Methods and apparatus for providing additional computed tomography imaging modes
AssigneeGE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
InventorsDavid M. Hoffman, Robert F. Senzig, Stanley H. Fox
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Abstract
In one aspect, the invention is a method for changing at least one of a number of image slices and in-plane resolutions available in an existing imaging system. The method includes steps of: replacing the existing detector array with a replacement detector array having either narrower detector cells in the x-direction than an existing detector array, a greater number of detector cells than that of the existing detector array, or both; and selecting an in-plane resolution of the replacement detector array in accordance with a maximum bandwidth limit of a communication path in the imaging system.
Claims18
A method for changing at least one of a number of image slices and in-plane resolutions available in an existing imaging system having a radiation source, an existing detector array having an x-direction and a z-direction and configured to acquire attenuation measurements of an object between the radiation source and the existing detector array, an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct an image of the object from attenuation data, and a communication path between the existing detector array and the image reconstructor;
- the communication path comprising a data acquisition system coupled between the existing detector array and the imaging reconstructor, the communication path also having a maximum bandwidth limit;
- said method comprising the steps of:
- replacing the existing detector array with a replacement detector array having at least one of narrower detector cells in the x-direction than the existing detector array and a greater number of detector cells than that of the existing detector array;
- and
- selecting an in-plane resolution of the replacement detector array in accordance with the maximum bandwidth limit of the communication path.
A computed tomographic (CT) imaging system comprising:
- a radiation source;
- a detector array having an x-direction, a z-direction, and an adjustable in-plane resolution, said detector array configured to acquire attenuation measurements of an object between said radiation source and said detector array;
- a data acquisition system configured to acquire said attenuation measurements from said detector array;
- an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct an image of the object from attenuation data;
- and
- a communication path between said detector array and said image reconstructor, said communication path including a data acquisition system coupled between said detector array and said image reconstructor, said communication path having a maximum bandwidth limit for communicating said attenuation data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.