Computed tomography apparatus and computed tomography method using multiple light sources

Abstract

A computed tomography apparatus according to various embodiments can include a gantry including a rotating device of a ring shape capable of rotating about a rotation axis, a plurality of light sources configured to irradiate X-rays toward an object body, at least one detection device configured to detect X-rays that have penetrated the object body, and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors can be configured to rotate the rotating device in a first rotation direction by a degree of a rotation angle determined based on a number of the plurality of light sources, irradiate X-rays toward the object body by at least one of the plurality of light sources during rotation of the rotating device in the first rotation direction, detect X-rays that have penetrated the object body by the at least one detection device, and rotate the rotating device in a second rotation direction, which is a reverse direction of the first rotation direction, by the degree of the determined rotation angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a CT method utilizing multiple light sources. Background Technology

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive bio-imaging scanning method. A CT scanner irradiates a subject with X-rays from multiple directions. A detector measures a portion of the X-rays that penetrate the subject, converting the output data into electrical signals and reconstructing an image, thus obtaining a computed tomographic image of the subject. Generally, in a CT scanner, the subject is located inside a ring-shaped gantry containing an X-ray source. As the gantry rotates, X-rays are irradiated onto the subject, obtaining a cross-sectional image. Reconstructing this cross-sectional image yields a three-dimensional image of the subject. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] In a computed tomography (CT) scanner that uses a single light source (e.g., an X-ray source), X-rays are irradiated while the object is rotated 360 degrees around it in order to obtain a computed tomographic image. When the rotation angle of the gantry equipped with a single light source increases, tangling of the wires connected to the gantry (e.g., wires supplying power to the light source) can occur.

[0005] High power is required for the light source to irradiate X-rays, therefore, in computed tomography (CT) scanners using multiple light sources, it is impossible to drive all the light sources simultaneously. In this case, only by properly configuring the configuration of the multiple light sources and the order in which they irradiate X-rays can a computed tomographic image of the subject be obtained.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] A computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a scanning gantry comprising a ring-shaped rotating device rotatable about a rotation axis; a plurality of light sources arranged at intervals on the rotating device and configured to irradiate an object with X-rays; at least one detection device disposed on the rotating device and configured to detect X-rays penetrating the object; and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to: rotate the rotating device in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of the plurality of light sources; irradiate the object with X-rays through at least one of the plurality of light sources during the rotation of the rotating device in the first rotation direction; detect X-rays penetrating the object by the at least one detection device; and rotate the rotating device in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by the determined rotation angle.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus and method disclosed herein, the CT scanning apparatus includes: a scanning gantry comprising a ring-shaped rotating device rotatable about a rotation axis; a plurality of light sources arranged at intervals on the rotating device and configured to irradiate an object with X-rays; and at least one detection device arranged on the rotating device and configured to detect X-rays penetrating the object. The CT scanning method includes: rotating the rotating device in a first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle based on the number of the plurality of light sources; irradiating the object with X-rays through at least one of the plurality of light sources during the rotation of the rotating device in the first rotation direction, and detecting the X-rays penetrating the object by the at least one detection device; and rotating the rotating device in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by the determined rotation angle.

[0009] The effects of the invention

[0010] The computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple light sources capable of irradiating a subject with X-rays, thereby reducing the range of rotation angles of the gantry. Because the range of rotation angles of the gantry can be reduced, the stability of the CT apparatus can be improved.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the computed tomography (CT) scanner can set the X-ray irradiation sequence of multiple light sources based on the number and configuration of the light sources and detection devices, thereby obtaining a CT image of the object by utilizing the optimal scanning method according to the structure of the CT scanner. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3a and 3b This is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a circular computed tomographic image of an object according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a spiral-shaped computed tomographic image of an object according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanner according to the structure of the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the xy plane according to the structure of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the operation of a computed tomography (CT) scanning device according to the structure of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography device according to the structure of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the operation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner with the structure of the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15a This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 15b This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the yz plane according to the structure of the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the xy-plane view of the scanning gantry of a computed tomography apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 21 This is an operation flowchart of a computed tomography (CT) scanner with the structure of the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of a computed tomography apparatus according to the structure of the fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 26 This is a flowchart of the operation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner with the structure of the fifth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 27a This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus according to the structure of the sixth embodiment, in the xy plane. Figure 27bThis is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the yz plane according to the structure of the sixth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography scanning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 30 This is an operation flowchart of a computed tomography (CT) scanner with the structure of the sixth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 31a and Figure 31b This diagram illustrates a method for adjusting the visible area of ​​a computed tomography (CT) scanner.

[0042] Figure 32 This diagram illustrates a method of adjusting the visible area using multiple light sources.

[0043] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 34a This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning gantry of a computed tomography apparatus according to various embodiments. Figure 34b This is a simplified diagram of the yz cross-section of the scanning fixture.

[0045] Figure 35a This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning gantry of a computed tomography apparatus according to various embodiments. Figure 35b This is a simplified diagram of the yz cross-section of the scanning fixture. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments disclosed herein are provided by way of example for the purpose of illustrating the technical ideas of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below or the specific description of these embodiments.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All terms used in this disclosure have been chosen for the purpose of more clearly describing this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Expressions such as “including,” “possessing,” and “having” used in this disclosure, unless otherwise mentioned in the statements or text containing such expressions, should be understood as open-ended terms that may include other embodiments.

[0049] The singular expressions described in this disclosure may include the meaning of the plural forms unless otherwise mentioned, and this also applies to the singular expressions recorded in the claims.

[0050] The terms "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are used to distinguish multiple constituent elements from each other, and do not limit the order or importance of the corresponding constituent elements.

[0051] As used in this disclosure, the term "section" refers to software or hardware components such as FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). However, "section" is not limited to hardware and software. A "section" can be configured to reside in an addressable memory medium or to enable one or more processors to run. Thus, as an example, a "section" includes components such as software components, objects pointing to software components, cluster components, and task components, as well as processors, functions, attributes, programs, subroutines, fragments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, worksheets, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within a component and a "section" can be combined by a smaller number of components and "sections," or further separated into additional components and "sections."

[0052] As used in this disclosure, the expression “based on ~” is used to describe one or more factors described in the words or sentences containing the expression that influence a decision, judgment or action. Such expression does not exclude additional factors that influence a decision, judgment or action.

[0053] In this disclosure, when a constituent element is referred to as being "connected to" or "connected to" other constituent elements, it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to or connected to the other constituent elements, or it may be connected or connected through a new other constituent element as a medium.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same or corresponding constituent elements may be omitted. However, even if a description of a constituent element is omitted, it does not mean that such a constituent element is not included in a particular embodiment.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a processor 110 and a gantry 120. The CT scanner 100 according to various embodiments may also include a transfer unit 150 and a power supply unit 160. Figure 1 Even if a part of the illustrated configuration is omitted or replaced, it will not hinder the implementation of the various embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 may be a configuration capable of performing arithmetic or data processing related to the control and / or communication of various components of the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100. The processor 110 may, for example, be operatively connected to the components of the CT scanner 100. The processor 110 may load commands or data received from other components of the CT scanner 100 into a memory (not shown), process the commands or data stored in the memory, and store the result data. According to various embodiments, the CT scanner 100 may include more than one processor 110.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the scanning frame 120 can be a structure configured with multiple light sources 130 and detection devices 140. The scanning frame 120 can be a ring-shaped (or tunnel-shaped) structure that allows the multiple light sources 130 and detection devices 140 to rotate around a certain axis.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the light source 130 can be an X-ray source capable of emitting X-rays. The light source 130 can irradiate an object with X-rays under the control of the processor 110. The object can, for example, be located in the bore (or internal hole, internal cavity) of the scanning gantry 120. According to various embodiments, the computed tomography apparatus 100 can include multiple light sources 130. The multiple light sources 130 can, for example, be X-ray sources utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

[0060] The detection device 140 according to various embodiments may be an X-ray detector that detects the amount (or intensity) of X-rays. The detection device 140 can detect the amount of X-rays that penetrate the object from the X-rays irradiated from the light source 130. When the internal density of the object is non-uniform, the amount absorbed by the object varies with the direction of X-ray irradiation. The detection device 140 can measure the amount of reduction in X-rays irradiated from various angles as they penetrate the object. The processor 110 can determine the internal density of the object based on the data measured by the detection device 140, and reconstruct a detailed cross-section of the object's interior using the determined internal density to generate a three-dimensional image. The computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments may include at least one detection device 140.

[0061] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of light sources 130, and a detection device 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a first rotating device and a second rotating device in a ring shape, sharing a common axis of rotation and capable of rotating independently of each other. The plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals on the first rotating device, and the detection device 140 may be arranged on the second rotating device. For example, the plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals on the inner surfaces of the first rotating device, allowing X-rays to be irradiated onto an object located inside the scanning gantry 120. For example, the detection device 140 may be configured to surround the entire inner surface of the second rotating device. In the above case, even if X-rays are irradiated from any one of the plurality of light sources 130, the detection device 140 can detect X-rays penetrating the object.

[0062] A computed tomography (CT) apparatus 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of light sources 130, and a plurality of detection devices 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a rotating device in the form of a ring capable of rotating about a rotation axis. The plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals on the rotating device. The plurality of detection devices 140 may be arranged at positions corresponding to and facing the plurality of light sources 130. The plurality of light sources 130 can irradiate an object carried on a transfer unit 150 with X-rays, and the plurality of detection devices 140 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. The positions of the plurality of light sources 130 on the rotation axis of the rotating device may be the same. For example, the positions of the plurality of light sources 130 on the z-axis may be the same.

[0063] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of light sources 130, and a plurality of detection devices 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a ring-shaped rotating device capable of rotating about a rotation axis. The plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals on the rotating device. The plurality of detection devices 140 may be arranged at positions corresponding to and facing the plurality of light sources 130. The positions of the plurality of light sources 130 on the rotation axis of the rotating device may be spaced apart at intervals. For example, the positions of the plurality of light sources 130 on the z-axis may be different from each other.

[0064] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of light sources 130, and a detection device 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a ring-shaped rotating device capable of rotating about a rotation axis. The scanning gantry 120 may be separated into a first part and a second part. The plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals in the first part. The detection device 140 may be arranged in the second part.

[0065] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of light sources 130, and a detection device 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a first rotating device and a second rotating device in the form of a ring, sharing a common rotation axis and capable of rotating independently of each other. The plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged at certain intervals in the first rotating device. The detection device 140 may be arranged in a region of the second rotating device.

[0066] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to one embodiment may include a scanning gantry 120, a plurality of first light sources 130, a plurality of second light sources 130, and a detection device 140. The scanning gantry 120 may include a first rotating device, a second rotating device, and a third rotating device in a ring shape sharing a common rotation axis and capable of independent rotation. The plurality of first light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals in the first rotating device. The plurality of second light sources 130 may be arranged at intervals in the second rotating device. The detection device 140 may be disposed in a region of the third rotating device.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the transfer unit 150 may be a device capable of moving within the aperture of the ring-shaped scanning frame 120 in the direction of the rotation axis of the scanning frame 120. The transfer unit 150 may carry an object that is to be scanned using computed tomography.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the power supply device 160 can supply the power required to operate the various components of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100. The power supply device 160 can supply the power required for the multiple light sources 130 to output X-rays.

[0069] Figure 2This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments. For example, Figure 2 This is a simplified illustration of the necessary components for explaining the operation of the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a plurality of light sources and at least one detection device, wherein the plurality of light sources irradiate an object O with X-rays, and the at least one detection device detects the X-rays that penetrate the object O.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the object body O can be located on the transfer unit 150, and the transfer unit 150 can move in the direction of the rotation axis of the scanning unit 120 through the aperture of the scanning unit 120.

[0072] In order to obtain a computed tomography image of an object O located in the aperture of a scanning gantry 120, the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can irradiate the object O with X-rays while multiple light sources arranged in the scanning gantry 120 rotate around the object O, and can use at least one detection device to detect the X-rays that penetrate the object O.

[0073] Figure 3a and 3b This is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a circular computed tomographic image of an object according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Reference Figure 3a and 3b According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can acquire circular CT images of different parts of an object O, and combine the acquired circular CT images to generate an image of the entire object O. The processor 110 of the CT scanner 100 can move the transport unit 150 carrying the object O at a predetermined distance and repeatedly execute the action of acquiring CT images of the object O a predetermined number of times.

[0075] like Figure 3a As shown in the diagram, the processor 110 can stop the transfer unit 150 when it moves the object-carrying part O towards the rotation axis of the scanning frame 120 so that the head of the object O is located in the aperture. While the transfer unit 150 is stopped, the processor 110 can obtain a circular computed tomographic image of the head of the object O using multiple light sources 130 and at least one detection device 140. Then, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 150 to a predetermined distance and then stop it. In the above case, as... Figure 3bAs shown in the diagram, the chest of the object O can be located within the aperture. The processor 110 can use multiple light sources 130 and at least one detection device 140 to obtain a circular computed tomographic image of the chest of the object O. The processor 110 can repeatedly perform the above actions to obtain circular computed tomographic images of different parts of the object O, and can combine the obtained circular computed tomographic images to generate an image of the entire object O.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a spiral-shaped computed tomographic image of an object according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can acquire a helical CT image of an object O, and generate an image of the entire object O using the helical CT image. For example, the processor 110 of the CT scanner 100 can move the transport unit 150 carrying the object O at a predetermined speed. During the movement of the transport unit 150 at the predetermined speed, the processor 110 can acquire a helical CT image of the object O using multiple light sources 130 and at least one detection device 140. The processor 110 can generate an image of the entire object O using the helical CT image of the object O.

[0078] <Structure of the First Embodiment>

[0079] Figures 5 to 9 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the first embodiment and a CT scanning method thereof.

[0080] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanner according to the structure of the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the xy plane according to the structure of the first embodiment.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a scanning gantry, a plurality of light sources 531, 533, 535, and a detection device 540. The scanning gantry may include a first rotating device 521 and a second rotating device 523 in a ring shape sharing a common rotation axis and capable of rotating independently of each other. The plurality of light sources 531, 533, 535 may be arranged at certain intervals on the first rotating device 521. The detection device 540 may be configured to completely surround the inner surface of the second rotating device 523. The plurality of light sources can irradiate an object O carried in the transfer unit 550 with X-rays, and the detection device 540 can detect X-rays penetrating the object O. In this figure, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the number of the plurality of light sources is three, but the number of the plurality of light sources is not limited to this; it may also be two or more than three.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can determine the angular interval between the multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535 within the first rotating device 521 and the rotation angle of the first rotating device 521 based on the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535. The processor 110 can determine the angular interval between the multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535 within the first rotating device 521 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535, and can determine the rotation angle of the first rotating device 521 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535. For example, when the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535 is three, the multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535 can be arranged at 120-degree intervals in the first rotating device 521, and the rotation angle of the first rotating device 521 can be determined to be 120 degrees. In the above situation, even if the first rotating device 521 rotates only 120 degrees, since there are 3 light sources arranged at 120-degree intervals, a three-dimensional image of the object O can be generated.

[0083] When the detection device 540 according to various embodiments is configured to completely surround the inner side of the second rotating device 523, the X-rays penetrating the object O can be detected by the detection device 540 even if the processor irradiates the object O with X-rays from any one of the multiple light sources 531, 533, 535.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a CT scanner 100 according to the structure of the first embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the operational status of the multiple light sources 531, 533, 535, the first rotating device 521, and the transfer unit 550 over time when there are three light sources 531, 533, and 535.

[0085] In the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Figure 700, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in the first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Figure 700, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 550 in Figure 700, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operation method illustrated in Figure 700 to obtain circular CT images of different parts of an object, and combine the obtained circular CT images to generate an image of the entire object.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, 535. For example, when the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, 535 is three, the rotation angle of the first rotating device 521 can be determined to be 120 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Figure 700, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources so that, during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction, the plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in a predetermined order per unit angle. For example, whenever the first rotating device 521 rotates 1 degree, the light source to be irradiated with X-rays can be changed in a predetermined order.

[0089] Referring to the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Table 700, the processor 110 can, during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 1 degree in the first rotation direction, i.e. from t1 to t 13During rotation, the X-rays are irradiated onto the object alternately by the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in sequence. For example, the processor 110 can control the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 1 / 3 degree in the first rotation direction, i.e., from t1 to t... 11 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via the first light source 531 of a plurality of light sources. The processor 110 can operate during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 1 / 3 degree to 2 / 3 degree, i.e., from t... 11 To t 12 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a second light source 533 among multiple light sources. The processor 110 can operate during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 2 / 3 degree to 1 degree, i.e., from t... 12 To t 13 The processor 110 controls multiple light sources by irradiating the object with X-rays through a third light source 535. Then, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in the order of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535. If we assume that the sequential irradiation of X-rays by the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction is a sequence, then the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in a predetermined order by repeatedly executing the sequence 120 times at 1-degree intervals during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object by the detection device 540 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction. In this case, the processor 110 can generate at least one low image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 540. The processor 110 can generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low image of the object. In this case, the three-dimensional image of the object can be a circular computed tomography image. According to various embodiments, during the rotation of the first rotating device 521, the processor 110 can either rotate the second rotating device 523, on which the detection device 540 is disposed, in the same direction or not rotate it.

[0091] According to various embodiments, after the first rotating device 521 rotates in the first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle, the processor 110 can stop the first rotating device 521 and move the transfer unit 550 by a predetermined distance. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 550 in Figure 700, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 550 by a predetermined distance from t2 to t3. Between t2 and t3, the processor 110 can deactivate the plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535, and prevent the first rotating device 521 from rotating.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction by the determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Figure 700, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in the second rotating direction by 120 degrees from t3 to t4.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotating direction. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 to alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in a predetermined sequence per unit angle during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotating direction. For example, whenever the first rotating device 521 rotates 1 degree, the light source to be irradiated with X-rays can be changed in a predetermined sequence.

[0094] Referring to the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Table 700, the processor 110 can rotate in the second rotation direction from 120 degrees to 119 degrees during the first rotation device 521's rotation, i.e., from t3 to t... 33 During rotation, the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 are controlled to alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in sequence. For example, the processor 110 can control the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 120 degrees to... During the rotation in the second rotation direction, that is, from t3 to t 31 During rotation in the second direction, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a third light source 535 among multiple light sources. The processor 110 can be located from the first rotating device 521. rotate to During the period of t, that is, from t 31 To t 32 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a second light source 533 of a plurality of light sources. The processor 110 can be positioned from the first rotating device 521... During the rotation from 119 degrees, i.e. from t 32 To t 33 The processor 110 controls multiple light sources by irradiating the object with X-rays through the first light source 531. Then, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in the order of the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531. If we assume that the sequential irradiation of X-rays by the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 during the first rotation of the rotating device 521 in the second rotation direction (rotating 1 degree) is a sequence, then the processor 110 can repeatedly execute this sequence 120 times at 1-degree intervals during the first rotation of the rotating device 521 from 120 degrees to 0 degrees in the second rotation direction, thereby controlling the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in a pre-set order. This figure illustrates the case where X-rays are alternately irradiated onto the object in the order of the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotation direction. However, it is also possible to alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute a cycle including the following actions a preset number of times: rotating the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle; moving the transfer unit 550 in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance after the first rotating device 521 has rotated in the first rotation direction by the determined rotation angle; rotating the first rotating device 521 in a second rotation direction by the determined rotation angle; and moving the transfer unit 550 in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance after the first rotating device 521 has rotated in the second rotation direction by the determined rotation angle. When the cycle is repeatedly executed a preset number of times, circular computed tomographic images of different parts of an object can be obtained. The processor 110 can combine the obtained circular computed tomographic images to obtain a three-dimensional image of the entire object.

[0096] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a CT scanner 100 according to the structure of the first embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 531, 533, 535, the first rotating device 521, and the transfer unit 550 over time when there are three light sources.

[0097] In the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Figure 800, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in the first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Figure 800, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 550 in Figure 800, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in FIG800 to obtain a spiral CT image of an object, and using the obtained spiral CT image, a three-dimensional image of the entire object can be generated.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, 535. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the rotation angle of the first rotating device 521 can be determined to be 120 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Table 800, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 550 to move in the direction of the rotation axis at a preset speed in response to the first rotating device 521 starting to rotate in a first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 550 in Table 800, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 550 to move steadily from t1 in the positive direction of the rotation axis at a preset speed.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources so that, during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction, the plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in a predetermined sequence per unit angle. For example, whenever the first rotating device 521 rotates 1 degree, the light source to be irradiated with X-rays can be changed in a predetermined sequence.

[0102] Referring to the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Table 800, the processor 110 can, during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 1 degree in the first rotation direction, i.e. from t1 to t 13 During rotation, the X-rays are irradiated onto the object alternately by the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in sequence. For example, the processor 110 can control the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 1 / 3 degree in the first rotation direction, i.e., from t1 to t... 11 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via the first light source 531 of a plurality of light sources. The processor 110 can be activated during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 1 / 3 degree to 2 / 3 degree, i.e., from t... 11 To t 12 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a second light source 533 of a plurality of light sources. The processor 110 can be used during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 2 / 3 degree to 1 degree, i.e., from t... 12 To t 13 The processor 110 controls multiple light sources to irradiate an object with X-rays via a third light source 535. Then, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in the order of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535. If we assume that the sequential irradiation of X-rays by the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the first rotation direction is a sequence, then the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in a predetermined order by repeating the sequence 120 times at 1-degree intervals during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object by the detection device 540 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction. In this case, the processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 540. The processor 110 can also generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low-resolution image. In this case, the three-dimensional image of the object can be a helical computed tomography image of the object.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle, and then rotate the first rotating device 521 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 521 in Figure 800, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 in the second rotation direction by 120 degrees from t2 to t3. In the above case, the processor 110 can keep the transfer unit 550 moving in the direction of the rotation axis at a certain speed.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotating direction. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in a predetermined order per unit angle during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotating direction. For example, whenever the first rotating device 521 rotates 1 degree, the light source to be irradiated with X-rays can be changed in a predetermined order.

[0106] Referring to the diagram of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535 in Table 800, the processor 110 can rotate in the second rotation direction during the first rotating device 521 from 120 degrees to 119 degrees, i.e. from t2 to t... 23 During rotation in the second direction, the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 are controlled to alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in sequence. For example, the processor 110 can control the first rotation device 521 from 120 degrees to... During the rotation in the second rotation direction, that is, from t2 to t 21 During rotation in the second direction, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a third light source 535 among multiple light sources. The processor 110 can be located from the first rotating device 521. Rotate to During the period of t, that is, from t 21 To t 22 During rotation, X-rays are irradiated onto the object via a second light source 533 of a plurality of light sources. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources so that, from the first rotating device 521... During the rotation from 119 degrees, i.e. from t 22 To t 23X-rays are irradiated onto the object by the first light source 531 among multiple light sources. Then, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately in the order of the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531. If the sequential irradiation of X-rays by the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotation direction by 1 degree is assumed to be a sequence, then the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately one by one in a preset order during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 from 120 degrees to 0 degrees in the second rotation direction. This figure illustrates the case where X-rays are alternately irradiated onto the object in the order of the third light source 535, the second light source 533, and the first light source 531 during the rotation of the first rotating device 521 in the second rotation direction. However, it is also possible to alternately irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the first light source 531, the second light source 533, and the third light source 535.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute a cycle including the following actions a preset number of times: rotating the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle while the transfer unit 550 moves in the direction of the rotation axis at a preset speed; and rotating the first rotating device 521 in a second rotation direction by a determined rotation angle while the transfer unit 550 moves in the direction of the rotation axis at a preset speed. When the cycle is repeatedly executed a preset number of times, a helical computed tomography image of the object can be obtained. The processor 110 can use the obtained helical computed tomography image to obtain a three-dimensional image of the entire object.

[0108] Figure 9 This is an operation flowchart of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to the structure of the first embodiment.

[0109] Referring to the operation flowchart 900, the processor 110 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can, in operation 910, rotate the first rotating device 521 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535. In the first rotating device 521, the multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535 can be arranged at certain intervals. The determined rotation angle can be the value obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535. For example, when there are three multiple light sources 531, 533, and 535, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 521 by 120 degrees in the first rotation direction.

[0110] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 920, irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 531, 533, 535 while the first rotating device 521 rotates in a first rotating direction, and detect the X-rays penetrating the object by the detection device 540. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources 531, 533, 535 to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately one by one in a predetermined order per unit angle while the first rotating device 521 rotates in the first rotating direction. The detection device 540 can be configured to surround the second rotating device 523. The processor 110 can either cause the second rotating device 523 to rotate in the first rotating direction at the same determined rotation angle while the first rotating device 521 rotates in the first rotating direction at the same determined rotation angle, or it can choose not to rotate the second rotating device 523. According to various embodiments, after the first rotating device 521 rotates in the first rotating direction at a determined rotation angle, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 550 carrying the object in the direction of the rotation axis of the first rotating device 521 at a predetermined degree.

[0111] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, in operation 930, cause the first rotating device 521 to rotate in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction by a determined rotation angle.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 940, irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 while the first rotating device 521 rotates in the second rotating direction, and detect the X-rays penetrating the object through the detection device 540. The processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources 531, 533, and 535 to irradiate the object with X-rays alternately one by one in a predetermined order per unit angle while the first rotating device 521 rotates in the second rotating direction. The processor 110 can also cause the second rotating device 523 to rotate in the second rotating direction at the same determined rotation angle while the first rotating device 521 rotates in the second rotating direction at the same determined rotation angle, or it can choose not to cause the second rotating device 523 to rotate in the second rotating direction at the same determined rotation angle. According to various embodiments, after the first rotating device 521 rotates in a second rotating direction at a determined rotation angle, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 550 carrying the object in the direction of the rotation axis of the first rotating device 521 at a predetermined degree.

[0113] <Structure of the Second Embodiment>

[0114] Figures 10 to 14This is a diagram illustrating the computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus 100 having the structure of the second embodiment and the CT scanning method thereof. Content that is repeated in the description of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0115] Figure 10 This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the structure of the second embodiment.

[0116] Reference Figure 10 According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 may include a scanning gantry, multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035, and multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, 1045. The scanning gantry may include a ring-shaped rotating device 1020 capable of rotating around a rotation axis. The multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035 may be arranged at certain intervals on the rotating device 1020. The multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, 1045 may be arranged at positions corresponding to and facing the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035 on the rotating device 1020. The multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035 can irradiate an object carried on a transfer unit 1050 with X-rays, and the multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, 1045 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. In this diagram, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that there are 3 light sources, but the number of light sources is not limited to this; there can also be 2 or more.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can determine the angular intervals between the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 within the rotating device 1020 and the rotation angle of the rotating device 1020 based on the number of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035. The processor 110 can determine the angular intervals between the multiple light sources within the rotating device 1020 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of light sources, and can determine the rotation angle of the rotating device 1020 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of light sources.

[0118] When multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, and 1045 according to various embodiments are respectively arranged in positions corresponding to and facing the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035, even if any one of the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 irradiates an object with X-rays, the processor 110 can detect the X-rays penetrating the object by the detection device at the corresponding position. For example, X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the first light source 1031 can be detected by the first detection device 1041 arranged in the corresponding position; X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the second light source 1033 can be detected by the second detection device 1043 arranged in the corresponding position; and X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the third light source 1035 can be detected by the third detection device 1045 arranged in the corresponding position.

[0119] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035, the rotating device 1020, and the transfer unit 1050 over time when there are three light sources.

[0120] In the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1100, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in a first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagram of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 in Figure 1100, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1100, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1100 to obtain a circular CT image of an object.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the rotation angle of the rotating device 1020 can be determined to be 120 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1100, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0123] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1100, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can obtain a circular computed tomography image of the object without moving the transfer unit 1050.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays via at least one of a plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays via the plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays via the plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 alternately one by one in a predetermined order per unit angle during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction.

[0125] For example, referring to the diagram of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 in Figure 1100, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using all of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees in the first rotation direction, that is, during the rotation from t1 to t2.

[0126] For example, such as Figure 7As illustrated, the processor 110 can also control multiple light sources to irradiate an object with X-rays in a sequential and alternating manner, such as the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035. If we consider the sequential and alternating irradiation of X-rays by the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction as a sequence, then the processor 110 can repeatedly execute this sequence 120 times at 1-degree intervals during a rotation of the first rotating device 1020 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees, thereby controlling the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 to irradiate the object with X-rays in a pre-set order. According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object through multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, and 1045 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction. In the above-described manner, processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on X-rays detected using multiple detection devices 1041, 1043, and 1045. Processor 110 can also generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low-resolution image. In this case, the three-dimensional image of the object can be a circular computed tomography (CT) image.

[0127] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035, the first rotating device 1020, and the transfer unit 1050 over time when there are three light sources.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1200 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the processor 110 can determine the rotation angle of the rotating device 1020 to be 120 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to move in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance within a predetermined time period in response to the rotation of the rotating device 1020 starting to rotate in a first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 1050 from t1 to t2 in the positive direction of the rotation axis by a predetermined distance.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction. The processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the first light source 1031 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 from t1 to t2 in the first rotation direction. In the above case, the second light source 1033 and the third light source 1035 may not irradiate X-rays. During the irradiation of the object with X-rays by the first light source 1031, a first detection device 1041 disposed at a position corresponding to and facing the first light source 1031 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the first detection device 1041.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1020 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. After the rotating device 1020 has rotated in the first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle, the processor 110 can control the rotating device 1020 to rotate in the second rotation direction by a determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1020 in the second rotation direction by 120 degrees from t2 to t3. That is, the processor 110 can return the position of the first rotating device 1020 to its state before rotating in the first rotation direction.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled to stop in response to the rotation device 1020 starting to rotate in a second rotation direction without moving the transfer unit 1050. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to remain stationary from t2 to t3.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled in such a way that none of the plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 irradiate X-rays during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the second rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can be controlled in such a way that none of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 irradiate X-rays from t2 to t3.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute the rotation device 1020 rotating in a first rotation direction at a determined rotation angle and then rotating in a second rotation direction at a determined rotation angle to a degree equal to the number of multiple light sources.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1020 again in the first rotation direction according to the determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1020 again in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t3 to t4.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to move in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance within a predetermined time period in response to the rotation device 1020 resuming rotation in the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to move in the positive direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance from t3 to t4.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in a first rotation direction. The processor 110 can also irradiate the object with X-rays using a second light source 1033 during the rotation of the first rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction from t3 to t4. For example, the second light source 1033 may be the light source closest to the first light source 1031 in the first rotation direction. In the above case, the first light source 1031 and the third light source 1035 may not irradiate X-rays. During the irradiation of the object with X-rays by the second light source 1033, a second detection device 1043 disposed at a position corresponding to and facing the second light source 1033 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the second detection device 1043.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can cause the rotating device 1020 to rotate again in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1020 again in the second rotation direction by 120 degrees from t4 to t5.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled to stop in response to the rotating device 1020 resuming rotation in a second rotation direction without moving the transfer unit 1050. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to remain stationary from t4 to t5.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled in such a way that none of the plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 irradiate X-rays during the period when the rotating device 1020 rotates again in the second rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 in Figure 1200, the processor 110 can prevent the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 from irradiating X-rays from t4 to t5.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute the action of rotating the rotating device 1020 from t5 to t7 in the first rotation direction and then in the second rotation direction. During the first rotation of the rotating device 1020 from t5 to t6 in the first rotation direction, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using a third light source 1035 among a plurality of light sources.

[0143] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0144] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035, the first rotating device 1020, and the transfer unit 1050 over time when there are three light sources.

[0145] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in FIG1300 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object, and can use the obtained spiral-shaped CT image to generate a three-dimensional image of the entire object. (Description omitted) Figure 12 The content described herein is repeated.

[0146] According to various embodiments, from t1 to t7, the operating states of the rotating device 1020, the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 are related to... Figure 12 The same applies. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1020, the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035 in Figure 1300, the processor 110 can control the rotating device 1020 by repeatedly performing an action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then rotating in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. During the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using one of the multiple light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1300, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the first light source 1031, the second light source 1033, and the third light source 1035.

[0147] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1050 in Table 1300, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can control the transfer unit 1050 to move in the positive direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed from t1 to t7. During the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the second rotation direction, i.e., during the period when the rotating device 1020 returns to its original position, some data may be missed in the helical computed tomography image of the object if the transfer unit 1050 is not stopped. To supplement the missed data, the processor 110 can cause the transfer unit 1050 to move again in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed. For example, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1050 to move in the negative direction of the rotation axis from t7 to t8. 13 The transfer unit 1050 is controlled to move in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed.

[0148] Referring to the diagram of rotating device 1020, first light source 1031, second light source 1033, and third light source 1035 in Table 1300, processor 110 can cause rotating device 1020 to rotate from t7 to t8. 13 The rotating device 1020 is controlled by repeatedly performing the action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. During the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035. For example, as illustrated in FIG1300, the processor 110 can control the third light source 1035, the second light source 1033, and the first light source 1031 from t7 to t8. 13 Multiple light sources are controlled by sequentially irradiating the object with X-rays.

[0149] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0150] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the operation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the second embodiment.

[0151] Referring to the operation flowchart 1400, the processor 110 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can rotate the rotating device 1020 in a first direction in operation 1410 according to the degree of rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources 1031, 1033, 1035.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 1420, while the rotating device 1020 rotates in a first rotation direction, irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, 1035, and detect the X-rays penetrating the object through one of a plurality of detection devices 1041, 1043, 1045. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by one of the plurality of detection devices 1041, 1043, 1045. The processor 110 can utilize the at least one low-resolution image of the object to generate a three-dimensional image of the object.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 1430, rotate the rotating device 1020 in a second rotation direction by a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can control the rotating device 1020 to prevent the plurality of light sources 1031, 1033, and 1035 from irradiating X-rays during the rotation of the rotating device 1020 in the second rotation direction by the determined rotation angle.

[0154] <Structure of the Third Embodiment>

[0155] Figures 15a to 16 This is a diagram illustrating the computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus 100 having the structure of the third embodiment and the CT scanning method thereof. Content that is repeated in the description of the second embodiment is omitted.

[0156] Figure 15a This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the structure of the third embodiment. Figure 15b This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the yz plane according to the structure of the third embodiment. The computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is a case in which the z-axis configuration positions of multiple light sources are changed from those of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to the structure of the second embodiment.

[0157] Reference Figure 15a The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a scanning frame, a plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, 1535, and a plurality of detection devices 1541, 1543, 1545. The scanning frame may include a ring-shaped rotating device 1520 rotatable about a rotation axis. The plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, 1535 may be arranged at certain intervals on the rotating device 1520. The plurality of detection devices 1541, 1543, 1545 may be arranged at positions corresponding to and facing the plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, 1535, respectively. The plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, 1535 can irradiate an object carried on a transfer unit 1550 with X-rays, and the plurality of detection devices 1541, 1543, 1545 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. In this figure, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the number of multiple light sources is three, but the number of multiple light sources is not limited to this; it may also be two or more than three.

[0158] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can determine the angular interval between the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 within the rotating device 1520 and the rotation angle of the rotating device 1520 based on the number of light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535. The processor 110 can determine the angular interval between the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 within the rotating device 1520 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of light sources, and can determine the rotation angle of the rotating device 1520 by dividing 360 degrees by the number of light sources.

[0159] When multiple detection devices 1541, 1543, and 1545 according to various embodiments are respectively arranged in positions corresponding to and facing the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535, even if any one of the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 irradiates an object with X-rays, the processor 110 can detect the X-rays penetrating the object by the detection device at the corresponding position. For example, X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the first light source 1531 can be detected by the first detection device 1541 arranged in the corresponding position; X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the second light source 1533 can be detected by the second detection device 1543 arranged in the corresponding position; and X-rays penetrating the object from X-rays irradiated by the third light source 1535 can be detected by the third detection device 1545 arranged in the corresponding position.

[0160] Reference Figure 15bAccording to various embodiments, the positions of multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 on the rotation axis of the rotating device 1520 can be arranged at certain intervals. For example, the positions of the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 on the z-axis can be different from each other. For example, the positions of the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535 on the z-axis can be different from each other. For example, the difference between the positions of the first light source 1531 and the second light source 1533 on the z-axis can be the same as the difference between the positions of the second light source 1533 and the third light source 1535 on the z-axis.

[0161] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to a third embodiment. Specifically, Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1531, 1533, 1535, the rotating device 1520, and the transfer unit 1550 over time when there are three light sources.

[0162] In Figure 1600, for the rotating device 1520, operation state 1 can mean rotating in a first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean not rotating, and operation state -1 can mean rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In Figure 1100, for the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535, operation state 1 can mean irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean not irradiating X-rays. In Figure 1100, for the transfer unit 1550, operation state 1 can mean moving in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean moving in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0163] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1600 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object.

[0164] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1520 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the rotation angle of the rotating device 1520 can be determined to be 120 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1520 in Figure 1600, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1520 in the first rotation direction by 120 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0165] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1550 in Table 1600, in order to obtain a helical computed tomography image of the object, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can move the transfer unit 1550 in the direction of rotation axis at a preset speed from t1 to t2. According to the computed tomography apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, the positions of the multiple light sources on the z-axis are different from each other, so even if the transfer unit 1550 moves along with the rotating device 1520 while it rotates in the first rotation direction, a helical computed tomography image of the object can be obtained.

[0166] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays via at least one of a plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 during the rotation of the rotating device 1520 in a first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays via the plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 during the rotation of the rotating device 1520 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays via the plurality of light sources 1531, 1533, and 1535 alternately one by one in a predetermined order per unit angle during the rotation of the rotating device 1520 in the first rotation direction.

[0167] For example, referring to the diagram of the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535 in Figure 1600, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535 during the rotation of the rotating device 1520 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees in the first rotation direction, that is, during the rotation from t1 to t2.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 7 As illustrated, the processor 110 can also control multiple light sources to irradiate an object with X-rays in a sequential and alternating manner, such as the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535. If we assume that the sequential irradiation of X-rays by the first light source 1531, the second light source 1533, and the third light source 1535 during a 1-degree rotation of the first rotating device 1020 in the first rotation direction is a sequence, then the processor 110 can repeatedly execute the sequence 120 times at 1-degree intervals during a rotation of the first rotating device 1520 from 0 degrees to 120 degrees, thereby controlling the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays in a pre-set order.

[0169] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object by means of a plurality of detection devices 1541, 1543, and 1545 during the rotation of the rotating device 1520 in a first rotation direction. In this case, the processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the plurality of detection devices 1541, 1543, and 1545. The processor 110 can generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low-resolution image of the object. In this case, the three-dimensional image of the object can be a helical computed tomography image.

[0170] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1520 in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. That is, the processor 110 can return the position of the rotating device 1520 to its state before rotating in the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1520 in Figure 1600, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1520 in the second rotation direction by 120 degrees from t2 to t3.

[0171] <Structure of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0172] Figures 17 to 21 This is a diagram illustrating the computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus 100 having the structure of the fourth embodiment and the CT scanning method thereof.

[0173] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the xy-plane view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0174] Reference Figure 17 The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a scanning gantry, multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737, and a detection device 1740. The scanning gantry may include a ring-shaped rotating device 1720 rotatable about a rotation axis. The scanning gantry may be separated into a first part 1721 and a second part 1723 along a separation line X. In the above case, after the object is located inside the first part 1721 of the rotating device 1720 of the scanning gantry, the second part 1723 can be combined, thus the object can be easily located inside the scanning gantry. For ease of explanation, the case where the rotating device 1720 is separated in half by the separation line X is described, but the first part 1721 and the second part 1723 do not necessarily have to be separated by 180 degrees each with the center of the rotating device 1720 as a reference, but can be separated into various sizes. When the first part device 1721 is combined with the second part device 1723, the first part device 1721 and the second part device 1723 can rotate together with the rotation device 1720.

[0175] According to various embodiments, multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 can be arranged at certain intervals in the first part of the device 1721. The multiple light sources can irradiate an object carried on the transfer unit 1750 with X-rays. In this figure, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the number of multiple light sources is four, but the number of multiple light sources is not limited to this; it can also be two, three, or more than four.

[0176] According to various embodiments, the detection device 1740 can be disposed in the second part device 1723. For example, when the light source is assumed to be a point light source, the illumination angle (cone beam angle) of the light source is about 30 degrees. Therefore, the second part device 1723 can occupy a size of 210 degrees (180 degrees + 30 degrees) with the center of the rotating device 1720 as a reference, and the detection device 1740 can be configured to completely surround the inner surface of the second part device 1723.

[0177] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can determine the angular intervals of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 arranged within the first part device 1721 and the rotation angle of the rotating device 1720 based on the number of multiple light sources. The processor 110 can determine the angular intervals of the multiple light sources 1733, 1735, and 1737 arranged within the first part device 1721 as the value obtained by dividing 180 degrees by the number of multiple light sources, and can determine the rotation angle of the rotating device 1720 as the value obtained by dividing 180 degrees by the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is four, the multiple light sources can be arranged at 45-degree intervals in the first part device 1721, and the rotation angle of the rotating device 1720 can be determined to be 45 degrees.

[0178] When the detection device 1740 according to various embodiments is configured to completely surround the second part device 1723, the processor 110 can detect the X-rays penetrating the object even if any one of the multiple light sources arranged in the first part device 1721 irradiates the object with X-rays.

[0179] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737, the rotating device 1720, and the transfer unit 1750 over time when there are four light sources.

[0180] In the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1800, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in a first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagram of the first light source 1731, second light source 1733, third light source 1737, and fourth light source 1737 in Figure 1800, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1800, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0181] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1800 to obtain a circular CT image of an object.

[0182] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1800 to obtain a circular CT image of an object.

[0183] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is four, the rotation angle of the rotating device 1720 can be determined to be 45 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1800, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 by 45 degrees in the first rotation direction from t1 to t2.

[0184] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1800, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can obtain a circular computed tomography image of the object without moving the transfer unit 1750.

[0185] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays via at least one of a plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 to irradiate the object with X-rays during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays in a predetermined sequence, one after another, at a time per unit angle, during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the first rotation direction.

[0186] For example, referring to the diagram of the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 in Figure 1800, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 from 0 degrees to 45 degrees in the first rotation direction, that is, during the rotation from t1 to t2.

[0187] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the processor 110 can also control multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 in a manner that repeatedly executes a sequence of alternating X-ray irradiation onto the object in the order of the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 per unit angle.

[0188] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object via the detection device 1740 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction. In this case, the processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 1740. The processor 110 can also generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low-resolution image. In this case, the three-dimensional image of the object can be a circular computed tomography image.

[0189] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. That is, the processor 110 can return the position of the rotating device 1720 to its state before rotating in the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1800, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 in the second rotation direction by 45 degrees from t2 to t3.

[0190] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737, the rotating device 1720, and the transfer unit 1750 over time when there are four light sources.

[0191] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 1900 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object.

[0192] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is four, the rotation angle of the rotating device 1720 can be determined to be 45 degrees. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1720 in the first rotation direction by 45 degrees from t1 to t2.

[0193] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance within a predetermined time period in response to the rotation of the rotating device 1720 starting to rotate in a first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the positive direction of the rotation axis by a predetermined distance from t1 to t2.

[0194] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction. The processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the first light source 1731 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 from t1 to t2 in the first rotation direction. In the above case, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 may not irradiate X-rays. During the irradiation of X-rays by the first light source 1731, the detection device 1740 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 1740.

[0195] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The processor 110 can control the rotating device 1720 in a manner that causes it to rotate in the first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle, and then rotate it in the second rotation direction by a determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1720 45 degrees in the second rotation direction from t2 to t3. That is, the processor 110 can return the position of the first rotating device 1720 to its state before rotating in the first rotation direction.

[0196] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled to stop in response to the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in a second rotation direction without moving the transfer unit 1750. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to remain stationary from t2 to t3.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the operation so that none of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 irradiate X-rays during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the second rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the operation so that none of the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, and the third light source 1735 irradiate X-rays from t2 to t3.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute the action of rotating the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction at a determined rotation angle, and then rotating it in a second rotation direction at a determined rotation angle, according to the number of multiple light sources.

[0199] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the rotating device 1720 again in the first rotation direction according to the determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 1720 again in the first rotation direction by 45 degrees from t3 to t4.

[0200] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance within a predetermined time period in response to the rotation device 1720 resuming rotation in the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the positive direction of rotation axis by a predetermined distance from t3 to t4.

[0201] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction. The processor 110 can also irradiate the object with X-rays using a second light source 1733 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 from t3 to t4 in the first rotation direction. For example, the second light source 1733 may be the light source closest to the first light source 1731 in the first rotation direction. In the above case, the first light source 1731, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 may not irradiate X-rays. During the irradiation of the object with X-rays by the second light source 1733, the detection device 1740 can detect X-rays penetrating the object. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 1740.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can cause the rotating device 1720 to rotate again in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the rotating device 1720 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can cause the first rotating device 1720 to rotate again in the second rotation direction by 45 degrees from t4 to t5.

[0203] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled to stop in response to the rotating device 1720 resuming rotation in a second rotation direction without moving the transfer unit 1750. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to remain stationary from t4 to t5.

[0204] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can be controlled in such a way that none of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 irradiate X-rays during the period when the rotating device 1720 rotates again in the second rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 in Figure 1900, the processor 110 can control the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 to irradiate X-rays from t4 to t5.

[0205] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can repeatedly execute the operation of rotating the rotating device 1720 from t5 to t9 in the first rotation direction and then in the second rotation direction twice. During the rotation of the rotating device 1720 from t5 to t6 in the first rotation direction, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using a third light source 1735 among multiple light sources. During the rotation of the rotating device 1720 from t7 to t8 in the first rotation direction, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using a fourth light source 1737 among multiple light sources.

[0206] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0207] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 20 This diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737, the rotating device 1720, and the transfer unit 1750 over time when there are four light sources.

[0208] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in FIG1300 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object, and can use the obtained spiral-shaped CT image to generate a three-dimensional image of the entire object. (Description omitted) Figure 19 The content described herein is repeated.

[0209] According to various embodiments, from t1 to t9, the operating states of the rotating device 1720, the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737 are related to... Figure 19 The same applies. Referring to the diagram of rotating device 1720, first light source 1731, second light source 1733, third light source 1735, and fourth light source 1737 in Figure 2000, processor 110 can control rotating device 1720 in a manner that causes rotating device 1720 to repeatedly perform the action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then rotating in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. During the rotation of rotating device 1720 in the first rotation direction, processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of the multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737. For example, processor 110 can control multiple light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 in a manner that, as illustrated in Figure 2000, the first light source 1731, second light source 1733, third light source 1735, and fourth light source 1737 irradiate the object with X-rays in sequence.

[0210] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 1750 in Table 2000, the processor 110, according to various embodiments, can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the positive direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed from t1 to t9. During the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the second rotation direction, i.e., during the return of the rotating device 1720 to its original position, if the transfer unit 1750 is not stopped, some data may be missed in the helical computed tomographic image of the object. To supplement the missed data, the processor 110 can cause the transfer unit 1750 to move again in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed. For example, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 1750 to move in the negative direction of the rotation axis from t9 to t9. 17 The transfer unit 1750 is controlled to move in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed.

[0211] Referring to the diagrams in Figure 2000 showing the rotating device 1720, the first light source 1731, the second light source 1733, the third light source 1735, and the fourth light source 1737, the processor 110 can operate from t9 to t 17 The rotating device 1720 is controlled to repeatedly perform the action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the first rotation direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG2000, the processor 110 can control the plurality of light sources 1731, 1735, 1733, and 1737 to irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the fourth light source 1737, the third light source 1735, the second light source 1733, and the first light source 1731.

[0212] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0213] Figure 21 This is an operation flowchart of a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the fourth embodiment.

[0214] Referring to the operation flowchart 2100, the processor 110 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can rotate the rotating device 1720 in a first rotation direction in operation 2110 according to the degree of rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources.

[0215] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 2120, irradiate an object with X-rays through at least one of a plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737 while the rotating device 1720 is rotating in a first rotation direction.

[0216] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object via the detection device 1740 during operation 2130, while the rotating device 1720 rotates in a first rotation direction. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 1740. The processor 110 can also generate a three-dimensional image of the object using the at least one low-resolution image.

[0217] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, in operation 2140, rotate the rotating device 1720 in a second rotation direction by a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can control the rotating device 1720 to prevent the plurality of light sources 1731, 1733, 1735, and 1737 from irradiating X-rays during the rotation of the rotating device 1720 in the second rotation direction by the determined rotation angle.

[0218] <Structure of the Fifth Embodiment>

[0219] Figures 22 to 26 This is a diagram illustrating the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the fifth embodiment and the CT scanning method thereof. Content that is repeated in the descriptions of other embodiments is omitted.

[0220] Figure 22 This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the structure of the fifth embodiment.

[0221] Reference Figure 22 The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a scanning gantry, a plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, 2235, and a detection device 2240. The scanning gantry may include a first rotating device 2221 and a second rotating device 2223 in a ring shape sharing a common rotation axis and capable of rotating independently of each other. The plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, 2235 may be arranged at certain intervals on the first rotating device 2221. The plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, 2235 may irradiate an object carried on a transfer unit 2250 with X-rays. In this figure, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the number of multiple light sources is three, but the number of multiple light sources is not limited to this; it may also be two or more than three.

[0222] According to various embodiments, the detection device 2240 can be configured in a region of the second rotating device 2223, and the detection device 2240 can detect X-rays penetrating an object. The initial position of the second rotating device 2223 can be set such that the detection device 2240 is positioned opposite to a specific light source among the plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235 that is set to irradiate X-rays first. For example, when the initial setting is that the first light source 2231 among the plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235 irradiates X-rays first, the processor 110 can set the position where the detection device 2240 is positioned opposite to the first light source 2231 as the initial position of the second rotating device 2223.

[0223] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a CT scanner apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 23 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, 2235, the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, and the transfer unit 2250 over time when there are three light sources.

[0224] In the diagram of the first rotating device 2221 and the second rotating device 2223 in Figure 2300, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in the first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagram of the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235 in Figure 2300, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 2250 in Figure 2300, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0225] The computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments can obtain a circular CT image of an object using the operation method illustrated in Figure 2300.

[0226] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the first rotating device 2221 to repeatedly perform a first action of rotating in a first rotation direction at a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources, and a second action of rotating in a second rotation direction at a determined rotation angle. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the processor 110 can determine the rotation angle of the first rotating device 2221 to be 120 degrees. The processor 110 can determine the number of times the first rotating device 2221 repeatedly performs the first action and the second action based on the number of multiple light sources. For example, when the number of multiple light sources is three, the processor 110 can determine the number of times the first rotating device 2221 repeatedly performs the first action and the second action to be three times.

[0227] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 2250 in Figure 2300, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can obtain a circular computed tomography image of the object without moving the transfer unit 2250.

[0228] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2223 to rotate in the first rotating device 2223 at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotational direction during the repeated execution of the first and second actions of the first rotating device 2221. Referring to the diagram of the second rotating device 2223 in Figure 2300, the second rotating device 2223 can be rotated in the first rotational direction from t1 to t7. For example, the processor 110 can cause the second rotating device 2223 to rotate in the first rotational direction at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2221.

[0229] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays through one of a plurality of light sources during the rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction. The processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the first light source 2231 during the rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction from t1 to t2. In this case, the second light source 2233 and the third light source 2235 may not irradiate X-rays. During the irradiation of the object with X-rays by the first light source 2231, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object using a detection device 2240 disposed at a position corresponding to and opposite to the first light source 2231. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 2240. As described above, the processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using the second light source 2233 from t3 to t4, and with X-rays using the third light source 2235 from t5 to t6.

[0230] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 2221 in a second rotating direction. The processor 110 can control the first rotating device 2221 to rotate in the first rotating direction by a determined rotation angle, and then rotate it in the second rotating direction by a determined rotation angle. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 2221 in Figure 2300, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 2221 in the second rotating direction by 120 degrees from t2 to t3. That is, the processor 110 can return the position of the first rotating device 2221 to its state before rotating in the first rotating direction. As described above, the processor 110 can rotate the first rotating device 2221 in the second rotating direction by 120 degrees from t4 to t5, and also from t6 to t7.

[0231] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a circular computed tomographic image of the object.

[0232] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a CT scanner apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 24 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, 2235, the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, and the transfer unit 2250 over time when there are three light sources.

[0233] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in FIG2400 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object, and can use the obtained spiral-shaped CT image to generate a three-dimensional image of the entire object. (Description omitted) Figure 23 The content described herein is repeated.

[0234] According to various embodiments, from t1 to t7, the operating states of the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235 are... Figure 23The same applies. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235 in Figure 2400, the processor 110 can control the rotating device 2221 to repeatedly perform an action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then rotating in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2223 to rotate in the first rotation direction at the same rotation speed as the first rotating device 2221 during the repeated execution of the action of the first rotating device 2221. The processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of the multiple light sources during the rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources to irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235, as illustrated in Figure 2400.

[0235] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 2250 to move in the positive direction of the rotation axis by a predetermined distance during the first rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 2250 in Figure 2400, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 2250 by a predetermined distance from t1 to t2, from t3 to t4, and from t5 to t6.

[0236] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, can generate a helical computed tomographic image of the object. When using the method illustrated in Figure 2400, the transfer unit 2250 is moved only during the irradiation of the object with X-rays by one of the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235, thus obtaining a helical computed tomographic image of the object.

[0237] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a CT scanner apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 25 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, 2235, the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, and the transfer unit 2250 over time when there are three light sources.

[0238] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 2500 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object, and can use the obtained spiral-shaped CT image to generate a three-dimensional image of the entire object. (Description omitted) Figure 24The content described herein is repeated.

[0239] According to various embodiments, from t1 to t7, the operating states of the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235 are... Figure 24 The same applies. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235 in Figure 2500, the processor 110 can control the first rotating device 2221 to repeatedly perform the action of rotating in a first rotation direction and then rotating in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235 during the first rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2500, the processor 110 can control the multiple light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235 to irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235.

[0240] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2223 to rotate in the first rotating device 2223 at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotating direction during the repeated execution of the operation of rotating in the first rotating direction according to a determined angle and then rotating in the second direction. Referring to the diagram of the second rotating device 2223 in Table 2500, the processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2223 from t1 to t2. 13 The second rotating device 2223 is rotated in the first rotating direction.

[0241] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 2250 in Table 2500, the processor 110, according to various embodiments, can control the transfer unit 2250 to move in a predetermined speed from t1 to t7 in the positive direction of the rotation axis. During the rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the second rotation direction, i.e., during the return of the first rotating device 2221 to its original position, some data may be missed in the helical computed tomography image of the object if the transfer unit 2250 is not stopped. To supplement the missed data, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 2250 again in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed. For example, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 2250 to move from t7 to t8 in the positive direction of the rotation axis. 13 It is controlled to move in the negative direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed.

[0242] Referring to the diagrams in Table 2500 showing the first rotating device 2221, the second rotating device 2223, the first light source 2231, the second light source 2233, and the third light source 2235, the processor 110 can operate from t7 to t... 13 The first rotating device 2221 is controlled to repeatedly rotate in a first rotation direction and then in a second rotation direction according to a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using one of a plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235 during the rotation of the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can, as illustrated in FIG2500, irradiate the object with X-rays from t7 to t8. 13 Multiple light sources are controlled by sequentially irradiating the object with X-rays by the third light source 2235, the second light source 2233, and the first light source 2231.

[0243] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0244] Figure 26 This is an operation flowchart of a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the fifth embodiment.

[0245] Referring to the operation flowchart 2600, the processor 110 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can, in operation 2610, control the first rotating device 2221 to repeatedly perform a first action of rotating in a first rotation direction according to a rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple light sources and a second action of rotating in a second rotation direction according to the determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can, for example, determine the number of times the first rotating device 2221 repeatedly performs the first and second actions based on the number of multiple light sources.

[0246] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, in operation 2620, control the second rotating device 2223 to rotate in the first rotating device 2223 at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2221 in the first rotating device 2221 during repeated execution of the first and second operations.

[0247] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can, during operation 2630, while the first rotating device 2221 performs a first operation, irradiate an object with X-rays through one of a plurality of light sources 2231, 2233, and 2235, and detect the X-rays penetrating the object by a detection device 2240. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 2240. The processor 110 can utilize the at least one low-resolution image of the object to generate a three-dimensional image of the object.

[0248] <Sixth Embodiment Structure>

[0249] Figures 27a to 30 This is a diagram illustrating the computed tomography (CT) scanning apparatus 100 having the structure of the sixth embodiment and the CT scanning method thereof. Content that is repeated in the descriptions of other embodiments is omitted.

[0250] Figure 27a This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning frame of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 27b This is a cross-sectional view of the scanning frame in the yz plane according to the structure of the sixth embodiment.

[0251] Reference Figure 27a According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 may include a scanning gantry, a plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733, a plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736, and a detection device 2740. The scanning gantry may include a ring-shaped first rotating device 2721, a second rotating device 2723, and a third rotating device 2725 that share a common rotating axis and can rotate independently of each other. The plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 may be arranged at intervals on the first rotating device 2721. The plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736 may be arranged at intervals on the second rotating device 2723. The plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and the plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736 can irradiate an object carried on a transfer unit 2750 with X-rays. In this figure, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that there are 3 first light sources and 3 second light sources, but the number of first light sources and the number of second light sources are not limited to these.

[0252] According to various embodiments, the detection device 2740 can be configured in a region of the third rotating device 2725, and the detection device 2740 can detect X-rays penetrating an object. The initial position of the third rotating device 2725 can be set such that the detection device 2740 is positioned opposite to a specific light source among the plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and the plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736 that is set to irradiate X-rays first. For example, when the initial setting is that light source 1 2731 irradiates X-rays first, the processor 110 can set the position of the detection device 2740 that is opposite to light source 1 2731 as the initial position of the third rotating device 2725.

[0253] Reference Figure 27b The configuration planes of the first rotating device 2721, the second rotating device 2723, and the third rotating device 2725, according to various embodiments, can be arranged parallel to each other. For example, the z-axis positions of the plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 can be different from the z-axis positions of the plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736. For example, the z-axis positions of light source 1 2731, light source 2 2732, and light source 3 2733 can be different from the z-axis positions of light source 2 2734, light source b 2735, and light source c 2736.

[0254] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 28 The diagram illustrates the operational status of the multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733, multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736, first rotating device 2721, second rotating device 2723, third rotating device 2725, and transfer unit 2750 over time when there are three first light sources and three second light sources.

[0255] In the diagrams of the first rotating device 2721, the second rotating device 2723, and the third rotating device 2725 in Figure 2800, operation state 1 can mean a state of rotation in the first rotation direction, operation state 0 can mean a state of no rotation, and operation state -1 can mean a state of rotation in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the diagrams of light sources 1 2731, 22732, 3 2733, 2 2734, b 2735, and c 2736 in Figure 2800, operation state 1 can mean a state of irradiating X-rays, and operation state 0 can mean a state of not irradiating X-rays. In the diagram of the transfer unit 2750 in Figure 2800, operation state 1 can mean a state of movement in the positive direction (+ direction) of the rotation axis, and operation state -1 can mean a state of movement in the negative direction (- direction) of the rotation axis.

[0256] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in Figure 2800 to obtain a circular CT image of an object.

[0257] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the first rotating device 2721 to repeatedly perform a first action of rotating in a first rotation direction to a degree determined by the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736, and a second action of rotating in a second rotation direction to a degree determined by the same rotation angle. The processor 110 can determine the rotation angle of the first device as the value obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736. For example, when the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 is 3 and the number of multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736 is 3, the processor 110 can determine the rotation angle of the first rotating device 2721 as 60 degrees.

[0258] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can determine the number of times the first rotating device 2721 repeatedly performs the first action and the second action based on the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736. For example, when the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and the number of multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736 are each 3, the processor 110 can determine the number of times the first rotating device 2721 repeatedly performs the first action and the second action as 3 times.

[0259] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2723 to repeatedly perform a third action of rotating in a second rotating direction and a fourth action of rotating in a first rotating direction according to the determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can also control the second rotating device 2723 to rotate at the same rotation speed as the first rotating device 2721.

[0260] According to various embodiments, the first action of the first rotating device 2721 and the third action of the second rotating device 2723 can be executed simultaneously with each other, and the second action of the first rotating device 2721 and the fourth action of the second rotating device 2723 can be executed simultaneously with each other. That is, the first rotating device 2721 and the second rotating device 2723 can rotate in different directions. For example, the processor 110 can rotate the second rotating device 2723 in a second rotating direction while rotating the first rotating device 2721 in a first rotating direction, and rotate the second rotating device 2723 in the first rotating direction while rotating the first rotating device 2721 in the second rotating direction.

[0261] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the third rotating device 2725 to rotate in the first rotation direction at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2721 and the second rotating device 2723 during the repeated execution of the first and second actions of the first rotating device 2721 and the third and fourth actions of the second rotating device 2723. For example, at time t1, the detection device 2740 disposed on the third rotating device 2725 can be disposed at a position opposite to the light source 12731, and from t1 to t7, the third rotating device 2725 can rotate in the first rotation direction at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2721 and the second rotating device 2723. In the above case, even if X-rays are irradiated in the order of light source 12731, light source 22734, light source 22732, light source b2735, light source 32733 and light source c2736, the detection device 2740 can be located opposite to the specific light source that always irradiates X-rays. Therefore, the detection device 2740 can detect X-rays penetrating the object from t1 to t7.

[0262] Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 2750 in Figure 2800, the processor 110 according to various embodiments can obtain a circular computed tomography image of the object without moving the transfer unit 2750.

[0263] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays via one of a plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 during the first rotation of the first rotating device 2721 in a first rotation direction, i.e., during the first rotation of the first rotating device 2721 performing a first action. The processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using light source 1 2731 during the first rotation of the first rotating device 2721 from t1 to t2 in the first rotation direction. In the above case, light sources 2 2732 and 3 2733 may not irradiate X-rays, and the plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736 may also not irradiate X-rays. The processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object using a detection device 2740 during the X-ray irradiation by light source 1 2731. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 2740. As described above, processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using only light source 2 2732 from t3 to t4, and irradiate the object with only light source 3 2733 from t5 to t6.

[0264] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays via one of a plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736 during the rotation of the second rotating device 2723 in the first rotating direction, i.e., during the fifth operation of the second rotating device 2723. The processor 110 can also irradiate the object with X-rays using light source 2734 during the rotation of the first rotating device 2723 from t2 to t3 in the first rotating direction. In the above case, light sources b2735 and c2736 may not irradiate X-rays, and the plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 may also not irradiate X-rays. The processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating the object using a detection device 2740 during the X-ray irradiation by light source 2734. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 2740. As described above, processor 110 can irradiate the object with X-rays using only light source b2735 from t4 to t5, and irradiate the object with only light source c2736 from t6 to t7.

[0265] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, can generate a circular computed tomographic image of the object. When using the method illustrated in Figure 2800, during the rotation of the first rotating device 2721 in the second rotation direction, that is, during the period when the first rotating device 2721 returns to its state before rotating in the first rotation direction, the second rotating device 2723 can also rotate in the first rotation direction, thereby irradiating X-rays using a plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736.

[0266] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography (CT) scanning method using a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment. Specifically, Figure 29 It is a diagram showing the operating status of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733, multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736, a first rotating device 2721, a second rotating device 2723, a third rotating device 2725, and a transfer unit 2750 over time.

[0267] According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can use the operating method illustrated in FIG. 2900 to obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of an object, and can use the obtained spiral-shaped CT image to generate a three-dimensional image of the entire object. (Description omitted) Figure 29 The content described herein is repeated.

[0268] According to various embodiments, from t1 to t7, the operating states of the first rotating device 2721, the second rotating device 2723, the third rotating device 2725, the light source 1 2731, the light source 2 2732, the light source 3 2733, the light source 2 2734, the light source b 2735, and the light source c 2736 are related to... Figure 28 The same applies. Referring to the diagram of the first rotating device 2721, the second rotating device 2723, the third rotating device 2725, the light source 1 2731, the light source 2 2732, the light source 3 2733, the light source 2 2734, the light source b 2735, and the light source c 2736 in Figure 2900, the processor 110 can control the first rotating device 2721 to repeatedly perform an action of rotating in a first rotating direction and then rotating in a second rotating direction at a determined rotation angle. The processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2723 to repeatedly perform an action of rotating in the second rotating direction at the same rotation speed as the first rotating device 2721 at a determined rotation angle and then rotating in the first rotating direction while the first rotating device 2721 repeatedly performs the action, in a manner that allows the second rotating device 2723 to repeatedly perform an action of rotating in the second rotating direction and then rotating in the first rotating direction at the same rotation speed as the first rotating device 2721 at a determined rotation angle.

[0269] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can irradiate an object with X-rays using one of a plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 during the rotation of the first rotating device 2721 in a first rotation direction, and irradiate the object with X-rays using one of a plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736 during the rotation of the second rotating device 2723 in the first rotation direction. For example, the processor 110 can control the plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 and the plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736 to irradiate the object with X-rays in the order of light source 1 2731, light source 2 2734, light source 2 2732, light source b 2735, light source 3 2733, and light source c 2736, as illustrated in Figure 2900.

[0270] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the transfer unit 2750 to move in the positive direction of the rotation axis at a predetermined speed during the rotation of the first rotating device 2721 and the second rotating device 2723. Referring to the diagram of the transfer unit 2750 in Figure 2900, the processor 110 can move the transfer unit 2750 at a predetermined speed from t1 to t7.

[0271] Through the above actions, the processor can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object, and based on the at least one low-resolution image, generate a spiral-shaped computed tomography image of the object.

[0272] Figure 30 This is an operation flowchart of a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 having the structure of the sixth embodiment.

[0273] Referring to the operation flowchart 300, the processor 110 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 according to various embodiments can, in operation 3010, control the first rotating device 2721 to repeatedly perform a first action of rotating in a first rotation direction according to the degree of rotation angle determined based on the number of multiple first light sources 2731, 2732, 2733 and multiple second light sources 2734, 2735, 2736, and a second action of rotating in a second rotation direction according to the degree of the determined rotation angle.

[0274] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the second rotating device 2723 in operation 3020 by repeatedly performing a third action of rotating in a second rotating direction according to a determined rotation angle and a fourth action of rotating in a first rotating direction according to a determined rotation angle. The first action of the first rotating device 2721 and the third action of the second rotating device 2723 can be performed simultaneously with each other, and the second action of the first rotating device 2721 and the fourth action of the second rotating device 2723 can be performed simultaneously with each other.

[0275] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can control the third rotating device 2725 in operation 3030 to rotate the third rotating device 2725 in the first rotating direction at the same rotational speed as the first rotating device 2721 and the second rotating device 2723.

[0276] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 may, during operation 3040, irradiate an object with X-rays through one of a plurality of first light sources 2731, 2732, and 2733 during the first operation performed by the first rotating device 2721, and irradiate the object with X-rays through one of a plurality of second light sources 2734, 2735, and 2736 during the fourth operation performed by the second rotating device 2723.

[0277] According to various embodiments, the processor 110 can detect X-rays penetrating an object via the detection device 2740 in operation 3050. The processor 110 can generate at least one low-resolution image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detection device 2740. The processor 110 can utilize the at least one low-resolution image of the object to generate a three-dimensional image of the object.

[0278] <Other Embodiment Structure>

[0279] Figure 31a and Figure 31b This is a diagram illustrating a method for adjusting the visible area of ​​a computed tomography (CT) scanner 100. Figure 32 This diagram illustrates a method of adjusting the visible area using multiple light sources. The visible area can represent the region capable of detecting X-rays that penetrate the object O.

[0280] Reference Figure 31aAccording to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 generally determines the visible area based on the illumination angle of the currently operating light source 3133 among a plurality of light sources 3131, 3132, 3133, and 3134. When the illumination angle of the light source includes the object O, the visible area can be determined based on the illumination angle of the light source. In the above case, the detection device 3140 can be located within the visible area and detect X-rays penetrating the object O. For example, when the CT scanner 100 wants to obtain a CT image of the object O in a narrow area, it can narrow the visible area.

[0281] Reference Figure 31b When obtaining a computed tomographic image of an object O over a wide area, the visible area can be set to be wide relative to the illumination angle of the light source. In this case, X-rays penetrating the object O can be detected while the detection device 3140 is moved from the first position 3140a to the second position 3140b. In this case, to obtain a computed tomographic image of the object O, it is not necessary to repeatedly irradiate it with X-rays, thus reducing the amount of X-rays exposed to the object O.

[0282] Reference Figure 32 According to various embodiments, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can drive all of the multiple light sources 3131, 3132, 3133, and 3134 and adjust the visible area even when some of the light sources are not located in positions opposite to the detection devices 3140. In this case, a CT image of the object O can be obtained even without moving the detection devices 3140.

[0283] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0284] According to various embodiments, the power supply device 160 of the computed tomography scanning apparatus 100 can be disposed outside the scanning gantry 120. When the power supply device 160 is disposed outside the scanning gantry 120, even if the scanning gantry 120 rotates, the power supply device 160 will not rotate with it, thus improving stability. The power supply device 160 can be connected to multiple light sources 130 via cables. The cables can be made of a non-bending material. The multiple light sources 130 can receive power from the power supply device 160 through a metal part 135. To improve stability, an insulating material can be molded around the metal part 135. The insulating material can be, for example, insulating oil or silicone.

[0285] Figures 34a to 35b This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a computed tomography apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0286] Figure 34a This is an xy-plane cross-sectional view of the scanning frame 3420 of the computed tomography apparatus 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 34b This is a simplified diagram of the yz cross-section of the scanning fixture 3420.

[0287] A computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 according to various embodiments may include a scanning gantry 3420, which includes a first rotating device 3421 and a second rotating device. In the first rotating device 3421, a plurality of light sources 3430 may be arranged at certain intervals. A detection device 3440 may be arranged in the second rotating device, and the detection device 3440 may be configured to surround the second rotating device. This figure illustrates a case where there are eight light sources 3430, but the number of light sources is not limited to this. When there are eight light sources, they may be arranged at 45-degree intervals in the first rotating device.

[0288] According to various embodiments, the positions of the multiple light sources 3430 on the z-axis can be different from each other. For example, the multiple light sources 3430 can be as follows: Figure 34b The configuration is shown in the diagram. Figure 35a and 35b The diagram illustrates that the structure of the first rotating device 3421, which is equipped with multiple light sources 3430, can be altered by applying a force in the z-axis direction. When using a device with... Figure 35a and 35b When the first rotating device 3421 of the illustrated structure is in use, the computed tomography (CT) scanner 100 can obtain a spiral-shaped CT image of the object.

[0289] The flowcharts describe process steps, method steps, and algorithms sequentially, but these processes, methods, and algorithms can be configured to operate in any suitable order. In other words, the steps of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the various embodiments of this disclosure do not need to be executed in the order described in this disclosure. Furthermore, although the description focuses on the asynchronous execution of some steps, in other embodiments, these steps can be executed simultaneously. Additionally, the examples of processes depicted in the accompanying drawings are not intended to exclude different variations or modifications of the exemplary processes, nor are they intended to indicate that any of the exemplary processes or their steps are necessary for more than one of the various embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to indicate that the exemplary processes are preferred.

[0290] Although the method has been described through specific embodiments, it can also be embodied in computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices storing data readable by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD-ROM (Read-Only Optical Disc Drive), magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, etc. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across a network-connected computer system, thereby storing and executing computer-readable code in a distributed manner. Moreover, the functional programs, code, and code snippets required to embody the described embodiments can be readily derived by a programmer skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0291] The foregoing examples of some embodiments and accompanying drawings illustrate the technical concept of this disclosure. However, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be implemented within the limits of the technical concept and scope that can be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and alterations should be considered as part of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computed tomography apparatus comprising: a gantry including a rotary device in a ring shape capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a plurality of light sources configured at intervals on the rotary device and configured in a manner to irradiate X-rays to an object; at least one detection device configured on the rotary device and configured in a manner to detect X-rays that have penetrated the object; a conveyance portion on which the object is carried; and one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured in a manner to: rotate the rotary device in a first rotation direction by a rotation angle determined based on a number of the plurality of light sources, control the plurality of light sources in a manner to alternately irradiate X-rays to the object by each unit angle in a predetermined order during rotation of the rotary device in the first rotation direction, and detect X-rays that have penetrated the object by the at least one detection device, rotate the rotary device in a second rotation direction that is an opposite direction of the first rotation direction by the determined rotation angle, the one or more processors are configured in a manner to: move the conveyance portion in a direction of the rotation axis by a predetermined distance during rotation of the rotary device in the first rotation direction, positions of the plurality of light sources on the rotation axis are configured at intervals. 2.The computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources are configured at intervals in positions on a circumference on an inner side of the rotary device. 3.The computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured in a manner to: generate at least one low image of the object in response to detection of X-rays that have penetrated the object by the at least one detection device, generate a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low image of the object. 4.The computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detection device includes: a plurality of detection devices configured at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources on the rotary device, respectively. 5.The computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources are X-ray light sources using carbon nanotubes.

6. A computed tomography method of a computed tomography apparatus, the computed tomography apparatus comprising: a gantry including a rotary device in a ring shape capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a plurality of light sources configured at intervals on the rotary device and configured in a manner to irradiate X-rays to an object; and at least one detection device configured on the rotary device and configured in a manner to detect X-rays that have penetrated the object, wherein the computed tomography method includes: an act of rotating the rotary device in a first rotation direction by a determined rotation angle based on a number of the plurality of light sources. during rotation of the rotating device in the first rotation direction, alternately irradiating the object with X-rays from the plurality of light sources in a predetermined order per unit angle, rotating the rotating device in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by the determined rotation angle, and during rotation of the rotating device in the first rotation direction, moving a transfer portion that carries the object by a predetermined distance in the direction of the rotation axis, the plurality of light sources are arranged at positions on the rotation axis at intervals.

7. The computed tomography method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged at positions on the inner side of the rotating device at intervals in the circumferential direction.

8. The computed tomography method according to claim 6, wherein further comprising: generating at least one low image of the object in response to detection of X-rays that have passed through the object by the at least one detection device; and generating a three-dimensional image of the object based on the at least one low image of the object.

9. The computed tomography method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one detection device comprises: a plurality of detection devices arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources on the rotating device, respectively.

10. The computed tomography method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of light sources are X-ray light sources using carbon nanotubes.

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