X-Ray CT apparatus and method of controlling the same

An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray detector that is asymmetrically disposed with respect to an irradiation axis of an X-ray and first and second ends that are disposed close to and far from the irradiation axis of the X-ray, respectively. When a scanogram of an object is imaged in one direction only, a part of the object at the first end is missed. Accordingly, scanograms are imaged in first and second directions that are opposite to each other, and then the imaged scanograms are superimposed. The superimposed scanogram is used as an image for setting a scanning range. According to this configuration, although a scanogram is produced by an X-ray CT apparatus having an asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector, it is possible to produce a desired projection data by obtaining scanogram data in the opposite two directions and combining each data. As a result, the accuracy in setting of a scanning position is not deteriorated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus that can produce a desired scanogram without a missed portion (an image for setting a scanning range), although a detector is asymmetrically positioned with respect to a line connecting the focus and the rotational center of an X-ray tube.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, when the inside of an object is imaged by an X-ray CT apparatus, first, the X-ray CT apparatus produces an image for setting a scanning range (e.g. JP-A-192327) . The image for setting a scanning range is a scanogram, i.e. a radioscopic image for a predetermined range of the object. In the imaging of the inside of the object, a position where a tomogram is imaged is determined on the basis of the scanogram. Accordingly, the X-ray CT apparatus obtains a tomogram by scanning the determined position using X-rays. When obtaining a scanogram, the X-ray CT apparatus irradiates X-rays onto the object, while not rotating the X-ray tube and moving a top board of a bed where the object is placed in the body axial direction of the object. A scanogram30as shown inFIG. 1is produced on the basis of projection data obtained by the X-ray irradiation and displayed on a screen of a display.

In the determination of positions for imaging a tomogram, the positions for imaging a tomogram are set on the scanogram. The set positions are, for example, indicated by lines L1, L2, . . . Lnas shown inFIG. 1. During scanning for obtaining a tomogram, the top board of the bed where the object is placed returns to the initial position after the imaging for producing a scanogram is finished and moves again thereafter. The X-ray tube is disposed to the above positions L1to Lnby moving the top board of the bed. The X-ray tube irradiates X-rays, rotating around the object. Tomograms for the object at the positions L1to Lnare obtained as images based on the projection data obtained by the X-ray irradiation.

In recent years, some of X-ray detectors for X-ray CT apparatuses tend to be asymmetrically disposed with respect to an irradiation axis of an X-ray extending from the focus of the X-ray tube through the rotational centers of the X-ray tube and X-ray detector. The asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector is formed such that the right and left thereof are asymmetric with respect to the irradiation axis of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube, and the edges are separated into an end closer to and the other end farther from the irradiation axis.

However, when the scanogram is imaged the an X-ray CT apparatus having an asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector, because the right and the left of the X-ray detector collecting the X-rays transmitted through the object are asymmetrical to each other with respect to the irradiation axis, a missed portion of the imaging region of the object is generated in a collection FOV (Field Of View).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray CT apparatus that can obtain a scanogram without a missed portion, although it includes an asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, an X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector that has first and second ends in a direction perpendicular to the body axis of an object and the X-ray irradiation axis, the first end being closer to the X-ray irradiation axis than the second end and the second end being farther from the X-ray irradiation axis than the first end. The X-ray CT apparatus moves the X-ray tube by a first rotational angle and obtains projection data in a first direction, and then moves the X-ray tube by a second rotational angle and obtains projection data in a second direction. Subsequently, the X-ray CT apparatus superimposes the projection data corresponding to the first and second directions and produces an image for setting a scanning range.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the invention, although a scanogram is produced by an X-ray CT apparatus having an asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector, a desired projection data (scanogram data) can be produced by obtaining projection data in two directions and combining each projection data. Accordingly, the accuracy in setting of a scanning position can be secured.

Meanwhile, according to a second embodiment of the invention, an X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector that has first and second ends in a direction perpendicular to the body axis of an object and the X-ray irradiation axis, the first end being closer to the X-ray irradiation axis than the second end and the second end being farther from the X-ray irradiation axis than the first end; and a projector that shows the X-ray irradiation regions at the first and second ends.

Further, according to the second embodiment of the invention, when a scanogram is imaged in one direction within an X-ray irradiation range lightened by the projector, because the X-ray CT apparatus can discriminate in advance whether a part of an object is excluded from the range, the scanogram is not repeatedly imaged, thus the object is not unnecessarily exposed to the X-rays.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention will be described hereafter. The same reference numerals are given to the components having the same functions and configurations herein, and some components are repeatedly described, only if needed.

Although a variety of types of X-ray CT apparatuses are known, such as a ROTATE/ROTATE type in which X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors rotate around an object as a unit and a STATIONARY/ROTATE type in which several detecting elements are disposed in a ring shape and only an X-ray tube rotates around an object, the present invention is applicable to all types of X-ray CT apparatuses. However, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein in relation to the ROTATE/ROTATE type that is currently the mainstream of X-ray CT apparatuses.

In order to reconstruct tomogram data of a slice, projection data obtained during one rotation, about 360°, around an object is required, or according to a half scan method, projection data obtained by 180°+a view angle is required. The present invention is also applicable to both reconstructing methods. A case in which a tomogram is reconstructed from projection data for about 360° C. will be described herein.

The two known mechanism for converting irradiated X-rays into electric charges is an indirect converting type in which an X-ray is converted into light by a fluorescent body such as a scintillator and then the light is converted into an electric charge by a photoelectric transducer such as a photodiode, and a direct converting type using a photoconductive phenomenon that electron-hole pairs are generated by X-rays and moves to electrodes in a semiconductor. An X-ray detector may be any one of the types, but is described herein in relation to the indirect converting type.

In recent years, a multi-tube spherical X-ray CT apparatus that has a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors mounted on a rotating frame has been produced and peripheral technologies have progressed accordingly. The present invention is applicable to conventional single-tube spherical X-ray apparatuses and multi-tube spherical X-ray CT apparatuses. However, a single-tube spherical apparatus is described herein by way of an example.

Configuration

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 2, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry1and a calculating system3. The gantry1includes an X-ray tube10and an X-ray detector23. The X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23are mounted on a ring-shaped rotating frame12. The rotating frame12is rotated about the z-axis by a gantry-driving device25.

An opening is formed at the central portion of the rotating frame12. An object P who is disposed on a top board2aof a bed2is inserted into the opening. A collimator22is disposed between the X-ray tube10and the opening. The collimator22is made of a material such as plumbum, tungsten or etc. so as to block an X-ray, and narrows the irradiation range of X-rays. A top board driving unit2bis provided to the bed2to longitudinally move the top board2a(parallel to the rotational axis). The top board driving unit2bincludes a top board position detector, such as a rotary encoder, to detect the position of the top board2a.

A tube voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode of the X-ray tube10by a high voltage generator21. A filament current is supplied from the high voltage generator21to a filament of the X-ray tube10. X-rays are generated by applying a high voltage or supplying a filament current.

The X-ray detector23includes, for example, a 0.5 mm×0.5 mm isotropic two-dimensional array of a plurality of detecting elements26. For example, 916 pieces of detecting elements are arrayed at 0.5 mm pitch in the channel direction. For example, 40 lows (segment) of 916 pieces of detecting elements are arrayed at 0.5 mm pitch in the slice direction.

The X-ray detector23is, as shown inFIG. 3, positioned asymmetrically with respect to an irradiation axis CL that connects the focus of the X-ray tube10and the rotational center of the X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23. In the asymmetrically positioned X-ray detector23, a first end23ais closer to the irradiation axis CL than the other end, i.e. second end23bin the direction perpendicular to the body axis and the irradiation axis CL. In other words, the second end23bis farther from the irradiation axis CL than the first end23a.

When an image for setting a scanning range in which a portion of an object P is not included within FOV in a direction is detected using the asymmetrically positioned X-ray detector23, the obtained scanogram data is outputted as an image excluding a missed portion D of the object P at the first end23a.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the rotating frame12is rotated by a gantry driving device25controlled by a scan controller30, so that, as shown inFIG. 3, scanogram data is obtained in a direction (seeFIG. 6A) and the opposite direction (seeFIG. 6B). The scanogram data in both directions are superimposed and scanogram including the missed portion D is generated (described below in detail).

A data collector24, generally called as a DAS (Data Acquisition System) converts signals in each channel outputted from the X-ray detector23into voltage signals and amplifies the voltage signals, and then converts the amplified signals into digital signals. The digital signals, also called as raw data, are supplied to a calculating system3provided outside the gantry1.

A pre-process unit34of the calculating system3corrects the raw data outputted from the data collector26, such as sensitivity correction, and outputs the corrected data as projection data. The projection data is transmitted to a data memory35of the calculating system3to be stored.

The calculating system3includes, in addition to the pre-process unit34and the memory35, an input device39including a keyboard or a mouse, a display38, a scan controller30, an image processor31, a reconstructing unit36, a scanning plan setting unit43, and a tube current calculator37.

The reconstructing unit36is capable of selectively using a variety of reconstructing processes of a typical fan beam method (also called as divergent ray convolution backprojection method), a helical interpolation method, a feldkamp method, and a cone beam reconstructing method.

The helical interpolation method is a reconstructing method that may be used in combination with the fan beam reconstructing method, and obtains projection data on a reconstructing surface, for example, from projection data corresponding to two rotations by interpolation. The feldkamp method is, as the cone beam method, a reconstructing method used when a projection ray crosses a constructing surface, and an approximate reconstructing method that processes fan projection beams while convoluting and an inverse projections according to rays during scanning, assuming that a cone angle is small. The cone beam reconstructing method has fewer errors in cone angles than the feldkamp method and corrects projection data depending on the angle of a ray against a reconstructing surface.

The image processor31generates one desired scanogram data by superimposing two scanogram data obtained by irradiating X-rays onto an object P in two opposite directions. In the superimposing of two scanogram data, for example, scanogram data at the second end23b,which is far from the irradiation axis CL, is extracted from each of the two scanogram data and the extracted two scanogram data are superimposed with the irradiation axis CL as a center.

In the X-ray detector23according to the present embodiment, the missed portion D occurs at the first end23aclose to the irradiation axis CL. In order to supplement the scanogram data of the missed portion D, in the scanogram data obtained by irradiating in the opposite directions, the scanogram data at the end where the missed portion D appears is used.

While superimposing the scanogram data, a magnification of each scanogram maybe adjusted so that the relative positions of the object P (spatial coordinates) to the X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23are substantially the same. The relative positions of the object P (spatial coordinates) to the X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23may be determined on the basis of the positional information of the gantry2(in more detail, the distance between the top board2aof the gantry2and the X-ray detector23) where the object P is placed.

The scanning plan setting unit43has a function required to guide an operator so as to select a scanning plan. For example, the scanning plan setting unit43provides a screen on which an operator can input various items such as patient information, diagnostic object, and a part to be diagnosed, etc., and shows the screen through a display38.

The tube current calculator37calculates the tube current supplied to the X-ray tube10when a scanning plan is set.

In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment, a laser indicator is mounted to the gantry1. The laser indicator indicates a range that can be imaged when a scanogram is imaged by the asymmetrically positioned X-ray detector23in one direction only, and irradiates a laser from the position of the X-ray tube10toward the first and second ends23aand23bof the X-ray detector23. When an object P is placed on the bed2, the laser indicator irradiates a laser and, for example, as shown inFIG. 4A, marks lines, which indicates the positions of the first and second ends23aand23b,on the surface of the object P or the bed2. Conventional laser indicators mark a line L that indicates only the center in the upper direction (the front direction of the object P) and the left/right directions (the left and right directions of the object P placed on the bed2) to help appropriately placing the object P about the irradiation axis CL of the X-ray tube10(seeFIG. 4B).

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing the flow of imaging a scanogram in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5, an object P is placed face up on the bed2(S1).

The laser indicator mounted to the gantry1indicates an imaging region when a scanogram is imaged in one direction only, using lasers (S2). The laser indicator irradiates lasers from the position of the X-ray tube10towards the first and second ends23aand23band marks an imaging region on the surface of the object P where the laser is irradiated (seeFIG. 4A).

When the entire object P is not included within the region between the two laser indicators (within FOV) (S3—No), an operator selects a mode “imaging scanograms in two directions” through the input device39. The scan controller30receiving the selection of the mode “imaging scanograms in two directions” operates “to image scanograms in two directions”.

On the other hand, the entire object P is included within the region between the two laser indicators (within the region that can be imaged) (S3—Yes), the operator selects a “normal” mode through the input device39. The scan controller30receiving the selection of the “normal” mode operates the scanogram imaging in a first direction (e.g. upper direction (the facial direction of the object P placed face up on the bed2)) (S6) and starts scanning on the basis of the obtained scanogram data (S8).

In the mode “imaging scanograms in two directions”, first, as shown inFIG. 6A, the controller operates a scanogram imaging for a first position (S4). In the scanogram imaging for the first position, the scan controller30calibrates the X-ray tube10in the first direction and exposes the object to X-rays. According to the scanogram imaging in the first direction in the present embodiment, the scanogram imaging operates under the configuration that the X-ray tube10is disposed above the object P (above the face of the object P placed face up on the bed2) and the X-ray detector23is disposed under the object P (under the back of the object placed face up on the bed2) such that the object P is placed between them.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 6B, the scan controller30operates a scanogram imaging for a second position (S5). While imaging the scanogram in the second position, the controller30rotates the X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23at 180° in the first direction with the object P as a center to calibrate the X-ray tube10in the second direction, and exposes the object P to X-rays. According to the scanogram imaging in the second direction in the present embodiment, the scanogram imaging operates under the configuration that the X-ray tube10is disposed under the object P (under the back of the object P placed face up on the bed2) and the X-ray detector23is disposed above the object P (above the face of the object P placed face up on the bed2).

After obtaining the scanogram data in the first and second directions, the image processor31processes each scanogram data on the basis of the positional information of the bed2in each imaging and superimposing of the data.

FIGS. 7aand8aare examples of scanograms of the object P when the scanograms are imaged in the first and second directions.FIGS. 7band8bare views showing extracted portions out of the scanograms of the object P in the first and second directions by the image processor31, respectively.

As shown inFIGS. 7aand8a,the missed portion D appears at the first end23aclose to the irradiation axis CL for each direction. Accordingly, as schematically shown inFIGS. 7band8b,the image processor31extracts scanogram data between the irradiation axis CL and the second end23bfrom the scanograms imaged in the first and second directions and superimposing the extracted data parallel with each other with the irradiation axis CL centered.

Before superimposing the data and when obtaining each scanogram data, the image processor31adjusts the size the image of the scanogram data on the basis of the positional signal of the top board transmitted from a top board position detector in the top board driving unit2bof the bed2such that positional information of the bed2(in more detail, the distances from the top board2aof the bed2and the X-ray detector23) where the object P is placed are the same.

The superimposed scanogram data is stored in the data memory36. The size adjustment implies a process that makes the image size of the scanogram data (the number of dots forming the image) uniform for any one of the first and second directions for the obtained scanogram data.

Therefore, even in the X-ray CT apparatus including the asymmetrically positioned X-ray detector23, desired scanogram data without the missed portion D can be obtained by superimposing the portions at the second end23bfar from the irradiation axis CL of the scanogram data imaged in the two opposite directions.

In the X-ray CT apparatus, a scanning plan for a tomogram of an object is set using desired scanogram data without the missed portion D.FIG. 9shows an example of a screen for setting a scanning plan. In the scanning plan screen, a patient information-displaying area Ea, a gantry information-displaying area Eb, and a scanogram-displaying area Ec are displayed at the upside and a scanning condition-displaying area Ed is displayed at the downside.

Patient information is displayed in the patient information-displaying area Ea, gantry information is displayed in the gantry information displaying area Eb, a scanogram is displayed in the scanogram-displaying area Ec, and a detailed scanning condition is displayed in the scanning condition-displaying area Ed.

The scanning condition includes a variety of items such as start and stop position items Ia and Ib of a helical scan that corresponds to an outline of a scanogram, a scan mode item Ic, a scan number item Id, a tube voltage (kV) item Ie, a tube current (mA) item If, a scan speed item Ig that represents a time required for one rotation of the X-ray tube10(the value in a parenthesis represents imaging time), a reconstructing mode item Ih, an imaging view (FOV) mode item Ii, and a helical pitch item Ij that represents a movement distance of the top board with the scan pitch.

A box for directly inputting a value of tube current and a pull down menu PM are included in the tube current (mA) item If (seeFIG. 10). A plurality of tube current values and “Auto” are included as an option of the pull down menu PM. The automatic setting of a tube current value is a function that when an operator sets an image SD that is an index representing the image quality, a tube current value required to achieve the set image SD is automatically set by the system.

Image noise is inevitably included in a reconstructed image. The image noise is generally represented as a standard deviation that implies a difference of CT values obtained when a uniform phantom is imaged. In general, the standard deviation representing image noise is called the image SD. When observing a reconstructed image and diagnosing, an operator needs to consider an image SD of the image to discriminate that, for example, shades in the image are noise or tumor. The image SD strongly tends to depend on the amount of transmitting X-rays that is determined by a function of a tube current and an object.

The tube current calculator37calculates a required tube current value to achieve the image SD selected by an operator, and computes a tube current value according to a predetermined computing formula, when required parameters are inputted. The tube current value is expressed by the following equation including a function of a water equivalent thickness DPb corresponding to the thickness of the object:
Ib=(SDa2/SDinput2)×(mAs/t)×PkV×Psl×PHP×PFW×PFC×Pmode×exp(−μ(DPa−DPb)),
where, SDa: image SD of an image obtained by imaging and reconstructing a standard water phantom of the water equivalent thickness DPa as a function of standard tube current, standard tube voltage, standard imaging slice thickness, standard image slice thickness, and standard reconstruction,

SDinput: image SD that an operator wants in a resultant image,

mAs: time integrational value of a standard tube current (sec),

PkV: coefficient corresponding to a tube voltage,

Psl: coefficient corresponding to an imaging slice thickness,

PHP: coefficient corresponding to a helical pitch,

PFW: coefficient corresponding to the rate of image slice thickness relative to imaging slice thickness,

PFC: coefficient corresponding to reconstructing function,

Pmode: coefficient about normal mode or exposure-reducing mode of X-ray,

DPb: water equivalent thickness corresponding to the object's thickness (mm).

The water equivalent thickness DPb corresponding to the object's thickness is induced from a scanogram obtained by superimposing scanograms imaged in the two directions and supplementing the missed portion D to the superimposed scanogram. The other parameters are obtained by the operator's input or stored in advance.

The water equivalent thickness DPb corresponding to the object's thickness is calculated through the following equation:
DPb=DW×(SP/AW)1/2
where, DW: diameter of water phantom that is approximate to the object's size,

SP: integration of pixel corresponding to one line in the slice direction that is obtained by imaging scanogram of the body, and

AW: integrational value of pixel corresponding to one line that is obtained by imaging scanogram of water phantom.

The AW is obtained by imaging a scanogram of a cylindrical water phantom that is approximately the same as object's size and integrating the pixel values in one line in the scanogram. The SP is obtained by imaging a scanogram of the object and integrating the pixel values in one line in the scanogram. In the X-ray CT apparatus having the asymmetrically positioned X-ray detector23, the scanograms used in the calculation of the AW and SP are obtained by imaging scanograms in two directions and superimposing the scanograms to supplement the missed portion D.

The water equivalent thickness DPb corresponding to the object's thickness is a converted value assuming that the object is water. When pixels in one line of a scanogram including the missed portion D is integrated, the water equivalent thickness DPb is calculated as the object's thickness of the portion where the missed portion D is removed. Meanwhile, according the present embodiment, a water equivalent thickness DPb precisely representing the entire thickness of the object can be calculated.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus, tube current is calculated on the basis of a scanogram obtained by imaging scanograms in two directions and superimposing them to supplement the missed portion D, while a scanning plan is set by an operator's input and a tomogram is made according to the scanning plan.

A first modification of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the above embodiment is described below.

A modification of irradiating an X-ray when scanograms are imaged in two directions is shown inFIG. 11. In the above embodiment, the irradiation region is set from the first end23ato the second end23bto cross the irradiation axis CL. However, as shown inFIG. 11, when scanograms are imaged in two directions, each irradiation region may be set from the irradiation axis CL to the second end23bfar from the irradiation axis CL.

The collimator22includes several pairs of collimator blocks22aand22bthat are disposed close to or far from the irradiation axis CL. The X-ray CT apparatus disposes the end of the collimator block22aat the first end23ato or close to the irradiation axis CL.

As a result, the collimator22narrows the region from the irradiation axis CL to the first end23aand prevents X-rays from passing through the region. Therefore, X-rays cannot pass the region from the irradiation axis CL to the first end23a.The X-ray CT apparatus images scanograms in two directions under the condition that the region from the irradiation axis CL of the collimator22to the first end23ais blocked from X-rays. Only scanogram data from the irradiation axis CL to the second ends23bis included in the imaged scanograms in the two directions. The scanograms in the two directions are superimposed with the irradiation axis CL as a center.

Accordingly, while the part of the object between the irradiation axis CL and the first end23aclose to the irradiation axis CL is not unnecessarily exposed to X-rays, a scanogram without the missed portion D can be achieved.

A second modification of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the above embodiment is described below. In the above embodiment, when scanograms obtained in the two directions are superimposed, the image size is adjusted on the basis of the positional information of the bed2. However, the X-ray CT apparatus, after overlapping a part of the imaging region and imaging scanograms in two directions may adjust the image size through comparing the sizes of the parts of the object P within the overlapped imaging region.

FIG. 12schematically shows a state that scanograms are imaged in two directions after overlapping a part of the imaging region. As shown inFIG. 12, in the imaging of the scanogram in one direction, an irradiation region is set to a region FOV2obtained by adding a predetermined region from the irradiation axis CL to the first end23ato the region FOV1from the irradiation axis CL to the second end23b.In an imaging of a scanogram in the other direction, an irradiation region may be set to a region only from the irradiation axis CL to the second end23b.

The collimator22is disposed such that an end of the collimator22is spaced from the irradiation axis CL at a predetermined distance. In this configuration, X-rays are irradiated onto the object P. The image processor31extracts the region FOV1from the irradiation axis CL to the second end23bas scanogram data to be superimposed, and also extracts the repeatedly imaged region FOV2from each scanogram data.

FIG. 13schematically shows scanograms within the overlapping imaging region. (a) inFIG. 13shows the overlapping region imaged in first direction, and (b) inFIG. 13shows the overlapping region imaged in second direction. In the X-ray CT apparatus, when the rotational center of the X-ray tube10and the X-ray detector23deviates from the body axis of the object P, the sizes of the object P imaged in the scanogram in two directions are different and the image sizes need to be adjusted. When the rotational center and the body axis deviate from each other, the distances between the focus of the X-ray tube10when scanograms are imaged in each direction and the body axis are different. As the distances between the focus and the body axis are different, the focus of the object P changes and the size of the object imaged in the scanogram changes.

The image processor31calculates a magnification for one scanogram relative to the other by comparing the sizes of the object imaged in the scanograms obtained from the overlapped imaging region. After calculating the magnification, the image processor31multiplies the scanogram from the irradiation axis CL to the second end23bby the inverse number of the obtained magnification to make the image sizes of the scanogram equal. After making the image sizes equal, the image processor31superimposes the scanograms with the irradiation axis CL as a center and produces a scanogram without the missed portion D.

As described above, according the embodiments of the invention, even though a scanogram is produced by an X-ray CT apparatus having asymmetrically disposed X-ray detector, imaging data (scanogram data) is obtained in two opposite directions and one desired imaging data can be produced, so that a setting accuracy of a scanning position is not decreased.

In imaging a tomogram, because a tube current value is determined by desired scanogram data without a missed portion, tube current that can accurately achieves the image quality (image SD) desired by an operator, so that the operator can obtain an image with predetermined image quality and does not need to repeatedly scan.

Further, because it may be possible to discriminate in advance whether a part of an object is missed when a scanogram is imaged in one direction using a laser projector that lightens an X-ray irradiation region at the first and second ends23aand23b,scanograms does not need to be repeatedly imaged and unnecessary exposure can be prevented.

In the imaging of scanograms in two directions, because scanograms are imaged within the region only between the irradiation axis CL and the second end23bfar from the irradiation axis CL and superimposed, the part of the object P between the irradiation axis CL and the first end23aclose to the irradiation axis CL is not unnecessarily exposed to X-rays and a resultant scanogram without the missed portion D can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In other words, a variety of steps may be included in the above embodiments and a variety of modifications may be obtained by superimposing the disclosed plurality of components. For example, some of the components described in the above embodiment may be excluded.