Filter systems and methods for imaging subjects

Abstract

A method and system for acquiring image data of a subject are disclosed. The image data can be collected using an imaging system employing various selection techniques. Selection techniques can be used to help generate selected images for viewing. Selection techniques may include moving filters to filter selected portions of the imaging beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to imaging a subject, and more particularly to a system for acquiring image data using an adjustable collimator. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Subjects, such as human patients, may choose or be required to undergo surgery to correct or enhance their anatomical structures. Anatomical enhancement can include various procedures such as bone movement or reinforcement, insertion of implants (i.e., implantable devices), or other appropriate procedures. Surgeons can perform surgery on subjects using images acquired using imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), fluorescence examination (e.g., C-arm imaging), or other suitable imaging systems.

[0004] Images of the patient can assist surgeons in performing surgery, including planning and executing procedures. Surgeons can choose between two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the patient's image. By allowing surgeons to observe the patient's anatomy during surgery without removing covering tissues (including skin and muscle), images can help surgeons perform procedures using less invasive techniques. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides an overall overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0006] An imaging system operable to acquire one or more image projections of a subject is disclosed. In various embodiments, the image projections can be acquired and used to reconstruct an image of the subject. In various embodiments, the projections can be observed directly, alternatively and / or otherwise. The imaging system can include any selected imaging system, such as an X-ray imaging system. Thus, in various embodiments, the imaging system can generate selected energy that is transmitted to and passes through the subject and detected by a detector. Thus, the emitted energy can be transmitted through one or more filters before impacting or reaching the subject.

[0007] When acquiring image data, the energy or energy beam from the imaging system may encounter a filter or material before passing through the subject. The material of the filter can alter the characteristics of the energy, such as bandwidth, frequency band, dose, or other features of the energy beam. Therefore, the projection of the subject can be obtained by changing the energy reaching the subject from the source of the imaging system.

[0008] Multiple filters can be positioned within a collimator and moved relative to the subject and source to obtain multiple projections of the subject with different energy characteristics. For example, a first projection of the subject can be obtained without filters, and a second projection of the subject can be obtained with the first filter. These two projections can be obtained at the same location of the source and detector, at different locations of the source and detector, or at other features. Therefore, multiple projections of the subject can be obtained by changing the energy emitted by the imaging system relative to the subject.

[0009] During the image acquisition process, filters can be moved relative to the subject. Image acquisition can be based on acquiring one or more projections or image data projections through the subject to generate a selected image of the subject. Because one or more filters are selected during the acquisition of one or more projections, the imaging system can acquire multiple projections of the subject with different energy characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that, in addition to filters, the imaging system can also produce multiple different energy characteristics, which can also be filtered differently by the selected filters.

[0010] Imaging systems include multiple components, such as detectors and collimators. A collimator may be incorporated into or positioned relative to a source to collimate source energy before it reaches the subject and detector. Therefore, a collimator may include components and systems for selectively moving filters relative to the source and subject to generate a selected beam toward the subject. Consequently, a collimator may also include control mechanisms to move filters and / or blades to shape and / or select the energy beam.

[0011] Other areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The diagrams described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 This is an environmental view of the imaging system in the operating room;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a detailed schematic diagram of an imaging system with a dual energy source system;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of the collimator assembly;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Bottom perspective view of the collimator assembly;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the filter selection assembly according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 6A This is a detailed perspective view of the bushing accessory;

[0019] Figure 6B This is a side view of the bushing attachment according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the position sensing assembly;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the process for determining the filter position; and

[0022] Figure 9 This is a detailed view of the slit filter.

[0023] The corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts in several views throughout the accompanying drawing. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 In the operating room or surgical chamber 10, a user, such as a surgeon 12, may perform surgery on a subject, such as a patient 14. During the surgery, the user 12 may use an imaging system 16 to acquire image data of the patient 14, allowing a selected system to generate or create images to aid in the surgical procedure. The image data may be generated by electricity used to produce one or more projections of the subject 14. However, it should be understood that various types of image data can be collected, and various types of image data can be used to generate or reconstruct images 18.

[0026] Image 18 may include a model (e.g., a three-dimensional (3D) image) that can be generated using image data and displayed as image 18 on display device 20. Display device 20 may be part of and / or connected to processor system 22, which includes input device 24 (e.g., a keyboard) and processor 26, which may include one or more processors or microprocessors combined with processing system 22. Processing system 22 may also include non-transitory and / or transient memory 27 of selected type. A connection 28 may be provided between processor 26 and display device 20 for data communication to allow driving display device 20 to display or show image 18.

[0027] The imaging system 16 may have various components, such as those sold by Medtronic Navigation, Inc., which has a place of business in Louisville, Colorado, USA. The imaging system 16 may also include and / or alternatively include various components, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications 2012 / 0250822, 2012 / 0099772 and 2010 / 0290690, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Imaging system 16 may include a mobile trolley 30 to allow the imaging system to be movable. Imaging system 16 may also include a controller and / or control system 32. In various embodiments, control system 32 may be incorporated into trolley 30 or other suitable location. Further, control system 32 may include a processor 33a and a memory 33b (e.g., non-transitory memory). Memory 33b may include various instructions executed by processor 33a to control the imaging system (including the various parts of imaging system 16).

[0029] An active unit or system 36 may be housed in the imaging gantry 34 of the imaging system 16, and a detector 38 may be connected to a mobile trolley 30. The gantry 34 may be O-shaped or annular, wherein the gantry 34 is substantially annular and includes walls forming volumes in which the source unit 36 ​​and detector 38 can move. The mobile trolley 30 may be moved from one operating room to another, and the gantry 34 may be moved relative to the trolley 30, as discussed elsewhere herein. This allows the imaging system 16 to be mobile and movable relative to the subject 14, thereby allowing its use in multiple locations and with multiple procedures without requiring dedicated capital expenditure or space for the imaging system. The processor may include a general-purpose processor or a specific application processor and memory system (e.g., non-transitory memory such as a rotary disk or solid-state non-volatile memory). For example, the memory system may include instructions to be executed by the processor to perform functions and determine results, as discussed herein.

[0030] Source unit 36 ​​may be an X-ray source, also referred to as an emitter, which emits X-rays toward and / or through the patient 14 for detection by detector 38. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the X-rays emitted by source 36 may be cone-shaped and detected by detector 38. Source 36 / detector unit 38 are typically diametrically opposed within gantry 34. Detector 38 may move 360° around the patient 14 within gantry 34, while source 36 remains approximately 180° opposite detector 38 (e.g., using a fixed internal gantry or moving system).

[0031] The stand 34 can be positioned relative to the subject 14, which can be placed on a patient support frame or worktable 15, typically in such a position as... Figure 1 The device 16 can move equidistantly in the direction of arrow 40 shown. The gantry 34 can also tilt relative to the patient 14, as indicated by arrow 42, and move longitudinally along line 44 relative to the longitudinal axis 14L of the patient 14 and the trolley 30. It can also move vertically relative to the trolley 30 and laterally relative to the patient 14, typically along line 46, to allow the source 36 / detector 38 to be positioned relative to the patient 14. The imaging device 16 can be precisely controlled to move the source 36 / detector 38 relative to the patient 14 to generate accurate image data of the patient 14. The imaging device 16 can be connected to the processor 26 via connection 50, which may include a wired or wireless connection or physical medium transmission from the imaging system 16 to the processor 26. Therefore, image data collected using the imaging system 16 can be transmitted to the processing system 22 for navigation, display, reconstruction, etc.

[0032] As discussed herein, source 36 may comprise one or more x-ray sources for imaging subject 14. In various embodiments, source 36 may comprise a single source that may be powered by more than one power source to generate and / or emit x-rays with different energy characteristics. Furthermore, more than one x-ray source may be source 36 that can be powered to emit x-rays with different energy characteristics at selected times.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the imaging system 16 can be used with non-navigation or navigation procedures. In navigation surgery, locators and / or digitizers, including any one or both of optical locators 60 and electromagnetic locators 62, can be used to generate fields and / or receive and / or transmit signals within a navigation domain relative to the patient 14. The navigation or navigable space or domain relative to the patient 14 can be registered with image 18. As understood in the art, correlation allows for registration between the navigation space defined within the navigation domain and the image space defined by image 18. A patient tracker or dynamic reference frame 64 can be attached to the patient 14 to allow dynamic registration and maintain the registration of the patient 14 with image 18.

[0034] The patient tracking device or dynamic registration device 64 and the instrument 66 can then be tracked relative to the patient 14 to allow for navigation procedures. The instrument 66 may include tracking devices, such as an optical tracking device 68 and / or an electromagnetic tracking device 70, to allow tracking of the instrument 66 using either or both of the optical locator 60 or the electromagnetic locator 62. The instrument 66 may include a communication line 72 with a navigation / detection interface device 74, such as an electromagnetic locator 62 with a communication line 76 and / or an optical locator 60 with a communication line 78. Using communication lines 74, 78, and 80 respectively, the interface 74 can then communicate with the processor 26 via a communication line 80. It should be understood that any communication line 28, 50, 76, 78, or 80 can be wired, wireless, physically transmitted or mobile, or any other suitable communication. However, a suitable communication system may be equipped with a corresponding locator to allow tracking of the instrument 66 relative to the patient 14, thereby allowing the illustrated instrument 66 to be tracked relative to the image 18 for surgical procedures.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that device 66 can be any suitable device, such as a ventricular or vascular stent, spinal implant, neural stent or stimulator, ablation device, or the like. Device 66 can be an interventional device, or may include or be an implantable device. Tracking device 66 allows the position (including x, y, z position and orientation) of device 66 relative to patient 14 to be viewed using registration image 18 without having to directly view device 66 within patient 14.

[0036] Furthermore, the stage 34 may include an optical tracking device 82 and / or an electromagnetic tracking device 84 for tracking using a corresponding optical locator 60 or electromagnetic locator 62. Thus, the imaging device 16 can be tracked relative to the patient 14, and the instrument 66 can also be tracked to allow initial registration, automatic registration, or continued registration of the patient 14 relative to the image 18. Registration and navigation procedures are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 8,238,631, which is incorporated herein by reference. After registration and tracking of the instrument 66, an icon 90 may be displayed relative to the image 18, including overlays on said image.

[0037] Go to Figure 2 According to various embodiments, source unit 36 ​​may include various components or features as discussed herein. For example, source unit 36 ​​may include an x-ray source, such as a single x-ray tube 100 that may be connected to switch 102, which may interconnect a first power supply A 104 and a second power supply B 106 to x-ray tube 100. X-rays may be emitted from x-ray tube 100 in a generally conical shape 108 toward detector 38 and generally in a direction from source 100 as indicated by an arrow, beam arrow, beam, or vector 110.

[0038] Switch 102 can switch between power supply A 104 and power supply B 106 to power the x-ray tube 100 at different voltages and / or ampere numbers to emit x-rays toward detector 38 generally in the direction of vector 110 with different energy characteristics. Vector 110 can be a central vector or ray within an x-ray cone 108. The x-ray beam can be emitted as a cone 108 or other suitable geometry. Vector 110 can contain selected lines or axes relevant to further interactions with the beam, such as interactions with filter components, as discussed further herein.

[0039] However, it will be understood that switch 102 may also be connected to a single variable power supply capable of providing power characteristics at different voltages and / or ampere numbers, rather than to two different power supplies A 104 and / or B 106. Furthermore, switch 102 may be a switch for switching a single power supply between different voltages and ampere numbers. Additionally, source unit 36 ​​may include more than one source, such as an X-ray source, each configured or operable to emit X-rays having one or more energy characteristics and / or different energy characteristics. The switch or selected system may be operable to power two or more X-ray tubes to generate X-rays at selected times.

[0040] To acquire a projection, also known as an image projection or generally as an image, patient 14 may be positioned within an X-ray cone 108. Image data of patient 14 is then acquired at detector 38 based on the emission of X-rays toward detector 38 in the direction of vector 110. As discussed herein, the generation of X-ray projections can be used to collect or acquire image data of a subject for the purpose of generating an image.

[0041] Two power supplies, A and B 104, 106, can be provided within source unit 36. Alternatively or additionally, power supplies 104, 106 can be separated from source unit 36 ​​and simply connected to switch 102 via suitable electrical connections, such as a first cable or wire 112 and a second cable or wire 114. Switch 102 can switch between power supply A 104 and power supply B 106 at an appropriate rate to allow X-rays to be emitted through patient 14 at two different energies for various imaging procedures, as discussed further herein. The different energies can be used for material separation and / or material-enhanced reconstruction or imaging of patient 14.

[0042] The switching rate of switch 102 can range from about 1 millisecond (ms) to about 1 second, further from about 10 ms to 500 ms, and even further from about 50 ms. According to various embodiments, the power supply can be switched at a rate of approximately 30 Hz. Therefore, X-rays with energy characteristics can be emitted for approximately 33 ms depending on each power supply A and B.

[0043] Furthermore, based on the selected contrast enhancement requirements, power supplies A 104 and B 106 can be provided to include different power characteristics, including different voltages and different amperes. Different power characteristics allow the x-rays to include different energy characteristics. The different energy characteristics of two or more different x-ray emissions interact and are attenuated differently by the same material (e.g., absorption, blocking, deflection, etc.). For example, as further discussed herein, different energy characteristics can be selected to allow for contrast enhancement (e.g., enhanced observation and identification) between the soft tissues (e.g., muscles or vascular system) and hard tissues (e.g., bones) of patient 14, which can be accomplished without any contrast agent. Furthermore, different energy characteristics can contribute to increasing the contrast between areas of contrast agent injected or supplied to patient 14 via injection or supply pump 120, which can be controlled by image controller 32 (or other suitable control system) in patient 14.

[0044] As further discussed herein, each emission of x-rays at a selected energy characteristic may include a range of x-ray energy spectra. However, the range of x-ray energy spectra for any given power level can typically be wide. Wideness may include, for example, a range of energies from which x-rays are emitted, rather than just a specific and / or single energy level. Thus, even when using two different power supply characteristics, the emitted x-rays may overlap between two emissions of x-rays generated by two power supplies A and B. Filter assembly 150 may include filter elements of filter material, as discussed herein, which can be used to attenuate some of the spectrum of one or more x-ray emissions. When attenuating a portion of the x-ray emission spectrum, the difference between two emissions may be greater, and spectral overlap may be minimized. For example, when the x-ray tube is powered by a higher power supply A or B, the filter elements may attenuate lower energy x-rays. Source unit 36 ​​may be referred to as a collimator and / or filter assembly may be incorporated into the collimator assembly, as discussed herein.

[0045] For example, power supply A 104 may have a voltage of approximately 75 kV and an ampere of approximately 50 mA, which may differ from power supply B, which may have a voltage of 150 kV and an ampere of 20 mA. The selected voltage and ampere can then be switched using switch 102 to power the x-ray tube 100 to emit x-rays with selected energy characteristics at and / or through the patient 14 in a direction generally in vector 110 toward detector 38. It will be understood that the voltage range of power supply A may be approximately 40 kV to approximately 80 kV and the ampere may be approximately 10 mA to approximately 500 mA. Typically, the power characteristic difference between the first power supply A 104 and the second power supply B 106 may be approximately 40 kV to approximately 60 kV and approximately 20 mA to approximately 150 mA. In other words, for example, power supply B may power the x-ray tube 100 with a voltage approximately 40 kV to approximately 60 kV higher and an ampere of approximately 20 mA to approximately 150 mA higher than that of power supply A. In addition to differences in energy and mA, the pulse width of the exposure can also vary from 1ms to 50ms.

[0046] Dual power supplies allow dual-energy X-rays to be emitted from the X-ray tube 100. As described above, two or dual-energy X-rays can allow for enhancement and / or dynamic contrast reconstruction of a model of the subject 14 based on acquired image data of the patient 14. However, it should be understood that more than two power supplies can be provided or they can be changed during operation to provide X-rays with more than two energy characteristics. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the discussion of two or dual energy sources herein is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0047] However, it should be understood that imaging systems can also be used to generate projections at a single power. Therefore, single- or dual-power imaging systems can be used to generate image data projections. Projections, regardless of how they are collected, can be used to generate images.

[0048] Image 18 can be generated by reconstructing from image data. In various embodiments, iterative or algebraic processes can be used to reconstruct image 18. Based on the acquired image data, image 18 may include a model of at least a portion of patient 14. It should be understood that the model may include a three-dimensional (3D) rendering of the imaging portion of patient 14 based on the image data. The rendering may be formed or generated based on selected techniques, such as those discussed herein.

[0049] A power supply can power the x-ray tube 100 to generate a two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection of the patient 14, a selected portion of the patient 14, or any region, area, or volume of interest. The 2D x-ray projection can be reconstructed, as discussed herein, to generate and / or display a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric model of the patient 14, a selected portion of the patient 14, or any region, area, or volume of interest. As discussed herein, the 2D x-ray projection can be image data acquired using the imaging system 16, while the 3D volumetric model can be generated or modeled from the image data.

[0050] To reconstruct or form a 3D volumetric image, appropriate algebraic techniques include Expectation Maximization (EM), Ordered Subset EM (OS-EM), Simultaneous Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (SART), and Total Variation Minimization (TVM), as generally understood by those skilled in the art. Applications performing 3D volumetric reconstruction based on 2D projections allow for efficient and complete volumetric reconstruction. Typically, algebraic techniques may involve iterative processes to perform a reconstruction of patient 14 for display as image 18. For example, projections of pure or theoretical image data, such as those based on or derived from an atlas or stylized model of a “theoretical” patient, can be iteratively modified until the theoretical projected image matches the acquired 2D projected image data of patient 14. The stylized model can then be appropriately modified into a 3D volumetric reconstruction model of the acquired 2D projected image data of the selected patient 14 and can be used for surgical procedures, such as navigation, diagnosis, or planning. The theoretical model can be associated with the theoretical image data to construct a theoretical model. In this way, the model or image data 18 can be constructed based on image data of patient 14 acquired using imaging device 16.

[0051] As the source / detector 36 / 38 moves around the patient 14 for optimal motion positioning, the projected image data can be a 2D projection and can be acquired through substantially all or part of a circular or 360° directional movement of the source / detector 36 / 38 around the patient 14. The optimal motion can be a predetermined movement of the source / detector 36 / 38 alone or in a circle with the movement of the stage 34, as described above. The optimal motion can be a motion that allows sufficient image data to be acquired to reconstruct image 18 of a selected quality. This optimal movement can allow for minimizing, or attempting to minimize, the exposure of the patient 14 and / or user 12 to X-rays by moving the source / detector 36 / 38 along a path to acquire a selected amount of image data without requiring more or substantially more X-ray exposure.

[0052] Furthermore, due to the movement of the gantry 34, the detector never needs to move in a perfectly circular motion, but can instead move in a spiral or other rotational motion around or relative to the patient 14. Moreover, based on the movement of the imaging system 16 (including the gantry 34 and detector 38 together), the path can be substantially asymmetric and / or nonlinear. In other words, the path does not need to be continuous, because detector 38 and gantry 34 can stop, move backward (e.g., oscillate), etc., while following an optimal path. Therefore, detector 38 never needs to travel a full 360° around the patient 14, because gantry 34 can tilt or otherwise move and detector 38 can stop and move back in the direction it has already traveled.

[0053] When image data is acquired at detector 38, the energy of the two beams of X-rays emitted by X-ray tube 100, based on the properties of the tissue or contrast agent in patient 14 and the energy of the emitted X-rays, including dual-energy X-rays in various embodiments, generally interacts differently with the tissue and / or contrast agent in patient 14. For example, the soft tissue of patient 14 may absorb or scatter X-rays with energy generated by power source A 104, which differs from X-rays with energy generated by power source B 106. Similarly, a contrast agent such as iodine may absorb or scatter X-rays generated by power source A 104, which differs from X-rays generated by power source B 106. Switching between power source A 104 and power source B 106 can allow for the determination of different types of material properties within patient 14 (e.g., hard or soft anatomy or both types of soft anatomy (e.g., blood vessels and surrounding tissues)), contrast agents, implants (e.g., metallic implants), and surrounding natural anatomy (e.g., bone), etc. By switching between two power supplies 104 and 106 and knowing when power supply A 104 is used to generate X-rays instead of power supply B 106, the information detected at detector 38 can be used to identify or isolate different types of anatomical structures or contrast agents being imaged.

[0054] A timer can be used to determine the duration of use of the first power supply A 104 and the second power supply B 106. This allows for the indexing and separation of images to generate different models of the patient 14. Furthermore, as discussed herein, the timer can be a separate system or included in the imaging system 16 or the processor system 26, and can be used to index image data generated with contrast agent injected into the patient 14.

[0055] Because the X-ray tube 100 is in a movable imaging system, such as imaging system 16, it can move relative to the patient 14. Therefore, the X-ray tube 100 can move relative to the patient 14 while the energy used for the X-ray tube 100 is switched between power supply A 104 and power supply B 106. Therefore, the pose or position of the image acquired using power supply A 104 relative to the patient 14 may differ from that acquired using power supply B 106. However, if it is desired or selected that the model is formed from a single position within the patient 14, various interpolation techniques can be used to generate the model. Interpolation can be performed between first acquired image data and second acquired image data. The first and second image data can be generated using two different energies. Therefore, interpolation between the acquired image data can be used to form a model that includes image data from both energies. Furthermore, interpolation can take into account the amount of movement (e.g., linearity, rotation, etc.) of the X-ray tube 100 between acquiring a projection using power supply A 104 and a projection using power supply B 106.

[0056] Due to the two power supplies 104 and 106, the dual energy of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 100 allows for sufficiently effective and enhanced contrast identification between the vascular system and muscle tissue of the patient 14. Furthermore, the switching of the switch 102 between power supply A 104 and power supply B 106 allows for the efficient configuration of the source 36, where a single X-ray tube 100 can allow the generation of two different energies of X-rays to enable enhanced or dynamic contrast modeling of the patient 14, such as modeling the vascular system of the patient 14, which includes contrast agents.

[0057] Dual-energy imaging systems may include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications 2012 / 0099768 and 2012 / 0097178, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] In addition to generating X-rays of different energies, including dual-energy X-rays as described above, the filter assembly 200 can be used to help ensure or generate a selective difference between the X-ray spectra of two different energies of X-rays before the X-rays reach the detector 38. The filter assembly 200 can also be timed in conjunction with switching X-ray energy, using switch 102, using pump 120 to inject contrast agent, or other suitable timing. Therefore, the filter assembly 200 can be operated to image the patient 14 to achieve a difference between the two energies of X-rays.

[0059] Steering Reference Figure 3Selected portions of unit 36 ​​may include or have been positioned relative to collimator assembly 210. Collimator assembly 210 may include filter assembly 200. It should be understood that selected filter assemblies, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0310900, are permitted to be used, and are incorporated herein by reference. As discussed herein, filter assembly 200 includes various components.

[0060] Collimator 210 may include various components, such as filter assembly 200, as discussed further herein, which may be movably connected to or interconnected with a base or mounting plate 214. Mounting plate 214 may have a source-facing side 218 and a patient- or subject-facing side 222. Mounting plate 214 may also define an aperture 226 extending through mounting plate 214.

[0061] Various rings or caps, such as aperture caps 230 and aperture features or portions 234, can be installed on the patient-facing side 222. The aperture rings or portions 234 can be formed of a selected material, such as lead or other X-ray-impermeable materials. Thus, for imaging the subject 14, essentially all of the X-ray beam 108 can extend or pass through the aperture 226, and any extra portion will be blocked by the rings 234.

[0062] Additionally, mounting to mounting position 214 may be an axis selection assembly 240. The axis selection assembly 240 may include portions or blades movable relative to source 100 to move or guide a portion of bundle 108 through orifice 226. The axis selection assembly 240 may be any suitable type of axis selection assembly, such as those included in products sold by Medtronic, Inc. The imaging system and / or the application disclosed in U.S. Publication 2018 / 0310900 are incorporated herein by reference. The axis selection assembly 240 can select an area smaller than the entire area of ​​the aperture 226, including a selected portion or region of the aperture 226 through which X-rays can pass. X-rays can be filtered by the filter assembly 200, as further discussed herein. However, specific selections of axis or aperture addition and / or size can be performed according to any suitable aperture selection assembly. Therefore, the axis selection assembly 240 is not described in detail herein, as it will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0063] Filter assembly 200 in Figure 5 The details are shown in the text and will continue to be referenced in this article. Figure 3 and Figure 4This will be discussed in more detail. The filter assembly 200 may include various components that can be fixedly mounted and / or movably coupled to the mounting plate 214. For example, the mounting location 214 may include a support or spacer 246 that allows the axis selection assembly 240 to be positioned spaced apart from the mounting plate 214. Thus, the filter assembly 200 may be positioned in a space or volume defined between the mounting plate 214 (e.g., the source-facing side 218) and the axis selection assembly 240. Therefore, in various embodiments, the filter assembly 200 may exist in a volume or have a height that may be substantially equal to or the same as the height 250 of the spacer 246. However, it should be understood that various portions of the filter assembly 200 may protrude from the mounting plate 214 and thus have dimensions greater than the height 250 of the spacer 246.

[0064] As described above, mounting plate 214 can be used as a mounting plate or base for various components. In particular, mounting plate 214 can allow for the installation and movement of filter assembly 200. Filter assembly 200 may include various components, such as a trapezoidal frame or trapezoidal member 260. Trapezoidal member 260 may include an outer frame or boundary portion 264 and one or more transverse members, such as four transverse members 266, 268, 270, 274 extending between two elongated members or side members 276, 278. Side members 276, 278 having end transverse members 279 may form boundary portion 264. Transverse members 266-274 combined with boundary portion 264 may form or define multiple openings or filter regions 280a-280e.

[0065] Filter regions 280a-280e may have selected filter materials and / or open spaces formed or positioned thereto allow filtering of the light beam 108 from source 100, as discussed further herein. In various embodiments, filter frame 260 may have multiple filter components or materials mounted or fixed thereto, such as copper component 282, lead component 284 and open position 286, slit filter 290 and alternative or additional position 294. It should be understood that any suitable material may be disposed in trapezoidal frame 260 to form filter portions of filter assembly 200, and the aforementioned materials are merely exemplary. Furthermore, as discussed further herein, trapezoidal frame 260 may be movable relative to aperture 226 to position one or more selected filter components or portions 282-294 between source 100 and aperture 226. Thus, trapezoidal frame 260 can be used to position selected filter materials or regions to filter light beam 108 relative to subject 14.

[0066] Mounting plate 214 may have various components attached thereto, which may associate and / or allow or selectively define or restrict the operation of filter frame 260. For example, filter frame 260 may have mounting locations or protrusions 300. As discussed further herein, protrusions 300 may be used to mount various components to filter frame 260.

[0067] In various embodiments, frame 260 and / or portions thereof may contact the first stop 310 and the second stop 314. In various embodiments, protrusion 300 may contact one or more stops or limiters 310, 314. The stops may be formed from an extruded and machined material, such as aluminum. Typically, the stops may have a mounting plate joint 313 and a frame joint 315. The frame joint 315 may be substantially flat or planar.

[0068] Stops 310 and 314 can be secured to the mounting plate 214 by any suitable means, such as using fastener 318. Fastener 318 can be suitable fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, etc. Alternatively or additionally, selected snap-fit ​​fittings, adhesives, etc., can be used to secure stops 310 and 314 to the mounting plate 214. However, it should be understood that stops 310 and 314 can also be integrally formed as a single piece or part of the frame plate 214. For example, a portion of the plate 214 can be cut and bent to serve as a stop, such as one or both of stops 310 and 314.

[0069] The filter frame 260 is movable relative to the mounting plate 214, and the protrusion 300 can engage stops 310, 314 at selected or final limits of the movement of the filter frame 260. The stops 310, 314 can restrict the movement of the frame 260. Furthermore, the stops are operable to indicate a final or selected position of the frame 260, such as an initial position. The position of the filter components relative to the frame 260 is known, and therefore relative to any position of the frame 260. Thus, the position of the frame relative to the plate 214, including the aperture 226, can be known through the stops and as discussed herein.

[0070] The frame 260 can be movably connected to the track 324. The track 324 can be secured to the mounting plate 214 in any suitable manner, such as using track mounts including a first track mount 326 and a second track mount 328. In various embodiments, the filter assembly 200 may include only a single track 324.

[0071] The two track mounts 326, 328 can be secured to the mounting plate 214 in a suitable manner, for example, using selected fasteners including fastener 330. Fastener 330 can be a screw, bolt, rivet, or other suitable fastener. Furthermore, as described above, selected adhesives or snap-fit ​​connections can be used to secure the mounts 326, 328 to the mounting plate 214.

[0072] Mounting elements 326 and 328 may include opposing holes or through holes for receiving respective ends of the track 324. Therefore, the track 324 can be secured to the mounting plate 214 at a selected location. Figure 5 As exemplarily shown, the track 324 can be fixed at a selected position relative to the orifice 226.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 5 Referring also to Figure 6, frame 260 is mounted to or connected to one or more bushings, such as first bushing 350 and second bushing 354. It should be understood that any suitable number of bushings can be provided, and only two bushings are discussed here merely for clarity of the present discussion. Furthermore, two bushings can be provided to minimize or eliminate rotation of frame 260 relative to track 324 and / or aperture 226. It should be understood that additional bushings can also be provided to help reduce or eliminate rotation. Additionally, a single bushing of a selected size can be provided to provide appropriate stability of frame 260 relative to track 324.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 6A and 6B Bushing 350 will be described in more detail below. Bushing 350 may be substantially the same as bushing 354, and therefore the second bushing 354 will not be discussed again. However, bushing 350 may include a track engagement 360, which may include or define a through hole 364. Thus, as further discussed herein, bushing 350 may be movable along track 324, for example, sliding along it. In addition, bushing 350 may include a frame engagement or region 368.

[0075] The frame engagement region 368 may include a first engagement surface or portion 372 and a second surface or engagement portion 376. The two engagement surfaces or portions 372, 376 may be formed at an angle 382 relative to each other. For example, angle 382 may allow the bushing 354 to be registered to the frame 260 at a selected location relative to the frame 260. For example, because the two surfaces 372, 376 are substantially in a single or unique position or orientation relative to the bushing 350, a side track or extension 276 may be received in the frame engagement portion 368. Therefore, the bushing 350 may be registered or positioned relative to the frame 260 at a substantially single location. It should be understood that, as described above, the bushing 350 may be positioned relative to the frame 260 at any suitable location, such as relative to the filter position 280.

[0076] Once the bushing 350 is registered relative to the frame 260, it can be secured or mounted to the frame 260. For example, a fastener 388 can engage the frame 260. The fastener 388 may include screws, bolts, rivets, etc., which pass through the hole 392 in the bushing 350 and engage the frame 260, for example, along or on the beam 276. Thus, the frame 260 can be mounted to the bushing 350, which can be moved relative to the track 324, for example, in a sliding manner.

[0077] By mounting the frame 260 to the bushing 350, the frame 260 can be moved along the track 324. Movement of the frame member 260 relative to and / or along the track 324 allows selected filter members or positions to be positioned relative to the aperture 226, for example, above the aperture between the subject 14 and the source 100. As further discussed herein, movement of the frame member 260, such as along the track 324, allows selected portions of the individual filters and / or selected filters to be positioned above the aperture 226.

[0078] As described above, the frame 260 is movable relative to the mounting plate 214 relative to the track 324. The track 324 can be formed of any suitable material, such as extruded aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or any suitable material. Typically, the track 324 is formed of a hardened material and will not bend during use, including the movement of the frame member 260. Therefore, the frame member 260 can move relative to the aperture 226, for example, by sliding along the track 324 in cooperation with the bushings 350, 354 using the selected motion system 400.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The motion system 400 may include various components or assemblies. Components may be mounted to the mounting plate 214 in a suitable manner, such as using a motor mounting bracket or component 404. The motor mounting bracket 404 may include a motor mounting portion 406 and a plate mounting or connection portion 408. The mounting bracket 404 may be secured to the mounting plate 214 with one or more fasteners (e.g., fastener 410). Fastener 410 may be any suitable fastener, such as screws, bolts, rivets, or other suitable fasteners. Furthermore, the bracket 404 may be secured to the plate 214 with one or more adhesives. Additionally, as mentioned above, the bracket 404 may be integrally formed with the plate 214, for example, by cutting and bending a portion of the plate 214.

[0080] Mounting bracket 404 allows for the mounting of one or more motors 420. Motor 420 can be any suitable motor, such as an electric motor with selected windings, including stepper motors. Motor 420 can be configured to operate at a selected voltage, such as approximately 5 volts (V). The motor can form part of an actuation assembly 422 having a screw 424. Selected actuators may include those sold by Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc. Kerk TM The company manufactures actuators and has a business location in Connecticut, USA.

[0081] The actuator screw 424 can be rotated by the motor 420 of the actuator assembly 422. The motor 420 can be mounted to the bracket 404 in any suitable manner, for example using one or more fasteners 430. The fasteners can be any suitable fasteners, such as those discussed above. Furthermore, the motor 420 can be mounted to the bracket 404 by any suitable mechanism, such as adhesive. Additionally, the motor 424 can be powered by a selected control system connected to the motor 420 via a selected connection 434. As mentioned above, connection 434 can be connected to the imaging system controller 32. Therefore, the actuator assembly 422 can be operated and / or controlled by the image controller 32 to acquire image data or projections of the subject 14, as further discussed herein.

[0082] The actuator assembly 422 can rotate the screw 424 at an appropriate rate. For example, the screw 424 can be a threaded screw with a selected pitch. For example, the screw 424 can include any selected amount of pitch, such that each rotation of the screw 424 causes axial movement of the frame 260 along the track 324. For example, the screw 424 can include a pitch that results in approximately 0.005 inches of axial movement per revolution (approximately 0.1 mm / rev) to approximately 0.1 inches / rev (approximately 2.5 mm / rev), including approximately 0.01 inches / rev (approximately 0.3 mm / rev) to approximately 0.05 inches / rev (approximately 1.3 mm / rev), and further including approximately 0.024 inches / rev (approximately 0.61 mm / rev). Axial movement can typically be the frame 260 along the track 324, and rotation is the screw 424 rotating once (i.e., 360 degrees). The motor can It is a stepper motor with a step size of approximately 7.5 degrees. Therefore, the full step size of motor 420 can produce a movement of approximately 0.0001 inches (approximately 0.003 mm) to approximately 0.01 inches (approximately 0.3 mm), including approximately 0.003 inches (approximately 0.08 mm) to approximately 0.007 inches (approximately 0.2 mm) per full step size, and also including approximately 0.0005 inches (approximately 0.01 mm). Therefore, actuator assembly 422 can selectively move the frame 260 by an appropriate amount per revolution of screw 424, as discussed herein.

[0083] As described above, the motor 420 of the actuator assembly 422 can be secured to a bracket 404 fixed to the plate 214. The actuator 422 includes a screw 424 that extends from the motor 420 and engages a nut assembly 440. The nut assembly 440 can be connected to the screw 424 in any suitable manner. The nut 440 may include, for example, being coupled to or included in, a product sold by Haydon Kerk MotionSolutions, Inc. Kerk TM The nut in the 26000 series actuator; the company has a business location in Connecticut, USA.

[0084] Nut 440 may include selected features, such as a backslash portion, and may include an elastic member, such as spring 444. Nut 440 may be mounted to nut bracket 448, which includes a nut mounting portion 450 and a frame mounting portion 454. Frame mounting portion 454 may be secured to frame 260 by one or more fasteners (including fastener 456), for example at protrusion 300. Fastener 456 may be any suitable fastener, such as those discussed above. Furthermore, nut bracket 448 may be secured to frame 260 by selected adhesives or other suitable means. Additionally, as described above, nut bracket 448 may be integral with frame 260, for example, by forming protrusion 300 in a suitable manner to receive or engage nut 440.

[0085] In various embodiments, the nut holder 448 includes a channel or through-hole 460 through which a portion of the nut 440, such as the anti-reverse slash portion 444, can pass. The nut 440 may include a mounting flange 464, which can be secured to the nut engagement portion 450 in a suitable manner, for example, using fasteners or adhesives as described above.

[0086] Regardless of how the nut 440 is secured to the bracket 448, rotation of the screw 424 can cause movement of the bracket 448 due to the engagement of the nut 440 with the bracket 448 and the screw 424. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, movement of the bracket 448 can cause movement of the frame 260 due to the engagement of the nut bracket 448 with the protrusion 300. Therefore, movement of the screw 424 of the actuator 422 can cause movement of the frame 260.

[0087] As discussed herein, actuator 422 can operate in conjunction with image system controller 32 or any suitable controller. Actuator 422 can be operated on command to position a selected filter at aperture 226 or to move frame 260 to a selected position relative to aperture 226. Thus, frame 260 can be moved by actuator 422 by powering motor 420 and controlling motor to rotate screw 424 connected to nut 440.

[0088] Actuator assembly 422 can be coupled to encoder assembly 470. In various embodiments, screw 424 is connected to nut assembly 440 as described above and can be further coupled to input shaft or encoder shaft 474 of encoder assembly. Screw 424 can be coupled to shaft 474 using a selected connector, such as connector assembly 478. Connector assembly 478 can receive screw 424 at a first end 480 and shaft 474 at a second end 482. Screw 424 and shaft 474 can have the same or substantially the same diameter (e.g., differing from each other by about 10%). Therefore, connector 478 can have a single inner diameter and no steps. Selected fastening members, such as one or more fastening screws 484, can be used to secure the respective screw 424 and shaft 474 within or to the connector 478.

[0089] Encoder assembly 470 can be secured to encoder bracket 488. In various embodiments, bracket 488 may be formed from extruded aluminum and bent and / or machined to selected sizes and shapes. Encoder bracket 488 may include encoder connection portion 490 and plate connection portion 492. Plate connection portion 492 may be secured to mounting plate 214 with suitable fasteners (e.g., fastener 494). As mentioned above, fastener 494 may be any suitable fastener and / or additional or alternative fixing devices or mechanisms may be used to secure bracket 488 to plate 214. Furthermore, as mentioned above, bracket 488 may be integrally formed with plate 214, for example, formed as a part of it and bent to engage encoder assembly 470.

[0090] The encoder assembly 470 may include components such as an input shaft or encoder shaft 474, which are discussed in more detail herein. Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, shaft 474 can extend through encoder housing 498. Shaft 474 can then interact with encoder module 502 in a suitable manner. In various embodiments, shaft 474 and / or portions connected thereto can provide input to encoder module 502.

[0091] For example, encoder module 502 may include a magnetic encoder. Selected magnetic encoders may include non-contact magnetic encoder modules in which a magnet is fixed to shaft 474 and rotates relative to a sensor as part of encoder module 502. In various embodiments, the encoder may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, to sense the movement and / or position of a magnetic field, such as those generated by a magnet. Encoder module 502 may include [product name missing - likely a product name missing]. The RMB20 magnetic encoder module is available from companies with a presence in Gloucestershire, UK. Other suitable types of encoders may include optical and capacitive types. Encoders may include the AR18 series sold by Broadcom, Inc., with a presence in San Jose, California, or the E6A2-C encoder sold by OMRON Corporation, with a presence in Hoffman Estate, Illinois.

[0092] Regardless of the medium used for encoding, encoders can also include incremental or absolute encoders. An incremental encoder can count pulses (e.g., during motion) but does not know its position in space. An incremental encoder "homes" to establish a zero position. The home position can be determined, for example, by hard stopping, as discussed in the various embodiments herein. An index pulse is established internally within the encoder, occurring once per revolution, and provides a reliable position. In various embodiments, an absolute encoder can also and / or alternatively be used and always knows its location.

[0093] Therefore, encoder module 502 can sense the rotation of shaft 474. The rotation of shaft 474 can be read or measured due to changes in the magnetic field formed by the magnet fixed to shaft 474. Shaft 474 can rotate due to the rotation of screw 424, which is connected to shaft 474 via coupling assembly 478. Encoder bracket 488 and actuator bracket 404 help ensure that actuator assembly 422 and encoder assembly 470 are substantially fixed relative to plate 214 and / or to each other. Therefore, actuator 422 can move frame 260 relative to mounting plate 214 by actuation of screw 424. When frame 260 is moved, rotation of screw 424 then causes encoder shaft 474 to rotate due to coupling assembly 478. Therefore, encoder assembly 470, including encoder module 502, can be used to generate a signal regarding the rotation of encoder shaft 474.

[0094] Furthermore, the encoder assembly 470, including shaft 474, is aligned with the screw 424. Additionally, the encoder shaft is connected to the screw 424 at a location remote from the motor 420. Therefore, when determining the movement of the frame 260, the encoder can take into account torsional or twisting motion in the screw 424. This connection to the screw 424, particularly when aligned with it, allows the encoder to confirm and / or determine the actual movement of the screw 424. When the screw 424 is connected to the frame 260, the frame 260 moves as the screw 424 rotates. Although the motor 420 can be driven or commanded (e.g., with a selected number of pulses) to move the screw 424, the screw 424 may not move for various reasons. The screw 424 and / or the motor 420 may not rotate due to friction, obstacles, etc. The encoder 420 connected to the screw 424 can measure and / or determine the actual movement of the screw 424. Therefore, encoder 470 can be used to confirm that motor 420 has moved the required distance, and the motion controller of motor 420 can detect errors in the moving distance (if any) and add additional incremental step commands to ensure that motor 420 and / or screw 424 and / or frame 260 move the required distance.

[0095] As discussed herein, encoder module 502 may include connection 506. Connection 506 may allow communication connection 508 to a selected module or processor system, such as image controller 32. Image controller 32 may receive and / or send signals to encoder module 502 via communication line 508. In various embodiments, for example, encoder module 502 may send signals based on rotation of encoder shaft 474 to image controller 32. Image controller 32 may also send and / or receive signals to motor 420 of actuator assembly 422. Thus, image controller 32 may send and / or receive signals regarding movement of frame 260. Therefore, due to actuator assembly 422 and / or encoder assembly 470, image controller 32 may be used to move frame 260 in a known and selected manner. However, it should be understood that any suitable processor system may be used to control actuator assembly 422 and / or receive signals from encoder assembly 470. Image controller 32 is merely an example discussed herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that communication lines 508 and 434 can be any suitable type of communication, as discussed herein. Communication lines 434 and 508 can be wired, wireless, or transmissions made due to access to a communication or data storage network, etc.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, track 324 is opposite to screw 424 of frame 260. Therefore, screw 424 can apply force on a first side of frame 260 and track interconnects with frame 260 on a second side. In various embodiments, as shown, filter assembly 200 may include only a single track and a single screw 424. Screw 424 may also be alternatively referred to as a drive screw or worm screw. Actuator 422 may also be referred to as a motion or drive system with track 324.

[0097] The screw 424 and encoder shaft 474 are generally linearly aligned with each other. In various embodiments, the screw 424 and encoder shaft 474 rotate about a common axis. The coupling 478 is also generally on the same axis and axially fixes the screw 424 relative to the encoder shaft 474. Stops 310, 314 may be generally aligned with the axis of the screw 424 and placed in a plane.

[0098] Continue to refer to Figure 5 And refer to other sources Figure 7 The position determination assembly 470 is described in more detail below. As described above, the position determination assembly 470 includes a positioning module or encoder module 502. The position determination encoder 502 may include any suitable encoder, such as the encoder discussed above. Typically, the encoder 502 can sense the rotating magnetic field of a magnet 520. The magnet 520 can generate magnetic poles sensed by a sensor incorporated in the encoder module 502. The magnet 502 may be secured to an encoder shaft 474. In various embodiments, the encoder shaft 474 may include a first end, such as a substantially first end 524 including an engagement or capture region 526. The magnet 520 may be secured in the capture end 526. The encoder shaft 474 may also include a second end or a screw engagement end 530. As described above, the screw engagement end 530 can engage the screw 424, for example, with a coupling assembly 478. Thus, the encoder shaft 474 may be secured to the screw 424 in a generally axial or linear manner. However, the encoder shaft 474 can rotate with the screw 424, which is rotated by the motor 420, as described above. Therefore, the encoder shaft 474 can be the input of the encoder 502.

[0099] The encoder assembly 470 may also include a housing 534, which includes an outer surface 536 and an inner surface 538. The inner surface 538 may have a shaft 474 passing through it. In addition, one or more bearings, such as a first bearing 540 and a second bearing 544, may engage with the shaft 474 to support it between the shaft 474 and the housing 434 for smooth rotation of the shaft 474.

[0100] Encoder module 502 may be secured to housing 434. For example, encoder 502 may include one or more through holes 544 through which one or more fasteners, such as fastener 546, may pass. Cover 550 may cover at least a portion of encoder module 502. Cover 550 may include a channel or opening 554 allowing connector 508 to connect to or extend from module 502 to controller 32. Cover 550 may be secured to housing 534 with fasteners 546 passing through cover 550 and / or module 502.

[0101] The positioning assembly 470 may also include a closing or retaining portion, such as an external or retaining nut 560, which engages with an external thread or portion 564 extending from the housing 534 to hold the shaft 474 in place. The housing 534 may include or define an area having an external thread 564 extending from a first end or wall of the housing 534. A locking washer or system 568 may help retain the nut 560 relative to the housing 534 on the external thread 564. However, it should be understood that additional locking or retaining portions may also be provided between the nut 560 and the housing 534 and / or the threaded area 564. During assembly and / or maintenance of the positioning assembly 470, a retaining or clamping member 570 may be used to hold or secure the shaft 474 in place.

[0102] Therefore, the positioning assembly 470 can be assembled with the encoder module 502 to help determine the positions of the various parts of the filter assembly 200. For example, the encoder shaft 474 can be fixed to the screw 424 to determine the rotational position and / or number of rotations of the screw 424. The position of the screw 424 can be used to determine the position of the frame 260 based on the determined absolute position of the screw 424 and / or the number of rotations since the previous moment.

[0103] Therefore, the position sensing assembly 470, including encoder 502, can be used to transmit signals to controller 32 or any suitable controller. (Continue to reference) Figure 5 And refer to other sources Figure 8 The diagram illustrates process 590. Process 590 may be controlled by processor controller 32 or any suitable processor system, such as those discussed herein.

[0104] Typically, process 590 can be used to move frame 260 and / or selected filter portions thereof relative to aperture 226. This process begins at start frame 594 and signals and / or controls a motor to move the frame in frame 596. As described above, image controller 32 can operate filter assembly 200 and therefore can control motor 420. However, in various embodiments, controller 32 may transmit position and motor 420 may control or include a control portion. Furthermore, also as described above, alternative and / or additional control or processor systems may be used to control filter assembly 200. However, a motor such as motor 420 may be controlled to move frame 260.

[0105] Signals can be sent and / or received from the position determination system in box 600 after and / or during frame movement. As described above, the position determination system may include system 470. The position determination system, for example including encoder module 502, may transmit signals during movement of encoder shaft 474 or at other selected times. The received position or transmitted signals may be appropriate signals, such as index / homing signals and / or movement or position signals.

[0106] In various embodiments, a homing or indexing signal can be sent, and it can be determined in block 610 whether an indexing or homing signal has been sent or received. For example, controller 32 can receive the signal via communication line 508 (e.g., wired, wireless, or a combination thereof) and determine whether an indexing or homing signal has been received. If an indexing signal has not been received, path 614 can be followed to continue the movement of the frame by controlling the motor.

[0107] If an index signal has been received in block 610, path 618 can be followed based on the receipt of the index signal. In various embodiments, the selected position of frame 260 can be based on a selected or determined in-situ position. For example, filter assembly 200 can be manufactured and / or assembled and calibrated such that frame 260 can be moved or positioned in an in-situ or indexed position. Position determination assembly 470 can determine or monitor the in-situ position and allow determination of the movement or position of frame 260 relative to the in-situ position. The in-situ position can be used to reference the movement of frame 260.

[0108] Therefore, once frame 260 is determined to be in its original position and following path 618 in box 610, a selected position of the frame can be transferred in box 622. For example, frame 260 can be selected to be moved such that the slide or the slide filter 290 is positioned above or at the aperture 226. Thus, the transfer of the selected frame position can be a process of positioning or determining the amount of movement of frame 260 to position the slide or filter relative to aperture 226.

[0109] Once the selected frame position is transmitted, the motor can be controlled via the frame in box 626. After and / or during frame movement, the frame position can be received from the position determination system in box 628. As described above, the frame position can be determined by the position determination system 470 and / or transmitted to the controller 32. In any case, the frame position can be determined and a signal regarding the frame position can be sent from the position determination system 470. This position can be the number of revolutions of the encoder shaft 474, the rotation time of the shaft 474, the absolute position of the frame 260 based on the number of revolutions of the encoder shaft 474, or other suitable position determination signals.

[0110] The controller 32 can then determine in block 634 whether the frame position has reached the selected position. If it is determined that the frame has not yet reached the selected position, the path 638 can be followed to continue controlling the motor to move the frame. Controlling the movement of the frame can result in additional position reception in block 628 and further determination in block 634 whether the frame has reached the selected position.

[0111] Once the frame has reached the selected position as defined in box 634, path 642 can be followed to control the motor in box 644 to stop the frame. Once the frame has stopped due to the control of the motor in box 644, appropriate operations can occur. For example, images can be acquired using imaging system 10 to generate a projection of subject 14. It should be understood that, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, other appropriate operations can occur after the frame is stopped in box 644.

[0112] After stopping the frame in box 644, it can be determined in box 646 whether a new location has been selected. For example, the procedure can continue to acquire further projections of subject 14, different subjects, or other appropriate portions. If no new location has been selected, the no path 648 can be followed, and the procedure can end at box 650. Ending the procedure in box 650 can include any appropriate procedure, such as performing surgery on subject 14, moving the imaging system 10, or other appropriate steps.

[0113] However, if a new position is selected in box 646, path 654 can be followed to restart in box 594. Therefore, as described above, the frame can be moved to either the home position or the index position, and a new position for the frame can be selected and the frame can be moved as described above. It is understood that after initiating the frame to the home position or the index position, it is not necessary to move the frame to the index position; however, this is optional. By moving the frame to the index position before moving it to any other selected position, the position of the frame can always be moved relative to a single home position or index position, thus aiding in the precise placement of frame 260 relative to aperture 226.

[0114] In various embodiments, as described above, the frame assembly 200 may include, for example: Figure 9 The slit filter component 290 is shown. The slit filter component 290 may include a filter component disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication ____ / _______ (U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 233,753, filed 12 / 27 / 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.) The slit filter 290 may include a plurality of slits, such as a first slit 690, a second slit 694, and a third slit 698. Slits 690-698 may be formed in the filter component 290 to extend from a first side through the filter component 290 to a second side. Furthermore, the slits may be spaced apart at selected locations on the filter 290. In various embodiments, the outer slits 690, 698 may be angled relative to a central axis or relative to a normal axis of the surface of the filter component 290. The central slit 694 may extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the filter component 290. The filter component 290 may be formed of a material that substantially blocks or eliminates the transmission of X-rays from the source 100. Therefore, positioning the slit filter component 290 above the aperture 226 results in X-rays reaching the subject 14 and the detector 38 only through the slits 690-698.

[0115] In various embodiments, the positioning of the slit filter 290 relative to the source 100 and / or detector 38 can be selected to be substantially accurate and repeatable. For example, the slit filter 290 can be positioned relative to the aperture 226 in a repeatable and / or repeatably accurate manner, with a variance of less than about 0.00025 inches (about 0.0064 mm) to about 0.003 inches (about 0.08 mm), including about 0.00075 inches (about 0.019 mm). In various embodiments, the repeatability and / or absolute position of the slit filter 290 can be selected to be substantially within 10% of the absolutely selected position. Thus, the X-ray assembly 422 of the position determination system 470 can be used to substantially achieve and / or achieve substantially accurate positioning of the slit filter 290 relative to the aperture 226. In various embodiments, the speed or rate of movement of the system (e.g., filter 290) can be a function of the motor torque / speed curve of the selected lead screw. In various embodiments, the speed can be approximately 0.4 in / sec (approximately 10 mm / sec). However, it should be understood that other suitable speeds can also be achieved with a suitable motor and a correspondingly appropriate pitch.

[0116] The provision of exemplary embodiments makes this disclosure comprehensive and fully conveys the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific details are not required, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known methods, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0117] Instructions can be executed by a processor and can contain software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or subjects. The term "shared processor circuitry" covers a single processor circuitry that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "grouped processor circuitry" covers processor circuitry that combines with additional processor circuitry to execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuitry cover multiple processor circuitry on a discrete die, multiple processor circuitry on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor unit, multiple threads of a single processor circuitry, or a combination thereof. The term "shared memory circuitry" covers a single memory circuitry that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "grouped memory circuitry" covers memory circuitry that combines with additional memory to store some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0118] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions implemented in a computer program. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include or depend on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) for interacting with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers for interacting with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0119] Computer programs can contain: (i) assembly code; (ii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iii) source code executed by an interpreter; (iv) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time (JIT) compiler; and (v) descriptive text for parsing, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or XMT (Extensible Markup Language). As an example only, source code can be in C, C++, C#, Objective C, Haskell, Go, SQL, Lisp, etc. ASP, Perl, HTML5, Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), Perl, Scala, Erlang, Ruby Visual Lua or To write it.

[0120] The communication may include the wireless communications described in this disclosure, which may be wholly or partially compliant with IEEE Standard 802.11-2012, IEEE Standard 802.16-2009, and / or IEEE Standard 802.20-2008. In various embodiments, IEEE 802.11-2012 may be supplemented by draft IEEE Standard 802.11ac, draft IEEE Standard 802.11ad, and / or draft IEEE Standard 802.11ah.

[0121] The term 'processor' or 'module' or 'controller' may be replaced by the term 'circuit'. The term 'module' may refer to or include, in part or in part, the following: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores the code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality; or some or all of the above combinations, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0122] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Changes may also be made to individual elements or features of a particular embodiment in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for positioning a filter in an imaging system, comprising: A filter frame having at least a first filter holding portion; Mounting plate, which defines the openings through which the mounting plate passes; A single track, which extends between a first end and a second end and is fixed to the mounting plate; A motor, which is fixed to the mounting plate and configured to provide power for moving the filter frame; A screw configured to be rotated by the motor, wherein the screw includes external threads; A connecting member having an internal thread to engage the external thread of the screw, wherein the connecting member is operable to move relative to the track when the screw is rotated by the motor; and Location determination module; The position determination module includes a sensor operable to sense the rotation of the screw.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A location determination system, which includes at least the location determination module and an input section; The input portion is fixed to the screw.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the single track is located on the side of the filter frame opposite to the screw; The filter frame is movably connected to the screw via the connecting member and the single track. The individual track mentioned therein is only one track.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the screw rotates relative to the single track, but is linearly fixed relative to the single track.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A bushing having a first mating surface and a second mating surface; The first mating surface extends at an angle relative to the second mating surface; The first bonding surface engages with the first surface of the filter frame, and the second bonding surface engages with the second surface of the filter frame.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the position determination module is spaced apart from the motor and fixedly connected to the screw.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A filter component having at least a first through slit, a second through slit, and a third through slit; The first through slit, the second through slit, and the third through slit are spaced apart and configured to be positioned above the orifice as the screw rotates.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: processor; The position determination module is operable to generate an index pulse when the frame is in its in-situ position; The index pulse is transmitted to the processor as an index signal; The processor is operable to determine, based on the index signal, that the at least first filter holding portion is in its original position.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further operable to receive a position signal from the position determination module; The processor is operable to execute instructions to determine the position of the at least first filter holder relative to the aperture.

10. A system for positioning a filter in an imaging system, comprising: Mounting plate, which defines the openings through which the mounting plate passes; A filter frame having at least a first filter holding portion operable to move relative to the aperture; A moving system configured to move the filter frame relative to the aperture, the moving system having: The motor is fixed to the mounting plate; A single track extends between the first and second ends and is fixed to the mounting plate, wherein the single track extends along a first side of the filter frame; A screw, configured to be rotated by the motor, wherein the screw includes external threads and extends along a second side of the filter frame opposite to the first side; A connecting member having (i) an internal thread to engage the external thread of the screw and (ii) a filter frame connector, wherein the connecting member is operable to move relative to the track when the screw is rotated by the motor; and The position determination assembly has (i) a shaft connected to the screw and (ii) a sensor operable to sense the rotation of the screw.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the position determining assembly further comprises: A location determination module, which is connected to the sensor; Communication links; The input portion is operable to be sensed by the sensor. The input portion is axially fixed to the screw.

12. The system according to any one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising: A filter component, which is supported by the filter frame at the first filter holding portion; The filter component includes a plurality of slits extending therethrough, which are operable to be precisely positioned relative to the aperture.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising: A bushing having a first mating surface and a second mating surface; The first mating surface extends at an angle relative to the second mating surface; The first bonding surface engages with the first surface of the filter frame, and the second bonding surface engages with the second surface of the filter frame.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising: processor; The position determination module is operable to generate an index pulse when the filter frame is in its in-situ position; The index pulse is transmitted to the processor as an index signal; The processor is operable to determine, based on the index signal, that the at least first filter holding portion is in its original position.

15. A method for positioning a filter in an imaging system, comprising: An operating motor system is used to rotate a screw, wherein the motor system is configured to provide power for moving a frame member, the frame member being configured to hold the filter. The connecting member is engaged and moved and fixed to the frame member by engaging the external thread of the screw with the internal thread of the connecting member; The position of the frame member is sensed based on the rotation of the screw and at least one of (i) the index position of the frame member or (ii) the position of the screw is transmitted; and The position sensing system sends a signal to the processor about the sensed frame position; The position sensing system is separate from the motor system.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The operation and control system selects a filter to filter the imaging beam; Transmit the selected filter position; Operating the motor system to rotate the screw includes rotating the screw to move the frame member to a selected position.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The control system receives the signal; Determine the real-time position of the frame components; A stop signal is sent when the real-time position of the frame component matches the position of the selected filter within a threshold value.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: The frame member is moved by rotating the screw using the motor system until the index position is transmitted.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: The frame members are movably fixed, so there is only a single track member.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: Connect the position sensing system to the screw.

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