X-ray CT device

Abstract

To obtain high-quality photographic images. [Solution] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a scanner, a stand, a back support, and a back tilting mechanism. The scanner has an imaging system for imaging a subject. The stand supports the scanner so that it can move in the vertical direction. The back support supports the back of the subject. The back tilting mechanism tilts the back support toward the back by a predetermined angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray CT apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus is a device that performs X-ray CT imaging using a scanner. Some X-ray CT apparatuses can image a subject in a standing posture (i.e., a standing position) by moving the scanner in the vertical direction. This type of X-ray CT apparatus is also referred to as a "standing CT apparatus."

[0003] In a standing CT apparatus, a support (e.g., a top plate, a rod) can be installed perpendicular to the floor surface on the side of the subject's back. The subject can be imaged in a standing posture along the support (see FIG. 8).

[0004] However, when the subject is an elderly person with weak legs and waist, a patient with a foot injury, etc., it is difficult for the subject to maintain a standing posture. In this case, the subject may sway during imaging, causing adverse effects such as blurring in the captured image. Therefore, a standing CT apparatus cannot obtain a high-quality captured image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to obtain a high-quality captured image. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a scanner, a stand, a back support, and a back tilting mechanism. The scanner has an imaging system for imaging a subject. The stand supports the scanner so that it can move vertically. The back support supports the back of the subject. The back tilting mechanism tilts the back support toward the back by a predetermined angle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the subject support mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the back support in an inclined position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the scanner in a tilted position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the foot support in an inclined position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the subject support mechanism in a repositioned state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an image of a subject in an upright position using the conventional technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Multiple parts assigned the same reference numeral will be considered identical, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an X-ray CT scanner 1 according to an embodiment. The X-ray CT scanner 1 comprises a stand 2 and a console 3. For example, the stand 2 is installed in the examination room, and the console 3 is installed in an operation room adjacent to the examination room. The stand 2 and the console 3 are connected to each other via wired or wireless means so that they can communicate with one another.

[0011] The gantry 2 is a device for performing X-ray CT imaging. The gantry 2 comprises a scanner 21, a stand 22, a rotary drive device 23, and a stand drive device 24.

[0012] A three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is defined for the stand 2. This Cartesian coordinate system has mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z axes. The X-axis direction is parallel to the floor FL of the examination room and passes through the stand 22 from the imaging center C of the scanner 21 (also called the "isocenter") (also called the "first horizontal direction"). The Y-axis direction is parallel to the floor FL of the examination room and perpendicular to the X-axis (also called the "second horizontal direction"). The Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the X and Y axes, respectively (also called the "vertical direction").

[0013] The scanner 21 is a device having an imaging system for photographing a subject. The scanner 21 is a cylindrical structure with a cylindrical opening OP (also called a "bore") formed therein. The scanner 21 comprises an X-ray tube 211, a high-voltage generator 212, an X-ray detector 213, a DAS 214, and a rotating frame 215 as its imaging system.

[0014] The rotation axis AX of scanner 21 is the axis corresponding to the center line of the aperture OP. In upright imaging (i.e., the state shown in Figure 1), the rotation axis AX is perpendicular to the floor plane FL. The horizontal axis HX of scanner 21 is the axis in the X-axis direction (also called the "tilt axis") that is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX. When scanner 21 tilts around the horizontal axis HX, the rotation axis AX tilts in a similar direction. Both the rotation axis AX and the horizontal axis HX pass through the imaging center C.

[0015] The X-ray tube 211 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays. The X-ray tube 211 receives a high voltage applied from a high voltage generator 212 and irradiates thermoelectrons from the cathode filament toward the anode target, thereby generating X-rays. The X-ray tube 211 irradiates the generated X-rays onto the subject inside the aperture OP.

[0016] The high voltage generator 212 is a device that generates a high voltage. The high voltage generator 212 generates a high voltage based on the power supplied from a power supply device (not shown) according to the control by the console 3. The high voltage generator 212 applies the generated high voltage to the X-ray tube 211 through a high voltage cable (not shown).

[0017] The X-ray detector 213 is a device that detects X-rays. The X-ray detector 213 detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 211 and transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detector 213 converts the detected X-rays into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the DAS 214. The X-ray detector 213 may be a photon counting type.

[0018] The DAS 214 is a system for collecting data (i.e., Data Acquisition System). The DAS 214 integrates the electrical signal received from the X-ray detector 213 over a predetermined view period according to the control by the console 3 to generate an integration signal. The DAS 214 performs analog / digital conversion on the generated integration signal to generate projection data. The DAS 214 transmits the generated projection data to the console 3.

[0019] The rotating frame 215 is a rotating annular frame. The rotating frame 215 mounts the X-ray tube 211, the high voltage generator 212, the X-ray detector 213, and the DAS 214. The rotating frame 215 mounts the set of the X-ray tube 211 and the high voltage generator 212 and the set of the X-ray detector 213 and the DAS 214 to face each other with the aperture OP interposed therebetween. The rotating frame 215 rotates around the rotation axis AX based on the power supplied from the rotation drive device 23. By this rotation, X-ray CT imaging is performed on the subject inside the aperture OP.

[0020] The rotating frame 215 is rotatably connected via bearings or the like to a main frame (not shown). An annular electrode (not shown) is provided at the contact portion between the rotating frame 215 and the main frame. A conductive slider (not shown) is attached so as to make sliding contact with the annular electrode.

[0021] The stand 22 is a structure that supports the scanner 21 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The stand 22 is installed on the floor surface FL. The stand 22 supports the scanner 21 so as to be tiltable around the horizontal axis HX via bearings or the like. The stand 22 includes a scanner moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the scanner 21 in the vertical direction. The stand 22 includes a scanner tilting mechanism (not shown) for tilting the scanner 21 around the horizontal axis HX.

[0022] Instead of one stand 22, two stands 22 may be installed. In this case, one stand 22 may be connected to one side surface of the scanner 21, and the other stand 22 may be connected to the other side surface of the scanner 21. That is, the two stands 22 may support the scanner 21 so as to sandwich both side portions of the scanner 21.

[0023] The rotation drive device 23 is a device that drives the rotation of the rotating frame 215. The rotation drive device 23 has a motor (e.g., a direct drive motor, a servo motor). The rotation drive device 23 drives the motor to generate power according to the control by the console 3. The rotation drive device 23 supplies the generated power to the rotating frame 215.

[0024] The stand drive device 24 is a device that drives various mechanisms provided in the stand 22. The stand drive device 24 has a motor (e.g., a direct drive motor, a servo motor). The stand drive device 24 drives the motor to generate power according to the control by the console 3. The stand drive device 24 supplies the generated power to the scanner moving mechanism (described above). The stand drive device 24 supplies the generated power to the scanner tilting mechanism (described above).

[0025] A subject support mechanism 5 is installed below the scanner 21 to support the subject. For example, the subject support mechanism 5 is installed on the floor FL below the opening OP of the scanner 21. The subject support mechanism 5 operates according to control from the console 3.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the subject support mechanism 5 according to the embodiment. The subject support mechanism 5 is shown as viewed from the X-axis direction (particularly the side where the stand 22 is not installed). The subject support mechanism 5 comprises a back support 51, a foot support 52, an angle drive motor 53, and an angle detection sensor 54.

[0027] The back support 51 is a support (e.g., a tabletop, a rod) that supports the back of the subject P. In standing radiography, the central axis CX of the back support 51 is perpendicular to the floor plane FL and parallel to the rotation axis AX of the scanner 21. The back support 51 is made of any material such as plastic or metal. The lower end portion of the back support 51 is connected to the foot support 52.

[0028] The foot support 52 is a support (e.g., a base) that supports the foot of the subject P. The foot support 52 is installed on the floor surface FL. The foot support 52 is made of any material such as plastic or metal. The foot support 52 houses the angle drive motor 53 and the angle detection sensor 54.

[0029] The angle drive motor 53 is a motor (e.g., a stepping motor) that drives the angle of the back support 51. The angle drive motor 53 tilts the back support 51 toward the back of the subject P by a predetermined angle according to the control of the console 3. A portion of the angle drive motor 53 is inserted into the lower end portion of the back support 51. When the angle drive motor 53 rotates around the X-axis, the back support 51 tilts in a similar direction. The angle drive motor 53 is an example of a back tilting mechanism.

[0030] The angle detection sensor 54 is a sensor (e.g., a rotary sensor) that detects the angle of the back support 51. The angle detection sensor 54 detects the angle of the back support 51 according to the control of the console 3. The angle detection sensor 54 is connected to the angle drive motor 53. The angle detection sensor 54 may also detect the rotation angle of the angle drive motor 53 as the tilt angle of the back support 51. The angle detection sensor 54 is an example of an angle detection mechanism.

[0031] The subject support mechanism 5 also includes a foot tilting mechanism (not shown). For example, the foot tilting mechanism is an electric cylinder. The electric cylinder is installed at the tip of the foot support 52 on the abdominal side of the subject P. The electric cylinder extends according to the control of the console 3, thereby tilting the foot support 52 relative to the floor surface FL. As a result, the foot support 52 tilts around the X-axis, allowing adjustment of the Z-axis position (i.e., height) of the subject P and the back support 51.

[0032] The subject support mechanism 5 also includes a foot movement mechanism (not shown). For example, the foot movement mechanism includes a guide rail, a motor, and transmission components (e.g., a ball screw, chain, or belt). The guide rail is installed along the floor surface FL. The motor generates power according to control from the console 3. The transmission components transmit the generated power to the foot support 52, thereby moving the foot support 52 along the guide rail. As a result, the foot support 52 moves in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, allowing adjustment of the positions of the subject P and the back support 51 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction.

[0033] The subject support mechanism 5 does not necessarily have an angle drive motor 53 or an angle detection sensor 54. In this case, the back support 51 may be fixed to the foot support 52 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical axis (i.e., the Z axis).

[0034] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, Console 3 is a computer that controls the frame 2. Console 3 controls the high-voltage generator 212, DAS 214, rotary drive unit 23, stand drive unit 24, and subject support mechanism 5. Console 3 includes various components such as processing circuit 31, memory 32, input device 33, display device 34, and communication device 35. The various components are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via a bus (BUS). At least some of the various components may be housed in the frame 2.

[0035] The processing circuit 31 is a circuit that comprehensively controls the operation of the console 3. The processing circuit 31 has at least one processor. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), etc. The PLD is an SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Device), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The processing circuit 31 is an example of a processing unit.

[0036] If the processor is a CPU, the CPU implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in memory 32. If the processor is an ASIC, the various functions are incorporated into the ASIC as logic circuits. The processor may be configured as a single circuit or as a combination of multiple circuits. The processor implements various functions such as shooting control function 311, preprocessing function 312, reconstruction processing function 313, image processing function 314, display control function 315, angle determination function 316, and system control function 317.

[0037] The imaging control function 311 controls X-ray CT imaging using the gantry 2. The imaging control function 311 controls the high-voltage generator 212, DAS 214, rotary drive unit 23, and stand drive unit 24 so that the gantry 2 performs X-ray CT imaging according to predetermined imaging conditions. The imaging control function 311 stores the projection data received from the DAS 214 in the memory 32. The imaging control function 311 is an example of an imaging control unit.

[0038] The preprocessing function 312 is a function that performs preprocessing on projection data. The preprocessing function 312 performs various preprocessing steps (e.g., logarithmic transformation, offset correction, sensitivity correction, beam hardening correction) on the projection data according to predetermined preprocessing conditions to generate preprocessed projection data. The preprocessing function 312 stores the preprocessed projection data in memory 32. The preprocessing function 312 is an example of a preprocessing unit.

[0039] The reconstruction processing function 313 is a function that performs reconstruction processing on pre-processed projection data. The reconstruction processing function 313 performs various reconstruction processes (e.g., filtered back projection, iterative reconstruction) on the pre-processed projection data according to predetermined reconstruction processing conditions to generate reconstructed image data (i.e., volume data). The reconstruction processing function 313 stores the reconstructed image data in memory 32. The reconstruction processing function 313 is an example of a reconstruction processing unit.

[0040] The image processing function 314 is a function that performs image processing on reconstructed image data. The image processing function 314 generates CT image data by performing various image processing operations (e.g., multi-plane reconstruction (MPR), maximum image projection (MIP), volume rendering) on ​​the reconstructed image data according to predetermined image processing conditions. The image processing function 314 stores the CT image data in memory 32. The image processing function 314 is an example of an image processing unit.

[0041] The display control function 315 controls the display of CT images based on CT image data. The display control function 315 performs windowing on the CT image data so that the display device 34 displays the CT image data according to predetermined display conditions. The display control function 315 transmits the CT image data after windowing to the display device 34. The display control function 315 is an example of a display control unit.

[0042] The angle determination function 316 is a function that determines the angle of the back support 51. Firstly, the angle determination function 316 may determine the angle based on at least one of the imaging site and the purpose of imaging for the subject. Secondly, the angle determination function 316 may determine the angle based on instructions from the user. The angle determination function 316 is an example of an angle determination unit.

[0043] The system control function 317 is a function that comprehensively controls the operation of the processing circuit 31. Based on various input operations received from the user through the input device 33, the system control function 317 controls various functions of the processing circuit 31. The system control function 317 is an example of a system control unit.

[0044] Memory 32 is a device that stores various types of data. Memory 32 can be a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), or ROM (Read Only Memory). Memory 32 may also be a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or flash memory. Memory 32 stores projection data, reconstructed image data, CT image data, etc. Memory 32 is an example of a storage unit.

[0045] The input device 33 is a device that receives various input operations from the user. The input device 33 may include a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, tablet terminal, etc. The input device 33 converts the received input operations into electrical signals and transmits these electrical signals to the processing circuit 31. The input device 33 also receives various conditions from the user (e.g., shooting conditions, pre-processing conditions, reconstruction processing conditions, image processing conditions, display conditions). The input device 33 is an example of an input unit.

[0046] Display device 34 is a device that displays various images. Display device 34 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), etc. Display device 34 displays CT images based on CT image data. Display device 34 may also display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various input operations from the user. Display device 34 is an example of a display unit.

[0047] Communication device 35 is a device that transmits various types of data. Communication device 35 transmits CT image data based on the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard. Communication device 35 may also transmit CT image data to external devices connected to console 3 via a network. Communication device 35 is an example of a communication unit.

[0048] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the subject support mechanism 5 through steps S1 to S7.

[0049] (Step S1) First, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 determines the angle θ of the back support 51. For example, the angle determination function 316 determines the angle θ based on at least one of the imaging site and the imaging purpose for the subject P. If the imaging site is a body part that is susceptible to the effects of gravity (e.g., large intestine, skeletal muscle), the angle determination function 316 may determine the angle θ to be less than a predetermined value. In this case, the angle determination function 316 can help to image the morphology or movement of the body part under the influence of gravity. If the imaging purpose is to image the morphology or movement of the body part under the influence of gravity, the angle determination function 316 may determine the angle θ to be less than a predetermined value. In this case, the angle determination function 316 can exert a similar effect.

[0050] Alternatively, the angle determination function 316 may determine the angle θ of the back support 51 based on instructions from the user. For example, the angle determination function 316 may determine any angle input by the user through the input device 33 as the angle θ of the back support 51. In this case, the angle determination function 316 can assist in photographing the subject P at any angle θ.

[0051] (Step S2) Next, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 tilts the back support 51 by the angle θ determined in step S1 (see Figure 4). For example, the processing circuit 31 drives the angle drive motor 53 to tilt the back support 51 toward the back of the subject P by an angle θ (i.e., recline it). The angle θ is the angle that the central axis CX of the back support 51 makes with respect to the vertical axis. The angle θ is defined as 0° when the central axis CX is parallel to the vertical axis.

[0052] As a result of step S2 being performed, the subject P leans against the inclined back support 51, thus distributing the load due to their body weight. Consequently, even if the subject P is an elderly person with weak legs or a patient with a leg injury, the subject P can easily maintain an upright posture. In this case, the subject P is less likely to sway during imaging, thus minimizing adverse effects such as blurring on the acquired images. Therefore, the X-ray CT scanner 1 can obtain high-quality acquired images.

[0053] (Step S3) Next, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 detects the angle θ of the back support 51 that was tilted in step S2. For example, the angle detection sensor 54 detects the rotation angle of the angle drive motor 53 as the angle θ.

[0054] (Step S4) Next, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 tilts the scanner 21 by the angle θ detected in step S3 (see Figure 5). For example, the processing circuit 31 drives the scanner tilting mechanism (described above) to tilt the scanner 21 by an angle θ in the direction in which the back support 51 is tilted. That is, the processing circuit 31 tilts the scanner 21 in a similar direction by a similar angle in conjunction with the angle θ in which the back support 51 is tilted. As a result, the rotation axis AX of the scanner 21 is parallel to the central axis CX of the back support 51.

[0055] As a result of step S4 being performed, the rotation axis AX of the scanner 21 coincides with the direction of the body axis of the subject P (i.e., the central axis from the head to the feet), just as in the initial state (see Figure 2). Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can compensate for the misalignment between the rotation axis AX of the scanner 21 and the body axis of the subject P caused by the tilting of the dorsal support 51.

[0056] (Step S5) Next, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 tilts the foot support 52 by the angle θ detected in step S3 (see Figure 6). For example, the processing circuit 31 drives the foot tilting mechanism (described above) to tilt the foot support 52 by an angle θ in the direction in which the back support 51 is tilted. That is, the processing circuit 31 tilts the foot support 52 in a similar direction and by a similar angle in conjunction with the angle θ in which the back support 51 is tilted. As a result, the surface of the foot support 52 (in particular the surface on which the subject P's foot is placed) is perpendicular to the central axis CX of the back support 51.

[0057] As a result of step S5 being performed, subject P stands upright perpendicular to the foot support 52, similar to the initial state (see Figure 2). Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can compensate for the decrease in frictional force between subject P's feet and the foot support 52 caused by the tilting of the back support 51. In other words, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 prevents subject P's feet from slipping, so subject P can maintain a stable upright posture.

[0058] Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may tilt the scanner 21 and the foot support 52 by the angle θ determined in step S1. In this case, step S3 may not be performed. In addition, step S5 may be performed before step S4.

[0059] (Step S6) Next, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 calculates the amount of displacement of the subject P or the back support 51 that occurred in step S2. For example, the processing circuit 31 acquires the angle θ detected in step S3 and acquires images from cameras (not shown) placed around the subject P or the back support 51. Based on the acquired angle θ and images, the processing circuit 31 calculates the amount of displacement of the subject P or the back support 51 caused by the tilting of the back support 51. The processing circuit 31 may also calculate the amount of displacement by performing image analysis on the images using known methods.

[0060] The processing circuit 31 may associate the angle θ of the back support 51 with the amount of displacement. The processing circuit 31 may generate table data relating to the correspondence between the angle θ and the amount of displacement and store it in the memory 32. By referring to this table data, the processing circuit 31 can quickly calculate the corresponding amount of displacement for the angle θ detected by the angle detection sensor 54.

[0061] (Step S7) Finally, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 moves the foot support 52 to compensate for the displacement calculated in step S6 (see Figure 7). For example, the processing circuit 31 drives the foot movement mechanism (described above) to move the foot support 52 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the back support 51 is tilted. Furthermore, the processing circuit 31 moves the foot support 52 by the same amount as the distance the subject P or the back support 51 moved due to the tilting of the back support 51.

[0062] As a result of step S7 being performed, the imaging center C of subject P is located on the back of subject P, similar to the initial state (see Figure 2). Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can compensate for the displacement of the imaging center C caused by the tilting of the back support 51.

[0063] According to at least one embodiment described above, high-quality images can be obtained.

[0064] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 X-ray CT device 2. Stand 3 Console 5. Subject support mechanism 21 Scanners 22 Stands 23 Rotary drive device 24 Stand drive unit 31 Processing Circuit 32 memory 33 Input devices 34 Display equipment 35 Communication equipment 51 Back support 52 Foot support 53 Angle drive motor 54 Angle detection sensor 211 X-ray tube 212 High-voltage generator 213 X-ray detector 214 DAS 215 rotation frame 311 Shooting control function 312 Pre-processing function 313 Reconstruction Processing Function 314 Image Processing Functions 315 Display control function 316 Angle determination function 317 System control function AX rotation axis C Shooting center CX center axis FL floor surface HX horizontal axis OP opening P Subject θ angle

Claims

1. A scanner equipped with an imaging system for photographing a subject, A stand that supports the scanner so that it can move vertically, A back support that supports the back of the subject, A back tilting mechanism that tilts the back support toward the back by a predetermined angle, An X-ray CT scanner equipped with the following features.

2. The system further comprises a scanner tilting mechanism that tilts the scanner by a predetermined angle in the direction in which the back support is tilted. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A foot support that supports the foot of the subject, The system further comprises a foot tilting mechanism that tilts the foot support by a predetermined angle in the direction in which the back support is tilted, The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A foot support that supports the foot of the subject, The system further comprises a foot movement mechanism that moves the foot support to compensate for the amount of displacement of the subject or the back support caused by the inclination of the back support, The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The system further comprises an angle determination unit that determines the predetermined angle based on at least one of the imaging area and the purpose of imaging for the subject, The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The system further comprises an angle determination unit that determines the predetermined angle based on instructions from the user. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

Images