Special X-ray cone beam computer tomography system for animals with double-image system

Abstract

The invention discloses a special X-ray cone-beam computed tomography system for animals with a double-image system, and relates to the technical field of cone-beam computed tomography. Comprising an internal rotary supporting structure, a detachable bed board, a large animal imaging module, a small animal imaging module and a control module. The large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module are coaxially installed on the rotating rack and share the same electrical system and imaging control logic. Through the design of a dual-module coaxial rotation imaging structure, high and low power imaging modules adapted to animals with different body types and a detachable low-attenuation bed board, the comprehensive improvement of the animal imaging system in resolution, application range and imaging stability is realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of cone-beam computed tomography, in particular to an animal-specific X-ray cone-beam computed tomography system with double imaging systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a technology that collects multi-angle two-dimensional projection images by rotating an X-ray source and a flat panel detector system around a scanned object, and then obtains three-dimensional tomographic data through image reconstruction algorithms. This technology has been widely used in human medical and small animal imaging fields. There are still challenges in animal diagnosis, such as users wanting a device to be compatible with different sizes of animals from small mice to lions, and to achieve effective lesion identification. For small animals, very high spatial resolution is required, which requires the use of a micro-focus X-ray source and a high-precision small-size flat panel detector to obtain clear and detailed images; while large animal imaging requires a high-power, high-voltage, large-size X-ray source and flat panel detector to ensure sufficient penetration and imaging range. The current single imaging system on the market cannot meet the needs of these two completely different types of requirements, and the support beds for different weight animals also have different requirements in terms of load and X-ray attenuation, resulting in insufficient device compatibility, causing users to be troubled in use and cost. SUMMARY

[0003] Based on the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide an animal-specific X-ray cone-beam computed tomography system with double imaging systems to solve the above technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical solution: an animal-specific X-ray cone-beam computed tomography system with double imaging systems, comprising: an internal rotating support structure, a detachable bed plate, a large animal imaging module, a small animal imaging module, and a control module.

[0005] The large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module are coaxially installed on the rotating gantry and share the same electrical system and imaging control logic.

[0006] The present application further provides that the large animal imaging module comprises a high-power X-ray source and a first flat panel detector.

[0007] The small animal imaging module comprises a micro-focus X-ray source and a second flat panel detector.

[0008] The first flat panel detector and the second flat panel detector can be adjusted in position in the horizontal direction.

[0009] The application is further configured that the internal rotation support structure is used for supporting the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module and driving the two imaging modules to rotate around the same mechanical center.

[0010] The application is further configured that the detachable bed plate comprises a thin bed plate suitable for small animals and a thick bed plate suitable for large animals, so as to adapt to different animals for imaging, and the bed plate material is carbon fiber or other low-attenuation material.

[0011] The application is further configured that the detachable bed plate is connected with the bed frame through a bed plate connecting structure, the bed frame is provided with a lifting column and a moving assembly, the lifting column is used for adjusting the height of the bed plate, and the moving assembly is provided with a guide rail and an electric moving device.

[0012] The application is further configured that the bed plate connecting structure comprises a clamping groove and a quick locking mechanism, so as to realize tool-free quick disassembly and installation.

[0013] The application is further configured that the control module is used for receiving animal type information input by a user and performing the following operations based on the animal type information:

[0014] When receiving large animal type information, the large animal imaging module is activated and the small animal imaging module is closed;

[0015] When receiving small animal type information, the small animal imaging module is activated and the large animal imaging module is closed.

[0016] The control module is connected with the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module and is used for controlling the activation and the closing of the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type.

[0017] The application is further configured that the system further comprises a computer device, the computer device comprises a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to start the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type.

[0018] The application is further configured that the computer program comprises an instruction set for realizing X-ray source control, flat panel detector data acquisition, bed plate lifting and moving adjustment, scanning parameter setting and image processing.

[0019] The application provides an animal special X-ray cone beam computed tomography system of a double-image system, which comprises an internal rotation support structure, a detachable bed plate, a large animal imaging module, a small animal imaging module and a control module.

[0020] 1. The coaxially installed large animal imaging module and small animal imaging module, combined with the internal rotary support structure, realize the synchronous rotary scanning of the two sets of imaging modules around the same mechanical center, ensuring the accuracy of imaging and the compactness of the device structure;

[0021] 2. Equipped with a high-precision flat panel detector with adjustable position, combined with X-ray sources of different power and focal size, it can meet the imaging needs of animals of different sizes, realize the ultra-high resolution imaging of small animals to the whole body scanning of super large animals, and expand the application range;

[0022] 3. The detachable bedplate design adapts to the weight and attenuation requirements of animals of different sizes, and the bedplate is made of low-attenuation materials such as carbon fiber, which takes into account the lightweight and imaging quality, and helps to improve the stability and accuracy of scanning.

[0023] The above description is only a summary of the technical solutions of the present application, in order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, which can be implemented according to the content of the specification, and in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the following specific embodiments of the present application are described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed in the embodiment description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creating laborious work. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 An improved model of an animal special X-ray cone beam computed tomography system suitable for a double image system in the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 A conventional model of an animal special X-ray cone beam computed tomography system suitable for a double image system in the embodiment;

[0027] Among them, 201 is a micro-focus X-ray source, 202 is a first flat panel detector, 203 is a detachable bedplate, 204 is a bedplate connecting structure, 205 is a lifting column, 206 is a moving assembly, 207 is a second flat panel detector, 208 is a high-power X-ray source, 209 is a whole machine shell, 210 is an internal rotary support structure, 101 is a high-power X-ray source, 102 is a second flat panel detector, 103 is a detachable bedplate, 104 and 109 are bedplate connecting structures, 105 and 108 are lifting columns, 106 is a moving assembly, 107 is a first flat panel detector, 110 is a micro-focus X-ray source, 111 is a whole machine shell, 112 is an internal rotary support structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0030] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention.

[0031] Animal-specific X-ray cone-beam computed tomography systems suitable for dual imaging systems, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0032] Internal rotating support structure 210, detachable bed board 203, large animal imaging module, small animal imaging module and control module;

[0033] The large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module are coaxially mounted on a rotating frame and share the same electrical system and imaging control logic.

[0034] Specifically, Figure 1 The image shows an improved version of an animal-specific X-ray cone-beam computed tomography system suitable for dual imaging systems. This design employs a single-column support structure. Compared to the traditional dual-column structure, the single-column design simplifies the support structure, reduces material usage and manufacturing costs, and is particularly suitable for situations requiring smaller animals and lower stability. The simplified structure makes the equipment more compact, occupying less space, and suitable for space-constrained environments, while providing sufficient support, especially performing exceptionally well when imaging smaller animals. The single-column design also improves the equipment's flexibility, facilitating adjustment and movement to adapt to the scanning needs of different animals.

[0035] The large animal imaging module comprises a large-power X-ray source 208 and a first flat panel detector 202;

[0036] The small animal imaging module comprises a micro-focus X-ray source 201 and a second flat panel detector 207;

[0037] The first flat panel detector 202 and the second flat panel detector 207 can be adjusted in the horizontal direction; specifically, the animal-specific X-ray cone beam computed tomography system of the double-image system comprises a large animal imaging module and a small animal imaging module, and the two sets of modules are fixed on a rotating gantry; the large animal imaging module comprises a large-power X-ray source 208 and a first flat panel detector 202, and is suitable for wide-field and high-penetration imaging of large animals, such as a power greater than 1000W and a focal point size greater than 0.8mm; the small animal imaging module comprises a micro-focus X-ray source 201 and a second flat panel detector 207, and is used for high-resolution imaging of small animals with small volumes and fine structures, such as a power less than 800W and a focal point size less than 0.6mm; in order to meet the best geometric layout requirements when imaging different animals, the first flat panel detector 202 and the second flat panel detector 207 are respectively installed on independent slide rails arranged on the bottom or a lateral support structure of the rotating gantry in the horizontal direction; the detectors are linearly displaced and adjusted in the horizontal direction by means of electric or manual driving devices, such as screw rod driving or linear guide rails, and the adjustment stroke range is set according to the actual equipment size to adapt to the required field of view position of the detector for different animal sizes; the detector adjustment process can be automatically executed by a control module or selected by an operator through a human-machine interface, and the specific adjustment path can be driven by a preset program, and the system automatically selects the required imaging module according to the input animal type information and synchronously completes the horizontal position setting of the detector.

[0038] The application further provides an internal rotating support structure 210 for supporting the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module and driving the two imaging modules to rotate around the same mechanical center for scanning; specifically, the support structure is an integrated internal rotating support structure which is installed inside the rotating gantry and is used for providing mechanical support and rotating driving functions for the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module; the rotating support structure makes the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module always maintain a relatively fixed coaxial position through a synchronous linkage device, realizes the alternate rotation scanning of the double imaging modules around the same mechanical center, and the alternate scanning is suitable for only enabling one of the imaging modules to avoid interference with the ray path; the structure enables the system to realize the rapid switching imaging of large animals and small animals without disassembly and recalibration, and maintains high rotation accuracy and image consistency.

[0039] The application is further provided with the detachable bed plate 203, which includes thin bed plates suitable for small animals and thick bed plates suitable for large animals to adapt to different animal sizes for imaging, and the bed plate material is carbon fiber or other low-attenuation material; the application is further provided with the detachable bed plate 203 connected with the bed frame through the bed plate connecting structure 204, and the bed frame is provided with a lifting column 205 and a moving assembly 206; the lifting column 205 is used for adjusting the height of the bed plate, and the moving assembly 206 is provided with a guide rail and an electric moving device; the application is further provided with the bed plate connecting structure 204 including a clamping groove and a quick locking mechanism to realize tool-free quick disassembly and installation; specifically, the detachable bed plate 203 is used for replacing different types of bed plates according to the size and weight characteristics of the scanned animals to ensure the X-ray imaging quality and equipment safety, improve the imaging adaptability and image quality; the detachable bed plate 203 includes small-animal bed plates and large-animal bed plates, for example, the small-animal bed plates are made of carbon fiber plates with a thickness of less than 5 mm or other low X-ray attenuation composite materials, have excellent X-ray transmittance and light structure characteristics, and are suitable for small animals with a weight of less than 1 kg; the large-animal bed plates adopt a multi-layer composite structure with a thickness of more than 10 mm, including an inner layer of reinforced support material and an outer layer of carbon fiber plate, meet the bearing requirements of large animals during imaging, and reduce the loss of X-ray energy; both types of bed plates take into account low X-ray attenuation and mechanical stability to ensure clear images and non-deformation of the structure; to realize quick replacement of different types of bed plates, the detachable bed plate 203 is connected with the bed frame through the bed plate connecting structure 204, and the bed plate fixing structure includes a positioning clamping groove and a quick locking mechanism; the positioning clamping groove is arranged on the surface of the bed frame and is used for limiting the swing and position deviation of the bed plate during installation; the quick locking mechanism is a mechanical buckle assembly arranged at the edge of the bed plate and can realize one-key locking or releasing in cooperation with the clamping groove, so that the user can quickly complete the bed plate replacement operation without any tools; to improve the universality, the bed plate support frame further includes a lifting column 205 and a moving assembly 206, which can adjust the vertical height and front-back position of the bed plate to meet the registration requirements of different animal postures and imaging angles; the lifting column 205 is an electric or mechanical screw structure and can finely adjust the height of the bed plate in the vertical direction, so as to cooperate with the imaging central axis to ensure that the X-ray cone beam is aligned with the animal target area; the moving assembly 206 includes a transverse guide rail and an electric sliding mechanism to support the bed plate to move forward and backward in the imaging channel, facilitating multi-slice scanning or automatic in-out operation.

[0040] It should be noted that the bed plate connecting structure 204 can be a fixed connecting structure or a detachable connecting structure.

[0041] The application is further provided with the control module for receiving the animal type information input by the user and performing the following operations based on the animal type information:

[0042] When receiving the large animal type information, the large animal imaging module is activated and the small animal imaging module is closed;

[0043] When receiving the small animal type information, the small animal imaging module is activated and the large animal imaging module is closed;

[0044] The control module is connected with the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module, and is used for controlling the activation and the closing of the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type. Specifically, the control module is a processing unit with logical judgment and signal control capabilities, and is integrated in the system main control board or the computer equipment. The function of the control module is to automatically activate the adaptive X-ray imaging module and close the non-target imaging module according to the animal type information input by the user, so as to improve the system operation efficiency and reduce the X-ray redundant radiation risk. The ways of receiving the animal type information by the control module include the option menu in the operation interface, and the user can select "small animal" or "large animal", and scan the two-dimensional code on the animal wristband or label to identify the type code. After the animal type information is input, the control module transmits the information to the logical judgment unit of the control module. The control module analyzes the input information based on the preset rules, and executes the control instruction according to the following logic: if the received animal type information is a large animal such as a dog, a pig or a sheep, the control module sends a start instruction to activate the large animal imaging module, including the power-on preparation of the large-power X-ray source 208 and the first flat panel detector 202, and sends a power-off closing instruction to the small animal imaging module to avoid redundant interference; if the received animal type information is a small animal such as a mouse or a rabbit, the control module activates the small animal imaging module in which the micro-focus X-ray source 201 and the second flat panel detector 207 are located, and simultaneously closes the power supply and control signal input of the large animal imaging module. The activation and the closing actions are completed by the relay control circuit and the low-voltage logic control interface, so as to ensure that only one imaging module is in the working state at any time, and to avoid the interference and power conflict between different imaging modules.

[0045] The application is further provided that the system further comprises a computer device, the computer device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to start the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type; specifically, the system comprises a computer device composed of a memory and a processor, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to realize automatic imaging module control based on the animal type; the user inputs the type information of the animal to be scanned through the computer interface, and the processor calls the corresponding control logic according to the information; when it is identified as a small animal type, the system automatically activates the micro-focus X-ray source 201 and the second flat panel detector 207 in the small animal imaging module, and closes the large animal imaging module; when it is identified as a large animal type, the system automatically activates the high-power X-ray source 208 and the first flat panel detector 202 and closes the small animal imaging module; the processor further controls the selected module to perform parameter loading, power-on preheating, detector position adjustment, data acquisition and other operations, and transmits the acquired data to the image processing unit; an interlocking logic is provided in the system to ensure that only one imaging module is in an activated state at any time, thereby improving the imaging efficiency and ensuring the safety of the system operation.

[0046] The application is further provided that the computer program comprises instruction sets for realizing X-ray source control, flat panel detector data acquisition, bed plate lifting and moving adjustment, scanning parameter setting and image processing; specifically, the computer program is pre-stored in the memory of the computer device and is called and executed by the processor, the program comprises a plurality of function instruction sets for realizing automatic control of the key components of the system and data processing; the X-ray source control instruction set is used for high-voltage excitation, exposure parameter setting and switch control of the high-power or micro-focus X-ray source 201, realizing automatic control of the exposure process; the flat panel detector data acquisition instruction set is used for controlling the first flat panel detector 202 or the second flat panel detector 207 to acquire X-ray transmission image data according to the set frame rate and resolution, and transmitting the acquired raw data to the rear-end image processing unit in real time; the bed plate lifting and moving adjustment instruction set controls the lifting column 205 and the electric moving device connected with the detachable bed plate 203 to adjust the height and horizontal position of the bed plate according to the preset position or the user input instruction, ensuring that the part to be imaged is in the center of the imaging field of view; the scanning parameter setting instruction set is used for setting the exposure time, rotation angle step and acquisition frame number under different imaging modes, and the system automatically selects the corresponding parameter combination according to the animal size and the imaging part; the image processing instruction set comprises projection image preprocessing, reconstruction filter algorithm calling, tomographic image reconstruction and three-dimensional reconstruction, and supports multi-scale image enhancement, edge extraction and noise suppression functions to improve the clarity and anatomical structure recognition of the image; through the cooperative operation of the above instruction sets, the system can realize intelligent control and image output of the whole process, and is suitable for diversified imaging needs of animals of different sizes.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 2 A conventional model of an animal-specific X-ray cone beam CT system suitable for a dual image system is shown, a dual-column support structure provides stronger stability and load-bearing capacity, and thus is suitable for heavier animals; this design can support greater loads and is suitable for imaging large animals; at the same time, the dual-column design is more stable and helps to maintain the stability of the device during operation, reducing vibration and unnecessary displacement.

[0048] It should be noted that although Figure 1 and Figure 2 use different reference numbers for the same components or parts, all of these reference numbers refer to the same function or structure; for example, Figure 1 208 in Figure 2 101 are the same components, both of which are high-power X-ray sources; Figure 1 202 in Figure 2 107 are the same components, both of which are first flat panel detectors; these components perform the same function in different embodiments, and the change in reference numbers is only to facilitate the differentiation of component positions in different figures; the function, structure and role of such components remain the same, and only the specific position or layout is different.

[0049] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system with dual image system, characterized in that, The system comprises an internal rotating support structure, a detachable bed plate, a large animal imaging module, a small animal imaging module and a control module. The large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module are coaxially installed on a rotating frame and share the same electrical system and imaging control logic.

2. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein, The large animal imaging module comprises a high-power X-ray source and a first flat panel detector. The small animal imaging module comprises a micro-focus X-ray source and a second flat panel detector. The first flat panel detector and the second flat panel detector can be adjusted in position in the horizontal direction.

3. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein, The internal rotating support structure is used to support the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module and drive the two imaging modules to rotate around the same mechanical center.

4. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein, The detachable bed plate comprises a thin bed plate suitable for small animals and a thick bed plate suitable for large animals to adapt to different sizes of animals for imaging, and the bed plate material is carbon fiber or other low-attenuation material.

5. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 4, wherein, The detachable bed plate is connected with a bed frame through a bed plate connecting structure, the bed frame is provided with a lifting column and a moving assembly, the lifting column is used to adjust the height of the bed plate, and the moving assembly is provided with a guide rail and an electric moving device.

6. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 5, wherein, The bed plate connecting structure comprises a clamping groove and a quick locking mechanism to realize tool-free quick disassembly and installation.

7. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein, The control module is used to receive animal type information input by a user and perform the following operations based on the animal type information: When receiving large animal type information, the large animal imaging module is activated and the small animal imaging module is closed. When receiving small animal type information, the small animal imaging module is activated and the large animal imaging module is closed. The control module is connected with the large animal imaging module and the small animal imaging module to control the activation and closing of the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type.

8. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a computer device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to start the corresponding imaging module according to the animal type.

9. The dual-view, animal-dedicated x-ray cone beam computed tomography system of claim 8, wherein, The computer program comprises an instruction set for realizing X-ray source control, flat panel detector data acquisition, bed plate lifting and moving adjustment, scanning parameter setting and image processing.

Images