Oral CT

Abstract

This application discloses an oral CT scan, comprising: an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays to irradiate an object; a detector configured to detect X-rays passing through the object to generate X-ray data; and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray source and the detector around a rotation axis around the object, wherein the X-ray source includes multiple X-ray sources, and the multiple X-ray sources are capable of rotating around a rotation axis perpendicular to a surface of the detector. The oral CT scan of this application enables multimodal integration, expanding the usability of oral CT scans.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of oral CT. Background Art

[0002] Imaging technologies, including X-ray imaging, CT (Computed Tomography), etc., have been widely used in many fields since their introduction, especially in the field of medical examination. Oral CT can reflect the tissue condition from a three-dimensional perspective, and can detect lesions that cannot be detected by the projection angle of oral X-rays or are more subtle. Usually, oral CT is equipped with an X-ray source and a detector that can emit a conical light beam. Since the size of the detector is limited (larger detectors are very expensive), the range of light that can be received by the detector is limited. In this way, when the projection object is large, the light that can be received by the detector cannot completely cover the part of the projection object that needs to be scanned (hereinafter referred to as the area of ​​interest), so the entire scan image of the area of ​​interest cannot be obtained.

[0003] As is known to all, larger detectors are relatively expensive, and thus there is a need in the art to obtain larger projected body images using smaller detectors.

[0004] Furthermore, the radiation sources of oral CT machines currently on the market are generally fixed, limiting their functionality. Such CT machines can only be used in a single imaging mode and are unable to implement complex, multi-functional imaging modes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, in a first aspect, the present application provides an oral CT system, comprising:

[0006] An X-ray source configured to emit X-rays to irradiate an irradiated object;

[0007] a detector configured to detect X-rays passing through an irradiated object to generate X-ray data; and

[0008] A rotating mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray source and the detector around a projection object around a rotation axis,

[0009] The X-ray source includes a plurality of X-ray sources, and the plurality of X-ray sources can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the X-ray source includes a first X-ray source and a second X-ray source, and the first X-ray source and the second X-ray source are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism, or to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the X-ray source includes a first X-ray source, a second X-ray source, and a third X-ray source, and the first X-ray source, the second X-ray source, and the third X-ray source are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism, or to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism is a bottom-suspended rotation mechanism and includes a first bottom-suspended arm connected to the X-ray source and a second bottom-suspended arm connected to the detector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism is a floor-standing rotation mechanism and comprises:

[0014] Floor-standing base;

[0015] a radiation source column, mounted on the floor base and rotatable on the floor base, the radiation source column being used to mount the X-ray source; and

[0016] The detector column is installed on the floor base and can rotate on the floor base. The detector column is used to install the detector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oral CT further includes a radiation source rotation mechanism, wherein the radiation source rotation mechanism includes:

[0018] a source mounting base configured to mount the plurality of X-ray sources; and

[0019] A rotating shaft, fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting base so as to enable the radiation source mounting base to rotate around it,

[0020] The rotating shaft is mounted on the first lower cantilever or the radiation source column through a bracket, and the rotation of the radiation source mounting seat drives the multiple X-ray sources to rotate together.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft is mounted on the bracket via a bearing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the radiation source rotation mechanism further includes a motor, which drives the radiation source mounting base to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

[0023] In some embodiments, the radiation source rotation mechanism further comprises:

[0024] a motor synchronous pulley connected to the motor so as to be driven by the motor to rotate;

[0025] Timing belt;

[0026] The synchronous pulley of the radiation source mounting seat is connected to the synchronous pulley of the motor through a synchronous belt and is driven to rotate by the synchronous pulley of the motor.

[0027] The radiation source mounting seat is fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting seat synchronous pulley via one end of the rotating shaft, so that the radiation source mounting seat is driven by the motor to rotate around a rotating axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the motor is mounted on the bracket; and the motor synchronous pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for performing oral CT imaging according to the first aspect, comprising:

[0030] Rotating the radiation source mounting base around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector to a vertical or horizontal direction;

[0031] Alternately irradiating a projection object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources;

[0032] detecting, by the detector, the X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object;

[0033] Rotating the radiation source mounting base 90 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector;

[0034] alternately irradiating an irradiated object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources; and

[0035] The X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object are detected by the detector.

[0036] According to the oral CT as described above, by rotating the radiation source, not only can the imaging range of the oral CT in all directions be expanded, but also X-ray energy spectrum imaging can be achieved. Therefore, the oral CT of the present application can achieve a multifunctional and complex shooting mode, and its usability is expanded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1A A schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of an X-ray source and a detector and an optical path between the X-ray source and the detector in an oral CT scan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Schematic plan view of the light path shown.

[0039] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A A schematic stereoscopic diagram of the arrangement of the sources and detectors and the optical path between the sources and detectors when the two X-ray sources of the intraoral CT are rotated 90 degrees and are in the horizontal direction.

[0040] Figure 3A A schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of an X-ray source and a detector and an optical path between the X-ray source and the detector in an oral CT scan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Schematic plan view of the light path shown.

[0041] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3A A schematic stereoscopic diagram of the arrangement of the sources and detectors and the optical paths between the sources and detectors when the three X-ray sources of the intraoral CT are rotated 90 degrees and are in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of an oral CT including an underslung rotation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of an oral CT scan including a floor-mounted rotation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic front view of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic left side view of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic left-side perspective view of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application is shown.

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic right perspective view of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application is shown.

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic front view of the locking assembly is shown when multiple X-ray sources are in a vertical position.

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic front view of the locking assembly is shown when multiple X-ray sources are in a horizontal position.

[0050] Figure 13 A schematic flow chart of an imaging method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present application will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification and all drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0052] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings herein.

[0054] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, including "at least one". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will also be understood that when the term "comprising" is used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components set forth, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0055] Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as "below" or "on" and "above" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in one of the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as "below" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" therefore encompass both orientations of above and below.

[0056] As used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes the stated value and the average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements being made and errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0058] In a first aspect, the present application provides an oral CT, which includes an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays to irradiate a projection object; a detector configured to detect X-rays passing through the projection object to generate X-ray data; and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray source and the detector around the projection object around a rotation axis, wherein the X-ray source includes a plurality of X-ray sources, and the plurality of X-ray sources can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

[0059] Figure 1A 3D is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of an X-ray source and a detector and an optical path between the X-ray source and the detector in an oral CT scan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Schematic plan view of the optical path shown. Figure 1A and 1B , which schematically shows an oral CT including two X-ray sources, and the two X-ray sources are in a vertical direction.

[0060] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the X-ray source 100 may include a first X-ray source 110 and a second X-ray source 120. It should be noted that, as described above, although Figure 1AIt is shown that the X-ray source 100 includes two X-ray sources, but the scope of the present application is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the X-ray source 100 may include more X-ray sources. The following description only takes two X-ray sources as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that the concept shown can be extended to more X-ray sources. The first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 respectively emit the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2. The first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 are alternately irradiated to the projection object A. The detector 200 can be configured to receive the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 passing through the projection object A. In an embodiment of the present application, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300, or to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector 200.

[0061] Figure 1A and 1B In the embodiment shown, the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 300 is located in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction, perpendicular to the plane B defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis), and the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are arranged in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other. Figure 1A , the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are shown to be arranged in the vertical direction, but this is for illustrative purposes only and the scope of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 may not be arranged in the vertical direction (for example, the coordinates of the X-axis and the Y-axis are different), or for example, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 may be arranged in different vertical planes, as long as the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (the coordinates of the Z-axis are different).

[0062] The first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 may be X-ray generators. In some embodiments, the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 may be cone beam X-rays, fan beam X-rays, etc., but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0063] By arranging two X-ray sources (i.e., the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120) in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300, the scanning range of the oral CT can be expanded in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300. Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300 is located in the vertical direction. When the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are set to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the scanning range of the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 on the projection object A can be expanded in the vertical direction.

[0064] Specifically, if Figure 1A and 1B As shown, when the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C (i.e., the vertical direction), the first X-rays S1 can generally irradiate the upper portion of the projection object A, and the second X-rays S2 can generally irradiate the lower portion of the projection object A. In this way, the first X-rays S1 and the second X-rays S2 can scan the entire projection object in a single scan, thereby expanding the scanning range of the intraoral CT system in the direction of the rotation axis C (i.e., the vertical direction). A single scan can refer to the action of completing a scan of the area to be imaged on the projection object A according to the intraoral CT system of the present application. These actions can be configured as needed, for example, the scanning time and number of scans of the first X-rays S1 and the second X-rays S2, the time interval between scans using the first X-rays S1 and the second X-rays S2, and the scanning direction and speed of the first X-rays S1 and the second X-rays S2 during the scans (e.g., by setting the rotation direction and speed of the rotation mechanism 300). The action may be, for example, using the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 to scan the area to be imaged for a certain time, such as 45 seconds, respectively, and the scanning of the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 may be spaced apart by a certain time, such as 5 seconds, but this is only an example and the present application is not limited to this.

[0065] It should be noted that Figure 1A and Figure 1B The arrangement of the X-ray source 100 shown in FIG is merely exemplary, and the present application is not limited thereto. By different arrangements of the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 in the X-ray source 100 (i.e., by different positional relationships of the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 relative to the irradiated object A), the scanning range can be expanded in different directions. In other words, the expansion of the scanning range is not limited to expansion in the vertical direction.

[0066] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A schematic stereoscopic diagram of the arrangement of the sources and detectors of a mid-oral CT system when the two X-ray sources are rotated 90 degrees and are in a horizontal direction.

[0067] Figure 1A The two X-ray sources of the oral CT are in the vertical direction. Figure 1A When the two X-ray sources of the oral CT shown in the figure are rotated 90 degrees, the two X-ray sources are in Figure 2 Horizontal direction as shown. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 300 is also located in the vertical direction, but the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are rotated to the horizontal direction and parallel to the surface of the detector 200 (ie, the X-axis).

[0068] and Figure 1A and Figure 1B The oral CT in the vertical direction expands the scanning range similarly. Figure 1A The two X-ray sources of the oral CT are rotated 90 degrees, that is Figure 2 When in the position shown, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 can increase the scanning range in the horizontal direction, such as the X-axis direction.

[0069] In addition, Figure 1A The two X-ray sources in the oral CT rotate to Figure 2 When the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are in the horizontal position shown, they can be arranged so that the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 scan the same portion of the projection body A in one scan, wherein one scan can refer to the action of completing the scanning of the area to be imaged on the projection body A by the oral CT according to the present application, as described above. The same portion can be the image acquisition area of ​​the oral CT for the projection body A. Figure 2 In the horizontal position shown, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to plane B. In this case, the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 can irradiate the illuminant A at the same height relative to plane B. Thus, in a single scan in which the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 rotate together with the rotation mechanism 300, the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 can scan the same portion of the illuminant A. The fact that the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 scan the same portion of the illuminant A can mean that the portion scanned by the first X-ray S1 and the second X-ray S2 relative to the illuminant A in a single scan (i.e., the portion achieving volumetric scanning) completely overlaps or partially overlaps.

[0070] Furthermore, the first X-ray source 110 and the second X-ray source 120 may be loaded with different tube voltages. For example, the first X-ray source 110 may be loaded with a higher tube voltage, and the second X-ray source 120 may be loaded with a lower tube voltage. Then the data corresponding to the first X-ray source 110 detected by the detector 200 may be a high-energy signal, and the data corresponding to the second X-ray source 120 detected by the detector 200 may be a low-energy signal. Based on the obtained high-energy signal and low-energy signal, an energy spectrum CT image of the irradiated part of the projection body A may be obtained by an image reconstruction algorithm. Therefore, energy spectrum X-ray imaging can be achieved by the oral CT according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application. Here, it is only described that the X-ray source can achieve energy spectrum X-ray imaging when it is in a horizontal position, but those skilled in the art will understand that by rotating the X-ray source, the oral CT of the present application can be achieved in different directions (for example Figure 1A and 1B Energy spectrum X-ray imaging at the vertical position shown).

[0071] In spectral CT with a single X-ray source, different tube voltages must be applied to the single X-ray source to scan the image acquisition area separately. This leads to low temporal resolution and limits its use. The intraoral CT according to the present application uses at least two X-ray sources, which allows the same portion (image acquisition area) of the projection object A to be scanned in a single scan, thereby acquiring images in a shorter time.

[0072] Reference Figure 1A 、 1B and Figure 2 It can be seen that by rotating the X-ray source in oral CT, not only the scanning range in different directions can be increased, but also energy spectrum X-ray imaging can be achieved.

[0073] Figure 3A 3D is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of an X-ray source and a detector and an optical path between the X-ray source and the detector in an oral CT scan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Schematic plan view of the optical path shown. Figure 3A and 3B , which schematically shows an oral CT including three X-ray sources, and the three X-ray sources are in a vertical direction.

[0074] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the X-ray source 100 may include a first X-ray source 110, a second X-ray source 120 and a third X-ray source 130. It should be noted that, as described above, although Figure 3A It is shown that the X-ray source 100 includes three X-ray sources, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the X-ray source 100 may include more X-ray sources. The following description only takes three X-ray sources as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts shown can be extended to more X-ray sources. The first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 respectively emit the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3. The first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 are alternately irradiated to the projection object A. The detector 200 may be configured to receive the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 passing through the projection object A. In an embodiment of the present application, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300, or spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector 200. Figure 3A and 3BIn the embodiment shown, the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300 is located in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction, perpendicular to the plane B defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis), and the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other. Figure 3A , the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 are shown as being arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction, but this is for illustrative purposes only and the scope of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 may not all be arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction (for example, the coordinates of the X-axis and the Y-axis are different), or for example, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 may also be arranged in different vertical planes, as long as the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (the coordinates of the Z-axis are different).

[0075] The first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 may be X-ray generators. In some embodiments, the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 may be cone beam X-rays, fan beam X-rays, etc., but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0076] By arranging three X-ray sources (i.e., the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130) in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 300, the scanning range of the oral CT can be expanded in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 300. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300 is located in the vertical direction. When the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 are set to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the scanning range of the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2 and the third X-ray S3 on the projection object A can be expanded in the vertical direction.

[0077] Specifically, if Figure 3A and 3BAs shown, when the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C (i.e., the vertical direction), the first X-ray S1 can generally irradiate the upper-middle portion of the illuminant A, the second X-ray S2 can generally irradiate the middle portion of the illuminant A, and the third X-ray S3 can generally irradiate the lower-middle portion of the illuminant A. In this way, the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 can scan the entire illuminant in a single scan, thereby expanding the scanning range of the intraoral CT system in the direction of the rotation axis C (i.e., the vertical direction). A single scan can refer to the action of completing a scan of the area to be imaged on the illuminant A according to the present application. The actions can be set as needed. For example, the scanning time and number of scans of the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3, the time interval for scanning using the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3, and the scanning direction and scanning speed when the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 are scanned can be set as needed (for example, by setting the rotation direction and rotation speed of the rotation mechanism 300). The actions can be, for example, scanning the area to be imaged using the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 for a certain time, such as 45 seconds, respectively, and the scanning of the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 can be separated by a certain time, such as 5 seconds, but this is only an example and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0078] It should be noted that Figure 3A and Figure 3B The arrangement of the X-ray source 100 shown in FIG is merely exemplary and the present application is not limited thereto. By using different arrangements of the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 in the X-ray source 100 (i.e., by using different positional relationships of the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 relative to the irradiated object A), the scanning range can be expanded in different directions. In other words, the expansion of the scanning range is not limited to expansion in the vertical direction.

[0079] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the arrangement of the sources and detectors of the intraoral CT system when the three X-ray sources are rotated 90 degrees and are in a horizontal position.

[0080] Figure 3A The three X-ray sources of the oral CT are in the vertical direction. Figure 3A When the three X-ray sources of the oral CT are rotated 90 degrees, the three X-ray sources are in Figure 4 Horizontal direction as shown. Figure 4, the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism 300 is also located in the vertical direction, but the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 are rotated to the horizontal direction and parallel to the surface of the detector 200 (ie, the X-axis).

[0081] and Figure 3A and Figure 3B The oral CT in the vertical direction expands the scanning range similarly. Figure 3A The three X-ray sources of the oral CT are rotated 90 degrees, that is, Figure 4 When the first X-ray source 110 , the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 are in the positions shown, the scanning range in the horizontal direction, such as the X-axis direction, can be increased.

[0082] In addition, Figure 3A The three X-ray sources in the oral CT rotate to Figure 4 When the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 are in the horizontal position shown, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 can be arranged so that the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2 and the third X-ray S3 scan the same portion on the projection body A in one scan, wherein one scan can refer to the action of completing the scanning of the area to be imaged on the projection body A by the oral CT according to the present application, as described above. The same portion can be the image acquisition area of ​​the oral CT for the projection body A. Figure 4 In the horizontal position shown, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray source 130 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to plane B. In this case, the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 can irradiate the illuminant A at the same height relative to plane B. Thus, in a single scan in which the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120, and the third X-ray 130 rotate together with the rotation mechanism 300, the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 can scan the same portion of the illuminant A. The fact that the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 scan the same portion of the illuminant A can mean that the portions scanned by the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2, and the third X-ray S3 relative to the illuminant A in a single scan (i.e., the portion that achieves volumetric scanning) completely or partially overlap.

[0083] Furthermore, the first X-ray source 110, the second X-ray source 120 and the third X-ray source 130 may be loaded with different tube voltages. For example, the first X-ray source 110 may be loaded with a higher tube voltage, the second X-ray source 120 may be loaded with an intermediate tube voltage, and the third X-ray source 130 may be loaded with a lower tube voltage. Then the data corresponding to the first X-ray source 110 detected by the detector 200 may be a higher energy signal, the data corresponding to the second X-ray source 120 detected by the detector 200 may be an intermediate energy signal, and the data corresponding to the third X-ray source 130 detected by the detector 200 may be a lower energy signal. Based on the obtained high energy signal, intermediate energy signal and low energy signal, an energy spectrum CT image of the irradiated part of the projection body A may be obtained by an image reconstruction algorithm. Therefore, energy spectrum X-ray imaging can be achieved by the oral CT according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application. It is only described here that the energy spectrum X-ray imaging can be achieved when the X-ray source is in a horizontal position, but those skilled in the art will understand that by rotating the X-ray source, the oral CT of the present application can be achieved in different directions (for example Figure 3A and 3B Energy spectrum X-ray imaging at the vertical position shown).

[0084] In spectral CT with a single X-ray source, different tube voltages must be applied to the single X-ray source to scan the image acquisition area separately. This leads to low temporal resolution and limits its use. The intraoral CT according to the present application uses at least two X-ray sources, which allows the same portion (image acquisition area) of the projection object A to be scanned in a single scan, thereby acquiring images in a shorter time.

[0085] Reference Figure 3A 、 3B and Figure 4 It can be seen that by rotating the X-ray source in oral CT, not only the scanning range in different directions can be increased, but also energy spectrum X-ray imaging can be achieved.

[0086] In the relevant drawings of the present application, for the convenience of description, the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2 and the third X-ray S3 are schematically shown by two lines respectively, but the first X-ray S1, the second X-ray S2 and the third X-ray S3 are not limited to the forms shown in the drawings.

[0087] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of oral CT according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the X-ray source 100 and the detector 200 can be arranged together on two lower cantilevers of a lower suspension type rotation mechanism 300, and the detector 200 and the X-ray source 100 are respectively arranged on both sides of the projection object A. The rotation mechanism 300 can rotate the X-ray source 100 and the detector 200 around the projection object A around the rotation axis, that is, the detector 200 can rotate around the projection object A together with the X-ray source 100 along with the rotation mechanism 300. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating mechanism 300 may be connected to a frame 400 , for example, and the frame 400 may be fixedly mounted to or placed on the ground.

[0088] Figure 5 The rotating mechanism 300 shown in the figure is merely exemplary and the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the rotating mechanism 300 may also be in any other appropriate form, for example, a floor-standing rotating mechanism. Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an oral CT system including a floor-standing rotation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the floor-standing rotation mechanism 300 includes a floor-standing base 330, a source column 310, and a detector column 320. The source column 310 and the detector column 320 are mounted on the floor-standing base 330 and can rotate on the floor-standing base 330. The source column 310 and the detector column 320 can be used to mount an X-ray source and a detector, respectively.

[0089] The oral CT of the present application also includes a radiation source rotation mechanism, which is used to realize the rotation of multiple X-ray sources of the oral CT of the present application. The radiation source rotation mechanism includes a radiation source mounting base for mounting multiple X-ray sources and a rotation axis fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting base and used to rotate the radiation source mounting base around it, wherein the rotation axis is mounted on a lower cantilever (such as a lower cantilever) of the lower cantilever rotation mechanism through a bracket. Figure 5 As shown) or the source column of the floor-standing rotating mechanism (as shown) Figure 6 shown).

[0090] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic front view and left side view of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application are respectively shown. Figure 9 and Figure 10Schematic left-hand and right-hand perspective views of an exemplary radiation source rotation mechanism according to the present application are shown, respectively. As shown, the radiation source rotation mechanism includes a radiation source mounting base 1 for mounting multiple X-ray sources 11, a rotating shaft 13 fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting base 1, and first and second bearings 9a, 9b connected to each end of the rotating shaft 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second bearings 9a, 9b may be seated bearings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bearings may be of any suitable type. The two bearings 9a and 9b may be secured to their respective bearing brackets 7, for example, by bolts. The bearing bracket 7 is not required; in other words, it may not be present. The two bearing brackets 7 may be connected to the top surfaces of the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6, respectively, for example, by bolts. As shown, the radiation source bracket 10 and the bottom mounting surfaces of the radiation source motor bracket 6 are on the same horizontal plane, and the top surfaces of the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 are also on the same horizontal plane. The bottom of the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 can be used to be installed on a lower cantilever of the lower suspension type rotation mechanism (such as Figure 5 As shown) or the source column of the floor-standing rotating mechanism (as shown) Figure 6 As shown). The top surfaces of the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 can be used to install two bearing brackets 7. Alternatively, in the absence of bearing brackets, the top surfaces of the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 can be used to install the first bearing 9a and the second bearing 9b. Although in this exemplary embodiment, the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 are split structures, those skilled in the art will understand that any form of bracket that can play the role of supporting the bearing bracket is within the scope of this application. For example, the radiation source bracket 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6 can be an integrated bracket structure.

[0091] exist Figure 7-10 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation source mounting base 1 is a box-like structure with placement openings on both sides of the box for mounting a radiation source 11. Light source beam outlets, such as square ones, are provided on the side panels of the box. Rectangular holes are provided on either side of the square ones to facilitate the removal of the radiation source mounting bolts. A rotating shaft 13 is provided in the center of each side panel of the box. One end of the rotating shaft 13 is used to mount the radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2, and the other end of the rotating shaft 13 is secured with a gasket 8 after being connected to a bearing. The radiation source mounting base 1 can be formed by welding steel plates or by integral casting using a mold. It should be noted that although two X-ray sources and two light source beam outlets are illustrated here, those skilled in the art will understand that if one X-ray source is provided with two light source beam outlets, this configuration also covers the case of two X-ray sources. Furthermore, if one X-ray source is provided with three light source beam outlets, this configuration also covers the case of three X-ray sources, and so on.

[0092] exist Figure 7-10 In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing bracket 7 resembles an L-shape when viewed from the side. From the front, the corners of both the long and short sides of the L-shape are rounded. A large circular hole and two threaded holes are provided on the long side of the L-shape. The centers of the three holes are at the same height, and the two threaded holes are symmetrical about the center of the large circular hole, centered on the centerline of the long side of the L-shape. Two circular holes are provided on the short side of the L-shape, symmetrical about the center of the large circular hole. One bearing bracket 7 is fixedly connected to a bearing 9 mounted on the radiation source mounting base 1 at one end, and to the radiation source motor bracket 6 at the other end. The other bearing bracket 7 is fixedly connected to another bearing 9 mounted on the radiation source mounting base 1 at one end, and to the radiation source bracket 10 at the other end. The bearing brackets can be formed by welding steel sheets or by bending the steel sheet integrally. In this exemplary embodiment, two bearing brackets 7 are shown. However, as with the radiation source brackets 10 and the radiation source motor bracket 6, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these two bearing brackets can also be integrally formed.

[0093] exist Figure 7-10 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation source support 10 is L-shaped when viewed from the side. A circular light source beam outlet is provided on the front of the long side of the L-shape, with a transverse reinforcing rib below the outlet. Two centrally symmetrical circular holes are provided on the top plane. Four centrally symmetrical mounting holes are provided on the short side of the L-shape, two on the left and two on the right. The top of the radiation source support 10 is connected to the bearing support 7, and the bottom plate is connected to the radiation source column. The radiation source support 10 is a thin plate structure with a circular hole provided therein, with a transverse reinforcing rib below the hole. The radiation source support can be formed by welding steel plates or by bending the steel plate as a whole.

[0094] In some embodiments, the multiple X-ray sources can be rotated manually, such as by rotating the source mounting base of the source rotation mechanism. In some embodiments, the multiple X-ray sources can also be rotated by mechanical means (such as a motor), such as by rotating the source mounting base of the source rotation mechanism.

[0095] For example, the radiation source rotation mechanism may further include a motor 12, which can drive the radiation source mounting base to rotate. In certain exemplary embodiments, the motor 12 can be mounted on the radiation source motor bracket 6. As shown in the figure, the radiation source motor bracket 6 is a box-shaped structure that accommodates the motor, with the motor mounting holes provided on the open surface. The radiation source motor bracket can be formed by welding or bending steel plates. The radiation source motor 12 is mounted within the radiation source motor bracket 6 via the radiation source motor mounting plate 4. The radiation source motor mounting plate 4 can be a thin plate structure with motor mounting holes provided. The radiation source motor mounting plate 4 can be formed from a single piece of steel plate. As shown in the figure, the radiation source motor mounting plate 4 is a rectangular plate structure with rounded corners at the four top corners and waist-shaped holes for distance adjustment at each corner. A motor stop hole is provided in the center of the radiation source motor mounting plate 4, and four threaded holes for motor mounting are provided around the hole, symmetrically with respect to the center of the motor stop hole.

[0096] exist Figure 7 、 8 In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, the radiation source rotation mechanism may further include a radiation source motor synchronous pulley 5, a radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2, and a radiation source synchronous belt 3. The radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2 is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft 13 of the radiation source mounting base 1, for example, via a key. The radiation source motor 12 is connected to the radiation source motor synchronous pulley 5 via an output shaft, and the radiation source motor synchronous pulley 5 is connected to the radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2 via the radiation source synchronous belt 3. The radiation source motor 12 rotates, driving the radiation source motor synchronous pulley 5 to rotate. The rotation of the radiation source motor synchronous pulley 5 drives the radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2 mounted on the radiation source mounting base 1 to rotate via the radiation source synchronous belt 3. The radiation source mounting base synchronous pulley 2 drives the radiation source mounting base 1 to rotate via the key.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the source rotation mechanism also includes a locking assembly, which can keep multiple X-ray sources in the desired position, thereby completing a scan of the oral CT. In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, multiple X-ray sources are driven to rotate by a motor, so that the multiple X-ray sources can be accurately rotated to the desired angle. When the desired angle is reached, the motor stops moving, but it still needs to be powered on to maintain the torque to overcome the inertia of the rotating X-ray source and keep it in a balanced state. However, if the motor is powered on for a long time to maintain the torque, the service life of the motor will be reduced. Through the configuration of the exemplary locking assembly of the present application, the motor does not need to be powered on to maintain the torque to ensure that multiple X-ray sources remain in the desired position, thereby increasing the service life of the motor.

[0098] The exemplary locking assembly of the present application includes two magnets and two blocks that can be attracted by the magnets. The positions of the magnets and the blocks are configured so that when the multiple X-ray sources are in a horizontal position, one of the blocks is attracted to one magnet, and when the multiple X-ray sources are rotated to a vertical position, another block is attracted to another magnet, so that the motor can maintain the multiple X-ray sources in a horizontal position or a vertical position without the need for power to maintain the torque.

[0099] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Schematic front views of multiple X-ray sources in vertical and horizontal positions are shown respectively. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The source rotation mechanism shown includes two X-ray sources, but this is for exemplary purposes only. As mentioned above, the scope of the present application is not limited thereto. In certain embodiments, the X-ray source may include more X-ray sources, such as three. The following description uses only two X-ray sources as an example.

[0100] exist Figure 11 and 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly includes a first magnet 14a and a second magnet 14b, a horizontal source stop 15, and a vertical source stop 16. Both stops are made of a material that can be attracted by magnets, such as iron or steel. Both stops can be plate-shaped. The magnets can be electromagnets. The first magnet 14a and the second magnet 14b can be fixed to either end of the source motor bracket 6, for example, by bolts. The "two sides" of the source motor bracket 6 referred to herein are opposite sides relative to the bottom mounting surface of the source motor bracket 6. The first magnet 14a and the second magnet 14b are mounted vertically on either side of the source motor bracket 6 and perpendicular to the outer surface. In one embodiment, the first magnet 14a and the second magnet 14b are mounted at the same height on the source motor bracket 6. The horizontal source rotation stop 15 and the vertical source rotation stop 16 are mounted on the same side panel of the source mounting base 1. Rotation of the source mounting base 1 drives the horizontal source rotation stop 15 and the vertical source rotation stop 16 to rotate together. The source rotation horizontal block 15 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the source mounting base, while the source rotation vertical block 16 is parallel to the bottom surface of the source mounting base. The bottom surface of the source mounting base refers to the bottommost plane when the source mounting base on the oral CT is in a horizontal position. The source rotation horizontal block 15 and the source rotation vertical block 16 are arranged in such a position that when the X-ray source is in a vertical position, the second magnet 14b attracts the source rotation vertical block 16 (such as Figure 11 As shown), and when the X-ray source is in a horizontal position, the first magnet 14a attracts the source rotation horizontal block 15 (as shown Figure 12 shown).

[0101] Figure 13 is a schematic flowchart of an imaging method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0102] like Figure 13 As shown, the imaging method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application may include the following steps:

[0103] Rotating the radiation source mounting base around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector to a vertical or horizontal direction;

[0104] Alternately irradiating a projection object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources;

[0105] detecting, by the detector, the X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object;

[0106] Rotating the radiation source mounting base 90 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector;

[0107] alternately irradiating an irradiated object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources; and

[0108] The X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object are detected by the detector.

[0109] Generally speaking, the principles and specific operating methods of the imaging method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application generally correspond to the oral CT according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here. For related content, please refer to the description of the oral CT according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0110] Although certain exemplary embodiments and examples have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from the above description. Without departing from the teachings of this application, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is defined by the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. An oral CT scan, characterized in that: include: an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays to irradiate an object; a detector configured to detect the X-rays passing through the projection object to generate X-ray data; as well as A rotating mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray source and the detector around a projection object around a rotation axis, The X-ray source includes a plurality of X-ray sources, and the plurality of X-ray sources can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector. The X-ray source is mounted on the rotation mechanism via a source mounting seat, and the plurality of X-ray sources are loaded with different tube voltages.

2. The oral CT according to claim 1, characterized in that: The X-ray source includes a first X-ray source and a second X-ray source, and the first X-ray source and the second X-ray source are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism, or to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector; or The X-ray source includes a first X-ray source, a second X-ray source and a third X-ray source, and the first X-ray source, the second X-ray source and the third X-ray source are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism, or to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the surface of the detector.

3. The oral CT according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating mechanism is a bottom-suspended rotating mechanism and includes a first bottom cantilever connected to the X-ray source and a second bottom cantilever connected to the detector.

4. The oral CT according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating mechanism is a floor-standing rotating mechanism and comprises: a floor-standing base; a radiation source column, mounted on the floor base and rotatable on the floor base, the radiation source column being used to mount the X-ray source; and The detector column is installed on the floor base and can rotate on the floor base. The detector column is used to install the detector.

5. The oral CT according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: It also includes a radiation source rotation mechanism, the radiation source rotation mechanism including: a source mounting base configured to mount the plurality of X-ray sources; and A rotating shaft, fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting base so as to enable the radiation source mounting base to rotate around it, The rotating shaft is mounted on the rotating mechanism via a bracket, and the rotation of the radiation source mounting seat drives the multiple X-ray sources to rotate together. The rotating shaft is mounted on the bracket via a bearing.

6. The oral CT according to claim 5, characterized in that: The radiation source rotating mechanism further includes a motor, which drives the radiation source mounting seat to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

7. The oral CT according to claim 6, characterized in that: The radiation source rotating mechanism further includes: a motor synchronous pulley connected to the motor so as to be driven by the motor to rotate; Timing belt; The synchronous pulley of the radiation source mounting seat is connected to the synchronous pulley of the motor through a synchronous belt and is driven to rotate by the synchronous pulley of the motor. The radiation source mounting seat is fixedly connected to the radiation source mounting seat synchronous pulley via one end of the rotating shaft, so that the radiation source mounting seat is driven by the motor to rotate around a rotating axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector.

8. The oral CT according to claim 7, wherein: The motor is mounted on the bracket; and the motor synchronous pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor.

9. The oral CT according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The radiation source rotation mechanism further includes a locking assembly, which includes two magnets and two blocking members. The two magnets are respectively fixed on both sides of the bracket, and the two blocks are installed on the same surface of the source mounting seat, and one of the blocks is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the source mounting seat, and the other block is parallel to the bottom surface of the source mounting seat, so that when the multiple X-ray sources are in a horizontal position, one magnet attracts one of the blocks, and when the multiple X-ray sources are in a vertical position, the other magnet attracts the other block.

10. A method for performing oral CT imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: Rotating the radiation source mounting base around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector to a vertical or horizontal direction; Alternately irradiating a projection object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources; detecting, by the detector, the X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object; Rotating the radiation source mounting base 90 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the detector; Alternately irradiating a projection object with X-rays emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources; as well as The X-rays respectively emitted by the plurality of X-ray sources and passing through the projection object are detected by the detector.

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