A color CT imaging apparatus and imaging method

Abstract

This invention discloses a color CT imaging device and method, belonging to the field of CT imaging technology. It includes: a placement platform; an X-ray source for emitting X-rays; an X-ray signal processing and analysis module that sequentially converts X-ray radiation into visible light signals and an electron beam, and then obtains a three-dimensional black-and-white CT image through image processing; an optical signal processing and analysis module that obtains a three-dimensional color fluorescence image by processing fluorescence signals through image processing; and a dual-modal image cross-scale integration module that co-places the three-dimensional color fluorescence image and the two-dimensional black-and-white CT image to obtain a three-dimensional color CT image. This invention is a dual-modal, cross-scale color CT imaging device based on a biologically detected contrast agent, possessing both CT imaging mode and fluorescence imaging mode. By co-placely superimposing a three-dimensional color fluorescence image and a three-dimensional black-and-white CT image, a dual-modal, visualized three-dimensional color CT image is obtained, realizing cross-scale visualized imaging detection of biological sample tissue structure to molecular information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of CT imaging technology, and specifically relates to a drop reliability testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) uses X-ray beams to scan cross-sections of biological samples. Some X-rays are absorbed at biological tissues, resulting in differences in the amount of radiation received by the receiver at different locations. After photoelectric conversion, digital simulation, and image reconstruction, CT images of biological samples with different grayscale representations are obtained.

[0003] Micro CT uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam instead of a fan-shaped beam CT. The use of a micro-focus X-ray tube can limit the focal range to a few micrometers, which greatly meets the requirements of high spatial resolution for CT detection in the fields of biological imaging and medical diagnosis. However, similarly, the research objects of Micro CT are currently limited to ex vivo biological tissues or live animals such as mice, rats, rabbits and beagles, and cannot simultaneously achieve high-resolution imaging of large-volume biological samples such as the human body.

[0004] CT contrast-enhanced imaging, primarily using meglumine diatrizoate, can increase the density contrast between lesions and adjacent normal tissues, thereby improving the detection rate and qualitative ability of lesions. However, contrast-enhanced imaging techniques only result in changes in color contrast on CT images and cannot provide all the information about the microstructure, function, and molecular processes of the tested biological sample in a single image through a single CT contrast-enhanced scan.

[0005] Therefore, achieving accurate spatial and temporal matching of three-dimensional structures and completing information complementarity through the synergistic effect of multimodal imaging has become one of the directions for the development of MicroCT technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing a color CT imaging device and method that can simultaneously achieve CT contrast enhancement and introduce high-resolution nano-optical imaging, and visualize black, white, and gray CT images according to the color coding of the contrast agent, thereby achieving a fused color CT imaging pattern.

[0007] This invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A color CT imaging device, comprising:

[0009] A placement platform used to hold biological samples;

[0010] An X-ray source, which is rotatably mounted on top of the placement platform, is used to emit X-rays that can penetrate biological samples;

[0011] The X-ray signal processing and analysis module includes an X-ray signal receiving unit and a black and white image processing unit. The X-ray signal receiving unit is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates biological samples and convert the X-ray radiation into visible light signals and electron beams in sequence. The black and white image processing unit uses image processing to obtain two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples from multiple angles and stitches the two-dimensional black and white CT images from various angles into a three-dimensional black and white CT image.

[0012] An optical signal processing and analysis module includes a fluorescence signal receiving unit and a fluorescence image processing unit. The fluorescence signal receiving unit is used to receive the fluorescence signal of X-rays penetrating the biological sample. The fluorescence image processing unit is used to convert the fluorescence signal into a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample from multiple angles, and to stitch the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles into a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

[0013] The dual-modal image cross-scale integration module is used to co-place three-dimensional color fluorescence images and three-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples to obtain dual-modal, visualized color CT images.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the X-ray source includes an X-ray tube for exciting NaAF4:B nanomaterials used as a biological detection contrast agent, the X-ray tube being rotatable 360° and having a frequency-tunable continuous emission mode and a pulse emission mode.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the X-ray signal receiving unit includes:

[0016] A scintillator X-ray conversion screen is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates biological samples and convert it into visible light signals that propagate directionally along the column.

[0017] An X-ray detector is used to detect visible light signals and convert them into an electron beam.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the black and white image processing unit includes:

[0019] The electron beam is accelerated and focused onto the output screen under high voltage.

[0020] A CCD camera is mounted on the output screen. The CCD camera is used to process the electron beam analog signal obtained on the output screen and obtain two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples from multiple angles.

[0021] A CT image 3D reconstruction processor is used to collect two-dimensional black-and-white CT images from various angles obtained by the CCD camera, and then stitch them together to form a three-dimensional black-and-white CT image.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fluorescence signal receiving unit includes:

[0023] A fluorescence signal detector, which rotates diagonally with the X-ray source and is used to receive X-ray fluorescence signals;

[0024] An optical signal beam splitter, configured as a short-pass dichroic mirror, is used to sort the X-ray fluorescence signal detected by the fluorescence signal detector;

[0025] A multi-band fluorescence signal receiver is used to separately receive the visible light signal and the fluorescence signal after they have been sorted by the optical signal beam splitter. After receiving the fluorescence signal, the multi-band fluorescence signal receiver transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and the transient lifetime decay curve.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fluorescence image processing unit includes:

[0027] A fluorescence signal processor is used to process the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve transmitted by the multi-band fluorescence signal receiver to obtain two-dimensional color fluorescence images of biological samples from multiple angles, and then stitch and arrange the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to form a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

[0028] As a further improvement of the present invention, the X-ray detector and the fluorescence signal detector can be set separately or integrated into the same detector.

[0029] As a further improvement of the present invention, the scintillator X-ray conversion screen is placed between the placement platform and the fluorescence signal detector.

[0030] As a further improvement of the present invention, the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module includes an image processor that performs co-position superposition of two-dimensional color fluorescence images and two-dimensional black and white CT images for biological samples in three-dimensional space.

[0031] A color CT imaging method includes the aforementioned color CT imaging device, and further includes steps S11-S14, S21-S25, and S3, wherein S11-S14 and S21-S25 are performed simultaneously, and S3 is performed last. The specific steps are as follows:

[0032] S11. The scintillator X-ray conversion screen receives X-ray radiation that penetrates the biological sample and converts it into a visible light signal that propagates directionally along the column.

[0033] S12. The X-ray detector detects a visible light signal, and then converts the visible light signal into a corresponding electron beam through a visible light region fluorescence signal receiver.

[0034] S13. The electron beam is accelerated and focused on the output screen under high voltage. At this time, the CCD camera set on the output screen performs analog-to-digital image conversion and image processing such as noise reduction and enhancement on the electron beam analog signal to obtain a two-dimensional black and white CT image of the biological sample.

[0035] S14. The three-dimensional reconstruction processor collects two-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples under X-ray excitation source radiation at different angles, and after comparing and stitching the same parts, arranges and integrates the two-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples at various angles to obtain three-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples.

[0036] S21. The fluorescence signal detector detects the fluorescence signal of X-rays and sorts the fluorescence signals of multiple wavelengths by the fluorescence signal beam splitter.

[0037] S22. The fluorescence signal multi-band receiver receives visible light signals and fluorescence signals respectively according to the specific value of the emission wavelength. After receiving, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve to the fluorescence signal processor.

[0038] S23. The fluorescence signal processor extracts the fluorescence emission intensity at any two emission wavelengths, calculates the relative ratio, and records it as the brightness channel signal.

[0039] The fluorescence signal processor also calculates the fluorescence lifetime value based on the transient decay curves of the two emission wavelengths, and records it as a dual-color channel signal.

[0040] S24. The fluorescence signal processor marks the tested area with the corresponding color in the Lab color model according to the established multi-channel composite color coding method, and obtains a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample.

[0041] S25. The fluorescence signal processor compares and stitches together two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to realize the three-dimensional construction of the color fluorescence image and obtain a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

[0042] S3. The image processor of the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module fuses three-dimensional black-and-white CT images and three-dimensional color fluorescence images of the same scale to finally obtain original-size, dual-modal, visualized color CT images.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0044] 1. This invention is a dual-modal, multi-scale color CT imaging device based on biological detection contrast agents. It obtains three-dimensional black and white CT images through CT imaging mode and three-dimensional color fluorescence images through fluorescence imaging mode. Finally, the three-dimensional color fluorescence images and three-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples are superimposed in the same position through the dual-modal image multi-scale integration module to obtain dual-modal, visualized three-dimensional color CT images, realizing multi-scale visualized imaging detection of biological sample tissue structure to molecular information.

[0045] 2. In CT imaging mode, the present invention generates a three-dimensional image by calculating and reconstructing a two-dimensional projection, thereby improving imaging accuracy and resolution.

[0046] 3. This invention increases the richness and accuracy of X-ray excited fluorescence image information in fluorescence imaging mode, and improves the color saturation of fluorescence images.

[0047] 4. The dual-modality, multi-scale color CT imaging device based on biological detection contrast agents of this invention adopts a continuous / pulse frequency-tunable X-ray source and a multi-band receiver for stable / transient fluorescence signals in visible light (200-900nm) and near-infrared (900-1700nm), which increases the richness and accuracy of fluorescence information acquisition, improves the color saturation of fluorescence images, and provides a precise data foundation for subsequent fluorescence signal encoding methods.

[0048] 5. The present invention is a dual-modal, multi-scale color CT imaging device based on biological detection contrast agents. It uses a 360° uniform speed rotatable X-ray tube to replace the rotatable biological sample placement platform. It generates three-dimensional images through two-dimensional projection calculation and reconstruction, thereby improving imaging accuracy and resolution. As a result, the applicable research objects are not limited to isolated biological tissues or live animals such as mice, rats, rabbits and beagles, but can also realize high-resolution imaging of large-volume biological samples such as the human body.

[0049] 6. The X-ray tube has a conical exit structure, and its focal point can be controlled within 10μm, which greatly meets the requirements of high spatial resolution for CT detection in the fields of biological imaging and medical diagnosis.

[0050] 7. Improvements to the sample platform have increased the size and variety of detectable biological samples, while the fusion of fluorescence and CT images has solved the problem of insufficient imaging resolution caused by the fixed sample platform.

[0051] 8. The present invention, a dual-modal, multi-scale color CT imaging device based on biological detection contrast agents, employs a unique fluorescence signal encoding method. It uses the relative emission intensity ratio of any two wavelengths in the steady-state spectrum to replace the absolute emission intensity of a single wavelength as the brightness channel, and uses the fluorescence lifetime of two wavelengths in the transient spectrum as the color channel. This reduces the interference of spontaneous absorption of biological samples and background fluorescence, and improves the sensitivity and accuracy of fluorescence imaging.

[0052] 9. The size of the biological detection contrast agent used is around several hundred nanometers, and the size of the fluorescence emission image obtained by X-ray excitation can also be presented in a wide range of 100nm to 1mm, realizing the precise visualization of the morphology and composition of small molecules in biological samples. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the color CT imaging device and imaging method of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color CT imaging device of the present invention.

[0055] In the diagram, 100 is the placement platform; 110 is the X-ray source; 200 is the X-ray signal processing and analysis module; 210 is the X-ray signal receiving unit; 211 is the scintillator X-ray conversion screen; 212 is the X-ray detector; 213 is the visible light region fluorescence signal receiver; 220 is the black and white image processing unit; 221 is the output screen; 222 is the CCD camera; 223 is the CT image 3D reconstruction processor; 300 is the optical signal processing and analysis module; 310 is the fluorescence signal receiving unit; 311 is the fluorescence signal detector; 312 is the optical signal beam splitter; 313 is the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver; 320 is the fluorescence image processing unit; 321 is the fluorescence signal processor; 400 is the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module; and 410 is the image processor. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to further illustrate the technical methods of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0057] like Figure 1-2 As shown, based on existing biological detection contrast agents and fluorescence coding systems, this invention provides a dual-modal, multi-scale color CT imaging device to achieve multi-scale, visualized high-resolution color CT imaging detection of biological samples, specifically including:

[0058] Placement platform 100 is used to place biological samples.

[0059] An X-ray source 110 is rotatably disposed on top of the placement platform 100. The X-ray source 110 is used to emit X-rays that can penetrate biological samples. After penetrating the biological sample, the X-rays can generate X-ray radiation. At the same time, in this embodiment, when the X-ray source 110 emits X-rays, it can also excite the biological detection contrast agent nanomaterial and generate a fluorescence signal.

[0060] The X-ray signal processing and analysis module 200 includes an X-ray signal receiving unit 210 and a black and white image processing unit 220. The X-ray signal receiving unit 210 is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates the biological sample and convert the X-ray radiation into visible light signals and electron beams in sequence. The black and white image processing unit 220 uses the electron beam to obtain two-dimensional black and white CT images of the biological sample from multiple angles through image processing and stitches the two-dimensional black and white CT images from various angles into a three-dimensional black and white CT image.

[0061] In other words, the CT imaging mode processes X-ray radiation through the X-ray signal processing and analysis module 200 to obtain a three-dimensional black and white CT image. This method of generating a three-dimensional image by calculating and reconstructing a two-dimensional projection improves imaging accuracy and resolution.

[0062] The optical signal processing and analysis module 300 includes a fluorescence signal receiving unit 310 and a fluorescence image processing unit 320. The fluorescence signal receiving unit 310 is used to receive the fluorescence signal after X-rays penetrate the biological sample. The fluorescence image processing unit 320 is used to convert the fluorescence signal into a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample from multiple angles and to stitch the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles into a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

[0063] In other words, the fluorescence imaging mode processes the fluorescence signal generated after X-ray excitation of the biodetection contrast agent nanomaterial by the optical signal processing and analysis module 300, and finally obtains a three-dimensional color fluorescence image. It is worth mentioning that in the fluorescence imaging mode, the color saturation of the fluorescence image is further improved by increasing the richness and accuracy of the X-ray excitation fluorescence image information.

[0064] The dual-modal image cross-scale integration module 400 is used to superimpose three-dimensional color fluorescence images and three-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples to obtain dual-modal, visualized color CT images, and realize cross-scale visualized imaging detection of biological sample tissue structure to molecular information.

[0065] Preferably, the X-ray source 110 includes an X-ray tube for exciting the biodetection contrast agent NaAF4:B (A = Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Fe, Mn, Bi; B = Ce, Nd, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) nanomaterial. That is, when the X-ray tube emits X-rays, the X-rays can excite the above-mentioned biodetection contrast agent and generate a fluorescence signal. At the same time, the X-ray radiation generated by the X-rays can also generate a visible light signal. Based on the above-mentioned biodetection contrast agent, the generated visible light signal and fluorescence signal can be processed by the X-ray signal processing and analysis module 200 and the optical signal processing and analysis module 300 to produce a three-dimensional black and white CT image and a three-dimensional color fluorescence image, respectively. Finally, a three-dimensional color CT image is obtained through the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module 400.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the X-ray tube has a frequency-tunable continuous emission mode and a pulse emission mode. Since the size of the biological detection contrast agent used is around several hundred nanometers, the size of the fluorescence emission image obtained by X-ray excitation can also be presented in a wide range of 100nm to 1mm, realizing the precise visualization of the morphology and composition of small molecules in biological samples.

[0067] Preferably, the X-ray source 110 can rotate 360° on the horizontal plane and drive the X-ray tube to rotate synchronously, while the placement platform 100 remains fixed, so that the X-rays can be uniformly radiated onto the biological sample and obtain multi-angle two-dimensional black and white CT images and two-dimensional color fluorescence images. Finally, by arranging and sorting the multi-angle two-dimensional black and white CT images and multi-angle two-dimensional color fluorescence images, three-dimensional black and white CT images and three-dimensional color fluorescence images are obtained. It is precisely because of this that the CT equipment in this embodiment is applicable not only to isolated biological tissues or live animals such as mice, rats, rabbits and beagles, but also to high-resolution imaging of large-volume biological samples such as the human body.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the X-ray tube's exit is designed with a conical structure, and its focal point can be controlled within 10 μm, which greatly satisfies the requirements of high spatial resolution for CT detection in the fields of bioimaging and medical diagnosis.

[0069] Preferably, the X-ray signal receiving unit 210 includes:

[0070] Scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates biological samples and convert it into visible light signals that propagate directionally along the column.

[0071] X-ray detector 212 is used to detect visible light signals, and then converts the visible light signals into corresponding electron beams through visible light region fluorescence signal receiver 213.

[0072] Preferably, the black and white image processing unit 220 includes:

[0073] The electron beam is accelerated and focused on the output screen 221 under the action of high voltage.

[0074] The CCD camera 222 is located at the rear end of the output screen 221. When the electron beam is focused on the output screen 221, the CCD camera 222 performs analog-to-digital image conversion and image processing such as denoising and enhancement on the analog signal of the electron beam obtained on the output screen 221, and obtains two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples from multiple angles.

[0075] The CT image 3D reconstruction processor 223 is used to collect two-dimensional black and white CT images from various angles obtained by the CCD camera 222, and after comparing and stitching the same parts, it arranges and integrates the two-dimensional projection images of the biological sample from various angles to realize the rendering and restoration of the three-dimensional spatial structure of the biological sample, and finally obtains a three-dimensional black and white CT image.

[0076] Preferably, the fluorescence signal receiving unit 310 includes:

[0077] A fluorescence signal detector 311 is used to receive fluorescence signals. The fluorescence signal detector 311 is rotated diagonally with the X-ray source 110 to ensure that the fluorescence signal can be fully received.

[0078] An optical signal beam splitter 312 is configured as a short-pass dichroic mirror, which is used to sort the X-ray fluorescence signal detected by the fluorescence signal detector 311.

[0079] The fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 is used to separately receive the visible light signal and the fluorescence signal after being sorted by the optical signal beam splitter 312. Specifically, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 can separately receive visible light (200-900nm) and near-infrared (900-1700nm) according to the specific value of the emission wavelength. The fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 has steady-state and transient states. When it receives the fluorescence signal, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and the transient lifetime decay curve to the fluorescence signal processor 321.

[0080] Preferably, the fluorescence image processing unit 320 includes:

[0081] The fluorescence signal processor 321 processes the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve emitted by the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 to obtain two-dimensional color fluorescence images of biological samples from multiple angles, and then splices and arranges the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to form a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

[0082] It is worth mentioning that, in this embodiment, the fluorescence signal processor 321 employs a unique fluorescence signal encoding method to acquire a two-dimensional color fluorescence image. Specifically, this fluorescence signal encoding method uses the relative emission intensity ratio of any two wavelengths in the steady-state spectrum to replace the absolute emission intensity of a single wavelength as the brightness channel, and uses the fluorescence lifetime of two wavelengths in the transient spectrum as the color channel. Then, according to the established multi-channel composite color encoding method, the measured area is marked with the corresponding color in the Lab color model, thereby obtaining a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample. This unique fluorescence signal encoding method not only reduces the interference of spontaneous absorption and background fluorescence of the biological sample, but also improves the sensitivity and accuracy of fluorescence imaging.

[0083] Preferably, the X-ray detector 212 and the fluorescence signal detector 311 can be set separately or integrated into the same detector. In this embodiment, the X-ray detector 212 and the fluorescence signal detector are preferably integrated into one unit. That is, the CT imaging mode and the fluorescence imaging mode share one detector, and only one detector is needed to detect X-ray radiation and fluorescence signals.

[0084] Preferably, the scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 is placed between the placement platform 100 and the fluorescence signal detector 311, and the scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 can rotate 360° to ensure that it can smoothly receive the radiation generated by the X-rays generated by the rotating X-ray source 110. In CT imaging mode, the scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 is in the open state, and in fluorescence imaging mode, the scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 is in the closed state.

[0085] Preferably, the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module 400 includes an image processor 410 that performs co-position superposition of two-dimensional color fluorescence images and two-dimensional black and white CT images for biological samples in three-dimensional space;

[0086] It is worth mentioning that, based on the scale difference between the three-dimensional color fluorescence image and the three-dimensional black and white CT image, in this embodiment, the image processor 410 will first segment the large-scale three-dimensional black and white CT image, and then perform magnification, noise reduction, and enhancement processing on the segmented three-dimensional black and white CT image to make it the same scale range as the three-dimensional color fluorescence image. Then, based on the biological sample structure information in the three-dimensional color fluorescence image, the segmented three-dimensional black and white CT image is matched. After finding the same biological sample region in the two imaging modes, the same-scale fluorescence-CT image is fused, and finally the original scale CT image is restored to obtain a dual-modal, visualized three-dimensional color CT image.

[0087] Based on a color CT imaging device, this invention also provides a color CT imaging method, comprising the following steps:

[0088] S1, the scintillator X-ray conversion screen 211 receives X-ray radiation that penetrates the biological sample and converts it into a visible light signal that propagates directionally along the column;

[0089] S2, X-ray detector 212 detects visible light signals, and then converts the visible light signals into corresponding electron beams through visible light region fluorescence signal receiver 213;

[0090] S3. The electron beam is accelerated and focused on the output screen 221 under the action of high voltage. At this time, the CCD camera 222 set on the output screen 221 performs analog-to-digital image conversion and image processing such as noise reduction and enhancement on the analog signal of the electron beam to obtain a two-dimensional black and white CT image of the biological sample.

[0091] S4, CT image three-dimensional reconstruction processor 223 collects two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples under X-ray excitation source radiation at different angles, and after comparison and stitching of the same parts, arranges and integrates the two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples at various angles to obtain three-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples.

[0092] S5. The fluorescence signal detector 311 detects the fluorescence signal of X-rays and sorts the fluorescence signals of multiple wavelengths through the optical signal beam splitter 312.

[0093] S6. The fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 receives visible light signals and fluorescence signals separately according to the specific value of the emission wavelength. After receiving, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver 313 transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve to the fluorescence signal processor 321.

[0094] S7. Fluorescence signal processor 321 extracts the fluorescence emission intensity at any two emission wavelengths, calculates the relative ratio, and records it as the brightness channel signal.

[0095] The fluorescence signal processor 321 also calculates the fluorescence lifetime value based on the transient decay curves of the two emission wavelengths, which is denoted as the dual-color channel signal.

[0096] S8, fluorescence signal processor 321, according to the established multi-channel composite color coding method, marks the tested area with the corresponding color in the Lab color model to obtain a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample;

[0097] S9, the fluorescence signal processor 321 compares and stitches two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to realize the three-dimensional construction of the color fluorescence image and obtain a three-dimensional color fluorescence image;

[0098] The image processor 410 of the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module 400 first segments the large-scale three-dimensional black-and-white CT image, then enlarges, denoises, and enhances the segmented three-dimensional black-and-white CT image to make it the same scale as the three-dimensional color fluorescence image. Then, it matches the segmented three-dimensional black-and-white CT image based on the biological sample structure information in the three-dimensional color fluorescence image. After finding the same biological sample region in the two imaging modes, it performs same-scale fluorescence-CT image fusion to finally restore the original scale CT image and obtain a dual-modal, visualized three-dimensional color CT image.

[0099] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those described above, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. The above are specific embodiments of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0100] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0101] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving terms such as "first," "second," and "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0102] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0103] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A color CT imaging device, characterized in that, include: A placement platform used to hold biological samples; An X-ray source, which is rotatably mounted on top of the placement platform, is used to emit X-rays that can penetrate biological samples; The X-ray signal processing and analysis module includes an X-ray signal receiving unit and a black and white image processing unit. The X-ray signal receiving unit is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates biological samples and convert the X-ray radiation into visible light signals and electron beams in sequence. The black and white image processing unit uses image processing to obtain two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples from multiple angles and stitches the two-dimensional black and white CT images from various angles into a three-dimensional black and white CT image. An optical signal processing and analysis module includes a fluorescence signal receiving unit and a fluorescence image processing unit. The fluorescence signal receiving unit is used to receive the fluorescence signal of X-rays penetrating the biological sample. The fluorescence image processing unit is used to convert the fluorescence signal into a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample from multiple angles, and to stitch the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles into a three-dimensional color fluorescence image. The dual-modal image cross-scale integration module is used to superimpose three-dimensional color fluorescence images and three-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples to obtain dual-modal, visualized color CT images. The black-and-white image processing unit includes: The electron beam is accelerated and focused onto the output screen under high voltage. A CCD camera is mounted on the output screen. The CCD camera is used to process the electron beam analog signal obtained on the output screen and obtain two-dimensional black and white CT images of biological samples from multiple angles. A CT image 3D reconstruction processor is used to collect two-dimensional black and white CT images from various angles obtained by the CCD camera, and to form a three-dimensional black and white CT image by stitching and arranging them. The fluorescence signal receiving unit includes: A fluorescence signal detector, which rotates diagonally with the X-ray source and is used to receive X-ray fluorescence signals; An optical signal beam splitter, configured as a short-pass dichroic mirror, is used to sort the X-ray fluorescence signal detected by the fluorescence signal detector; A fluorescence signal multi-band receiver is used to receive the visible light signal and the fluorescence signal after they have been separated by the optical signal beam splitter. After receiving the fluorescence signal, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and the transient lifetime decay curve. The fluorescence image processing unit includes: A fluorescence signal processor is used to process the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve transmitted by the multi-band fluorescence signal receiver to obtain two-dimensional color fluorescence images of biological samples from multiple angles, and then stitch and arrange the two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to form a three-dimensional color fluorescence image.

2. The color CT imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray source includes an X-ray tube for exciting NaAF4:B nanomaterials used as a contrast agent for biological detection. The X-ray tube is 360° rotatable and has a frequency-tunable continuous emission mode and a pulse emission mode.

3. A color CT imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The X-ray signal receiving unit includes: A scintillator X-ray conversion screen is used to receive X-ray radiation that penetrates biological samples and convert it into visible light signals that propagate directionally along the column. An X-ray detector is used to detect visible light signals and convert them into an electron beam.

4. A color CT imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The X-ray detector and the fluorescence signal detector can be set up separately or integrated into the same detector.

5. A color CT imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The scintillator X-ray conversion screen is placed between the placement platform and the fluorescence signal detector.

6. A color CT imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dual-modal image cross-scale integration module includes an image processor that performs co-position superposition of two-dimensional color fluorescence images and two-dimensional black and white CT images for biological samples in three-dimensional space.

7. A color CT imaging method, applied to the color CT imaging device according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The steps include S11-S14, S21-S25, and S3, where S11-S14 and S21-S25 are performed simultaneously, and S3 is performed last. The specific steps are as follows: S11. The scintillator X-ray conversion screen receives X-ray radiation that penetrates the biological sample and converts it into a visible light signal that propagates directionally along the column. S12. The X-ray detector detects a visible light signal, and then converts the visible light signal into a corresponding electron beam through a visible light region fluorescence signal receiver. S13. The electron beam is accelerated and focused on the output screen under high voltage. At this time, the CCD camera set on the output screen performs analog-to-digital image conversion and image processing such as noise reduction and enhancement on the electron beam analog signal to obtain a two-dimensional black and white CT image of the biological sample. S14. The three-dimensional reconstruction processor collects two-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples under X-ray excitation source radiation at different angles, and after comparing and stitching the same parts, arranges and integrates the two-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples at various angles to obtain three-dimensional black-and-white CT images of biological samples. S21. The fluorescence signal detector detects the fluorescence signal of X-rays and sorts the fluorescence signals of multiple wavelengths by the fluorescence signal beam splitter. S22. The fluorescence signal multi-band receiver receives visible light signals and fluorescence signals respectively according to the specific value of the emission wavelength. After receiving, the fluorescence signal multi-band receiver transmits the steady-state emission spectrum and transient lifetime decay curve to the fluorescence signal processor. S23. The fluorescence signal processor extracts the fluorescence emission intensity at any two emission wavelengths, calculates the relative ratio, and records it as the brightness channel signal. The fluorescence signal processor also calculates the fluorescence lifetime value based on the transient decay curves of the two emission wavelengths, and records it as a dual-color channel signal. S24. The fluorescence signal processor marks the tested area with the corresponding color in the Lab color model according to the established multi-channel composite color coding method, and obtains a two-dimensional color fluorescence image of the biological sample. S25. The fluorescence signal processor compares and stitches together two-dimensional color fluorescence images from various angles to realize the three-dimensional construction of the color fluorescence image and obtain a three-dimensional color fluorescence image. S3. The image processor of the dual-modal image cross-scale integration module fuses three-dimensional black-and-white CT images and three-dimensional color fluorescence images of the same scale to finally obtain original-size, dual-modal, visualized color CT images.

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