Method for generating image
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BRIGHTONIX IMAGING INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure KR2026001455_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Image generation method
[0001] The present invention relates to an image generation method, and more specifically, to an image generation method capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring a PET (positron emission tomography) image of a subject.
[0002] Medical imaging devices non-invasively visualize the inside of the body in the form of images, providing information necessary for accurate disease diagnosis. Medical imaging devices include Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Position Emission Tomography (PET). Among these, PET is a radiation detection device that administers a radiopharmaceutical emitting positrons into the body via intravenous injection or inhalation, detects radiation (gamma rays) generated by positron annihilation, and reconstructs an image by computationally processing the distribution of positron-emitting radionuclides within the body.
[0003] Since PET equipment has a limited longitudinal field of view, the range that can be imaged at once is limited. Therefore, when you want to image a specific organ of the body, it is very important to verify that the area to be imaged is accurately located within the longitudinal field of view of the PET equipment. PET / CT or PET / MRI equipment, which is equipped with CT or MRI, can determine the image area by using X-ray images or MR scout images taken prior to PET image acquisition, but there is a problem in that this method cannot be used with stand-alone PET equipment.
[0004] (Patent Document 1) KR10-1470574 B
[0005] The present invention provides an image generation method that can verify in real time whether a subject is accurately positioned on equipment using PET images captured over a short period of time.
[0006] The present invention provides an image generation method that can shorten the time for capturing and generating images during this process.
[0007] An image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a process of positioning a subject at a detector; a process of collecting data to acquire an image of the subject during a predetermined first period; a process of generating at least one image of the subject using the collected data; and a process of detecting the position of at least one of the subject and the detector during the first period. The process of detecting the position of at least one of the subject and the detector may include a process of initializing and refreshing the collected data and the generated image when a change in the position of at least one of the subject and the detector is detected.
[0008] The process of generating the above image may generate at least one image at every second period that is shorter than or equal to the first period, and the final image generated in the last second period among the at least one image may be generated by updating the previous image generated in the previous second period.
[0009] The above first cycle includes a refresh time, the above second cycle includes an update time, and the process of generating the image can initialize the collected data if the time elapsed since the start of collecting the data is greater than or equal to the refresh time.
[0010] The process of generating the above image can generate an image if the time elapsed since the start of collecting the above data is greater than or equal to the update time, and generate a final image by updating the previously generated image if the time elapsed since generating the above image is greater than or equal to the update time.
[0011] The process of detecting the position of at least one of the subject and the detector may include at least one of the process of detecting the position of the subject and the process of detecting whether the detector has moved.
[0012] The process of detecting the location of at least one of the subject and the detector may include, after the refreshing process, the process of collecting the data and the process of generating the image.
[0013] The above refreshing process may perform the process of starting to collect the data, resetting the elapsed time, and restarting the first cycle.
[0014] The process of collecting the above data, the process of generating the above image, and the process of detecting the location of at least one of the subject and the detector can be repeated two or more times.
[0015] The above subject includes a patient injected with a radiopharmaceutical, and the process of collecting the data may include a process of detecting radiation emitted from the patient's body.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, changes in the positions of the detector and the subject can be rapidly detected, and the position of the subject can be readjusted. That is, by applying an update time less than or equal to the refresh time to generate and update the image of the subject in real time, changes in the positions of the subject and the detector can be detected during the refresh time, and the position of at least one of the subject and the detector can be adjusted. In addition, by performing a refresh process that initializes the collected data and images during the refresh time, the time required to perform the refresh process can be shortened compared to the prior art.
[0017] In addition, based on the amount and type of radioactive material injected into the subject and the radiation dose detected per hour, the refresh time and the number of refreshes to reset the collected data are determined. If the number of collected data is greater than or equal to the number of refreshes, the collected data can be reset before the time elapsed since data collection reaches the refresh time. Therefore, the refresh time can be shortened, and through this, the total shooting time can be shortened.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the refresh time and update time in an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a drawing exemplarily showing an image generated by an image generation device.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplarily showing an output device that outputs a generated image.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image generation method according to a modified example of the present invention.
[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Identical reference numerals in the drawings refer to identical elements.
[0026] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "have," or "consists of" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In interpreting a component, it is interpreted to include a margin of error even without separate explicit description. In the case of describing positional relationships, for example, where the positional relationship between two parts is described using terms such as "on," "upper," "lower," or "next to," one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.
[0027] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is interposed directly on or in between other elements. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may, within the technical scope of the present invention, be the second component.
[0028] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated components. The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly. As will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interlocking and operation are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or together in an interrelationship.
[0029]
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a position emission tomography (PET) device, a chair (10) on which a user (not shown), who is a subject, can sit and lie down, a detector (20) for detecting radiation emitted from the user, an image generator (30) capable of generating an image of the user, and an output device (40) capable of outputting the generated image. The user may include a patient who has injected a radioactive substance, such as a radiopharmaceutical, into their body.
[0032] The chair (10) may include a chair body on which a user can sit and lie down, and a headrest on which the user can lean their head. In this case, the chair body may include a seating portion on which the user can sit and a backrest portion on which the user can lean their back, and the backrest portion may be rotatably connected to the seating portion so that the user can sit and lie down. Additionally, the chair (10) may be installed to be movable so that the user can be moved according to the position of the detector (20). For example, the chair (10) may be installed to be movable in the horizontal direction (front, back, left, right) and the up and down direction.
[0033] The detector (20) is formed as a hollow structure to allow a part of the user's body to be inserted, and can be installed to be movable and rotatable so as to adjust its position according to the user's posture. For example, the detector (20) can be installed to be movable in the up-and-down direction so that the user's head can be inserted while the user is sitting, and can be installed to be rotatable so that the user's head can be inserted while the user is lying down. Such a detector (20) can be arranged to be moved and rotated automatically or manually by an operator. For example, the detector (20) can be moved and rotated by the user's remote control operation.
[0034] In addition, the detector (20) may be equipped with a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the user's location, movement, etc. within the detector (20).
[0035] The detector (20) can detect radiation emitted from the user's body, such as gamma rays, and generate data for image generation. The detector (20) can convert the incident radiation into an electrical signal, and the data may include the electrical signal.
[0036] The image generator (30) can generate an image of the user or an image of the user's body by collecting data generated from the detector (20). The image generator (30) can collect data during a predetermined first cycle and generate an image using the collected data at second cycles that are equal to or shorter than the first cycle. The image generator (30) can perform image generation at least once during the first cycle and can repeat data collection and image generation multiple times or at least twice. Additionally, the image generator (30) can perform a refresh process to initialize the data collected at each first cycle. The image generator (30) can generate a final image by updating the image generated at each second cycle during the first cycle. Here, it is described that the image generator (30) generates a final image by updating the image generated at each second cycle, but it may also generate an image using the data collected at each second cycle.
[0037] Here, the first cycle includes a refresh time for initializing the collected data, and the second cycle may include a time for generating an image or an update time using the collected data. For example, the first cycle refers to a time predetermined by an operator or programming for collecting data necessary to generate an image and initializing the collected data as part of the total shooting time. Furthermore, the starting point of the first cycle and the initial second cycle may be the same. The first cycle refers to a time that is repeated during the total shooting time. The second cycle refers to the time for generating an image using the collected data and may be included at least once during the first cycle. Updating an image means generating an improved image using data collected and accumulated over time during the first cycle. For example, it means changing or improving the initial image generated in the first second cycle during the first cycle into a final image generated using data accumulated in a subsequent second cycle.
[0038] The output device (40) can visualize the image generated by the image generator (30). The output device (40) may include a display device such as a monitor, touchpad, or touchscreen. Additionally, the output device (40) may output an indicator that can identify the position of the image along with the image, as shown in FIG. 5. The indicator may include scales, grids, etc. With this configuration, the movement or movement of the detector (20) or the chair (10) can be controlled while identifying the position of the image within the output device (40). The output device (40) may be provided integrally with the image generator (30) or may be installed spaced apart from the image generator (30).
[0039]
[0040] Hereinafter, an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining refresh time and update time in an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplarily showing an image generated by an image generation device, and FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplarily showing an output device that outputs the generated image.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, an image generation method according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a process of positioning a subject on a detector (20) (S103), a process of collecting data to acquire an image of the subject during a predetermined first period (S105), a process of generating at least one image of the subject using the collected data (S111, S117), and a process of detecting at least one position of the subject and the detector (20) during the first period (S107). The process of detecting at least one position of the subject and the detector (20) may include a process of initializing and refreshing the collected data and the generated image when a change in the position of at least one of the subject and the detector (20) is detected (S113).
[0043] First, radioactive pharmaceuticals or radioactive materials can be injected into the patient who is the subject.
[0044] And, a first cycle or refresh time (T) for initializing data collected during shooting R ) and a second cycle or update time (T) for generating an image using the collected data U(S101). The first period refers to the time obtained by dividing the total shooting time by a predetermined number of times, and the second period refers to the time obtained by dividing the first period by a predetermined number of times. For example, if the total shooting time is 1 minute, the first period may be 5 seconds, which is the time obtained by dividing the total shooting time by 12, and the second period may be 1 second, which is the time obtained by dividing the first period by 5. However, the second period may be the same as the first period or may be shorter than the first period, and the first and second periods may be determined by considering the time required to collect the number or amount of data capable of generating an image. Furthermore, the method of determining the first and second periods, or the refresh time and update time, is not limited to this and can be changed in various ways. Here, an example is given in which the second period is shorter than the first period.
[0045] A subject into which a radioactive pharmaceutical has been injected can be positioned in the detector (20) (S103). At this time, the operator can move the detector (20) using a remote control or the like to position a part of the subject, such as the patient's head, inside the detector (20).
[0046] Afterward, radiation emitted from the subject can be detected using the detector (20), and the detected radiation can be converted into an electrical signal. The method of detecting radiation and converting it into an electrical signal using a medical imaging device such as PET is a known technology, so a detailed description is omitted.
[0047] The image generator (30) can collect the electrical signal generated by the detector (20) as data for image generation. The image generator (30) can collect data (S105) and use the collected data to generate an internal image of a subject or an image of a patient's body (S111, S117).
[0048] The image generator (30) has a first cycle or refresh time (T R Collect data during the ) period and the second cycle or update time (T UAn image can be generated using data collected during each cycle. At this time, an initial image can be generated during the first second cycle of the first cycle, and an image of the subject, such as a final image, can be generated by updating the image generated during the previous second cycle during each subsequent second cycle. Accordingly, the resolution of the image generated during the final second cycle of the first cycle, such as the final image, can gradually increase. However, the image generator (30) may generate an image using only the data collected during the second cycle without updating the image.
[0049] Additionally, the image generator (30) can detect the location of at least one of the subject and the detector (20) while collecting data and generating an image during the first cycle (S107). At this time, the location of the subject can be detected by using a sensor installed on the detector (20) or by identifying the location of the subject in the generated image. For example, if the subject moves, the location of the subject can be detected by the sensor detecting the movement of the subject, or the location of the subject can be detected by identifying the location of the subject in the image output to the output device (40). The location of the detector (20) can be detected by determining whether the detector (20) is moving. For example, whether the detector (20) is moving can be determined or identified by detecting the movement of the detector (20) using the remote control operation status or a sensor. Identifying the locations of the subject and the detector (20) in this way is intended to determine the change in location caused by the movement of the subject and the change in location caused by the movement of the detector (20).
[0050] Although FIG. 2 illustrates the process of collecting data and detecting the positions of the subject and the detector (20), the process of detecting the positions of the subject and the detector (20) may be performed simultaneously with the process of collecting data, or it may be performed before the process of collecting data. The process of detecting the positions of the subject and the detector (20) may be performed continuously throughout the process of collecting data and generating images.
[0051] Meanwhile, data is collected, an image is generated using the collected data, and the image can be updated every second cycle.
[0052] In addition, the elapsed time since data collection began and the refresh time (T ER ) can be counted. Counted refresh elapsed time (T ER ) and predetermined refresh time (T R Compare ) (S109), and refresh elapsed time (T ER ) is the refresh time (T R If it is greater than ) the collected data can be used to generate and update an image (S111), and a refresh process can be performed to initialize the collected data (S113). Then, a subsequent first cycle or a subsequent refresh time (T R Data can be collected and images generated during ).
[0053] On the other hand, the refresh elapsed time (T ER ) and refresh time (T R If less than ), update elapsed time (T EU ) and update time (T U ) can be compared (S115).
[0054] Comparison result, update elapsed time (T EU ) update time (T u If it is greater than ), the image generator (30) can generate and update an image (S117) using the collected data. In addition, after generating and updating the image, the update elapsed time (TEU Initialize or reset ) (S119) and update elapsed time (T EU ) can be measured again. At this time, the first second cycle or the first update time (T U The image generated at ) is the initial image, and the image generated in the subsequent second cycle can be generated by updating the image generated in the previous second cycle. In this way, the first cycle or refresh time (T R Multiple images can be generated during the period. Here, it is described that the image generator (30) generates and updates images, but images may be generated using only the data collected during the first period without updating images. In this case, it is possible to determine whether data is being collected normally through the images generated during each first period.
[0055] Update elapsed time (T EU ) and update time (T U If it is less than ), it can be determined (S121) whether the position of at least one of the subject and the detector has changed.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining refresh time and update time, where FIG. 3(a) is an image obtained according to the prior art, and FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) are images generated by the shooting method according to the present invention.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3(a), in the prior art, the refresh time (T R ) and update time (T u1 Since ) is the same, the initial refresh time (T R ) or first update time (T u1 When ) has elapsed, an image is generated and output, and subsequent refresh time (T R ) or subsequent update time (T u1 Initial refresh time (T) during ) R ) or first update time (T u1The image generated at ) is output. Therefore, the refresh time (T R ) or update time (T u1 If the subject moves or the detector (20) moves during ) the corresponding refresh time (T R ) or the corresponding update time (T u1 This can be determined after ) has elapsed. Accordingly, in the prior art, the refresh time (T R ) or update time (T u1 After all of this had passed, there was a problem where the total shooting time increased because a refresh process to initialize the collected data and images had to be performed.
[0058] However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the update time (T u2 ) is the refresh time (T R Since it is set shorter than ), the refresh time (T) as shown in FIG. 3(b) R Multiple images are continuously generated and updated during this period, allowing for real-time detection of changes in the subject's position.
[0059] In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3(c), the initial refresh time (T) at which the subject is positioned on the detector (20) and data collection begins. R Only ) refresh time (T R Update time shorter than ) (T u2 By applying ), there is an advantage of being able to quickly determine the position of the subject within the detector (20) by checking the image generated in real time and readjust the position of the subject.
[0060] Based on the judgment result, if the position of at least one of the subject and the detector has not changed, it is determined whether data collection is complete (S123), and if data collection is complete, the series of processes can be terminated. If data collection is not complete, the series of processes for collecting data and generating images can be repeated. Here, the completion of data collection can be determined through a predetermined total shooting time, etc.
[0061] Additionally, if, as a result of the judgment, the position of at least one of the subject and the detector changes, the operator can adjust (S122) the position of at least one of the subject and the detector (20). Here, the change in the position of the detector (20) may occur by the operator moving the detector (20) using a remote control or the like.
[0062] FIG. 4 is an image of a subject, such as a patient's head. FIG. 4 (a) is an image generated when there is no change in the position of the patient and the detector (20) during shooting, and FIG. 4 (b) is an example image generated when there is a change in the position of at least one of the patient and the detector (20) during shooting. In FIG. 4 (a), the shape of the patient's head is clearly visible, whereas in FIG. 4 (b), where there is movement of the patient, it can be seen that an image is generated in which the position of the patient's head cannot be accurately identified. In this case, the operator can adjust the position of at least one of the subject and the detector (20). As shown in FIG. 5, the operator can move the chair (10) on which the subject is sitting or the detector (20) while checking the direction in which the subject or the detector (20) is moving by using an indicator that is superimposed on the image of the subject and output on the output device (40). And when the movement of the chair (10) or the detector (20) is completed, a refresh process (S113) to initialize the collected data and images can be performed. At this time, the refresh process is the refresh elapsed time (T ER ) and update elapsed time (TEU Initialize ) (T ER =0, T EU =0) and so the first and second periods, for example, the refresh time (T ER ) and update time (T EU ) can be measured again from the beginning.
[0063] Here, the refresh process when there is a change in the position of the subject or detector (20) differs from the refresh process when there is no change in the position of the subject or detector (20) in that it initializes, or resets, all generated images as well as the collected data. That is, the refresh process when there is a change in the position of the subject or detector (20) initializes or resets all generated images as well as the collected data, whereas the refresh process when there is no change in the position of the subject or detector (20) initializes only the collected data.
[0064] As such, in an embodiment of the present invention, the refresh time (T R Update time (T) or less u By generating and updating the image of the subject by applying ), the refresh time (T R During ), a change in the position of the subject and the detector (20) is detected, and the position of at least one of the subject and the detector (20) can be adjusted. Additionally, during a refresh time (T R By performing a refresh process that initializes the collected data and images, the time required to perform the refresh process can be reduced compared to conventional technology.
[0065] In this way, images of the subject's body can be generated, and subsequent processes such as image processing can be performed.
[0066] Here, it has been explained that a series of processes for detecting or determining changes in the position of the subject and the detector (20) during the data collection process proceeds in order, but the series of processes may proceed regardless of the order.
[0067]
[0068] Below, an image generation method according to a modified example of the present invention is described.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image generation method according to a modified example of the present invention.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, an image generation method according to a modified example of the present invention comprises a process of injecting a radioactive material into a subject and a refresh time (T) for initializing data for acquiring an image of the subject based on the amount of radioactive material injected into the subject. R ) and the number of refreshes (N), which is the number of data to perform the refresh. R The method includes a setting process for determining the subject (S101'), a process for positioning the subject on a detector (S103), a process for collecting data to acquire an image of the subject (S105), and a process for generating an image of the subject using the collected data (S111, S117). The process for collecting data (S105) may include a refreshing process (S113) for initializing the collected data when the number of collected data is greater than or equal to the number of refreshes.
[0071] Since the image generation method according to a modified example of the present invention is almost identical to the image generation method according to the embodiment described above, the following description will mainly focus on the method that differs from the embodiment.
[0072] An image generation method according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, based on the amount and type of radioactive material injected into a subject during the setting process, the patient's condition (weight, existing diseases, etc.), etc., a refresh time (T R ) and number of refreshes (N R ) can be determined. That is, the amount or type of radioactive material injected differs between dementia patients and cancer patients, and accordingly, the refresh time (T R ) and number of refreshes (NR ) may differ. For example, a larger amount of radioactive material is injected into cancer patients than into dementia patients, and the amount of radiation emitted per hour from cancer patients may be greater than that emitted from dementia patients. In addition, the update time (T), which is the cycle for generating images during the setting process, U Additionally, by determining ), the refresh time (T R At least one image can be generated during ).
[0073] The setting process (S101') is based on the amount and type of radioactive material injected into the subject, e.g., a patient, e.g., radiopharmaceutical, e.g., the patient's condition, etc., and the refresh time (T R ) and number of refreshes (N R ) can be set. In this case, the refresh time (T R ) and number of refreshes (N R In determining the amount of radioactive material, the performance of the detector (20), image generator (30), etc., may be considered.
[0074] As the amount of radioactive pharmaceutical injected into the patient increases, the amount of radiation emitted from the patient increases, and accordingly, the number of data generated by the detector (20) may increase. In this case, since the number of collected data increases, the refresh time (T R ) and update time (T U ) can be shortened. In addition, even if the same amount and type of radiopharmaceutical is injected into different patients, the number of collected data points may differ. Furthermore, depending on the patient's condition, for example, the disease the patient has, the refresh time (T R ) and number of refreshes (N R ) can be different from each other.
[0075] In a modified example of the present invention, the refresh time (T R The number of data points collected among (N DThe number of refreshes (N) that enables ) to refresh R When ) arrives, refresh time (T R A refresh can be performed before reaching ). Therefore, the refresh time (T R ) can be shortened, and through this, the overall shooting time can be shortened.
[0076] A radioactive pharmaceutical can be injected into a subject, and the subject into which the radioactive pharmaceutical has been injected can be placed in a detector (20) (S103).
[0077] And thereafter, radiation emitted from the subject can be detected using the detector (20), and the detected radiation can be converted into an electrical signal.
[0078] The image generator (30) can collect the electrical signal generated by the detector (20) as data for image generation. The image generator (30) can collect data (S105) and use the collected data to generate an internal image of a subject or an image of a patient's body (S111, S117).
[0079] While collecting data and generating images, the aforementioned series of processes can be performed. For example, data is collected, and at a predetermined update time (T U Images can be generated at ) intervals. Also, refresh time (T R ) and refresh elapsed time (T ER Compare ) and update time (T U ) and update elapsed time (T EU By comparing the results, a refresh (S113) to initialize the collected data and an image generation and update (S111, S117) can be performed. Additionally, the position of the subject or detector (20) can be detected, and if there is a change in the position of the subject or detector (20), a refresh (S113) process to initialize the collected data and images can be performed.
[0080] In addition to this, the number of collected data (ND Can count ). And the number of counted data (N D ) is the predetermined number of refreshes (N R If it is greater than ), an image can be generated (S111) and a refresh process (S113) can be performed. In this way, the number of counted data (N) D If a refresh (S113) is performed according to ), the refresh elapsed time (T ER ) is the refresh time (T R Since the refresh process (S113) can be performed before reaching ), an image of the subject can be generated in a shorter time than the predetermined shooting time.
[0081] On the other hand, the number of counted data (N D ) is the predetermined number of refreshes (N R If it is less than ), a series of processes can be performed according to the result (S121) of detecting a change in position of at least one of the subject and the detector (20). Here, it has been described that a series of processes for detecting or determining a change in position of the subject and the detector (20) during the data collection process proceeds in order, but the series of processes may proceed regardless of the order.
[0082] As described above, embodiments and variations have been described separately, but embodiments and variations may be combined.
[0083] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but is defined by the claims set forth below. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention within the scope of the technical spirit of the claims set forth below without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. The process of positioning the subject on the detector; A process of collecting data to acquire an image of the above subject during a predetermined first period; A process of generating an image of at least one of the above-mentioned subjects using collected data; and The process of detecting the position of at least one of the subject and the detector during the first period; An image generation method comprising the process of detecting the position of at least one of the subject and the detector, wherein when a change in the position of at least one of the subject and the detector is detected, the collected data and the generated image are initialized and refreshed.
2. In Claim 1, The process of generating the above image generates at least one image every second period that is shorter than or equal to the first period, and An image generation method in which the final image generated in the last second cycle among the above at least one image is generated by updating the previous image generated in the previous second cycle.
3. In Claim 2, The first cycle above includes a refresh time, and the second cycle includes an update time, and The process of generating the above image is an image generation method that initializes the collected data if the time elapsed since the start of collecting the above data is greater than or equal to the refresh time.
4. In Claim 3, The process of generating the above image involves generating an image if the time elapsed since the start of collecting the above data is greater than or equal to the above update time, and An image generation method that generates the above image and, if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the above update time, updates the previously generated image to generate a final image.
5. In Claim 1, An image generation method comprising at least one of the process of detecting the position of the subject and the detector, the process of detecting the position of the subject; and the process of detecting whether the detector has moved.
6. In Claim 1, An image generation method comprising the process of detecting the location of at least one of the subject and the detector, after the refreshing process, the process of collecting data and the process of generating the image.
7. In Claim 6, The above-mentioned refreshing process is an image generation method that performs the process of starting to collect the above-mentioned data, resetting the elapsed time, and restarting the above-mentioned first cycle.
8. In Claim 1, An image generation method in which the process of collecting the above data, the process of generating the above image, and the process of detecting the location of at least one of the subject and the detector are performed repeatedly two or more times.
9. In Claim 1, The above subject includes a patient injected with a radiopharmaceutical, and The process of collecting the above data is an image generation method that includes the process of detecting radiation emitted from the patient's body.