two adjustment modes are discussed: “adjust-tagging” mode and “adjust-color” mode. In the adjust-tagging mode, a specific tag is sent down to the print engine to force the use of high addressability halftones for the boundary pixels in the darker object. In the adjust-color mode, a color lighter (usually white) than that of the lighter object is assigned to the boundary pixels in the lighter object. The width of the modified pixels along the boundary is configurable.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and X-ray CT system, having a tracheal bifurcation area extraction part, for extracting the tracheal bifurcation area from an X-ray image and a tracheal bifurcation identification part, for identifying the tracheal bifurcation from the tracheal bifurcation area.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system acquires an image which is necessary for positioning of a patient for radiation treatment and enables grasping of a positional relationship of a target in a treatment radiation irradiated state, a radiation passing area and a critical organ. An X-ray imaging device is attached to the rotatable support device and configured to apply X-rays to the subject from plural directions while rotating around the subject to perform X-ray imaging. A target recognizing device recognizes a three-dimensional position of the target in the subject from X-ray images acquired by the X-ray imaging device; and CT image generating devices are configured to select, from the X-ray images acquired by the X-ray imaging device, the images in which the position of the target recognized by the recognizing device satisfies the treatment radiation irradiation condition for the motion tracking treatment to perform image reconstruction and generate a cone beam CT image.

Abstract: X-ray CT apparatus is provided which can easily decide on a reconstruction method based on imaging conditions. X-ray CT apparatus comprises: irradiation unit irradiating a subject with X-rays, detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject, and rotator rotating irradiation unit and detector around the subject, and for generating an image by receiving biological signals of the subject to perform synchronous imaging. The memory stores a threshold value. The calculator calculates, based on imaging conditions related to the synchronous imaging, detection data amount in which detection data amount detected by the detector is represented by a number of rotations of the rotator. The decision unit decides, based on detection data amount calculated by the calculator and the threshold value stored in the memory, on reconstruction process for implementing on the detection data. The processor implements reconstruction processes decided on the detection data, to generate the image.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a reservoir includes a multi-energy X-ray CT scan of a sample, obtaining bulk density and photoelectric effect index effect for the sample, estimation of at least mineral property using data obtained from at least one of a core gamma scan, a spectral gamma ray scan, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, or an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sample, and determination of at least one sample property by combining the bulk density, photoelectric effect index, and the at least one mineral property (e.g., total clay content). Reservoir properties, such as one or more of formation brittleness, porosity, organic material content, and permeability, can be determined by the method without need of detailed lab physical measurements or destruction of the sample. A system for evaluating a reservoir also is provided.

Abstract: An image correction method includes detecting signals emitted from a tracer introduced into a target; intermittently extracting some of the detected signals according to a code string in which different codes are arranged; generating an image of the target using the extracted signals; and correcting the generated image based on at least one characteristic of the generated image.

Abstract: A CT scanner and method of operating the CT scanner enables customized automated selection of tube current and peak tube voltage for a CT scan. The CT scanner receives data, each datum of which corresponds to a reference image quality (noise level at a certain tube voltage) for patient water equivalent diameter (“WED”) body size. The CT scanner then stores the noise level and patient WED, and a processor in the CT scanner generates a curve corresponding to acceptable noise levels as a function of water equivalent diameter. The CT scanner stores the curve in a memory associated with the scanner and the CT scanner is subsequently operated with reference to the curve stored in the memory. The tube voltage that can generate the reference CT scan quality (signal-to-noise ratio) with the lowest radiation dose to the patient is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of reducing a dose of radiation, and a control method thereof. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a gantry configured to rotate around an object, the object being placed on a table that is configured to be transported into a bore; a depth camera provided on the gantry, the depth camera configured to acquire a depth image of the object; an image processor configured to acquire thickness information of the object from the depth image of the object; and a controller configured to set a dose of X-rays to be irradiated to the object according to the thickness information of the object.

Abstract: A method for CT imaging that utilizes an automatic tube potential selection for individual subjects and diagnostic tasks. The method quantifies the relative radiation dose of different tube potentials for achieving a specific image quality. This allows the selection of a tube potential that provides a reduced radiation dose while still providing CT images of a sufficient quality.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing picture data of a cyclically-moving object from measurement data is disclosed, with the measurement data being detected beforehand for a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object under examination during a plurality of movement cycles of the object under examination. In at least one embodiment, a first picture and a second picture are determined from the measurement data, with measurement data of different movement cycles being combined for reconstruction of the second picture into a measurement dataset to be used as the basis for the picture reconstruction. Difference information is computed by comparing the first picture with the second picture. Using the difference information, a result picture is computed from the first picture and the second picture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit, a detection algorithm storage, an abnormal area detecting unit and an outputting unit. The image acquiring unit acquires image data of a corpse. The detection algorithm storage stores an abnormal area detection algorithm. The abnormal area detecting unit uses the abnormal area detection algorithm to the image data of the corpse and analyzes the image data to detect an abnormal area. The outputting unit outputs information of the abnormal area detected by the abnormal area detecting unit.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned, a generator configured to energize an x-ray source to generate x-rays, a detector positioned to receive the x-rays that pass through the object, and a computer. The computer is programmed to obtain knowledge of a metal within the object, scan the object using system scanning parameters, reconstruct an image of the object using a reconstruction algorithm, and automatically select at least one of the system scanning parameters and the reconstruction algorithm based on the obtained knowledge.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image display apparatus includes an image storage unit configured to store data of a series of medical images constituting a moving image associated with an object, and a reproduction control unit configured to perform read control of the image storage unit to alternately and repeatedly reproduce and display some of the series of medical images corresponding to a partial period in one cycle associated with cyclic motion of the object in a forward direction and a backward direction.

Abstract: A system acquires images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence using a synchronization processor, image acquisition device and imaging controller. The synchronization processor provides an image acquisition trigger signal for acquiring images at a particular point within both a cardiac and a respiratory cycle in response to signals representing cardiac and respiratory cycles. The image acquisition device includes an assembly comprising a radiation emitter and detector rotatable about a patient for acquiring images of a portion of patient anatomy at different angles. The imaging controller initiates acquisition of data representing multiple images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence by repetitively, initiating rotation of the assembly to an angle, acquiring an image at the angle in response to the trigger signal and incrementally increasing the angle.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus is provided. The X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to apply an X-ray onto a subject, a scan device configured to rotate the X-ray tube about the subject to perform an X-ray CT scan, a first control device configured to switch an X-ray output of the X-ray tube from a first level to a second level smaller than the first level when the X-ray tube is placed at a first view angle, and configured to switch the X-ray output from the second level to the first level when the X-ray tube is placed at a second view angle, and a second control device configured to set the first view angle and the second view angle such that an X-ray exposure dose reduced by setting the X-ray output of the X-ray tube smaller than the first level becomes even on right and left sides.

Abstract: A computing system determines a full motion range of a target, wherein the full motion range of the target defines an internal target volume (ITV). The computing system identifies a partial motion range of the target, wherein the partial motion range is a subset of the full motion range of the target. The computing system generates a partial-ITV based on the identified partial motion range, wherein the partial-ITV is a volume swept by the target as the target moves through the partial motion range, the partial-ITV being smaller than the ITV. The computing system generates a treatment plan to deliver treatment to the partial-ITV.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a volume data reconstruction unit, a lung field region specifying unit, a discrimination unit, an image generation unit, and a display unit. The volume data reconstruction unit reconstructs first volume data of a chest region of an object based on an output from the X-ray detector. The lung field region specifying unit specifies a lung field region of the object in the first volume data. The discrimination unit generates second volume data in which a low CT value region is discriminated from a region other than the low CT value region in the lung field region. The image generation unit generates an image representing a two-dimensional distribution concerning an existing ratio of the low CT value region to the lung field region based on the second volume data.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes: an imaging unit supporting an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit to face each other to take an image of a subject placed on a bed top panel; a control unit to execute a step movement process of at least one of the imaging unit and top panel and take images of the subject at plural stages; and an image processing unit that processes image data taken at the plural stages. The control unit sets plural regions of interest (ROI) in an imaging area of the subject when an image is taken after a contrast medium is injected into the subject, measures a change of an image level in the ROI to detect a flow of the contrast medium, and makes at least one of the imaging unit and top panel move to the next imaging stage based on the detection result.

Abstract: A method of optimizing 4D cone beam computed tomography (4DCBCT) imaging is provided that includes using a scanner to generate projections of a target, where the projections are used to form a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the target, where the CBCT includes a 3D image of the target, and using an appropriately programmed computer to control rotation speed of a gantry and projection acquisition of the CBCT in real-time according to a measured patient respiratory signal, where the real-time acquisition of the CBCT forms an optimized 4DCBCT image set.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and the like that can specify an optimal cardiac phase in a wide variety of cases, an X-ray CT apparatus collects X-ray information and electrocardiographic waveform data 5 by performing cardiac scanning using an scanning unit 1 (step S11). Then, reconstructed images of a plurality of cardiac phases are created (step S12), and a region-of-interest image is generated by extracting a region of interest for each of the reconstructed images of the plurality of cardiac phases (step S13). Then, a variation distribution image is generated by calculating a variation for each region-of-interest image (step S14). Then, the degree of harmony of each cardiac phase is calculated using the variation distribution image (step S15). Then, an optimal cardiac phase is determined on the basis of at least the degree of harmony (step S16).

Abstract: A method for CT imaging that utilizes an automatic tube potential selection for individual subjects and diagnostic tasks. The method quantifies the relative radiation dose of different tube potentials for achieving a specific image quality. This allows the selection of a tube potential that provides a reduced radiation dose while still providing CT images of a sufficient quality.

Abstract: A method includes automatically determining at least one gating signal based on a physiological signal from a subject being imaged by an imaging system, automatically determining, based upon prior analysis and knowledge of the imaging system's capabilities, a timing of each of a plurality of exposures within a single or multiple cycles of the physiologic signal, and performing the multiple acquisitions.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus is provided that generates a three-dimensional cross-section model from scanogram projection data of an examinee. An operator inputs a site of interest, an assumed displacement amount of the site and a desired image quality index value. A scan planning unit calculates an X-ray attenuation index from the three-dimensional cross-section model, and corrects the calculated X-ray attenuation index on the basis of the input site of interest, assumed displacement amount and image quality index value. The scan planning unit further determines a tube current modulating pattern (irradiation X-ray dose modulating pattern) on the basis of the corrected X-ray attenuation index. When scanning is executed, an X-ray tube is controlled according to the determined irradiation X-ray dose modulating pattern, and controlled so as to obtain an optimum X-ray dose.