Mitsuru Yahata

Volume CT of anthropomorphic phantoms using a radiation therapy simulator

We interface a Toshiba LX-40A radiation therapy simulator with a custom designed data acquisition system and a 386-PC. The LX-40A includes a 14 inch (35.6 cm) x-ray image intensifier and a 1 inch saticon camera. Two-dimensional cone beam projections of an anthropomorphic chest/lung phantom are collected. The Feldkamp algorithm reconstructs the volume data set into a volume image of the phantom. We discuss several volume computed tomography issues including spatial distortions in the x-ray image intensifier, scatter, and veiling glare. We compare the volume computed tomography results with two-dimensional CT imaging of the same phantom scanned on the equipment.

Current status of networked image communication system

Recent progress in medical imaging equipment besides evolution of each modality is the standardization of the image format, and communication method between them. When such an integrated diagnosis and therapy system is realized, operators must manipulate more than one equipment in order to receive the full benefit of the multiple-modality environment. This paper describes our basic concept, and some prototype design toward unified operation of networked medical equipment.