X-ray computed tomography apparatus and picture quality simulation apparatus

An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising:

• a scan unit configured to scan an imaging target region of a subject to be examined with X-rays;
• a reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct image data on the basis of projection data acquired by the scan;
• an input unit configured to input a value or dose associated with an index of picture quality;
• a simulation image generating unit configured to generate simulation image data corresponding to the input value or dose associated with the index of picture quality;
• and
• a display unit configured to display the generated simulation image data.

A picture quality simulation apparatus comprising:

• a scan condition input unit configured to input a scan condition associated with scanning by an X-ray computed tomography apparatus;
• a picture quality index calculating unit configured to calculate an index of picture quality on the basis of the input scan condition;
• a sample image storage unit configured to store sample image data corresponding to a reference value associated with the index of picture quality;
• a simulation image generating unit configured to generate simulation image data corresponding to the calculated value associated with the index of picture quality from the sample image data on the basis of the calculated value associated with the index of picture quality and a reference value associated with the index of picture quality;
• and
• a display unit configured to display the generated simulation image data.

A picture quality simulation apparatus comprising:

• an input unit configured to input a value or dose associated with an index of picture quality of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus;
• a simulation image generating unit configured to generate simulation image data corresponding to the input value or dose associated with the index of picture quality;
• and
• a display unit configured to display the generated simulation image data.

A computer program product configured to store program instructions for execution on a computer system enabling the computer system to perform:

• inputting a scan condition associated with an X-ray computed tomography apparatus,
• calculating a value associated with an index of picture quality on the basis of the input scan condition;
• storing sample image data corresponding to a reference value associated with the index of picture quality,
• generating simulation image data corresponding to the calculated value associated with the index of picture quality from the sample image data on the basis of the calculated value associated with the index of picture quality and a reference value associated with the index of picture quality, and
• displaying the generated simulation image data.