An imaging device that scans through a slit

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of digital X-ray imaging methods, and discloses an imaging device using slit scanning, comprising: a transmitting end for collimating X-rays into slit X-rays, continuously transmitting slit X-rays to an object to be imaged, and allowing the object to be imaged to be completely captured by the slit X-rays in a linear manner; and a receiving end for automatically activating a slit region of interest corresponding to the slit X-ray emission direction on the receiving end after each transmitted slit X-ray passes through the object to be imaged, acquiring the attenuated slit X-rays, converting them into slit images with the same range as the slit X-rays for storage, and splicing the slit images after they are completely captured. By collimating X-rays using slit scanning, the magnification effect of point light source imaging is avoided, and the device can be used to acquire images of a patient in true proportion. Furthermore, the radiation dose received is much lower than that of spiral scanning, being at the level of ordinary radiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of digital X-ray imaging methods, and in particular to an imaging device that scans through a slit. Background Art

[0002] Medical imaging technology is now widely used in clinical practice. Conventional plain X-ray films are the most important examination method. Digital X-ray systems are now available in major hospitals and play an indispensable role in qualitative diagnosis of diseases. However, they are somewhat insufficient for quantitative analysis. This is due to the magnification effect of point-source imaging. Therefore, obtaining images of patients in true proportion has always been a clinical goal. In existing technologies, the receiver is a flat panel, and the resulting image is a rectangular image. The stitching process based on several rectangular images can lead to errors due to different magnifications.

[0003] With the development of technology, computed tomography (CT) has greatly expanded its clinical application by acquiring multiple images continuously through spiral slice scanning, obtaining large amounts of continuous thin-layer axial data in a short period of time. Combined with 3D reconstruction technology, this technology can restore the patient's true proportional data. However, the radiation dose received by patients has also increased by orders of magnitude. Currently, CT has always strived to obtain valuable images at the lowest dose. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above issues, the present invention aims to provide an imaging device using slit scanning. Slit scanning collimates X-rays, avoiding the magnification effect of point-source imaging, allowing for the acquisition of true-to-scale images of patients. The radiation dose is significantly lower than that of spiral scanning, remaining within the range of conventional radiation.

[0005] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An imaging device for scanning through a slit, comprising: a transmitting end and a receiving end, wherein the transmitting end is arranged opposite to the receiving end;

[0007] The transmitting end is used to collimate the X-rays into slit X-rays, and continuously transmit the slit X-rays to the object to be imaged by moving in any manner including up and down, left and right, so that the object to be imaged is completely captured by the slit X-rays in a linear motion-to-surface manner;

[0008] The receiving end is used to automatically activate a slit region of interest corresponding to the emission direction of the slit X-ray on the receiving end each time the slit X-ray is sent through the object to be imaged, obtain the attenuated slit X-ray through the slit region of interest, convert it into a slit image with the same shooting range as the slit X-ray for storage, and after the object to be imaged is completely photographed, splice all the slit images to form a complete imaging picture of the object to be imaged.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmitting end further comprises: an X-ray emitter and an automatic control beam splitter, wherein the X-ray emitter is arranged on the main body of the transmitting end, and the automatic control beam splitter is arranged at the front end of the X-ray emitter;

[0010] The X-ray emitter is used to emit X-rays;

[0011] The automatic beam-controller is used to collimate the X-rays into the slit X-rays.

[0012] Furthermore, the receiving end further comprises: a ROI imaging receiving plate, wherein the ROI imaging receiving plate is arranged on the main body of the receiving end;

[0013] The ROI imaging receiving plate adopts ROI imaging technology with adjustable region of interest. Before shooting, the slit region of interest is set to a fixed size. At the same time, combined with the automatic adjustment of the automated control beam splitter, the X-ray is collimated into a slit X-ray of the same size as the slit region of interest. During shooting, the corresponding slit region of interest is activated on the ROI imaging receiving plate following the emission direction of the slit X-ray to obtain the attenuated slit X-ray.

[0014] Furthermore, the transmitting end further includes: a transmitting end bracket;

[0015] The transmitting end bracket is used to fix the X-ray emitter and control the X-ray emitter to move up and down, left and right.

[0016] Furthermore, the transmitting end bracket further includes: a first transmitting end bracket and a second transmitting end bracket;

[0017] The first transmitting end bracket is arranged horizontally, the second transmitting end bracket is arranged vertically, and the bottom end of the second transmitting end bracket is slidably arranged on the first transmitting end bracket.

[0018] Furthermore, the transmitting end further comprises: a first transmitting end slide rail and a second transmitting end slide rail;

[0019] The first transmitting end slide rail is provided on the upper surface of the first transmitting end bracket and is used to control the left and right movement of the X-ray emitter;

[0020] The second transmitting end slide rail is arranged on the same side surface of the second transmitting end bracket as the X-ray emitter, and is used to control the X-ray emitter to move up and down.

[0021] Furthermore, the receiving end further comprises: a receiving end bracket;

[0022] The receiving end bracket is used to fix the ROI imaging receiving plate and control the ROI imaging receiving plate to perform position adjustment including up and down, left and right.

[0023] Furthermore, the receiving end bracket further comprises: a first receiving end bracket and a second receiving end bracket;

[0024] The first receiving end bracket is arranged horizontally, the second receiving end bracket is arranged vertically, and the bottom end of the second receiving end bracket is slidably arranged on the first receiving end bracket.

[0025] Furthermore, the receiving end further comprises: a first receiving end slide rail and a second receiving end slide rail;

[0026] The first receiving end slide rail is provided on the upper surface of the first receiving end bracket, and is used to control the left and right movement of the ROI imaging receiving plate;

[0027] The second receiving end slide rail is arranged on the same side surface of the second receiving end bracket as the ROI imaging receiving plate, and is used to control the ROI imaging receiving plate to move up and down.

[0028] Furthermore, the receiving end further includes: a rotating mechanism;

[0029] The rotating mechanism is provided between the second receiving end bracket and the ROI imaging receiving plate, and is used to rotate the ROI imaging receiving plate to switch between vertical and horizontal directions, so as to adapt to photographing the object to be imaged in any direction including vertical or horizontal.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] (1) An imaging device for slit scanning is provided, comprising: a transmitting end and a receiving end, wherein the transmitting end is arranged opposite to the receiving end; the transmitting end is used to collimate X-rays into slit X-rays, and continuously send the slit X-rays to the object to be imaged in any manner including up and down, left and right, so that the object to be imaged is completely photographed by the slit X-rays in a linear manner; the receiving end is used to automatically activate a slit region of interest corresponding to the emission direction of the slit X-rays on the receiving end after each slit X-ray passes through the object to be imaged, obtain the attenuated slit X-rays through the slit region of interest, convert them into slit images with the same shooting range as the slit X-rays for storage, and after the object to be imaged is completely photographed, all the slit images are spliced to form a complete imaging picture of the object to be imaged. In the above technical solution, X-rays are collimated by slit scanning to avoid the magnification effect of point light source imaging. It can be used to collect true-to-scale images of the object to be imaged (such as the human body), and the radiation dose it receives is much lower than that of spiral scanning and is at the level of ordinary radiation.

[0032] (2) The X-ray emitter installed on the transmitting end can be set to rotate and scan from different directions. By selecting the region of interest (ROI) on the receiving end for imaging, the influence caused by the point light source amplification effect can be suppressed, providing accurate data for clinical diagnosis.

[0033] (3) By providing a rotation mechanism on the receiving end to rotate the ROI imaging receiving plate between vertical and horizontal directions, the imaging object can be photographed in any direction, including vertical or horizontal. It can be applied to a variety of different application scenarios such as outpatient clinics and operating rooms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an imaging device using a ROI scanning method in the vertical direction of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an imaging device using a horizontal ROI scanning method according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the principle of ROI region of interest imaging based on the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a long field of view receiving end in the horizontal direction of a long field of view;

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a long field of view receiving end in the vertical direction of a long field of view.

[0039] Reference numerals

[0040] 1. Transmitter;

[0041] 11. X-ray emitter;

[0042] 12. Transmitter bracket; 121. First transmitter bracket; 122. Second transmitter bracket;

[0043] 131, first launch end slide rail; 132, second launch end slide rail;

[0044] 2. Receiver;

[0045] 21. ROI imaging receiving board;

[0046] 22. Receiving end bracket; 221. First receiving end bracket; 222. First receiving end bracket;

[0047] 231, first receiving end slide rail; 232, second receiving end slide rail;

[0048] 24. Rotating mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this specification and claims shall have the same general meaning as understood by persons having ordinary skills in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0053] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments. It should be noted that in the specific description of these embodiments, for the sake of brevity, this specification cannot provide a detailed description of all features of the actual embodiments.

[0054] The slit-scanning imaging device provided by the present invention first generates diagnostic X-rays using a high-frequency, high-voltage X-ray generator (transmitter). An automatic beam controller then controls the X-ray beam, defining a slit at the front end of the receiver. The device continuously captures images of the region of interest (ROI), acquiring them through linear motion mapping, resulting in an image that approximates the true proportions of the human body. This is illustrated below using specific embodiments.

[0055] Example

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an imaging device for slit scanning, comprising: a transmitting end 1 and a receiving end 2, wherein the transmitting end 1 is arranged opposite to the receiving end 2;

[0057] The transmitting end 1 is used to collimate the X-ray into a slit X-ray, and continuously send the slit X-ray to the object to be imaged by moving in any manner including up and down, left and right, so that the object to be imaged is completely photographed by the slit X-ray in a linear motion-to-surface manner; the receiving end 2 is used to automatically activate a slit region of interest corresponding to the emission direction of the slit X-ray on the receiving end 2 after each slit X-ray passes through the object to be imaged, obtain the attenuated slit X-ray through the slit region of interest, convert it into a slit image with the same shooting range as the slit X-ray for storage, and after the object to be imaged is completely photographed, all the slit images are spliced to form a complete imaging picture of the object to be imaged.

[0058] Specifically, in traditional medical imaging technology, X-ray images are typically acquired through scanning of plain X-ray films. When X-rays are emitted from a point source, they scatter in a cone-shaped pattern. Different parts of the imaged object receive X-rays at varying magnifications, leading to image distortion. This is particularly true when capturing images of, for example, a complete human body. Due to the limited range of traditional methods, several images of different parts must be stitched together. This can lead to significant errors due to the varying resolutions of these methods.

[0059] Based on the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention adopts a slit scanning method to collimate the X-rays into a linear slit X-ray. During a single shooting process, the transmitting end 1 maintains a certain uniform speed and presses the exposure button to continuously emit slit X-rays. After passing through the object to be imaged (such as the human body), the image is formed in the shooting area selected by the receiving end 2 (the receiving end does not move during the shooting process).

[0060] Assuming the capture time is t, the motion speed is r, and the width of the activated slit region of interest is r, then the overall length of the captured region of the object to be imaged, S = r*v*t. The exposure parameters can be preset based on the location of the subject, or the exposure parameters required for the next ROI imaging can be automatically calculated based on the grayscale values stored in the previous ROI image, the receiver sensitivity, and the target grayscale value. After the exposure is complete, release the exposure button, and a complete image is transmitted to the workstation for post-processing and analysis. The moving transmitter returns to its initial position, ensuring the next vertical scan from top to bottom or horizontal scan from left to right.

[0061] Furthermore, the transmitting end 1 further includes: an X-ray emitter 11 and an automatic control beam splitter (not shown in the figure), wherein the X-ray emitter 11 is arranged on the main body of the transmitting end 1, and the automatic control beam splitter is arranged at the front end of the X-ray emitter 11;

[0062] The X-ray emitter 11 is used to emit X-rays; the automatic beam-controller is used to collimate the X-rays into the slit X-rays.

[0063] The size of the slit X-rays collimated by the automatic beam-control device is set according to the size of the selected slit region of interest, and is set to the same size as the slit region of interest.

[0064] Furthermore, the receiving end 2 further includes: a ROI imaging receiving board 21, wherein the ROI imaging receiving board 21 is arranged on the main body of the receiving end 2;

[0065] The ROI imaging receiving plate 21 adopts ROI imaging technology with adjustable region of interest. Before shooting, the slit region of interest is set to a fixed size. At the same time, combined with the automatic adjustment of the automated control beam splitter, the X-ray is collimated into a slit X-ray of the same size as the slit region of interest. During shooting, the corresponding slit region of interest is activated on the ROI imaging receiving plate following the emission direction of the slit X-ray to obtain the attenuated slit X-ray.

[0066] like Figure 3 The figure shows the principle of imaging based on ROI region of interest. The present invention adopts a receiving plate compatible with identifying the region of interest, and can select squares of different sizes (such as Figure 3 The present invention uses a slit ROI such as ROI1 and ROI2) or a slit ROI such as ROI3. The size and shape of the slit ROI are fixed during shooting, but it moves with the movement of the transmitting end, activating the slit ROI at the corresponding position for exposure.

[0067] After the slit X-ray passes through the human body and reaches the receiver, the slit area of interest is automatically activated to obtain X-rays with different attenuations, which are converted into grayscale values for storage. Then, imaging is performed in a linear motion-to-surface manner according to the shooting part and the size of the selected area. Finally, all the stored grayscale information is read, avoiding image distortion from the receiver end and obtaining an image with better consistency.

[0068] Furthermore, the transmitting end 1 further includes: a transmitting end bracket 12; the transmitting end bracket 12 is used to fix the X-ray emitter 11 and control the X-ray emitter 11 to move up and down, left and right.

[0069] Furthermore, the transmitting end bracket 12 also includes: a first transmitting end bracket 121 and a second transmitting end bracket 122; the first transmitting end bracket 121 is horizontally arranged, the second transmitting end bracket 122 is vertically arranged, and the bottom end of the second transmitting end bracket 122 is slidably arranged on the first transmitting end bracket 121.

[0070] Furthermore, the transmitting end 1 further includes: a first transmitting end slide rail 131 and a second transmitting end slide rail 132 (not shown in the figure);

[0071] The first transmitting end slide rail 131 is mounted on the upper surface of the first transmitting end bracket 121 and is used to control the left and right movement of the X-ray emitter 11. The second transmitting end slide rail 132 is mounted on the same side of the second transmitting end bracket 132 as the X-ray emitter 11 and is used to control the vertical movement of the X-ray emitter 11. Specifically, the transmitting end 1 is moved left and right or up and down to fully scan the entire object to be imaged.

[0072] Furthermore, the receiving end 2 further includes: a receiving end bracket 22; the receiving end bracket 22 is used to fix the ROI imaging receiving plate 21 and control the position adjustment of the ROI imaging receiving plate 21, including up and down, left and right.

[0073] Furthermore, the receiving end bracket 22 also includes: a first receiving end bracket 221 and a second receiving end bracket 222; the first receiving end bracket 221 is horizontally arranged, the second receiving end bracket 222 is vertically arranged, and the bottom end of the second receiving end bracket 222 is slidably arranged on the first receiving end bracket 221.

[0074] Furthermore, the receiving end 2 further includes: a first receiving end slide rail 231 and a second receiving end slide rail 232;

[0075] The first receiving end slide rail 231 is arranged on the upper surface of the first receiving end bracket 221, and is used to control the left and right movement of the ROI imaging receiving plate 21; the second receiving end slide rail 232 is arranged on the same side surface of the second receiving end bracket 222 as the ROI imaging receiving plate 21, and is used to control the up and down movement of the ROI imaging receiving plate 21.

[0076] It should be noted that the receiving end 2 is fixed during imaging, and the transmitting end 1 is moving. The slide rail of the receiving end 2 is only used to adjust the position of the ROI imaging receiving plate 21 before imaging to adjust the ROI imaging receiving plate 21 to the optimal exposure position. Figure 4 and 5 In the form of a pulley.

[0077] Furthermore, if Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the receiving end 2 further includes a rotation mechanism 24 disposed between the second receiving end bracket 222 and the ROI imaging receiving plate 21, for rotating the ROI imaging receiving plate 21 between vertical and horizontal directions to accommodate capturing the object in any orientation, including vertical or horizontal. The rotational arrangement allows for adapting to various scenarios, such as standing or lying down.

[0078] Furthermore, the receiver of the present invention can be set to any length, such as Figure 4 and 5 As described above, the ROI imaging receiving plate 21 is set as an extra-long flat plate, which increases the range of the scanning area and is more suitable for taking images of the upper body, lower body or even the whole body. Combined with the up and down movement and rotation control, the horizontal position of the long field of view device can be achieved ( Figure 4 ) and long field of view device vertical position ( Figure 5 ) shooting positions, corresponding to obtaining different images for lying position and standing position respectively, and obtaining imaging with a larger field of view during a slit scan, thereby improving actual use efficiency and avoiding errors and missed diagnoses caused by stitching.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. All technical solutions based on the concept of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, various improvements and modifications that do not depart from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging device for scanning through a slit, characterized in that include: A transmitting end and a receiving end, wherein the transmitting end is arranged opposite to the receiving end; The transmitting end is used to collimate the X-rays into slit X-rays, and continuously transmit the slit X-rays to the object to be imaged by moving in any manner including up and down, left and right, so that the object to be imaged is completely imaged by the slit X-rays in a linear motion-to-surface manner; The receiving end is used to automatically activate a slit region of interest corresponding to the emission direction of the slit X-ray on the receiving end each time the slit X-ray is sent through the object to be imaged, obtain the attenuated slit X-ray through the slit region of interest, convert it into a slit image with the same shooting range as the slit X-ray for storage, and after the object to be imaged is completely photographed, splice all the slit images to form a complete imaging picture of the object to be imaged.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmitting end further includes: an X-ray emitter and an automatic control beam splitter, wherein the X-ray emitter is arranged on the main body of the transmitting end, and the automatic control beam splitter is arranged at the front end of the X-ray emitter; The X-ray emitter is used to emit X-rays; The automatic beam-controller is used to collimate the X-rays into the slit X-rays.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The receiving end further includes: a ROI imaging receiving plate, wherein the ROI imaging receiving plate is arranged on the main body of the receiving end; The ROI imaging receiving plate adopts ROI imaging technology with adjustable region of interest. Before shooting, the slit region of interest is set to a fixed size. At the same time, combined with the automatic adjustment of the automated control beam splitter, the X-ray is collimated into a slit X-ray of the same size as the slit region of interest. During shooting, the corresponding slit region of interest is activated on the ROI imaging receiving plate following the emission direction of the slit X-ray to obtain the attenuated slit X-ray.

4. The imaging device for scanning by slit according to claim 2, characterized in that The transmitting end further includes: a transmitting end bracket; The transmitting end bracket is used to fix the X-ray emitter and control the X-ray emitter to move up and down, left and right.

5. The imaging device for scanning by slit according to claim 4, characterized in that The transmitting end bracket further includes: a first transmitting end bracket and a second transmitting end bracket; The first transmitting end bracket is arranged horizontally, the second transmitting end bracket is arranged vertically, and the bottom end of the second transmitting end bracket is slidably arranged on the first transmitting end bracket.

6. The imaging device for scanning by slit according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes: a first launch end slide rail and a second launch end slide rail; The first transmitting end slide rail is provided on the upper surface of the first transmitting end bracket and is used to control the left and right movement of the X-ray emitter; The second transmitting end slide rail is arranged on the same side surface of the second transmitting end bracket as the X-ray emitter, and is used to control the X-ray emitter to move up and down.

7. The imaging device for scanning by slit according to claim 3, characterized in that The receiving end further includes: a receiving end bracket; The receiving end bracket is used to fix the ROI imaging receiving plate and control the ROI imaging receiving plate to perform position adjustment including up and down, left and right.

8. The imaging device for scanning by slits according to claim 7, characterized in that The receiving end bracket further includes: a first receiving end bracket and a second receiving end bracket; The first receiving end bracket is arranged horizontally, the second receiving end bracket is arranged vertically, and the bottom end of the second receiving end bracket is slidably arranged on the first receiving end bracket.

9. The imaging device for scanning by slits according to claim 8, wherein: Also includes: a first receiving end slide rail and a second receiving end slide rail; The first receiving end slide rail is provided on the upper surface of the first receiving end bracket, and is used to control the left and right movement of the ROI imaging receiving plate; The second receiving end slide rail is arranged on the same side surface of the second receiving end bracket as the ROI imaging receiving plate, and is used to control the ROI imaging receiving plate to move up and down.

10. The imaging device for scanning by slits according to claim 8, characterized in that The receiving end further includes: a rotating mechanism; The rotating mechanism is provided between the second receiving end bracket and the ROI imaging receiving plate, and is used to rotate the ROI imaging receiving plate to switch between vertical and horizontal directions, so as to adapt to photographing the object to be imaged in any direction including vertical or horizontal.

Images