A method and device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images. Aiming at the problem of disordered sequence that is easy to occur in multi-source dynamic imaging performed by the existing DR system, the method and device sequentially send different timing synchronization signals to each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors according to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting order between each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors by controlling the hardware timing synchronization signal between the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector; at the same time, the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors are collected, and the signal delay of each flat-panel detector is calculated; according to the timing signals fed back by the flat-panel detectors, the exposure results are stored in the timing queue area, and matched with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator to determine whether the image is valid and obtain the image validity queue; the image validity queue is matched with the image data generated by the flat-panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images and prevent disordered sequence of images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of medical imaging technology, and in particular relates to a method and device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images. Background Art

[0002] Digital Radiography (DR) is a new X-ray photography technology developed in the 1990s. With its advantages such as faster imaging speed, more convenient operation and higher imaging resolution, it has quickly become the dominant direction of X-ray photography technology and has been recognized by clinical institutions and imaging experts around the world.

[0003] The flat-panel detector is the core component of the DR system and plays a decisive role in the imaging quality. The flat-panel detector is the X-ray receiving device in the DR system, and the X-ray generator controls the generation and output of X-rays: X-rays pass through objects and attenuate. After the attenuated X-rays are received by the flat-panel detector, the flat-panel detector converts the X-rays into visible light and then converts the visible light into electrical signals.

[0004] When the X-ray generator controls the generation and output of X-rays, the flat panel detector needs to be turned on to collect the X-rays, which is called windowing or exposure of the flat panel detector.

[0005] When multiple sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors are used, multiple X-rays intersect, and the current signals caused by X-rays in other directions in the flat panel detector are cleared through dark field exposure. However, this will affect the order of the image and generate invalid images.

[0006] Furthermore, if the windowing signal is too small due to interference or other influences in the exposure image chain, the exposure may fail, causing the subsequent image sequence to be incorrect; or the image with a window that is too small cannot be used, causing the user to be exposed to more radiation. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images, which controls the hardware timing synchronization signal between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector, dynamically calculates the frame rate and the delay of the timing synchronization signal, and ensures that the imaging sequence is not disordered in the event of exposure failure or too small a window.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of the present invention is:

[0009] A multi-source dynamic image synchronization method is used in a DR system with multiple sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, comprising:

[0010] Acquire exposure parameters including exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time required for timing synchronization signals;

[0011] According to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting sequence between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, different timing synchronization signals are sent to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in turn; at the same time, the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors are collected, and the signal delay of each flat panel detector is calculated;

[0012] According to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector, the result of each exposure is determined, and the exposure result is stored in the timing queue area; wherein the exposure result includes normal completion, synchronization failure and early exposure termination;

[0013] Matching the exposure results in the timing queue area with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator to determine whether the image is valid, and obtaining an image validity queue;

[0014] The image validity queue is matched with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, judging the result of each exposure according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector further comprises:

[0016] When the exposure result is that the exposure is terminated early, the image generated by the flat panel detector at the corresponding moment is marked as an invalid image, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted, so as to prevent the image sequence from being disordered.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, judging the result of each exposure according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector further comprises:

[0018] When the exposure result is synchronization failure, the flat panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, and the data generated by the flat panel detector at that moment is marked as empty to prevent the image sequence from being disordered.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a closed-loop signal for one exposure is completed according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector; if the feedback of the flat panel detector times out, the exposure is immediately terminated, and it is determined whether to continue the exposure.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, completing a signal closed loop for one exposure based on the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector further includes:

[0021] Configure the delay redundancy value in advance according to the time required for a flat panel detector to feedback a signal;

[0022] The time value required from sending the timing synchronization signal to receiving the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector is counted, and the time value is compared with the delay redundancy value to determine whether it is timed out; if not, the delay redundancy value is retained for the next exposure.

[0023] A multi-source dynamic image synchronization device is used in a DR system with multiple sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, comprising:

[0024] The logic processing module is used to obtain and analyze the exposure parameters sent by the host computer, and send the exposure parameters including the exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time required by the timing synchronization signal to the high-speed processing module;

[0025] The high-speed processing module is used to send different timing synchronization signals to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in sequence according to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting order between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors; at the same time, collect the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, and calculate the signal delay of each flat panel detector; according to the timing signals fed back by the flat panel detectors, determine the result of each exposure, and store the exposure results in the timing queue area; wherein the exposure results include normal completion, synchronization failure, and early exposure termination;

[0026] The logic processing module receives the exposure results transmitted by the high-speed processing module, matches the exposure results in the timing queue area with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator, determines whether the image is valid, obtains the image validity queue and sends it to the host computer;

[0027] The host computer matches the image validity queue with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the high-speed processing module is further configured to mark the image generated by the flat panel detector at the corresponding moment as an invalid image when the exposure result is an early exposure termination, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted, so as to prevent the image sequence from being disordered;

[0029] Or when the exposure result is synchronization failure, the flat panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, and the data generated by the flat panel detector at that moment is marked as empty to prevent the image sequence from being disordered.

[0030] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0031] A method for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images in an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve the problem of disordered order that may easily occur in multi-source dynamic imaging in an existing DR system. By controlling the hardware timing synchronization signal between the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector, different timing synchronization signals are sent to each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors in sequence according to the setting order of the exposure mode and exposure direction between each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors; at the same time, the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors are collected, and the signal delay of each flat-panel detector is calculated; the result of each exposure is judged according to the timing signal fed back by the flat-panel detector, and the exposure result is stored in a timing queue area; the exposure result in the timing queue area is matched with the exposure dose result fed back by the X-ray generator to judge whether the image is valid and obtain an image validity queue; the image validity queue is matched with the image data generated by the flat-panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images and prevent disordered image order. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of image synchronization of a single set of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of image synchronization of two sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following is a further detailed description of a method and device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images proposed by the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and claims.

[0038] Multi-source dynamic images have high requirements for the image shooting order, and the faster the frame rate, the higher the image synchronization requirements. However, in actual use, due to the inconsistency of the operation and anti-interference process of each component, if only based on the order of receiving images, it is very likely to cause the order of images to be disordered, and the accurate real shooting time cannot be obtained.

[0039] In view of the above problems, this embodiment provides a method for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images. The method is applicable to a DR system with multiple sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors. Figure 1 For each set of X-ray generator and flat panel detector, the synchronization and imaging process is as follows:

[0040] Please see Figure 2 , the hardware timing synchronization signal between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector is controlled by the high-speed processing module, and the frame rate and the delay of the synchronization signal are dynamically calculated; the response delay of the flat panel detector is used to estimate whether the next exposure can be made. The flat panel detector can transmit the collected image data to the high-speed processing module or the host computer. The high-speed processing module calculates the image validity data according to the exposure timing and sends it to the host computer. The host computer marks and sorts the image data transmitted by the flat panel detector according to the image validity data transmitted by the high-speed processing module.

[0041] For details, please see Figure 3 The method for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images comprises the following steps:

[0042] S1: Acquire exposure parameters including exposure mode, exposure direction and exposure time required by timing synchronization signal;

[0043] S2: according to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting sequence between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, different timing synchronization signals are sent to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in sequence; at the same time, the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors are collected, and the signal delay of each flat panel detector is calculated;

[0044] S3: judging the result of each exposure according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector, and storing the exposure result in the timing queue area; wherein the exposure result includes normal completion, synchronization failure and early exposure termination;

[0045] S4: matching the exposure results in the timing queue area with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator to determine whether the image is valid, and obtaining an image validity queue;

[0046] S5: Match the image validity queue with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images.

[0047] The following takes the synchronization control of two sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors as an example to illustrate the method and steps of multi-source dynamic image synchronization. Figure 4 .

[0048] ①The host computer sends exposure parameters to the high-speed processing module.

[0049] ②The logic processing module will parse the exposure parameters and transmit the exposure mode, exposure direction, exposure time and other parameters required by the timing synchronization signal to the high-speed processing module using the memory bus.

[0050] ③ After the exposure is started according to the user operation, the high-speed processing module starts to send timing synchronization signals to the first X-ray generator and the first flat-panel detector in sequence according to the setting order of the exposure mode and exposure direction. At the same time, the high-speed processing module starts the signal delay recording module to record the signal delay of the first X-ray generator and the first flat-panel detector according to the timing signals fed back by the first X-ray generator and the first flat-panel detector.

[0051] ④ According to the timing signal fed back by the first flat panel detector, the high-speed processing module completes the signal closed loop of one exposure. If the feedback times out, the high-speed processing module actively cuts off and determines whether to continue the exposure.

[0052] ⑤ Start the next set of exposures according to the exposure mode, the high-speed processing module sends a timing synchronization signal to the second X-ray generator and the second flat panel detector, and at the same time the high-speed processing module starts the signal delay recording module to record the signal delay of the second X-ray generator and the second flat panel detector according to the timing signal fed back by the second X-ray generator and the second flat panel detector.

[0053] ⑥ The feedback flat-panel detector signal is collected and recorded in the delay signal by the high-speed processing module, and each exposure data is classified according to the result of the delay signal, mainly divided into four types: normal completion, synchronization failure, exposure misalignment, and early exposure termination, and stored in the timing storage queue area opened up by the high-speed processing module.

[0054] ⑦ The first flat panel detector and the second flat panel detector generate image data and transmit them to the host computer through UDP to form image frames.

[0055] ⑧The high-speed processing module synchronizes the exposure results of the timing storage queue area to the logic processing module in real time through the memory bus.

[0056] ⑨ The logic processing module matches the exposure result transmitted by the high-speed processing module with the exposure dose result fed back by the X-ray generator to generate an image validity queue.

[0057] ⑩ The logic processing module transmits the image validity queue to the host computer, matches it with the image received by the host computer, and completes the sequential synchronization of dynamic images. When the image is invalid, the image is an unavailable image but occupies a place. When image synchronization fails, the image does not exist. At this time, according to the control strategy of the host computer image host computer, the image is marked as empty to prevent the problem of image sequence matching.

[0058] In step ①, the pre-configured exposure parameters are sent to the high-speed processing module through the host computer, so that the high-speed processing module obtains the exposure parameters including the exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time required by the timing synchronization signal. The exposure parameters include the exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time of each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors. The exposure parameters of each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors are different, some are used for frontal shooting, and some are used for lateral shooting. The exposure parameters of each group of X-ray generators and flat-panel detectors are transmitted in sequence. In practical applications, the high-speed processing module can be a device such as ARM, FPGA, etc. to realize the processing of timing synchronization signals.

[0059] In step ②, the exposure parameters sent by the host computer are received through the logic processing module, the exposure parameters are analyzed, and then the exposure mode, exposure direction, exposure time and other parameters required by the timing synchronization signal are transmitted to the high-speed processing module using the memory bus.

[0060] In step ③, the high-speed processing module sends timing synchronization signals to the first X-ray generator and the first flat panel detector device in sequence according to the setting sequence of the exposure mode and the exposure direction. At the same time, the high-speed processing module starts the signal delay recording module to record the delay of the signals of the first X-ray generator and the first flat panel detector according to the timing signals fed back by the first X-ray generator and the first flat panel detector. Among them, the setting sequence of the exposure mode and the exposure direction refers to the exposure parameters of each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors transmitted in sequence by the host computer. For example, each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors is numbered in advance, and the first exposure parameter sequence transmitted by the host computer corresponds to the first group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, and so on.

[0061] In this embodiment, the synchronization of the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector is realized mainly by collecting the delay of the feedback signal of the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector, and obtaining the exposure result by comparing it with the preset delay redundancy value. The exposure result includes four types: normal completion, synchronization failure, exposure misalignment, and early exposure termination. Among them, normal completion means that the delay of the feedback signal of the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector is less than the delay redundancy value, and the image acquisition of the flat-panel detector is successfully completed. Early exposure termination means that the delay of the feedback signal of the X-ray generator and the flat-panel detector is greater than the delay redundancy value, and the flat-panel detector has not completed the image acquisition within the specified time, and the exposure needs to be stopped immediately. Synchronization failure means that the X-ray generator and / or the flat-panel detector have an error and cannot continue to synchronize. Exposure misalignment is due to the delay of the timing synchronization signal, which causes the signal of the flat-panel detector window opening and the exposure ray of the X-ray generator to be out of sync.

[0062] In step ④, according to the timing signal fed back by the first flat panel detector, the high-speed processing module completes the signal closed loop of one exposure. The signal closed loop of one exposure refers to waiting for the flat panel detector to be available -> turning on the flat panel detector -> notifying the X-ray generator to start exposure -> the X-ray generator outputs rays -> exposure is completed -.> the flat panel detector closes the window.

[0063] In step ⑤, the high-speed processing module sends a timing synchronization signal to the second X-ray generator and the second flat panel detector according to the order of exposure parameters sent by the host computer, and completes the delay calculation of the feedback signal of the second X-ray generator and the second flat panel detector.

[0064] In step ⑥, the high-speed processing module saves the feedback signal received from each flat panel detector and records it in sequence in the timing storage queue area. Each row of records in the timing storage queue area includes a delay signal and exposure result of a flat panel detector.

[0065] In step ⑦, each flat panel detector needs to upload data to the host computer after each exposure to form an image frame of the dynamic image. These data include valid image data, invalid image data and empty data.

[0066] In steps ⑧ and ⑨, the high-speed processing module synchronizes the exposure results of the timing storage queue area to the logic processing module in real time through the memory bus. The logic processing module matches the exposure results transmitted by the high-speed processing module with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator to determine whether the image is valid, thereby generating an image validity queue.

[0067] The validity of the image comes from the correct image exposure, so there are three possible sources of image failure: the X-ray generator or the flat panel detector or the synchronization between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector. Although signal synchronization ensures the synchronization between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector, it is necessary to confirm that the X-ray generator correctly delivers the preset dose, so matching is required to determine the validity of the image.

[0068] In step ⑩, the logic processing module transmits the image validity queue to the host computer, and matches it with the image data transmitted by the flat-panel detector received by the host computer to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images. During the image matching process of the host computer, when the value in the image validity queue is the early exposure deadline, the image generated by the flat-panel detector at the corresponding moment is marked as an invalid image, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted, to prevent the image sequence from being disordered. When the value in the image validity queue is a synchronization failure, the flat-panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, and the data generated by the flat-panel detector at that moment is marked as empty, further preventing the image sequence from being disordered.

[0069] This embodiment also provides a device for synchronizing multi-source dynamic images, which is used in a DR system with multiple sets of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors. Figure 5 , the device comprises:

[0070] Logic processing module 1, used to obtain and analyze the exposure parameters sent by the host computer, and send the exposure parameters including exposure mode, exposure direction and exposure time required by the timing synchronization signal to the high-speed processing module;

[0071] The high-speed processing module 2 is used to send different timing synchronization signals to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in sequence according to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting order between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors; at the same time, collect the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, and calculate the signal delay of each flat panel detector; according to the timing signals fed back by the flat panel detectors, determine the result of each exposure, and store the exposure results in the timing queue area; wherein the exposure results include normal completion, synchronization failure, and early exposure termination;

[0072] The logic processing module 1 receives the exposure results transmitted by the high-speed processing module 2, and matches the exposure results in the timing queue area with the exposure dose results fed back by the X-ray generator, determines whether the image is valid, and obtains the image validity queue and sends it to the host computer 3;

[0073] The host computer 3 matches the image validity queue with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of the dynamic images.

[0074] Among them, the high-speed processing module is also configured to mark the image generated by the flat-panel detector at the corresponding moment as an invalid image when the exposure result is early exposure termination, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted, so as to prevent the image sequence from being disordered; or when the exposure result is synchronization failure, the flat-panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, then mark the data generated by the flat-panel detector at that moment as empty, so as to prevent the image sequence from being disordered.

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for multi-source dynamic image synchronization, which is used in a DR system with multiple groups of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, characterized in that, it includes: Obtaining exposure parameters including exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time required for the timing synchronization signal; According to the setting order of the exposure mode and exposure direction between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, sequentially sending different timing synchronization signals to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors; at the same time, collecting the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, and calculating the signal time delay of each flat panel detector; Judging the result of each exposure according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector, and storing the exposure result in the timing queue area; wherein, the exposure result includes normal completion, synchronization failure, and early exposure cutoff; Matching the exposure dose result fed back by the X-ray generator with the preset exposure dose for the exposure result in the timing queue area to judge whether the image is valid, and obtaining an image validity queue; Matching the image validity queue with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of the dynamic image; Wherein, when the value in the image validity queue is early exposure cutoff, the image generated by the flat panel detector at the corresponding moment is marked as an invalid image, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted to prevent image sequence disorder; when the value in the image validity queue is synchronization failure, the flat panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, then the data generated by the flat panel detector at that moment is marked as empty, further preventing image sequence disorder.

2. The method for multi-source dynamic image synchronization according to claim 1, characterized in that, According to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector, complete the signal closed-loop of one exposure; if the flat panel detector feedback times out, immediately cutoff the exposure and judge whether to continue the exposure.

3. The method for multi-source dynamic image synchronization according to claim 2, characterized in that, The completing the signal closed-loop of one exposure according to the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector further includes: Pre-configuring a time delay redundancy value according to the time required for one signal feedback of the flat panel detector; Statistically calculating the time value required from sending the timing synchronization signal to receiving the timing signal fed back by the flat panel detector, comparing the time value with the time delay redundancy value to judge whether it times out; if it does not time out, retain the time delay redundancy value for the next exposure.

4. A device for multi-source dynamic image synchronization, which is used in a DR system with multiple groups of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, characterized in that, it includes: A logic processing module, which is used to obtain and parse the exposure parameters sent by the host computer, and send the exposure parameters including the exposure mode, exposure direction, and exposure time required for the timing synchronization signal to the high-speed processing module; The high-speed processing module is used to send different timing synchronization signals to each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors in sequence according to the exposure mode and exposure direction setting order between each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors; at the same time, collect the timing signals fed back by each group of X-ray generators and flat panel detectors, and calculate the signal delay of each flat panel detector; according to the timing signals fed back by the flat panel detectors, determine the result of each exposure, and store the exposure results in the timing queue area; wherein the exposure results include normal completion, synchronization failure, and early exposure termination; The logic processing module receives the exposure result transmitted by the high-speed processing module, and matches the exposure dose result fed back by the X-ray generator under the exposure result in the timing queue area with the preset exposure dose, determines whether the image is valid, obtains the image validity queue and sends it to the host computer; The host computer matches the image validity queue with the image data generated by the flat panel detector to complete the sequential synchronization of dynamic images; Wherein, the high-speed processing module is further configured to mark the image generated by the flat panel detector at the corresponding moment as an invalid image when the exposure result is that the exposure is terminated early, indicating that the image is unavailable but not deleted, so as to prevent the image sequence from being disordered; Or when the exposure result is synchronization failure, the flat panel detector does not generate an image at the corresponding moment, and the data generated by the flat panel detector at that moment is marked as empty to prevent the image sequence from being disordered.

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