Dual-ring detection static CT imaging system

Abstract

This invention provides a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system, comprising: a control system; a ground-mounted gantry; a single X-ray ring, mounted on the gantry and communicatively connected to a scan timing controller, the X-ray ring including multiple X-ray sources arranged in a circular array; and two detector rings, both mounted on the gantry and communicatively connected to the scan timing controller, coaxially arranged on opposite sides of the X-ray ring, each detector ring including multiple detectors arranged in a circular array; the X-ray sources simultaneously emit two narrow beams of X-rays during a preset time period under the control of the scan timing controller. This invention optimizes the layout space between the X-ray sources and detectors, improves the lifespan of the X-ray sources, expands the scanning field of view of static CT, and enhances the scanning efficiency of static CT.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of static CT technology, and in particular to a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional CT scanners consist of several major components: a gantry, a high-voltage generator, an X-ray tube, and detectors. The gantry is a rotating system on which the three main components—the high-voltage generator, the X-ray tube, and the detectors—rotate. Electrical energy is typically transferred to the rotating gantry via slip rings, and the power supply for the moving components of the gantry is also transferred through slip rings. The rotation of the gantry generates enormous acceleration, subjecting all components mounted on it to immense centrifugal forces. This presents significant manufacturing challenges and impacts the lifespan of these components. To improve CT performance, including temporal resolution and dose reduction, gantry rotation speeds have been continuously increasing, but this has now become a bottleneck limiting further advancements. To overcome this current bottleneck, the next generation of revolutionary CT is widely recognized as static CT.

[0003] Static CT is defined as the sixth generation of CT in the history of CT development. It adopts a completely new imaging method and is an innovative slip-ring-free multi-source CT that can obtain ultra-high-speed, ultra-low radiation dose imaging characteristics and ultra-high-definition images, leading CT into the mesoscopic imaging stage.

[0004] The core components of static CT include a detector ring and a radiation source ring. The detector ring is equipped with a ring-shaped detector, which consists of multiple photon flow detectors. The radiation source ring consists of distributed X-ray tubes or an array-type integrated radiation source.

[0005] In terms of structural design, static CT no longer uses slip rings, but instead employs a double-ring mechanical geometry consisting of a detector ring and a radiation source ring. The radiation source ring houses dozens to hundreds of radiation source focal points, while the detector ring contains a full ring of detectors, ensuring that X-rays emitted from each radiation source focal point are imaged by the detector opposite it. The distributed X-ray source focal points of the radiation source ring emit X-rays in turn under exposure control timing, and the corresponding detector ring collects the images. This essentially produces an effect similar to the rotational projection of radiation sources in spiral CT equipment, thus freeing the temporal resolution of the CT equipment from dependence on the speed of mechanical rotation.

[0006] However, due to the static nature of static CT, the best and most space-efficient approach is to arrange detectors on a ring. This presents a challenge for the layout of static CT detectors and X-ray sources: the need to install a full ring of X-ray tubes interferes with the detector installation space; furthermore, simultaneously building a full ring of detectors opposite the X-ray tubes also occupies installation space for other components, causing spatial layout problems. In addition, existing static CT scans have a relatively small scanning range for patients. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system that can optimize the layout space between the X-ray source and the detector, improve the service life of the X-ray source, expand the scanning field of static CT, and improve the scanning efficiency of static CT.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0009] The control system includes the CT host and a scanning timing controller that is connected to the CT host.

[0010] A rack mounted on the ground;

[0011] A single X-ray ring, mounted on a rack and communicatively connected to a scan timing controller, comprises multiple X-ray sources arranged in a circumferential array;

[0012] Two detector rings are mounted on the rack and are communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller. The two detector rings are coaxially arranged on opposite sides of the X-ray ring. Each detector ring includes multiple detectors arranged in a circular array.

[0013] Under the control of the scanning timing controller, the X-ray source simultaneously emits two narrow beams of X-rays during a preset time period. One narrow beam of X-rays passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector of one detection ring, while the other narrow beam of X-rays passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector of another detection ring. The two detection rings feed back the exposure information collected by the corresponding detectors to the CT host to form a CT image of the object under test in the CT host.

[0014] Preferably, the X-ray source includes a vacuum tube, inside which is provided a cathode end for emitting an electron beam, an anode target bombarded by the electron beam, and a deflection structure for controlling the trajectory of the electron beam.

[0015] Preferably, the X-ray source further includes a temperature sensor, which is located on the side of the anode target facing away from the cathode and is communicatively connected to the CT host.

[0016] Preferably, the cathode end and the anode target are aligned in a direction parallel to the X-ray ring axis, and a window is provided on the radially inward wall of the vacuum tube. The window is aligned radially with the anode target along the X-ray ring. The anode target has a thick target structure to direct the X-rays generated by the electron beam bombardment from the bombardment surface of the electron beam to the window.

[0017] Preferably, the vacuum tube extends in an arc with the X-ray annular axis as the center line, and the number of cathode ends and the number of anode targets are both multiple and correspond one-to-one. All cathode ends are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum tube, and all anode targets are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum tube.

[0018] Preferably, the side of the anode target that is bombarded by the electron beam is wedge-shaped.

[0019] Preferably, the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system further includes a collimation ring, which is coaxially fitted inside the X-ray ring to split the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source into two paths.

[0020] Preferably, the collimation ring includes a circular ring and a plurality of collimation hole structures radially penetrating the circular ring, each collimation hole structure including two arc-shaped elongated holes arranged side by side.

[0021] Preferably, the dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system further includes a bed frame that supports the object being measured, and the control system further includes a drive controller that controls the movement of the bed frame, the drive controller being communicatively connected to the CT host.

[0022] Preferably, the detector ring has a conical ring structure, with the large-diameter port of the detector ring facing the X-ray ring.

[0023] As described above, the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system of the present invention has the following advantages: the control system includes a CT host and a scanning timing controller connected to the CT host. The CT host has a human-computer interaction system and an image shaping system. The scanning mode program in the scanning timing controller can be input or modified by the CT host. The frame is installed on the ground and serves as the main load-bearing and installation structure of the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system. The main innovation of the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system of this invention lies in the following: There is a single X-ray ring, mounted on the gantry and communicatively connected to the scan timing controller. The X-ray ring includes multiple X-ray sources arranged in a circular array. There are two detector rings, both mounted on the gantry and communicatively connected to the scan timing controller. The two detector rings are coaxially arranged on opposite sides of the X-ray ring, and each detector ring includes multiple detectors arranged in a circular array. With this configuration, the X-ray sources simultaneously emit two narrow beams of X-rays during a preset time period under the control of the scan timing controller. One narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and projects onto the corresponding detector of one detector ring, while the other narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and projects onto the corresponding detector of the other detector ring. The two detector rings feed back the exposure information collected by their corresponding detectors to the CT host to form a CT image of the object under test. In other words, to achieve better spatial layout in static CT, the two narrow beams of X-rays emitted from the X-ray sources are obliquely directed onto the corresponding detectors of the two detector rings, avoiding the X-ray ring and improving the lifespan of the X-ray sources. This layout allows for the acquisition of more CT images within a limited space without interference between the X-ray source and detector, thus improving the scanning efficiency of static CT. Therefore, the dual-ring detector static CT imaging system of this invention optimizes the layout space between the X-ray source and detector, extends the lifespan of the X-ray source, expands the scanning field of view in static CT, and enhances the scanning efficiency of static CT. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The image shown is a perspective view of the dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view of the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 Displayed as along Figure 2 A sectional view of line A-A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 Displayed as Figure 3 Enlarged view of section B;

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an X-ray source;

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of an X-ray source;

[0030] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the use of a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system.

[0031] Component designation explanation

[0032] 1 Control System

[0033] 11 CT main unit

[0034] 12 Scan Timing Controller

[0035] 13 Drive Controller

[0036] 2 racks

[0037] 3 X-ray rings

[0038] 31 X-ray sources

[0039] 311 Vacuum Tube

[0040] 312 Yin extreme

[0041] 313 Anode Target

[0042] 313a wedge surface

[0043] 314 Temperature Sensor

[0044] 315 Window

[0045] 316 gate

[0046] 4. Detection ring

[0047] 41 detectors

[0048] 5. Collimation ring

[0049] 51. Toroidal

[0050] 52. Arc-shaped narrow hole Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0052] It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings of this specification are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. Furthermore, the terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in this specification are merely for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention's implementation.

[0053] This invention provides a dual-ring detection static CT imaging system. The basic imaging principle of this system is as follows: An X-ray beam and a highly sensitive X-ray detector are used to perform layer-by-layer cross-sectional scanning of a specific part of the human body. The scintillation material on the X-ray detector receives the X-rays passing through the layer, converts them into visible light, and then converts them into electrical signals by a photoelectric converter. These signals are amplified and then converted into digital signals through analog-to-digital conversion, which are then input into a computer for processing. In the computer, the selected layer is divided into several cubes of equal volume, called voxels. The information obtained from the layer-by-layer cross-sectional scanning is calculated to obtain the X-ray attenuation coefficient or absorption coefficient of each voxel, which is then arranged into a matrix, i.e., a voxel digital matrix. The digital information in the voxel digital matrix is ​​converted into small squares of varying grayscale from black to white, called pixels in a two-dimensional projection. Arranging these pixels according to the tomographic pattern constitutes the CT image.

[0054] Based on this, such as Figure 1 Figure 2 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in order to solve the spatial layout problem of static CT and meet the practical requirements of a large field of view, this invention provides a dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0055] Control system 1, which includes CT host 11 and scanning timing controller 12 which is communicatively connected to CT host 11;

[0056] Frame 2, located on the ground;

[0057] A single X-ray ring 3 is mounted on the rack 2 and is communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller 12. The X-ray ring 3 includes multiple X-ray sources 31 arranged in a circular array.

[0058] Two detector rings 4 are mounted on the rack 2 and are communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller 12. The two detector rings 4 are coaxially arranged on opposite sides of the X-ray ring 3. Each detector ring 4 includes multiple detectors 41 arranged in a circular array.

[0059] Under the control of the scanning timing controller 12, the X-ray source 31 emits two narrow beams of X-rays simultaneously during a preset time period. One narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector 41 of a detector ring 4. The other narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector 41 of another detector ring 4. The two detector rings 4 feed back the exposure information collected by the corresponding detectors 41 to the CT host 11 to form a CT image of the object under test in the CT host 11.

[0060] In this invention, the control system 1 includes a CT host 11 and a scanning timing controller 12 communicatively connected to the CT host 11. The CT host 11 has a human-computer interaction system and an image shaping system. The scanning mode program in the scanning timing controller 12 can be input or modified by the CT host 11. The gantry 2 is located on the ground and serves as the main load-bearing and mounting structure for the dual-ring detection type static CT imaging system. The main innovation of the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system of the present invention is as follows: the number of X-ray rings 3 is a single X-ray ring, which is mounted on the gantry 2 and communicatively connected to the scan timing controller 12. The X-ray ring 3 includes multiple X-ray sources 31 arranged in a circular array. The number of detection rings 4 is two, both of which are mounted on the gantry 2 and communicatively connected to the scan timing controller 12. The two detection rings 4 are coaxially arranged on opposite sides of the X-ray ring 3. Each detection ring 4 includes multiple detectors 41 arranged in a circular array. With this configuration, the X-ray sources 31 emit two narrow beams of X-rays simultaneously during a preset time period under the control of the scan timing controller 12. One narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector 41 of one detection ring 4. The other narrow beam of X-ray passes through the object under test and is projected onto the corresponding detector 41 of the other detection ring 4. The two detection rings 4 feed back the exposure information collected by the corresponding detectors 41 to the CT host 11 to form a CT image of the object under test in the CT host 11. In other words, to achieve a better spatial layout for static CT, the two narrow beams of X-rays emitted from the X-ray source 31 are obliquely directed (using the target disk flying focus technique of the X-ray source 31) onto the corresponding detectors 41 of the two detector rings 4, thus avoiding the X-ray ring 3 and extending the lifespan of the X-ray source 31. Using this layout, more CT images can be obtained within a limited space without interference between the X-ray source 31 and the detectors 41, improving the scanning efficiency of static CT.

[0061] Therefore, the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system of the present invention can optimize the layout space between the X-ray source 31 and the detector 41, improve the service life of the X-ray source 31, expand the scanning field of static CT, and improve the scanning efficiency of static CT.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, to achieve the flying-focus technology of the X-ray source 31, the X-ray source 31 includes a vacuum tube 311. The vacuum tube 311 contains a cathode end 312 for emitting an electron beam, an anode target 313 bombarded by the electron beam, and a deflection structure for controlling the trajectory of the electron beam. The deflection structure can be an electromagnetic coil.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, in addition to the above-mentioned X-ray source 31, as one embodiment, the X-ray source 31 also includes a grid 316, which can be used to control the dynamic trajectory of the electron beam and directly change the tilting irradiation angle. The grid 316 can simultaneously perform multiple functions: one is to change the focal position to adjust the tilting irradiation angle; another is to control the intensity of the electron beam to achieve dynamic current control, which can reduce the local temperature of the anode target 313 and improve its lifetime. Furthermore, the X-ray source 31 also requires a high-voltage generator for driving.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to detect the temperature of the anode target 313, the X-ray source 31 also includes a temperature sensor 314, which is located on the side of the anode target 313 facing away from the cathode end 312 and is communicatively connected to the CT host 11.

[0065] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to reduce the outer diameter of the X-ray ring 3, the cathode end 312 and the anode target 313 are aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the X-ray ring 3. The vacuum tube 311 has a window 315 on its radially inward tube wall. The window 315 is aligned radially with the anode target 313 along the X-ray ring 3. The anode target 313 has a thick target structure so that the X-rays generated by the electron beam bombardment are directed from the bombardment surface of the electron beam to the window 315.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to improve the compactness of the X-ray source 31, the vacuum tube 311 extends in an arc with the X-ray ring 3 axis as the center line. The number of cathode ends 312 and the number of anode targets 313 are both multiple and correspond one-to-one. All cathode ends 312 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum tube 311, and all anode targets 313 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum tube 311.

[0067] like Figure 4As shown, since the anode target 313 is a thick target structure, in order to allow X-rays to be directed from the electron beam bombardment surface to the window 315, the side of the anode target 313 that is bombarded by the electron beam is a wedge-shaped surface.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to accurately direct the narrow beam of X-rays emitted by the X-ray source 31 to the corresponding detectors 41 of the two detector rings 4, the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system also includes a collimation ring 5. The collimation ring 5 includes a coaxial inner sleeve of the X-ray ring 3 to split the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source 31 into two beams.

[0069] Furthermore, in order to simplify the structure of the collimation ring 5, the collimation ring 5 includes a circular ring 51 and a plurality of collimation hole structures radially penetrating the circular ring 51. Each collimation hole structure includes two arc-shaped elongated holes 52 arranged side by side. One arc-shaped elongated hole 52 is used to guide X-rays to a detection ring 4, and the other arc-shaped elongated hole 52 is used to guide X-rays to another detection ring 4.

[0070] In order to control the movement of the object under test into the X-ray ring 3, the dual-ring detection static CT imaging system also includes a bed frame that supports the object under test (e.g., human body), and the control system also includes a drive controller 13 that controls the movement of the bed frame. The drive controller 13 is communicatively connected to the CT host 11.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to facilitate the reception of X-rays by the aforementioned detection ring 4, the aforementioned detection ring 4 has a conical ring structure, and the large-diameter port of the detection ring 4 faces the X-ray ring 3.

[0072] In summary, the dual-ring detector static CT imaging system of this invention optimizes the layout space between the X-ray source and the detector, extends the lifespan of the X-ray source, expands the scanning field of view in static CT, and improves the scanning efficiency of static CT. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0073] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A double ring probe type static CT imaging system, characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of static CT imaging system, including: Control system (1), control system (1) includes CT host (11) and the scan timing controller (12) being connected in communication with CT host (11); Ground rack (2) is arranged; Single X-ray ring (3), X-ray ring (3) is arranged in rack (2) and is connected in communication with scan timing controller (12), X-ray ring (3) includes the multiple X-ray source (31) of circumferential array, the X-ray source (31) includes vacuum tube (311), cathode end (312) of emitting electron beam, anode target (313) being bombarded by electron beam and the deflection structure of controlling the trajectory of electron beam are arranged in vacuum tube (311), the cathode end (312) and anode target (313) are arranged in alignment along the direction parallel to X-ray ring (3) axis, window (315) is arranged on the tube wall of vacuum tube (311) radially inward, window (315) is aligned with anode target (313) along the radial direction of X-ray ring (3), anode target (313) is thick target structure to be bombarded by electron beam to generate X-ray from the bombardment surface of electron beam to window (315), the vacuum tube (311) extends with X-ray ring (3) axis as the center line of circular arc, the number of cathode end (312) and the number of anode target (313) are multiple and one-to-one correspondence, all cathode end (312) is sequentially arranged along the extension direction of vacuum tube (311), all anode target (313) is sequentially arranged along the extension direction of vacuum tube (311); Two detection rings (4), two detection rings (4) are arranged in rack (2) and are connected in communication with scan timing controller (12), two detection rings (4) are coaxially arranged on the opposite sides of X-ray ring (3), and each detection ring (4) includes the multiple detectors (41) of circumferential array; The X-ray source (31) emits two narrow beams of X-rays simultaneously under the control of the scan timing controller (12) for a predetermined period of time, one of the narrow beams of X-rays is projected onto the corresponding detector (41) of one detection ring (4) after penetrating the measured object, and the other narrow beam of X-rays is projected onto the corresponding detector (41) of the other detection ring (4) after penetrating the measured object, and the two detection rings (4) feed the exposure information collected by the corresponding detectors (41) to the CT host (11) to form a CT image of the measured object in the CT host (11).

2. The dual-ring, scout, static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The X-ray source (31) further includes a temperature sensor (314) arranged on the side of the anode target (313) opposite to the cathode end (312) and connected in communication with the CT host (11).

3. The dual ring scout CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The side of the anode target (313) bombarded by the electron beam is a wedge surface (313a).

4. The dual ring scout CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The double-ring detection type static CT imaging system further includes a collimating ring (5) coaxially sleeved in the X-ray ring (3) to divide the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source (31) into two beams.

5. The dual ring scout CT imaging system of claim 4, wherein: The collimating ring (5) includes a circular ring body (51) and a plurality of collimating hole structures radially penetrating through the circular ring body (51), each collimating hole structure includes two arc-shaped long holes (52) arranged side by side.

6. The dual ring scout CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The double-ring probe type static CT imaging system further comprises a bed frame for holding a measured object, and the control system further comprises a drive controller (13) for controlling movement of the bed frame, and the drive controller (13) is in communication connection with the CT host (11).

7. The dual ring scout CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The detection ring (4) is in a conical ring structure, and a large-diameter end of the detection ring (4) faces the X-ray ring (3).

Images