Module 3: Pitch, Sensitivity Profile and Imaging System Design:

Operating Console, Computer, Gantry & Slip-Ring Technology

Overview

In this module, we shall be looking into the Imaging System Design and its components and how
Computer Tomography works. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most widely used imaging
modalities to diagnose various diseases in the clinical field. We will also discuss and understand how
pitch and sensitivity profile important in scanning.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you will:

1. Understand how pitch and sensitivity profile interconnected;

2. Reflect on how important imaging design in performing CT;
3. Discuss the imaging system design and its components.

Learning Content and Self-Assessment Question

Pitch

Pitch (P) is a term used in helical CT. It has two terminologies depending on whether single slice or
multislice CT scanners are used .

Single slice CT (SSCT)

The term detector pitch is used and is defined as table distance traveled in one 360° gantry rotation
divided by beam collimation.

For example, if the table traveled 5

mm in one rotation and the beam
collimation was 5 mm then pitch
equals 5 mm / 5 mm = 1.0.

Choice of pitch affects both image

quality and patient dose :

 P = 1.0: x-ray beams are

contiguous for adjacent rotations
 P >1.0: x-ray beams are not
contiguous for adjacent rotations; i.e.
there are gaps in the x-ray helix, but
 the full volume is still irradiated, only with fewer projections per rotation
 P <1.0: there is x-ray beam overlap; i.e. a volume of tissue is irradiated more than once per scan

Thus a pitch >1.0 results in decreased patient dose but also decreased image quality (fewer projections
are obtained, resulting in lower SNR). A pitch of <1.0 results in better image quality, but a higher patient
dose.

Multislice CT (MSCT)
Beam pitch is defined as table distance traveled in one 360° gantry rotation divided by the total
thickness of all simultaneously acquired slices.

Sensitivity Profile

A method to measure low-contrast high-noise SSP of nonlinear CT images was developed.

•Low-contrast plastic sheet is used as a weak impulsive test object.

•Accurate SSP is obtainable even when a test object is indistinct against noise.

•Each different peculiar behavior of low-CNR SSP is disclosed for three IR methods

The section sensitivity profile (SSP) is widely used to describe the longitudinal image resolution in
computed tomography (CT). Due to asymmetry in spiral CT interpolation, the SSP depends on the
transverse position of the associated longitudinal line. Spatial variation in the spiral CT SSP has not been
investigated previously. To determine the SSP variation over the scan field, the SSP for the half-scan
interpolation method in terms of its transverse position was formulated. Based on the SSP formula,
mathematical analysis and numerical simulation were performed.

It was shown that the SSP associated with a transverse slice is ant symmetric with respect to the
abscissa axis (which connects the slice center and the source location in the slice). Moment analysis was
conducted on the SSP up to order three. The area under the SSP is equal to that under the longitudinal
detector response function.

As a result, with a normalized SSP the total mass of an object approximately remains after
reconstruction. The mean of the SSP is equal to zero, although the SSP is asymmetric. The standard
deviation and skewness of the SSP were numerically simulated and plotted for typical imaging
parameters. It was demonstrated that for a 50 degrees fan angle (which is extended by two extreme
rays in a fan beam) the relative change in the slice thickness is no more than 10%, while the skewness of
the SSP is within about 0.15. The smaller the fan angle, the less the SSP spatial variation. Therefore, in
spiral CT the SSP along the longitudinal axis can be used as a representative of the SSP family.
Imaging System Design: Operating Console, Computer, Gantry &
Slip-Ring Technology
OPERATOR’S CONSOLE

The operator’s console is the point from which the technologist controls the scanner. A typical console is
equipped with a keyboard for entering patient data and a graphic monitor for viewing the images. Other
input devices, such as a touch display screen and a computer mouse, may also be used. The operator’s
console allows the technologist to control and monitor numerous scan parameters. Radiographic
technique factors, slice thickness, table index, and reconstruction algorithm are some of the scan
parameters that are selected at the operator’s console.

CT operator’s console, workstation for three-dimensional image manipulation, and power injector
control panel. Before starting an examination, the technologist must enter the patient information. A
keyboard is still necessary for some functions. Usually the first scan program selected is the scout
program from which the radiographer plans the sequence of axial scans. An example of a typical scout
image is seen above. The operator’s console is also the location of the monitor, where image
manipulation takes place. Most scanners display the image on the monitor in a 1024 matrix interpolated
by the computer from the 512 reconstructed images.

One of the most important functions of the operator’s console is to initiate the process to store or
archive the images for future viewing. To produce hard copies of images in the form of film, the most
commonly used filming device is the laser printer. Most modern imaging departments now have picture
archiving and communications systems (PACS) that are used to store and retrieve soft copy (digital)
images.
COMPUTER

The computer provides the link between the CT technologist and the other components of the imaging
system. The computer system used in CT has four basic functions: control of data acquisition, image
reconstruction, storage of image data, and image display.

Data acquisition is the method by which the patient is scanned. The technologist must select among
numerous parameters, such as scanning in the conventional or helical mode, before the initiation of
each scan. During implementation of the data acquisition system (DAS), the computer is involved in
sequencing the generation of x-rays, turning the detectors on and off at appropriate intervals,
transferring data, and monitoring the system operation.

The reconstruction of a CT image depends on the millions of mathematic operations required to digitize
and reconstruct the raw data. This image reconstruction is accomplished using an array processor that
acts as a specialized computer to perform mathematic calculations rapidly and efficiently, freeing the
host computer for other activities. Currently, CT units can acquire scans in less than 1 second and
require only a few seconds more for image reconstruction.

The host computer in CT has limited storage capacity, so image data can be stored only temporarily.
Other storage mechanisms are necessary to allow for long-term data storage and retrieval. After
reconstruction, the CT image data can be transferred to another storage medium such as optical disks.
CT studies can be removed from the limited memory of the host computer and stored independently, a
process termed archiving.

The reconstructed images are displayed on a monitor. At this point, the technologist or physician can
communicate with the host computer to view specific images; post images on a scout; or implement
image manipulation techniques such as zoom, control contrast and brightness, and image analysis
techniques.

GANTRY and TABLE

The gantry is a circular device that houses the x-ray tube, DAS, and detector array. Helical CT units also
house the continuous slip ring and high-voltage generator in the gantry. The structures housed in the
gantry collect the necessary attenuation measurements to be sent to the computer for image
reconstruction.

The x-ray tube used in CT is similar in design to the tubes used in conventional radiography, but it is
specially designed to handle and dissipate excessive heat units created during a CT examination. Most
CT x-ray tubes use a rotating anode to increase heat dissipation. Many CT x-ray tubes can handle around
2.1 million heat units (MHU), whereas advanced CT units can tolerate 4 to 5 MHU.
The detectors in CT function as image receptors. A detector measures the amount of radiation
transmitted through the body and converts the measurement into an electrical signal proportional to
the radiation intensity. The two basic detector types used in CT are scintillation (solid-state) and
ionization (xenon gas) detectors. Current detectors use scintillation (solid-state) detectors.

The gantry can be tilted forward or backward up to 30 degrees to compensate for body part angulation.
The opening within the center of the gantry is termed the aperture. Most apertures are about 28 inches
(71.1 cm) wide to accommodate a variety of patient sizes as the patient table advances through it.

For certain head studies, such as studies of facial bones, sinuses, or the sella turcica, a combination of
patient positioning and gantry angulation results in a direct coronal image of the body part being
scanned. Figure shows a typical direct coronal image of the paranasal sinuses.

Direct coronal of paranasal sinuses

The table is an automated device linked to the computer and gantry. It is designed to move in
increments (index) according to the scan program. The table is an extremely important part of a CT
scanner. Indexing must be accurate and reliable, especially when thin slices (1 or 2 mm) are taken
through the area of interest. Most CT tables can be programmed to move in or out of the gantry,
depending on the examination protocol and the patient.

CT tables are made of wood or low-density carbon composite, both of which support the patient
without causing image artifacts. The table must be very strong and rigid to handle patient weight and at
the same time maintain consistent indexing. All CT tables have a maximum patient weight limit; this
limit varies by manufacturer from 300 to 600 lb (136 to 272 kg). Exceeding the weight limit can cause
inaccurate indexing; damage to the table motor; and even breakage of the tabletop, which could cause
serious injury to the patient.

Accessory devices can be attached to the table for various uses. A special device called a cradle is used
for head CT examinations. The head cradle helps hold the head still; because the device extends beyond
the tabletop, it minimizes artifacts or attenuation from the table while the brain is being scanned. It can
also be used in positioning the patient for direct coronal images.

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

As a Radiology Student, how important to you to study the Imaging System Design in performing CT?
How do you see the effectiveness of CT Scan in the life of each of every one of us?

Answer it with a minimum of 70 words and maximum of 100 words. It must have deeper critiques. Use
your Philosophical view in making an argument. Make it clear and concise.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

END OF THE LESSON ASSESSMENT

Instructions: Identify what is being asked. Write your answer on the blank.
Enumeration

1. A detector measures the amount of ___________________ transmitted through the body

and converts the measurement into an electrical signal proportional to the radiation
intensity.
2. The _______________ is a circular device that houses the x-ray tube, DAS, and detector
array.
3. _____________________ is the method by which the patient is scanned.
4. The ________________________ is the point from which the technologist controls the
scanner.
5. All CT tables have a maximum patient weight limit; this limit varies by manufacturer from
____________ to _______________.
6. The two basic detector types used in CT are ____________________ and
__________________ detectors.
 7. Indexing must be _______________ and_________________, especially when thin slices (1
or 2 mm) are taken through the area of interest
8. The host computer in CT has limited storage capacity, so image data can be stored only
________________.

9. ____________________ are not contiguous for adjacent rotations; i.e. there are gaps in the
x-ray helix, but the full volume is still irradiated, only with fewer projections per rotation
10. ). Due to asymmetry in spiral________________________, the SSP depends on the
transverse position of the associated longitudinal line.
11. ____________________ is defined as table distance traveled in one 360° gantry rotation
divided by the total thickness of all simultaneously acquired slices.
12. The image reconstruction is accomplished using an ______________________ that acts as a
specialized computer to perform mathematic calculations rapidly and efficiently, freeing the
host computer for other activities.
13. The ___________________ provides the link between the CT technologist and the other
components of the imaging system.
14. Many CT x-ray tubes can handle around ________________ heat units (MHU), whereas
advanced CT units can tolerate _____________ MHU.
15. One of the most important functions of the operator’s console is _________________ to
store or archive the images for future viewing

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1120179719300535

https://www.google.com/search?q=Sensitivity+profile+in+CT&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjQwtGWj-
_1AhUPBpQKHaDkBRcQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=Sensitivity+profile+in+CT&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1D3CVjyVmCaXmgAcAB4AYABjwqIA
btokgEKNC0xNi45LjAuMZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nsAEAwAEB&sclient=img&ei=Sd0BYpD6JI-
M0ASgyZe4AQ&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH955PH966#imgrc=FZ4BTPB2Y8yGaM

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7838061/#:~:text=The%20section%20sensitivity%20profile%20(SSP
,of%20the%20associated%20longitudinal%20line.

https://radiologykey.com/computed-tomography-8/

Prepared by:

Achivido, Markvine Ray T., RRT

Professor