CN106163405B

CN106163405B - Tomographic apparatus and method of displaying tomographic image by tomographic apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN106163405B
Application number: CN201580018968.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李京镛; 梁东进; 李钟贤
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Priority date: 2014-02-12
Filing date: 2015-02-11
Publication date: 2020-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-11
Also published as: KR101664432B1; CN106163405A; EP3104782A4; EP3104782A1; KR20150095184A

Abstract

A tomographic apparatus includes: an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomographic image by using a segment of image data obtained within a partial period included in the heartbeat period; a display configured to display a screen image including information representing a heartbeat period and a reconstructed tomographic image, the partial period and an image section corresponding to the partial period being displayed in association with each other on the screen image.

Description

Tomographic apparatus and method of displaying tomographic image by tomographic apparatus

Technical Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to displaying a tomographic image by a tomographic apparatus, and more particularly, to performing a tomographic scan and displaying a tomographic image by using a tomographic apparatus via using a heartbeat period.

Background

The medical imaging apparatus is a non-invasive medical examination apparatus that captures images of structural details of the human body, internal tissues of the human body, and fluid flow within the human body, processes the images, and shows the processed images. A user such as a doctor can diagnose the health status and the condition of a patient by using a medical image output from the medical image processing apparatus.

A Computed Tomography (CT) apparatus obtains an image of a subject by emitting radiation toward a patient and detecting the radiation that passes through the patient.

The CT apparatus provides an image clearly representing the internal structure of an organ such as a kidney, a lung, or the like of a subject. Therefore, CT apparatuses are widely used for medical imaging.

During the capture of tomographic images, artifacts may be generated due to the motion of the patient. For example, when a heart is scanned by a tomography apparatus, motion artifacts may be generated due to the heartbeat.

In order to prevent motion artifacts, a method of reconstructing an image by using data obtained in consideration of the heartbeat may be used. In this case, data is obtained in a section between peak points of the heartbeat period, and a final tomographic image representing the entire object is reconstructed using a segment of the obtained data.

However, in general, when an artifact is generated in the last tomographic image corresponding to one or more sections obtained between peak points of the heartbeat period, a user of the related art tomographic apparatus cannot determine whether the artifact has been generated until the last tomographic image is reconstructed and interpreted, and thus, it is necessary to re-perform the entire CT scan protocol and to completely re-acquire the tomographic image.

Thus, when artifacts are generated, data obtained during a previous CT scan cannot be used, resulting in time loss and reduced scanner throughput due to rescanning, thereby causing inconvenience to medical personnel and patients.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method that quickly determines that an artifact has been created and that easily corrects the artifact during a CT scan.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

As described above, there is a need for an apparatus and method that quickly determines that artifacts have been created and that easily corrects the artifacts during a CT scan.

Technical scheme

One or more embodiments include a tomographic apparatus capable of intuitively determining a data segment for reconstructing a tomographic image and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus.

In detail, one or more exemplary embodiments include a tomographic apparatus capable of quickly identifying and easily correcting artifacts generated in a tomographic image and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

The exemplary embodiments may overcome at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Further, the exemplary embodiments do not need to overcome the disadvantages described above, and the exemplary embodiments may not overcome any of the problems described above.

One or more embodiments include a tomographic apparatus capable of intuitively determining a data segment used for reconstructing a tomographic image and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a tomographic apparatus includes: an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomographic image by using segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the heartbeat period; a display configured to display a screen image including information representing a heartbeat period and a reconstructed tomographic image, the partial period and an image section corresponding to the partial period being displayed in association with each other on the screen image.

The display may display such a screen image: an image section of the reconstructed tomographic image thereon corresponding to at least one of the plurality of partial periods is visually associated with the at least one partial period.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a monitor configured to obtain information representing a result of monitoring an Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal showing a heartbeat period.

The image processor may obtain the partial period by windowing a phase section of the ECG signal through ECG gating, and control the partial period to be represented by the window in the ECG signal and then display.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: an information provider configured to inform a user of a defect in response to the defect existing in the reconstructed tomographic image.

The display may display a screen including a mark related to at least one selected from a defective partial period included in the partial period and corresponding to a defect and a defect-containing image section of the reconstructed tomographic image reconstructed corresponding to the defective partial period under the control of the image processor.

In response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor may extract a non-defective partial period that will prevent the generation of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image from the heartbeat period, and control the display to display a User Interface (UI) image for recommending the extracted non-defective partial period to the user.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a UI unit configured to receive a selection of the recommended non-defective partial period via a UI image. The image processor may reconstruct the image portion corresponding to the image section containing the defect again by using the image data obtained during the selected non-defective portion period.

In response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor may automatically adjust a defective partial period corresponding to the defect, and automatically correct the image section containing the defect by using image data obtained within the adjusted partial period.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a UI unit configured to output a menu for selecting another partial period to replace a defective partial period corresponding to a defective-containing image section of the reconstructed tomographic image, and receive a selection of another partial period via the menu. The image processor may automatically correct the image section containing the defect by using image data obtained during the selected another portion of the period.

The image processor may obtain a segment of the projection data for a partial period, reconstruct a partial image by using the segment of the projection data, and generate a final tomographic image representing the object by using the partial image.

The tomographic image may be a three-dimensional (3D) tomographic image.

The image processor may obtain an initially reconstructed tomographic image obtained based on the segment of the image data, and generate a final tomographic image by correcting a defect generated in at least one image section included in the initially reconstructed tomographic image.

The screen image may also include the last tomographic image.

The tomographic images included in the screen image may be an initially reconstructed tomographic image and a final tomographic image.

According to another aspect of exemplary embodiments, a tomographic apparatus includes: an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomographic image by using a segment of image data obtained within a partial period included in the heartbeat period, and in response to a defect existing in the reconstructed tomographic image, reconstruct again an image portion corresponding to an image section of the reconstructed tomographic image containing the defect by using corrected image data obtained within another partial period in which generation of the defect is avoided; a display configured to display a screen image including a reconstructed tomographic image having image sections, update the image sections of the reconstructed tomographic image containing defects in real time using the corrected image data, and display the updated image sections corresponding to a result of the update.

In response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor may obtain position information of another partial period from the heartbeat period, and obtain corrected image data based on the position information.

The display may display a screen image including information representing the cardiac period and the reconstructed tomographic image on which an image section of the reconstructed CT image corresponding to at least one of the partial periods is displayed in association with the at least one partial period.

The display may display a screen image on which the updated image sections are visually distinguished from the non-updated image sections.

The display may display indicia on the screen image identifying the updated image section.

The display may display a screen image including information representing the heartbeat period on the screen image, the corrected partial period being marked within the information representing the heartbeat period.

The display may display a screen image on which a partial period corresponding to the defect is visually distinguished from another partial period within the information representing the heartbeat period.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a UI unit configured to output a menu for recommending another partial period in response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, and receive a selection of the recommended another partial period via the menu image.

The image processor may reconstruct an image portion corresponding to the image section containing the defect again by using the corrected image data obtained in the selected another partial period, and generate an updated tomographic image.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a monitor configured to obtain information representing a result of monitoring an Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal representing a heartbeat period.

According to another aspect of exemplary embodiments, a tomographic image display method includes: reconstructing a tomographic image by using a segment of image data obtained within a partial period included in the heartbeat period; a screen image including information representing a heartbeat period and a reconstructed tomographic image is displayed, and a partial period and an image section of the reconstructed CT image corresponding to the partial period are displayed on the screen image so as to be associated with each other.

The tomographic image display method may further include: determining that a defect has occurred in the reconstructed CT image; extracting a non-defective portion period, which prevents generation of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, from the heartbeat period in response to generation of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image; and outputting a UI image for recommending the extracted non-defective part period to the user.

The tomographic image display method may further include: automatically adjusting a defective partial period corresponding to an image section containing a defect in response to the presence of the defect in the reconstructed tomographic image; the image section containing the defect is corrected by using the image data obtained in the adjusted partial period.

According to another aspect of exemplary embodiments, a tomographic image display method includes: reconstructing an initial tomographic image by using a segment of image data obtained within a partial period included in the heartbeat period; displaying a screen image including the reconstructed initial tomographic image; in response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed original tomographic image, reconstructing again an image portion corresponding to an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed original tomographic image by using corrected image data obtained from another partial period in which the generation of the defect is to be prevented; updating the image section containing the defect using the re-reconstructed image portion; and displaying the updated result.

According to another aspect of exemplary embodiments, a tomographic apparatus includes: an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomographic image corresponding to a predetermined region including an object of the medical image by using a segment of image data obtained within a partial period included in the heartbeat period; a display configured to display a screen image including the medical image and information representing the heartbeat period, and to display the partial period and an image section of the predetermined region corresponding to the partial period on the screen image so as to be associated with each other.

The screen image may further include a cross-sectional tomographic image included in the reconstructed tomographic image.

The reconstructed tomographic image may be a transverse sectional tomographic image.

The medical image may be a scout image representing the entire object, and the sectional tomographic image may be a sectional image included in the reconstructed tomographic image.

The positioning image may be a front-back positioning image or a side-view positioning image, and the cross-sectional tomographic image may be a transverse cross-sectional tomographic image.

The screen image may visually associate the partial image with an image section of the predetermined area corresponding to the partial image.

The screen image may visually associate the partial image with respective partial periods corresponding to the partial image.

The tomographic apparatus may further include: a UI unit configured to receive at least one of a predetermined portion or a point selected from the predetermined portion and a partial period selected from a plurality of partial periods. The image processor may control a tomographic image included in the reconstructed tomographic image and corresponding to the selected point or the selected partial period to be displayed on the screen image.

When a tomographic image is being reconstructed, the reconstructed tomographic image may be updated in real time, and the updated tomographic image may be displayed on the screen image.

The screen image may visually associate the updated tomographic image with an image section of the predetermined area corresponding to the updated tomographic image.

The screen image may visually associate the updated tomographic image with one of the plurality of partial periods corresponding to the updated tomographic image.

A current tomographic image (which is an updated tomographic image) and a previous tomographic image (which is reconstructed before the updated tomographic image) may be displayed on the screen image to overlay the previous tomographic image with the current tomographic image.

The screen image may further include a 3D tomographic image corresponding to the reconstructed tomographic image, and the screen image may show the partial period and an image section corresponding to the partial period included in the 3D tomographic image such that they are associated with each other.

The invention has the advantages of

In a tomographic apparatus and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus according to one or more of the exemplary embodiments, a cardiac period is associated with a reconstructed image, and such association is displayed. For example, in a tomographic apparatus and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus according to one or more of the exemplary embodiments, at least one image section included in a reconstructed tomographic image and a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period are displayed so as to be associated with each other.

Therefore, the data segment used in reconstructing the tomographic image can be intuitively determined. Therefore, when a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the user can immediately determine to obtain a heartbeat period for reconstructing an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed tomographic image.

Therefore, the user can immediately take measures to correct the defect generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, which leads to a reduction in the time required to obtain the final defect-free tomographic image.

Drawings

These and/or other aspects will become more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a CT system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates a configuration of a CT system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a communicator included in a CT system, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a tomography device according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a scanning method used at the time of tomographic scanning according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining another scanning method used at the time of tomographic scanning according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an ECG signal;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams for describing tomographic image reconstruction in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 7A and 7B illustrate screen images displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate other screen images displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 9A illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 9B illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 10 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 11 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 12 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 13 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 14A and 14B illustrate other screen images displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 15 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 16 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 17 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 18 is a flowchart of a tomographic image display method according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 19 is a flowchart of a tomographic image display method according to another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 20A illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 20B is a view for explaining a scout image;

fig. 20C illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 21 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 22 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 23 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 24 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 25A and 25B illustrate other screen images displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 26 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 27 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment;

fig. 28 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

This application claims priority to korean patent application nos. 10-2014-0016274 and 10-2015-0008251 filed in the korean intellectual property office at 12.2.2014 and 16.2015, respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Certain exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The subject matter defined in the description (e.g., the detailed construction and elements) is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. It is therefore evident that the illustrative embodiments may be practiced without those specifically defined matters. Furthermore, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the exemplary embodiments in unnecessary detail.

The use of the terms "comprising" and/or "including" or "having" and/or "with" in this specification means that the elements so described are present but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements. Further, the term "unit" used in the embodiments of the present invention means a software component or a hardware component and performs a specific function, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). However, the term "unit" is not limited to software or hardware. The term "unit" may be configured to be included in an addressable storage medium or to reproduce one or more processors. Thus, for example, the term "unit" may refer to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, and may include processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. The functionality provided by the components and "units" may be associated with a smaller number of components and "units" or may be divided into additional components and "units".

Throughout the specification, an image may be multi-dimensional data formed from discrete image elements (e.g., pixels in a two-dimensional (2D) image and voxels in a 3D image). For example, the image may comprise a medical image of the object captured by a CT device.

The tomographic image is an image obtained by scanning an object by a tomographic apparatus, that is, may refer to an image obtained by projecting light such as X-rays to the object and imaging the object by using projection data. The CT image may refer to a sectional image generated by synthesizing a plurality of X-ray images obtained by imaging an object while a CT apparatus is rotated about at least one axis with respect to the object. The CT image may also refer to a 3D tomographic image generated by synthesizing sectional images.

The object may comprise a human, an animal or a part of a human or an animal. For example, the object may include organs or blood vessels such as the liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, abdomen, and the like. Further, the object may include a phantom (phantom). A mannequin means a material having a volume, density, and effective atomic number that closely approximate the volume, density, and effective atomic number of a living body, and may include a spherical mannequin having features similar to those of a body.

The user may be, but is not limited to, a medical professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, medical technician) or a medical imaging professional, or may be an engineer managing medical instruments.

For example, the tomography system 100 can include any of a tomography device (e.g., a Computed Tomography (CT) device, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device, or a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) -CT device).

A case where the tomographic scanning system 100 is a CT system will now be described.

The CT system may acquire a plurality of slices of image data having a thickness of at most 2mm several tens to several hundreds of times per second, and then may process the plurality of slices of image data, thereby providing a relatively accurate cross-sectional image of the object. According to the related art, only a sectional image in the horizontal direction of the object can be obtained, but this problem has been solved by various image reconstruction methods. Examples of the 3D image reconstruction method include:

masked surface display (SSD) method: the SSD method is the original 3D imaging method that displays only voxels with a predetermined Hounsfield Unit (HU) value.

Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)/minimum intensity projection (MinIP) method: the MIP/MinIP method is a 3D imaging method that displays only voxels having the largest or smallest HU value among the voxels constituting an image.

Volume Rendering (VR) method: the VR method is an imaging method capable of adjusting the color and transmittance of voxels constituting an image according to a region of interest.

The simulation endoscope method comprises the following steps: this method allows endoscopic observation in a 3D image reconstructed by using the VR method or the SSD method.

Multiplanar reorganization (MPR) method: the MPR method is used to reconstruct the image into different sectional images. The user may reconstruct an image in each desired direction.

The editing method comprises the following steps: this method involves editing adjacent voxels to make it easy for the user to view the region of interest when rendering the volume.

Voxel of interest (VOI) method: the VOI method is used to display only selected regions at volume rendering.

A CT system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a CT system 100, wherein the CT system 100 may include a gantry 102, a table 105, an X-ray generator 106, and an X-ray detector 108.

The object 10 may be positioned on a table 105.

During the CT scan, the table 105 may be moved in a predetermined direction (e.g., at least one of an upward, downward, right, and left direction). In addition, the table 105 may be tilted or rotated in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle.

The frame 102 may also be tilted in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle.

Fig. 1B shows details of CT system 100.

The CT system 100 may include a controller 118, a storage unit 124, an image processor 126, an input unit 128, a display 130, and a communicator 132.

The gantry 102 can include a rotating frame 104, an X-ray generator 106, an X-ray detector 108, a rotational drive 110, a Data Acquisition System (DAS)116, and a data transmitter 120.

The gantry 102 may include a rotating frame 104 in the shape of a ring that is rotatable relative to a predetermined axis of Rotation (RA). The rotating frame 104 may be disk-shaped.

The rotating frame 104 may include an X-ray generator 106 and an X-ray detector 108 facing each other to have a predetermined field angle (FOV). The rotating frame 104 may also include an anti-scatter grid 114 located between the X-ray generator 106 and the X-ray detector 108.

In medical imaging systems, the X-ray radiation reaching the detector (or photosensitive film) may include attenuated primary radiation that forms a valuable image, as well as scattered radiation that degrades the quality of the image. In order to transmit the primary radiation and block scattered radiation, an anti-scatter-grid 114 may be positioned between the patient and the detector (or photosensitive film).

For example, the anti-scatter-grid 114 may be formed by alternately stacking strips of lead foil and interstitial material (e.g., solid polymer material, solid polymer, or fiber composite material). However, the formation of the anti-scatter-grid 114 is not limited thereto.

The rotating frame 104 may receive a drive signal from the rotation driver 110 and may rotate the X-ray generator 106 and the X-ray detector 108 at a predetermined rotational speed. While the rotating frame 104 contacts the rotary drive 110 via slip rings (not shown), the rotating frame 104 may receive drive signals and power from the rotary drive 110. In addition, the rotating frame 104 may receive drive signals and power from the rotary drive 110 via wireless communication.

The X-ray generator 106 may receive voltage and current from a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) (not shown) via a slip ring (not shown) and a high voltage generator (not shown). When the high voltage generator applies a predetermined voltage (hereinafter, referred to as a tube voltage) to the X-ray generator 106, the X-ray generator 106 may generate and emit X-rays having a plurality of energy spectra corresponding to the tube voltage.

The width of the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 106 may be adjusted by the collimator 112.

The X-ray detector 108 may include a plurality of X-ray detection devices. Each of the plurality of X-ray detection devices may create one channel, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

The X-ray detector 108 may detect X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 106 and transmitted through the object 10, and may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays.

The X-ray detector 108 may include: an indirect-type X-ray detector for detecting radiation after converting the radiation into light; a direct type X-ray detector for detecting radiation after directly converting the radiation into electric charges. The indirect type X-ray detector may use a scintillator. The direct type X-ray detector may use a photon counting detector. DAS 116 may be connected to X-ray detector 108. The electrical signals generated by the X-ray detectors 108 can be collected by the DAS 116, either wired or wirelessly. The electrical signal generated by the X-ray detector 108 may be provided to an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) via an amplifier (not shown).

The digital signal may be provided to the image processor 126 via the data transmitter 120 in a wired or wireless manner.

Depending on the slice thickness or the number of slices, only some of the plurality of segments of data collected by the X-ray detector 108 may be provided to the image processor 126 via the data transmitter 120, or the image processor 126 may select only some of the plurality of segments of data.

The controller 118 may control the operation of the elements in the CT system 100. For example, the controller 118 may control the operation of the table 105, the rotational drive 110, the collimator 112, the DAS 116, the storage unit 124, the image processor 126, the input unit 128, the display 130, the communicator 132, and the like.

Image processor 126 can receive data obtained from DAS 116 (e.g., data prior to a processing operation) via data transmitter 120 and can perform preprocessing.

The preprocessing may include a process of correcting sensitivity irregularities between channels, a process of correcting signal loss due to a rapid decrease in signal intensity or due to an X-ray absorbing material such as metal, or the like.

The data output from the image processor 126 may be referred to as raw data or projection data. The projection data along with image capture conditions (e.g., tube voltage, image capture angle, etc.) may be stored in the memory unit 124.

The projection data may be a group of data values corresponding to the intensity of X-rays passing through the object 10. For convenience of description, a group of a plurality of pieces of projection data obtained simultaneously from all channels at the same image capturing angle will be referred to as a projection data set.

The storage unit 124 may include at least one storage medium selected from: flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card (MMC) micro, a card type memory (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) memory or an extreme digital (XD) memory), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

The image processor 126 may reconstruct a cross-sectional image for the object 10 using the projection data set. The sectional image may be a 3D image. In other words, based on the obtained projection data set, the image processor 126 may reconstruct a 3D image of the object 10 using a cone-beam reconstruction method or the like.

The input unit 128 may receive external inputs related to tomography imaging conditions, image processing conditions, and the like. For example, the tomographic imaging conditions may include a plurality of tube voltages, energy value settings for a plurality of X-rays, selection of an image capture protocol, selection of an image reconstruction method, setting of a FOV area, number of slices, slice thickness, setting of image post-processing parameters, and the like. The image processing conditions may include the resolution of the image, the attenuation coefficient setting for the image, the setting of the image combination ratio, and the like.

The input unit 128 may include a device for receiving a predetermined input from an external source. For example, the input unit 128 may include a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch pad, a touch pen, a voice recognition device, a gesture recognition device, and the like.

The display 130 may display a tomographic image reconstructed by the image processor 126.

The exchange of data, power, and the like between the above elements may be performed by at least one of wired communication, wireless communication, and optical communication.

The communicator 132 may perform communication with an external device, an external medical apparatus, or the like via the server 134 or the like.

Fig. 1C is a diagram for illustrating communication of the communicator 132.

The communicator 132 may be connected to the network 301 in a wired or wireless manner, and may perform communication with the server 134, the external medical equipment 136, or the external portable device 138. Communicator 132 may exchange data with a hospital server or other medical device in a hospital that is connected via a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

In addition, the communicator 132 may perform data communication with a user or a patient's portable device 138 or the like according to digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) standard.

The communicator 132 may transmit and receive data related to diagnosing the object 10 via the network 301. In addition, the communicator 132 may transmit and receive medical images obtained from a medical device 136 (e.g., a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, an X-ray device, etc.).

In addition, communicator 132 can receive a medical history or medical schedule about the patient from server 134 and can use the same medical history or medical schedule to diagnose the patient.

The communicator 132 may transmit information about device errors, information about quality control states, and the like to a system manager or a server manager via the network 301, and may receive feedback corresponding to the information.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a tomographic apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to fig. 2, the tomographic apparatus 200 includes an image processor 220 and a display 230. The tomography apparatus 200 may be included in the CT system 100 described above with reference to fig. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, the tomography apparatus 200 may be included in the medical apparatus 136 or the portable device 138 of fig. 1C and may be connected to the CT system 100 to be operable.

For example, the tomographic apparatus 200 may be any one of medical imaging apparatuses which reconstruct an image by using data obtained by a light beam passing through an object. In other words, the tomographic apparatus 200 may be any medical imaging apparatus that reconstructs an image by using projection data obtained by a light beam passing through an object and/or displays the reconstructed image. For example, the tomographic apparatus 200 may be a CT apparatus, an OCT apparatus, or a PET-CT apparatus. Therefore, the tomographic image obtained by the tomographic apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment may be a CT image, an OCT image, or a PET image. In the following description with reference to the drawings, a CT image is taken as an example of a tomographic image.

When the tomographic apparatus 200 is included in the CT system 100, the image processor 220 and the display 230 may correspond to the image processor 126 and the display 130 of fig. 1B, respectively, and a repetitive description will be omitted.

The tomography apparatus 200 may further include at least one of a monitor 210, a User Input (UI) unit 240, a storage unit 250, and an information provider 260.

The image processor 220 and the storage unit 250 may correspond to the input unit 128 and the storage unit 124 of fig. 1B, respectively, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

The monitor 210 obtains information indicative of the patient's heartbeat period. For example, the monitor 210 monitors the period and rhythm of the patient's heartbeat or information related to the motion of the patient's heart, e.g., the monitor 210 may continuously obtain information related to the portion of the heartbeat period where the motion of the heart is minimal. The monitor 210 may obtain information indicative of the cardiac beat period of the heart or receive information indicative of the cardiac beat period of the heart from an external source.

For example, the monitor 210 may obtain information indicative of the results of monitoring an ECG signal representing the cardiac beat period of the heart. For example, the monitor 210 may be formed as an ECG recorder (not shown) for obtaining an ECG signal. The monitor 210 may receive ECG signals from an externally connected ECG recorder (not shown).

The monitor 210 may obtain various types of bio-signals indicative of the motion of the heart. As another example, the monitor 210 may obtain a heart doppler signal and extract the time when the motion of the heart is minimal.

The monitor 210 may obtain information including all types of bio-signals representing the motion of the part of the object to be scanned. For example, when performing abdominal CT, the monitor 210 may obtain information indicating that the heart is moving due to breathing. For example, the monitor 210 may measure and monitor ECG signals.

The image processor 220 reconstructs a tomographic image by using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the cardiac period.

The heart of the patient to be scanned is continuously moving. During the tomography, motion artifacts may be generated in the tomographic images due to the motion of the heart. Within the reconstructed tomographic image, the motion artifact causes an error, and thus a user such as a doctor cannot correctly understand the medical image.

Therefore, in the tomographic image capturing process, data is obtained in each period when the motion of the heart is minimum, and a tomographic image is reconstructed using the obtained data.

Accordingly, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a CT image by using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within at least one partial period in which the motion of the heart included in the heartbeat period is minimized. The image data may be projection data (raw data). When the rotating frame 104 of fig. 1B images an object while rotating the X-ray detection unit 108 at a regular angle, the image data may be a sinogram (sinogram) obtained by accumulating segments of projection data respectively obtained at different angles (belonging to a predetermined angle range of, for example, 0 to 180 degrees).

The display 230 displays a screen image including information representing a heartbeat period and a tomographic image on which at least one of partial periods and a portion of the tomographic image corresponding to the partial period are shown in association with each other. For example, the display 230 displays a screen image that visually displays at least one partial period of the partial periods and a portion of the tomographic image corresponding to the at least one partial period in association with each other.

The screen image displayed on the display 230 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 7A to 28.

The UI unit 240 generates and outputs a UI image for receiving a command or data from a user, and receives data or a command from the user via the UI image. The UI image output by the UI unit 240 is output to the display 230 that can display the UI image. The user may recognize information from the UI image displayed by the display 230 and may input commands or data via the UI image.

For example, the UI unit 240 may include a mouse, a keyboard, or an input device including hard keys for inputting predetermined data. For example, the user may input data or commands by manipulating at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and other input devices included in the UI unit 240.

The UI unit 240 may be a touch panel. For example, the UI unit 240 includes a touch panel (not shown) combined with a display panel (not shown) included in the display 230, and outputs a UI image to the display panel. When a command is input via the UI image, the touch panel may sense an input operation and recognize the command input by the user.

For example, when the UI unit 240 is a touch panel and the user touches a specific point on the UI image, the UI unit 240 senses the touched point. Then, the UI unit 240 may transmit the sensed information to the image processor 220. Then, the image processor 220 may recognize a user's request or command corresponding to the menu shown on the sensed point and may perform the user's request or command.

The storage unit 250 may store a plurality of pieces of image data obtained during tomography. For example, the storage unit 250 may store a plurality of pieces of image data used in reconstructing a tomographic image. For example, the storage unit 250 may store projection data. The storage unit 250 may also store various types of data, programs, and the like required to reconstruct a tomographic image, and may store a finally reconstructed tomographic image.

The information provider 260 informs the user of predetermined data or information. For example, the information provider 260 may include at least one of a speaker, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp, and an alarm lamp.

When a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the information provider 260 may output a signal informing that the defect is known to be generated.

The information provider 260 may include any one of information providing devices that output a signal enabling the user to identify the generation of the defect by using his or her sense (at least one of auditory, visual, and tactile). For example, the information provider 260 may include a speaker (not shown) for outputting a generated sound message informing of the defect. The information provider 260 may include a vibration motor for outputting a physical vibration signal informing generation of a defect.

The tomographic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can obtain image data according to various scanning modes or scanning methods. Examples of the scan mode for the tomography may include a forward (prospective) mode and a backward (retrospective) mode, which will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 2 and 3. Examples of the scanning method for tomographic scanning include an axial scanning method and a helical scanning method, which will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 2 and 3. The CT system 100 of fig. 1A and 1B may perform tomography according to a scanning method and scanning mode that will now be described with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a scanning method used at the time of tomographic scanning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for describing tomographic scanning according to the helical scanning method. Further, fig. 3 is a diagram for describing tomography according to a retrospective mode.

The scan pattern may be determined based on whether the heart rate of the patient to be imaged is constant. Electrocardiographic (ECG) gating may be used to obtain raw data for reconstructing the image. In fig. 3 and 4, when tomographic scanning is performed, the table 105 of fig. 1B is moved in the axial direction of the patient 305.

Referring to fig. 3, the helical scanning method is a tomographic scanning method in which: while the table 105 of fig. 1B is moved for a predetermined period of time from t-0 to t-end, X-rays are continuously projected for scanning. In detail, the tomographic scan is performed by continuously moving the table 105 of fig. 1B (on which the patient 305 including the object is placed) at a predetermined speed for a predetermined period of time, and continuously projecting X-rays to the object while the table 105 is moved. Therefore, the X-ray motion trajectory 350 may be in the form of a spiral.

Referring to fig. 3, when the heart rate of a patient is irregular (as in an irregular patient), the regularity of the heart rate decreases, and thus the cycle cannot be detected at regular intervals as in the prospective mode. In this case, the ECG signal 360 is irregularly gated in the retrospective mode. In the retrospective mode, raw data is obtained by radiating X-rays for the entire cycle of the ECG signal or for consecutive predetermined cycles of the ECG signal, and then a partial cycle for tomographic image reconstruction is selected.

In the retrospective mode, after the user individually sets partial periods for image reconstruction to detect the

partial periods

361, 362, and 363, the user uses pieces of raw data obtained within the detected partial periods 861, 862, and 863, respectively, in tomographic image reconstruction. In other words, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a tomographic image by using the raw data 381 obtained within the partial period 361, the raw data 382 obtained within the partial period 362, and the raw data 383 obtained within the partial period 363, which are included in the data 380. For example, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a tomographic image representing a predetermined point in time included in the partial period 361 of the object by using the raw data 381 obtained within the partial period 361, and may reconstruct a tomographic image representing a predetermined point in time included in the partial period 362 of the object by using the raw data 382 obtained within the partial period 362.

For example, in the retrospective mode, X-rays are continuously projected for a certain period of time from t-0 to t-end, thereby performing tomography. Since the table 105 of fig. 1B is continuously moved at a predetermined speed for a predetermined period of time, the movement locus 350 of the X-ray is in a spiral form.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining another scanning method used at the time of tomographic scanning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 4 (a), the axial scanning method is a tomographic method in which: while the table 105 of fig. 1B is stopped, X-rays are projected for scanning, the table 105 is moved by a predetermined interval from 401 to 802, and then X-rays are projected for a predetermined section 422, thereby obtaining raw data. The tomographic apparatus 200 can obtain image data according to an axial scanning method.

Referring to fig. 4 (a), for a person with a constant heart rate, the ECG signal 410 is regularly gated by employing a prospective mode. In the prospective mode, the predetermined section 421 is automatically selected or extracted, and the predetermined section 421 is located at a time point t3 separated from the R peak point 411 by a predetermined time period. During the gated predetermined section 421, X-rays are applied to the object to obtain raw data. In the prospective mode, a predetermined section 422 is automatically selected, and the section 422 is located at a time point t4 separated from the R peak point 412 by a predetermined period of time. At this time, while the table 105 of fig. 1B is stopped, X-rays are projected to perform scanning, the table 105 is moved by a predetermined interval from 401 to 402, and then X-rays are projected for a predetermined section 422, thereby obtaining original data.

Referring to fig. 4 (b), the length direction of the image data 460 obtained within the selected or extracted section (e.g., the predetermined section 421 or 422) corresponds to time. In other words, the image data 460 may be data obtained at a time period from the time point t41 to the time point t 42. Generally, more segments of data are required than is required for tomographic image reconstruction. For example, when the amount of image data required for tomographic image reconstruction is the first data amount 461, data can also be obtained in the first padding period 471 and data can also be obtained in the second padding period 475.

At the time of tomography, for a patient having an irregular heart rate, tomography may be performed by applying a retrospective mode to a helical scanning method. For patients with regular heart rates, the tomography can be performed by applying a prospective mode to the axial scanning method. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the tomographic scan may be performed by applying a prospective mode to a helical scan method or by applying a retrospective mode to an axial scan method. Fig. 5 shows an ECG signal 510.

The heart supplies blood to the body by cyclically contracting. The cardiac beat period of the heart may be determined based on an electrical signal produced by the heart. For example, the electrical signals generated by the sinoatrial node in the heart may be determined via an ECG examination (electrical signals from the heart are detected by electrodes attached to the skin surface). The detected electrical signal (i.e., the ECG signal) is represented by a graph. The ECG signal includes cycle information for a heartbeat period. By analyzing the ECG signal, the user can determine the interval when the motion of the heart is minimal and can also determine whether the heart rhythm is irregular, fast or slow.

Thus, during a CT scan, the image processor 220 may use the ECG signal to reduce the generation of motion artifacts in the tomographic images. For example, by using the ECG signal, the tomographic apparatus 200 can obtain a partial period during which the motion of the heart is minimum, and can reconstruct a tomographic image by using image data obtained within the obtained partial period. The operation of selecting a portion from a period of an ECG signal and obtaining image data from the selected period portion (hereinafter, referred to as a partial period) as described above is referred to as ECG gating.

For example, the image processor 220 windows predetermined phase sections of the ECG signal 510 by ECG gating, thereby obtaining a plurality of partial periods P1 and P2. The image processor 220 may control a plurality of partial periods of the ECG signal to be windowed and displayed.

In fig. 5, the X-axis represents time, the y-axis represents voltage, and the magnitude of the ECG signal is represented by voltage.

Referring to fig. 5, ECG signal 510 includes a plurality of singular points in each cycle 520. For example, period 520 includes R peak point 511, Q peak point 512, and S peak point 513. The interval between the time point t1 when the R peak point is generated and the time point t2 when the next R peak point is generated within the heartbeat period may be referred to as a period 520.

The operating mode of ECG gating may vary based on whether the cardiac cycle is constant. For example, when the human cardiac cycle is constant, the ECG signal 510 is gated in a prospective mode. In the prospective mode, the image processor 220 automatically selects the predetermined phase section P1, P1 being located at a time point t3 separated from the R peak point 511 by a predetermined time period t 4. In other words, in the prospective mode, after the R peak point 511 is detected in each cycle, a predetermined section located at a time point separated from the detected R peak point by a predetermined period of time is detected for each time point, and in reconstructing a tomographic image, a section of image data obtained only in the detected predetermined section is used.

As another example, when the cardiac cycle is not constant as in a patient with arrhythmia, the regularity of the cardiac cycle is reduced, so uniform period detection is not feasible as in a prospective mode. In retrospective mode image processor 220 gates ECG signal 510. In the retrospective mode, image data is obtained by radiating X-rays over all cycles or a particular range of consecutive cycles of the ECG signal 510, and then a partial period for image reconstruction is partially selected. In other words, in the retrospective mode, after the user sets the partial period to be used at the time of image reconstruction and then detects the partial periods P1 and P2, the user uses the image data obtained within the detected partial periods P1 and P2 in tomographic image reconstruction.

Fig. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams for describing CT image reconstruction according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate an operation of the image processor 220 to reconstruct a tomographic image by using segments of image data obtained in a plurality of partial periods.

Referring to fig. 6A, the image processor 220 reconstructs each section of the tomographic image by using segments of image data respectively obtained within partial periods P1 and P2 detected from the ECG signal 611.

In portion 610, the monitored ECG signal and a portion of the time period are shown. In portion 620, the reconstructed image is shown.

For example, referring to fig. 6A, the first image section 621 in the tomographic image is reconstructed using the image data (e.g., projection data) obtained within the partial period P1.

Then, after partial period P1, partial period P2 is gated, and image data obtained within gated partial period P2 is used to reconstruct second image segment 622 adjacent to first image segment 621.

In fig. 6A, although the first image section 621 is reconstructed using image data obtained within a single partial period P1 and the second image section 622 is reconstructed using image data obtained within a single partial period P2, the image processor 220 may reconstruct the first image section 621 and the second image 622 by using segments of image data respectively obtained within a plurality of partial periods (e.g., partial periods P1 and P2).

Referring to fig. 6B, after the second image segment 622 is reconstructed, part of the time period P3 is gated and a third image segment 623 adjacent to the second image segment 622 is further reconstructed using image data obtained within the gated part time period P3.

Fig. 7A and 7B are

screen images

700 and 750, respectively, displayed by the display 230.

The display 230 displays such images: on which a plurality of partial periods and tomographic image sections corresponding to the partial periods are shown in association with each other. For example, the display 230 displays a plurality of partial periods and tomographic image sections such that at least one of the plurality of partial periods is associated with an image section corresponding to the partial period.

The reconstructed tomographic image may be a 3D tomographic image that three-dimensionally represents the object. The 3D tomographic image can be reconstructed to represent a variety of views, for example, an anterior-posterior view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view.

Referring to fig. 7A, a screen image 700 includes information 705 representing a heartbeat period and a tomographic image 720. The ECG signal 710 is information 705 representing a heartbeat period. In fig. 7A, a tomographic image 720 represents the entire heart as an imaging subject. However, the tomographic image 720 may be a tomographic image representing a part of the heart that is the imaging subject.

The plurality of partial periods P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5, and the first image section 721, the second image section 722, the third image section 723, the fourth image section 724, and the fifth image section 725, which are tomographic images 720, are displayed in association with each other, respectively.

The image processor 220 may control each of the partial periods P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 of the ECG signal 710 to be marked and displayed using the window 711.

For example, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a single image segment by using image data obtained within a single partial period.

For example, the image processor 220 reconstructs the first image section 721 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P1, the second image section 722 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P2, and the third image section 723 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P3. The image processor 220 reconstructs the fourth image segment 724 using the image data obtained during partial period P4 and the fifth image segment 725 using the image data obtained during partial period P5.

Displaying the partial period and the image section corresponding to the partial period in association with each other means that the partial period and the image section corresponding to the partial period are displayed so that the user can easily recognize that they are associated with each other. For example, as shown in fig. 7A, to represent the association between the partial periods and the respective image sections, the screen image 700 may visually connect the partial periods to the image sections corresponding thereto via the connection line 730. The association between the partial periods and the image sections corresponding thereto may be represented using the same color, the same frame shape, the same mark, the same icon, the same pattern, or the like.

For example, the frame of the partial period P1 and the frame of the first image section 721 may be represented in the same color, the same pattern, or the same shape. The frame of the partial period P2 and the frame of the second image section 722 may be displayed in the same color, the same pattern, or the same shape. The partial periods may be displayed using different colors, different frame shapes, different markers, different icons, different patterns, etc. For example, when the partial period P1 and the first image section 721 are displayed as frames having red color, the partial period P2 and the second image section 722 may be displayed as frames having orange color.

Referring to fig. 7B, the screen image 750 includes information 755 indicating the heartbeat period and a tomographic image 760.

The plurality of partial periods P1 to P10 included in the heartbeat period and the first image section 761, the second image section 762, the third image section 763, the fourth image section 764, and the fifth image section 765 of the tomographic image 760 are displayed in association with each other.

For example, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a single image segment by using image data obtained from multiple partial periods.

For example, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a first image section 761 by using image data obtained from the fractional periods P1 and P2, a second image section 762 by using image data obtained from the fractional periods P3 and P4, and a third image section 763 by using image data obtained from the fractional periods P5 and P6. The image processor 220 reconstructs the fourth image segment 764 by using the image data obtained within partial periods P7 and P8 and reconstructs the fifth image segment 765 by using the image data obtained within partial periods P9 and P10.

As shown in fig. 7B, the screen image 750 may display the mapping between the partial periods and their corresponding image sections by using the connection lines 770. Partial periods P1 and P2 corresponding to the single image section 761 may be defined by blocks 756 on the screen image 750, and the same relationship may be applied to the other partial periods P3 to P10.

Fig. 8A, 8B, and 8C are

screen images

810, 840, and 870, respectively, displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2.

The image processor 220 may control partial image reconstruction for each partial period included in the heartbeat period to be updated and displayed in real time.

Referring to fig. 8A, a first image section 821 in a tomographic image is reconstructed by using image data (e.g., projection data) obtained within a partial period P1 of an ECG signal 815, and then a second image section 822 adjacent to the first image section 821 is reconstructed using image data obtained within a partial period P2 gated after a partial period P1.

Display 230 displays a screen image 810 representing image segments reconstructed in real time for each partial period. For example, when reconstructing an image in real time for each partial period, the image processor 220 may control the screen image 810 of fig. 8A and the screen image 840 of fig. 8B to be displayed.

Referring to fig. 8B, after the second image section 822 is reconstructed, a third image section 823 adjacent to the second image section 822 is reconstructed using image data obtained within a partial period P3 gated after the partial period P2.

After displaying screen image 810, display 230 may display screen image 840 including image segments reconstructed in real-time after second image segment 822 is reconstructed.

When an image defect is generated in the reconstructed image section, the image processor 220 may correct the image section having the image defect and display the corrected image section.

An image defect is any image error that hinders the user's understanding of the image.

Examples of image defects may include volume gap (volume gap), step artifacts, mismatch of tissues included in the object, image blur, and the like. As shown in fig. 8B, the volume gap or step artifact refers to an overall mismatch between objects included in the third image section 823 and the second image section 822 adjacent to each other. For ease of explanation, boundary mismatches in the image, such as volume gaps or step artifacts, will now be referred to as step artifacts.

When a discontinuity associated with tissue (e.g., coronary arteries) included in the object occurs, it may be determined that an artifact has been generated in an image of the object.

For example, the image processor 220 may extract or track blood vessels, coronary arteries, etc. and examine whether discontinuities have occurred in the detailed tracked object to determine whether artifacts have occurred in the reconstructed tomographic image of the heart. Alternatively, the image processor 220 may determine whether a defect has been generated in the reconstructed tomographic image by extracting a point at which the signal level abruptly changes from the reconstructed tomographic image. The image processor 220 may obtain the artifact-containing portion from the object by using various image processing methods.

The image processor 220 may automatically correct (i.e., adjust) a partial period corresponding to a region containing a defect in a tomographic image, and may automatically correct a portion containing the defect in a reconstructed image by using image data obtained within the corrected partial period. For example, the image processor 220 may automatically select another non-defective partial period (instead of the partial period in which the defect has been generated) by moving the partial period in which the defect has been generated to another non-defective position of the same heart cycle or another heart cycle.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a defect has been generated in the third image section 823 of the reconstructed image because the volume gap causes a discontinuity 826 between the third image section 823 and the second image section 822.

Referring to fig. 8C, a process of automatically correcting a partial period corresponding to an artifact and automatically correcting an image section having an artifact may be displayed on the screen image 870.

For example, the image processor 220 automatically enters the partial period P3 corresponding to the third image section 823 (being an image section containing an artifact) into the partial period P3R, and automatically corrects the third image section 823 (being an image section containing a step artifact) by using image data obtained within the partial period P3R so as to avoid an artifact in the finally reconstructed image.

The image processor 220 may display the correction process in real time.

For example, a window 880 representing a partial period P3R is marked and the artifact-corrected third image section 830 obtained by updating the third image section 823 with artifacts is displayed.

When an artifact is generated in a predetermined section of the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor 220 may control at least one of the information provider 460 and the display 230 to output a signal informing that the generation of the artifact can be visually or aurally recognized by a user.

For example, when the information provider 260 includes a speaker (not shown), the information provider 260 may output an announcement broadcast or an alarm sound for informing that an artifact has been generated.

When the information provider 260 includes an alarm lamp (e.g., an LED lamp) (not shown), the information provider 260 may illuminate the alarm lamp so that the user may visually recognize the generation of the artifact.

Alternatively, the display 230 may display a generated UI image or mark informing of the defect.

Fig. 9A shows a screen image 900 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 9A, a screen image 900 includes an ECG signal 910 and a reconstructed tomographic image 920.

When a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor 220 may control at least one of a period corresponding to the defect and an image section having the defect in the reconstructed tomographic image to indicate by a mark.

Referring to fig. 9A, the display 230 may display a screen image 900, in which screen image 900, a partial period P3 corresponding to the image section 923 containing the defect and the image section 923 containing the defect are visually identified by

markers

930 and 931.

The image processor 220 may include a message 940 indicating that an error has occurred in the image section 923 containing the defect in the screen image 900.

Fig. 9B illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The same components of fig. 9B as those of fig. 9A are denoted by the same reference numerals or characters, and thus will not be repeated here.

When the image section 923 containing the defect is generated, the image processor 220 may automatically correct the image section 923 containing the defect. For example, when a step artifact is generated, the image processor 220 may correct the image section 923 containing the step artifact to remove the step artifact from the image section 923, thereby generating an image section 971 from which the step artifact has been removed.

Referring to fig. 9B, the image processor 220 may automatically correct an image section containing a defect (e.g., an image section corresponding to the third period), and may control a tomographic image 970 after correcting the defect to be displayed on the screen image 950. When the image processor 220 has performed image correction, the image processor 220 may output a message 960 informing that image correction has been performed. When the defect has been generated, the image processor 220 may control a mark 931 representing the partial period P3 to be displayed.

Fig. 10 shows an image 1000 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 10, a screen image 1000 includes an ECG signal 1010 and a reconstructed tomographic image 1020.

The image processor 220 may control a menu for reselecting a partial period corresponding to an image section containing a defect within the reconstructed tomographic image for display. The image processor 220 may automatically correct the image section containing the defect by using the image data obtained during the reselected partial period.

Accordingly, the UI unit 240 outputs a menu for reselecting a partial period corresponding to an image section containing a defect of the reconstructed tomographic image, and receives reselection of the partial period via the menu.

Referring to fig. 10, the screen image 1000 may include a menu window 1050 for correcting and reconstructing a defect-containing image section 1023 of the reconstructed tomographic image 1020. For example, the menu window 1050 includes at least one of an auto-correct menu 1051 and a phase-reset menu 1052.

In the above-described example, when the automatic correction menu 1051 is selected, the automatic correction operation according to the phase reselection described above with reference to fig. 9A is performed. When the automatic correction menu 1051 is selected, the automatic correction operation described above with reference to fig. 9B may be performed. When the image processor 220 automatically corrects the image section 1023 containing a defect, the image processor 220 may enable the user to visually recognize the corrected partial period P3R that has been automatically obtained. Accordingly, the display 230 can display a window 1040 representing the corrected partial period P3R on the screen image 1000.

The phase reset menu 1052 is a menu for reselecting a partial period corresponding to an image section containing a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image. When the phase reset menu 1052 is selected, the user may manually reset and input the partial time period.

Then, the UI unit 240 may output a UI image that proposes a suggestion to the user for the corrected partial periods for the phase reset, and thus may receive a selection of at least one of the corrected partial periods from the user.

Similar to the screen image 900 of fig. 9A, the screen image 1000 may place at least one of the

markers

1030 and 1031 to correspond to at least one of the image section 1023 containing the defect and the partial period P3 corresponding to the image section 1023 containing the defect.

Fig. 11 shows a screen image 1100 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 11, a screen image 1100 includes an ECG signal 1110 and a reconstructed tomographic image 1120.

When a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor 220 may extract one or more partial periods, which prevent the generation of the defect within the reconstructed tomographic image, from the heartbeat period, and may control a UI image for recommending the extracted partial periods to the user to output. For example, the recommended partial period may include a non-defective portion of the same partial period or another non-defective partial period included in the same heartbeat cycle or another heartbeat cycle. Accordingly, the display 230 may display a UI image for the stage part recommendation.

Referring to fig. 11, a screen image 1100, which is a UI image for phase recommendation, may include a phase recommendation menu 1140 for correcting a partial period P3 corresponding to a defect-containing image section 1123 of a reconstructed tomographic image 1120.

When the phase recommendation menu 1140 is selected, as shown in fig. 11, at least one recommended partial period (e.g., partial period P3R) may be displayed, and the user may select at least one of the recommended partial periods via the UI unit 240. Although only a single partial period P3R is recommended in fig. 11, a plurality of partial periods may also be recommended.

For example, as described above with reference to (b) of fig. 4, when image data is obtained by performing tomographic scanning according to the axial scanning method, additional data is obtained in the first filled section 471 and the second filled section 475 (time periods before and after the data section to be used, respectively). When the partial period of fig. 11 corresponds to the period of time for obtaining the first data amount 461, the recommended partial period P3R may be a period of time between the time point t41 and the time point t 42. For example, the recommended partial period P3R may be a time period 481 that includes a portion of the first padded section 471, or may be a time period 482 that includes a portion of the second padded section 475.

Artifacts due to changes in heart rate can have different aspects based on which segments of the image data 460 are used to perform image reconstruction. Thus, the image processor 220 may provide time periods when small artifacts are produced (e.g., the recommended partial period P3R).

As described above with reference to fig. 3, when image data is obtained by performing tomography according to the helical scanning method, segments of the image data are obtained in consecutive periods. Therefore, the time period when the small artifact is generated may be selected or extracted from a predetermined time period (from t ═ 0 to t ═ end) and may be provided as the recommended partial period P3R.

Then, the image processor 220 may reconstruct a tomographic image including the image section 1123 including the defect again by using the image data obtained within the selected at least one partial period.

Alternatively, after reconstructing the tomographic image representing the entire object, the image processor 220 may detect an image section containing a defect from the reconstructed CT image and reconstruct the image section containing the defect again, as described in detail below with reference to fig. 12 and 13.

Fig. 12 shows a screen image 1200 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 12, a screen image 1200 includes an ECG signal 1210 and a reconstructed entire tomographic image 1220.

Referring to fig. 12, the image processor 220 reconstructs a first image section 1221 by using the image data obtained during the partial period P1, reconstructs a second image section 1222 by using the image data obtained during the partial period P2, reconstructs a third image section 1223 by using the image data obtained during the partial period P3, reconstructs a fourth image section 1224 by using the image data obtained during the partial period P4, and reconstructs a fifth image section 1225 by using the image data obtained during the partial period P5. Then, the image processor 220 displays the reconstructed entire tomographic image 1220. The reconstructed entire tomographic image 1220 is an entire tomographic image representing the entire object.

The image processor 220 may extract a third image section 1223 having a defect from the reconstructed entire tomographic image 1220, and may set at least one of the

marks

1241 and 1243 on the extracted third image section 1223 having a defect and a partial period corresponding to the extracted third image section 1223 having a defect.

The image processor 220 may control to display a notification message 1242 notifying that the third image section 1223 having the defect needs to be corrected.

Fig. 13 shows a screen image 1300 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 13, a screen image 1300 includes an ECG signal 1310 and a reconstructed entire tomographic image 1320.

The image processor 220 may control the menu window 1350 for correcting the image section 1323 containing the defect to output.

The menu window 1350 includes at least one of an auto-correct menu 1351, a phase reset menu 1352, and a phase recommendation menu 1353. The auto correction menu 1351, the phase reset menu 1352, and the phase recommendation menu 1353 correspond to the auto correction menu 1051, the phase reset menu 1052, and the phase recommendation menu 1140 described above, respectively, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the related art tomographic image reconstruction, an image defect is determined only after the entire tomographic image representing the entire image is reconstructed. Therefore, even when a defect is generated in only a part of the entire tomographic image, the entire tomographic image needs to be obtained again to generate a defect-free tomographic image. Furthermore, the time during which the patient will be exposed to radiation increases due to rescanning, which may negatively affect the health of the patient.

As described above, the tomographic apparatus 200 according to the exemplary embodiment displays the partial period included in the heartbeat period and the reconstructed image section corresponding to the partial period in association with each other. Accordingly, the user can immediately determine whether a defect has been generated, and can also determine a partial period corresponding to an image section containing a defect in real time. Therefore, before reconstructing the entire tomographic image representing the entire object, the user can take measures to remove the defect, thereby obtaining a defect-free tomographic image more quickly.

Further, by checking the mapped partial periods in real time, when a defect is generated in an image section, only the partial period corresponding to the image section containing the defect can be corrected, and thus the image section containing the defect can be reconstructed again. Therefore, when a defect is generated, it is not necessary to reconstruct the entire tomographic image again, but partially reconstructed again, which leads to a reduction in the time required to obtain a defect-free tomographic image.

Further, the image processor 220 according to an exemplary embodiment reconstructs a tomographic image by using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the cardiac period. When a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the image processor 220 may automatically reconstruct an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed tomographic image again by using the corrected image data obtained within the corrected partial period. The display 230 may display an image including the reconstructed tomographic image, update an image section containing a defect of the reconstructed tomographic image in real time using the re-reconstructed image section, and display the updated result.

Fig. 14A and 14B

show screen images

1400 and 1450 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 14A, the display 230 displays a screen image 1400, the screen image 1400 including a reconstructed tomographic image 1420 having a defect generated in a specific section thereof. Referring to fig. 14B, the display 230 displays a screen image 1450, and the screen image 1450 includes a tomographic image 1460 obtained by updating the tomographic image 1420 in real time.

Referring to fig. 14A, in the reconstructed tomographic image 1420, a defect is generated in an image section 1422 among a plurality of

image sections

1421, 1422, and 1423 reconstructed corresponding to a plurality of partial periods. The picture section 1422 will now be referred to as a defective picture section 1422.

Discontinuities 1431 and 1432 are generated in the reconstructed tomographic image 1420 due to a volume gap generated in the defective image portion 1422.

Referring to fig. 14B, the image processor 220 may generate a re-reconstructed image section 1462 by re-automatically reconstructing the defective image section 1422 by using the corrected image data obtained during the corrected partial period. The display 430 may display a screen image 1450 including a tomographic image 1460 obtained by updating the defective image section 1422 in real time.

Accordingly, a tomographic image 1460 on the screen image 1400 from which the discontinuities 1431 and 1432 have been removed is displayed on the screen image 1450.

For example, when a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image 1420, the image processor 200 may obtain position information of a corrected partial period that prevents generation of the defect from the heartbeat period. Based on the corrected position information of the partial period, the image processor 220 may reconstruct the defective image section 1422 again by using the corrected image data obtained within the corrected partial period.

The corrected position information of the partial time period may be obtained by the image processor 220 analyzing the ECG signal.

Alternatively, the corrected position information of the partial period may be received from the user via the UI unit 240. When receiving the position information of the corrected partial period from the external source, the UI unit 240 may output a menu window (not shown) for recommending at least one corrected partial period for preventing generation of defects, and may receive a selection of the at least one corrected partial period from the user via the menu window. When the corrected partial periods are selected and received, the image processor 220 may reconstruct the defective image section 1422 again by using the image data obtained within the selected at least one corrected partial period to generate an updated tomographic image. Accordingly, tomographic image 1460 includes a re-reconstructed image section 1462 in place of defective image section 1422.

Fig. 15 shows a screen image 1500 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 15, the display 230 displays a screen image 1500, the screen image 1500 including a tomographic image 1520 having a defect generated in a specific section thereof.

Referring to fig. 15, an image section 1522 including a defect and

image sections

1521 and 1523 without a defect may be distinguished from each other and displayed on the screen image 1500. For example, an image section 1522 containing a defect on the screen image 1500 may be shown by a highlight 1532. A mark 1531 informing of a defect on the screen image 1500 may also be disposed adjacent to the image section 1522 containing the defect.

Fig. 16 shows a screen image 1600 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 16, the display 230 displays a screen image 1600, the screen image 1600 including a real-time updated tomographic image 1620 obtained by reconstructing the image section 1522 containing the defect of fig. 15 again.

Referring to fig. 16, an image section 1622 updated on the screen image 1600 and image sections 1621 and 1623 not updated may be distinguished from each other and displayed.

For example, a message 1630 may be displayed informing that an updated image section 1622 has been obtained. As described above with reference to fig. 15, the updated image section 1622 may be shown by a highlight (not shown). As described above with reference to fig. 15, a marker 1631 informing that an updated image section 1622 has been obtained may also be displayed near the updated image section 1622.

Fig. 17 shows a screen image 1700 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 17, the screen image 1700 displayed by the display 230 may further include an ECG signal 1710 representing a heartbeat period.

For example, as shown in fig. 7A to 13, the screen image 1700 may display an image section corresponding to at least one partial period of a plurality of partial periods included in the heartbeat period such that the image section is associated with the partial period.

Referring to fig. 17, image section 1721 has been reconstructed using image data obtained during partial period P1, and image section 1722 has been reconstructed using image data obtained during partial period P2.

When a defect is generated in the image section 1722 of the reconstructed tomographic image 1720, marks 1731 and 1732 indicating the defect may be displayed on at least one of the image section 1722 including the defect and the partial period P2 corresponding to the image section 1722 including the defect.

When the corrected partial period P2R is used to automatically correct the image section 1722 containing a defect, a corrected partial period P2R may be represented by a window 1742 and displayed. For example, as shown in fig. 17, arrows showing changes of the window 1741 representing the partial period P2 to the window 1742 representing the corrected partial period P2R may be displayed on the screen image 1700 to represent that the partial period P2 for reconstructing the image section 1722 has become the corrected partial period P2R.

As described above, when a defect is generated in an image section of a tomographic image, the tomographic apparatus 200 according to the exemplary embodiment reconstructs an image section containing the defect again by using corrected image data obtained within a corrected partial period, and obtains and displays a real-time updated tomographic image including the re-reconstructed image section corresponding to a result of the re-reconstruction.

Therefore, the tomographic apparatus 200 can correct only a partial period corresponding to the image section containing the defect and reconstruct the image section containing the defect again. Therefore, when a defect is generated, it is not necessary to reconstruct the entire tomographic image again, but partially reconstructed again, which leads to a reduction in the time required to obtain a defect-free tomographic image.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart of a tomographic image display method 1800 according to an exemplary embodiment. The tomographic display method 1800 may be performed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. The operation of the tomographic image display method 1800 includes the same technical features as those of the above-described operation of the tomographic apparatus 200, and thus, a repetitive description is omitted.

Referring to fig. 18, in operation 1810, a heartbeat period is monitored.

In operation 1820, a tomographic image is reconstructed using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the heartbeat period monitored in operation 1810.

In operation 1830, a screen image including a tomographic image and information representing a heartbeat period is displayed.

For example, the screen image displayed in operation 1830 may correspond to the screen images shown in fig. 7A to 13.

When a defect is generated in the tomographic image included in the image displayed in operation 1830, the tomographic image display method 1800 may further include an operation (not shown) of extracting at least one partial period in which the defect is prevented from being generated in the tomographic image from the heartbeat period and an operation (not shown) of outputting a UI image for recommending the extracted partial period to the user. For example, the UI image 1100 of fig. 11 or the UI image 1300 of fig. 13 for recommending at least one extracted partial period to the user may be displayed.

When a defect is generated in the tomographic image, the tomographic image display method 1800 may further include an operation (not shown) of automatically correcting a partial period corresponding to the image section containing the defect of the tomographic image and automatically correcting the image section containing the defect using image data obtained within the corrected partial period.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart of a tomographic image display method 1900 according to another exemplary embodiment. The tomographic image display method 1900 can be executed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. The operation of the tomographic image display method 1900 includes the same technical features as those of the above-described operation of the tomographic apparatus 200, and thus, a repetitive description is omitted.

Referring to fig. 19, in operation 1910, a heartbeat period is monitored.

In operation 1920, a tomographic image is reconstructed using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the cardiac period monitored in operation 1910.

When a defect is generated in the tomographic image reconstructed in operation 1920, an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed tomographic image is reconstructed again using the corrected image data obtained in the corrected partial period in operation 1930.

A screen image including the tomographic image reconstructed in operation 1920 is displayed. In operation 1940, the image section containing the defect is updated using the re-reconstructed image section obtained in operation 1930, and then the update is displayed.

Fig. 20A shows a screen image 2000 displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220.

The image processor 220 may reconstruct a tomographic image corresponding to a predetermined region 2011 including an object (heart) of the medical image 2010 by using a plurality of segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods included in the cardiac period.

Referring to fig. 20A, a tomographic image representing an object included in a region of interest (ROI), which is a predetermined region 2011, may be reconstructed. The medical image 2010 may be a positioning image obtained by imaging the entire object, and an X-ray image, an ultrasound image, an MRI image, a 3D tomographic image, or the like may be used as the medical image 2010. Fig. 20A shows a case where the object is a breast and the medical image 2010 is an X-ray positioning image.

The predetermined area 2011 may be set by the user through the UI unit 240. Alternatively, the image processor 220 may automatically extract and set the predetermined region 2011.

A tomographic image corresponding to the set predetermined region 2011 is reconstructed. For example, as described above with reference to fig. 7A to 17, a tomographic image representing the object is reconstructed in units of sections by using image data obtained in each partial period included in the heartbeat period. Referring to fig. 20A, segments of image data obtained within a plurality of partial periods P1, P2, P3, and P4 are used to reconstruct a tomographic image corresponding to a predetermined region 2011.

For example, referring to fig. 20A, the image processor 220 reconstructs a first image segment 2071 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P1, reconstructs a second image segment 2072 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P2, reconstructs a third image segment 2073 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P3 and reconstructs a fourth image segment 2074 by using the image data obtained within the partial period P4.

The reconstructed tomographic image may be a cross-sectional tomographic image.

The display 230 may display a screen image 2000, the screen image 2000 including a medical image 2010 and information 2031 representing a heartbeat period 2030, a plurality of part periods P1, P2, P3, and P4 and a first image section 2071, a second image section 2072, a third image section 2073, and a fourth image section 2074 of a predetermined area 2011 being shown in association with each other on the screen image 2000. In other words, the screen image 2000 may include a region 2001 on which the medical image 2010 is displayed and a region 2005 on which information 2031 representing the heartbeat period 2030 is displayed.

For example, in fig. 20A, the illustrated association may be a color association: each section of the predetermined area 2011 and the partial period corresponding to the section are represented by the same color. For example, the partial period P1 of the ECG signal 2030 and the first image section 2071 of the medical image 2010 may be represented in the same color 2032, the partial period P2 of the ECG signal 2030 and the second image section 2072 of the medical image 2010 may be represented in the same color 2033, the partial period P3 of the ECG signal 2030 and the third image section 2073 of the medical image 2010 may be represented in the same color 2034, and the partial period P4 of the ECG signal 2030 and the fourth image section 2074 of the medical image 2010 may be represented in the same color 2035. The association between at least one partial period and at least one image segment may be displayed in a variety of other ways that connect each segment of the predetermined area 2011 to the period of the ECG signal 2030 corresponding to the segment. As another example, period information 2062 may be added to each segment of the predetermined area 2011.

The screen image 2000 may also display at least one partial image 2020 of the tomographic image reconstructed by the image processor 220.

The partial image 2020 may be a cross-sectional tomographic image as described above.

An image section and/or a partial period associated with the current tomographic image reconstruction operation can be displayed on the screen image 2000. For example, when image reconstruction is performed for the second image segment 2072, at least one of the second image segment 2072 and the partial period P2 may be shown by at least one of

highlights

2050 and 2040, as shown in fig. 20A. Thus, the user can easily identify the image section currently being reconstructed.

The partial image 2020 may be an image included in an image section currently being reconstructed.

The screen image 2000 may show a section of the partial image 2020 and the predetermined region 2011 corresponding to the partial image 2020 so that they are associated with each other. For example, other markers representing the image section currently being reconstructed may be displayed on the partial image 2020. For example, since the image section currently being reconstructed corresponds to the partial period P2, a "P2" marker 2060 may be additionally displayed on the partial image 2020.

Fig. 20B is a diagram for explaining the positioning image.

The medical image 2010 included in the screen image of fig. 20A may be an image including any one of a plurality of views. In other words, the medical image 2010 may be a view that includes a location from which the predetermined area 2011 may be determined.

For example, the medical image 2010 included in the screen image 2000 may be a positioning image 2080 representing a front-back view, as shown in (a) of fig. 20B. Alternatively, the medical image 2010 included in the screen image 2000 may be a positioning image 2085 representing a side view, as shown in (B) of fig. 20B.

Fig. 20C illustrates another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The same components of fig. 20C as those of fig. 20A are denoted by the same reference numerals or characters, and thus will not be repeated here.

Referring to fig. 20C, screen image 2090 may correspond to screen image 2000 of fig. 20A.

The screen image 2090 may include a reconstructed tomographic image 2091 in place of the medical image 2010. The reconstructed tomographic image 2091 may be a tomographic image updated in real time according to an image reconstruction operation and includes an image section reconstructed to a current time. The screen image 2090 may display the reconstructed tomographic image 2091 and a partial period of the heartbeat period such that the reconstructed tomographic image 2091 is associated with the partial period of the heartbeat period. For example, a mark representing a partial period (e.g., the "P2" mark 2092) may be displayed for each image section of the reconstructed tomographic image 2091. In order to distinguish a partial period used when the reconstructed tomographic image 2091 is reconstructed from a partial period adjacent thereto, a line 2093 may be displayed as shown in fig. 20C.

Fig. 21 shows a screen image 2100 displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220. The screen image 2100 of fig. 21 corresponds to the screen image 2000 of fig. 20A, and the repeated images and reference numerals in fig. 21 are the same as those in fig. 20A. Therefore, their repetitive description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 21, a portion of the predetermined area 2011 that is currently being reconstructed may be marked on the screen image 2100. The partial image 2020 may be a currently reconstructed cross-sectional image.

For example, during tomographic image reconstruction, sectional images are reconstructed at regular intervals. For example, after the cross-sectional tomographic image of the cross-section 2110 is reconstructed, a cross-sectional tomographic image of the cross-section 2120 may be reconstructed. The screen image 2100 may display a currently-being-reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image of the cross-section 2120, such as partial image 2020. Thus, as reconstruction continues, the partial image 2020 may be updated and displayed in real time. As shown in fig. 21, the point of the predetermined area 2011 being reconstructed and the direction in which the predetermined area 2011 is reconstructed are represented by arrows 2150 to allow a user to easily identify the point being reconstructed. The updated tomographic image and the portion of the predetermined region 2011 corresponding to the updated tomographic image may be displayed in association with each other on the screen image 2100. The updated tomographic image and a partial period of the heartbeat period corresponding to the updated tomographic image may be displayed in association with each other on the screen image 2100.

Fig. 22 shows a screen image 2200 displayed by the tomographic apparatus 200 of fig. 2. The screen image 2200 is a screen image displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220. The screen image 2200 of fig. 22 corresponds to the screen image 2100 of fig. 21, and the same images and reference numerals as those in fig. 21 are repeated in fig. 22. Therefore, their repetitive description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 22, as reconstruction of a tomographic image included in a predetermined region 2011 proceeds, a currently reconstructed sectional tomographic image and at least one previously reconstructed sectional tomographic image may be displayed together on the screen image 2200. For example, at least one of the sectional

tomographic images

2221, 2222, and 2223 and the currently reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2224 may be displayed on the region 2020.

As shown at discontinuity 826 in fig. 8B, there is a high possibility of step artifacts being generated in a section where the partial period changes. Therefore, a reconstructed tomographic image corresponding to a section of the predetermined region 2011 which is highly likely to generate a step artifact can be displayed on the region 2020.

For example, a plurality of cross-sectional tomographic images corresponding to a region in which a partial period between the second image section 2072 and the third image section 2073 is changed may be displayed on the region 2020. A cross section within the predetermined region 2011 and a cross-sectional tomographic image corresponding to the cross section can be displayed in association with each other. For example, marks 2251 and 2252 indicating the same cross section may be additionally displayed on the cross section within the predetermined region 2011 and the cross-sectional tomographic image 2224, respectively.

Fig. 23 shows a screen image 2300 displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220. The screen image 2300 of fig. 23 corresponds to the screen image 2000 of fig. 20A, and the same images and reference numerals as those in fig. 20A are repeated in fig. 23. Therefore, their repetitive description will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 23, a section of the predetermined region 2011 on which tomographic image reconstruction is currently being performed can be shown by a highlight 2050 and displayed on the screen image 2300.

The screen image 2300 may display the currently reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image included in the second image segment 2072 currently being reconstructed by the image processor 220 on the predetermined region 2320. For example, a currently reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image 2322 with which the previously reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image 2321 is overlaid may be displayed on the predetermined region 2320. For example, the previously reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image 2321 may be represented by a dotted line, and the currently reconstructed cross-sectional tomographic image 2322 may be represented by a solid line.

Accordingly, the user can easily recognize whether there is a mismatch between the previously reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2321 and the currently reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2322. For example, if a step artifact is generated, a mismatch between the previously reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2321 and the currently reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2322 increases. Therefore, if a large mismatch is generated between the sectional tomographic image 2321 and the currently reconstructed sectional tomographic image 2322, the user may determine that a step artifact has been generated, and may take measures such as resetting a partial period or interrupting the CT scan and image reconstruction.

Fig. 24 shows a screen image 2400 displayed by the display 230 under the control of the screen image processor 220. The medical image 2410, the partial image 2420, and the heartbeat period information 2431 of fig. 24 may be the same as the medical image 2010, the partial image 2020, and the heartbeat period information 2031 of fig. 21, respectively. Therefore, their repetitive description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 24, when a plurality of partial periods and sections of the predetermined area 2411 corresponding to the partial periods are displayed in association with each other on the screen image 2400, such association may be visualized through the connection line 2440.

Fig. 25A and

25B show images

2500 and 2570, respectively, displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220.

The UI unit 240 may receive a user input selecting a point of the predetermined section or predetermined region 2511 or a predetermined section period of a plurality of section periods of the heartbeat period.

Then, the image processor 220 may control a tomographic image corresponding to the selected predetermined portion or point or predetermined portion period in the reconstructed tomographic image to be displayed on the screen image 2500.

Referring to fig. 25A, when the user selects an image section 2545 within the predetermined region 2511 by using the cursor 2540, a cross-sectional tomographic image 2520 included in the selected image section 2545 may be displayed. When the user selects a point within the predetermined region 2511 by using the cursor 2540, a cross-sectional tomographic image 2520 corresponding to a cross section of the selected point may be displayed.

When the user selects the P2 partial period 2562 of the ECG signal 2530 by using the cursor 2541, at least one sectional tomographic image 2520 of the sectional tomographic images reconstructed using the image data obtained within the P2 partial period 2562 may be displayed on the screen image 2500.

Referring to fig. 25B, when the user changes the selection of a partial period or an image section via the UI, at least one partial image 2580 corresponding to the newly selected partial period or section image may be displayed on the screen image 2570.

For example, when the user selects another image section 2586 by using the cursor 2575, at least one reconstructed partial image 2580 corresponding to the selected image section 2586 may be displayed on the screen image 2570. When the user selects the P3 partial period 2578 of the ECG signal 2530 by using the cursor 2576, a partial image 2580 reconstructed using image data obtained within the selected P3 partial period 2578 may be displayed on the screen image 2570.

Fig. 26 shows a screen image 2600 displayed by the display 230 under the control of the image processor 220. A portion 2601 of fig. 26 is the same as a portion of the information 2031 representing the heartbeat period in each of the

screen images

2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, and 2400 of fig. 20A to 24, and therefore a repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 26, the screen image 2600 may include information 2641 about the patient and at least one of various image editing menus. For example, personal information such as the name of the patient, the medical history of the patient, examination items for previous medical images of the patient, an Identification (ID) of the patient, and the like may be included in the information 2641 about the patient.

Examples of image editing menus may include: an image editing menu 2640 for setting the layout of the screen image 2600; an image editing menu 2650 for setting a display grid of the medical image 2610 or the partial image 2620; an image editing menu 2660 for image conversion of the medical image 2610 or the partial image 2620 included in the screen image 2600; an image editing menu 2670 for constructing a movie (cine) by using the reconstructed image; an image editing menu 2680 for adjusting ROI setting and the like on the screen image 2600.

By using the image editing menu, a medical image more conforming to the user's intention can be produced.

Fig. 27 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The same components of fig. 27 as those of fig. 20A are denoted by the same reference numerals or characters. Therefore, their repeated description is omitted in the description of the components shown in fig. 27.

Referring to fig. 27, the screen image 2700 may include a 3D tomographic image 2710 reconstructed in real time, in addition to the medical image 2010, the information 2031 representing the heartbeat period, and the at least one partial image 2020.

The 3D tomographic image 2710 can display a partial period corresponding to each image section so that the partial period can be easily recognized. Referring to fig. 27, a marker (e.g., "P2" marker 2721) representing a partial time period may be displayed for each image section of the 3D tomographic image 2710. A highlight 2722 showing the image segment 2013 currently being reconstructed may be displayed.

Fig. 28 shows another screen image displayed by the tomographic apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The same components of fig. 28 as those of fig. 20A are denoted by the same reference numerals or characters. Therefore, their repeated description is omitted in the description of the components shown in fig. 28.

Referring to fig. 28, the screen image 2800 may include an initially reconstructed 3D tomographic image 2810 and a corrected tomographic image 2820 in addition to the medical image 2510, the information 2031 representing the heartbeat period, and the at least one sectional tomographic image 2520. The initially reconstructed 3D tomographic image 2810 and the corrected tomographic image 2820 may be the tomographic image 1420 in fig. 14A and the re-reconstructed tomographic image 1460 in fig. 14B, respectively.

As described above, when a defect has been generated in the initially reconstructed 3D tomographic image 2810, the image processor 220 may correct the initially reconstructed 3D tomographic image 2810 to remove the defect from the initially reconstructed 3D tomographic image 2810. For example, the image processor 220 may reconstruct an image section containing a defect again by using the reset period and data obtained within the reset period. The image processor 220 may generate a corrected tomographic image by correcting the defect-removed tomographic image by performing image correction without resetting the period. The corrected tomographic image 2820 may be a corrected tomographic image obtained by the image processor 220 or a reconstructed tomographic image again. As shown in fig. 28,

step artifacts

2811 and 2812 exist in the originally reconstructed tomographic image 2810, so that the

step artifacts

2811 and 2812, such as

regions

2821 and 2822, can be removed from the corrected tomographic image 2820.

The image section and the partial period of the heartbeat period may be displayed on the originally reconstructed tomographic image 2810 and the corrected tomographic image 2820 included in the screen image 2800 so as to be associated with each other. For example,

markers

2813 and 2823 that enable a user to identify a heartbeat period associated with an image section may be displayed on the originally reconstructed tomographic image 2810 and the corrected tomographic image 2820.

As described above, in the tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus and by the tomographic apparatus according to one or more of the exemplary embodiments, the heartbeat period is associated with the reconstructed image, and such association is displayed. For example, in a tomographic apparatus and a tomographic image display method performed by the tomographic apparatus according to one or more of the exemplary embodiments, at least one image section included in a reconstructed tomographic image and a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period are displayed so as to be associated with each other. Therefore, the data segment used in reconstructing the tomographic image can be intuitively determined. Therefore, when a defect is generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, the user can immediately determine to obtain a heartbeat period for reconstructing an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed tomographic image. Therefore, the user can immediately take measures to correct the defect generated in the reconstructed tomographic image, which leads to a reduction in the time required to obtain the final defect-free tomographic image.

The exemplary embodiments can be written as computer programs and can be implemented in computers that execute the programs using computer-readable recording media.

Examples of the computer readable recording medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs), and the like.

The exemplary embodiments and advantages described above are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A tomography apparatus comprising:

an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomographic image including a plurality of image sections, wherein each of the plurality of image sections is reconstructed by using a segment of image data obtained during at least one partial period of a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period;

a display configured to display a screen image, wherein the screen image includes an image of a heartbeat period and a reconstructed tomographic image in which each of the plurality of partial periods is displayed between successive heartbeats on the image of the heartbeat period, and image sections of the respective partial periods included in the reconstructed tomographic image are displayed in association with the displayed respective partial periods on the reconstructed tomographic image,

wherein the association is displayed by using at least one of a line, a color, a frame shape, a marker symbol, an icon, and a pattern that visually associates each of the plurality of image sections included in the reconstructed tomographic image with at least one partial period that is displayed and arranged between consecutive heartbeats.

2. The tomographic apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a monitor configured to obtain information representing a result of monitoring an Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal showing a heartbeat period.

3. The tomographic apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image processor is configured to obtain the partial period by windowing a phase section of the ECG signal through ECG gating, and control the partial period represented by the window in the ECG signal and then display.

4. The tomographic apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

an information provider configured to inform a user of a defect in response to the defect existing in the reconstructed tomographic image.

5. The tomographic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display is configured to display a screen including a mark related to at least one selected from a defective partial period included in the plurality of partial periods and corresponding to a defect, and a defect-containing image section of the reconstructed tomographic image reconstructed corresponding to the defective partial period, under control of the image processor.

6. The tomographic apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the image processor is configured to extract a non-defective partial period that will prevent the generation of the defect in the reconstructed tomographic image from the heartbeat period in response to the presence of the defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, and to control the display to display a User Interface (UI) image for recommending the extracted non-defective partial period to the user.

7. The tomographic apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising:

a User Interface (UI) unit configured to receive a selection of the recommended non-defective partial period via a UI image,

wherein the image processor is configured to reconstruct again an image portion corresponding to the image section containing the defect by using image data obtained within the selected non-defective partial period.

8. The tomographic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processor is configured to automatically adjust a defective partial period corresponding to the defect in response to the presence of the defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, and to automatically correct the image section containing the defect by using image data obtained within the adjusted partial period.

9. The tomographic apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a User Interface (UI) unit configured to output a menu for selecting another partial period to replace a defective partial period corresponding to a defective-containing image section of the reconstructed tomographic image, and receive a selection of another partial period via the menu,

wherein the image processor is configured to automatically correct the image section containing the defect by using image data obtained during the selected another part period.

10. The tomographic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processor is configured to obtain segments of the projection data for a partial period, reconstruct a partial image by using the segments of the projection data, and generate a final tomographic image representing the object by using the partial image.

11. A tomography apparatus comprising:

an image processor configured to: reconstructing a tomographic image including a plurality of image sections, wherein each of the plurality of image sections is reconstructed by using a segment of image data obtained during at least one partial period of a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period; and in response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed tomographic image, reconstructing again an image portion corresponding to an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed tomographic image by using the corrected image data obtained during another part of the period in which generation of the defect is avoided;

a display configured to display a screen image including a reconstructed tomographic image having the plurality of image sections, update an image section including a defect of the reconstructed tomographic image in real time using the re-reconstructed image portion, and display an updated image section corresponding to a result of the update,

wherein the display is configured to display a screen image including an image of a heartbeat period on which each of the plurality of partial periods is displayed between consecutive heartbeats and a reconstructed tomographic image on which image sections of the respective partial periods included in the reconstructed tomographic image are displayed in association with the displayed respective partial periods,

12. The tomography apparatus of claim 11, wherein the display is configured to display a screen image on which the updated image sections are visually distinguished from the non-updated image sections.

13. A tomographic image display method comprising:

reconstructing a tomographic image including a plurality of image sections, wherein each of the plurality of image sections is reconstructed by using a segment of image data obtained during at least one partial period of a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period;

displaying a screen image including an image of a heartbeat period on which each of the plurality of partial periods is displayed between consecutive heartbeats and a reconstructed tomographic image on which image sections of the respective partial periods included in the reconstructed tomographic image are displayed in association with the displayed respective partial periods,

14. A tomographic image display method comprising:

reconstructing an initial tomographic image including a plurality of image sections, wherein each of the plurality of image sections is reconstructed by using a segment of image data obtained during at least one partial period of a plurality of partial periods included in a heartbeat period;

displaying a screen image including an image of a heartbeat period on which each of the plurality of partial periods is displayed between consecutive heartbeats and a reconstructed initial tomographic image on which image segments of the respective partial periods included in the reconstructed initial tomographic image are displayed in association with the displayed respective partial periods, wherein the association is displayed by using at least one of a line, a color, a frame shape, a mark symbol, an icon, and a pattern that visually associates each of the plurality of image segments included in the reconstructed initial tomographic image with the displayed at least one partial period arranged between consecutive heartbeats;

in response to the presence of a defect in the reconstructed original tomographic image, reconstructing again an image portion corresponding to an image section containing the defect of the reconstructed original tomographic image by using corrected image data obtained from another partial period in which the generation of the defect is to be prevented;

updating the image portion containing the defect using the re-reconstructed image portion;

and displaying the updated result.