Multi-channel synchronous acquisition system and method for array micro-CT imaging

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of micro-CT imaging technology, and in particular, relates to a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system and method for array micro-CT imaging, which is convenient for synchronous control of various components of the array micro-CT to make imaging accurate. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging includes: an X-ray source, a bracket, an imaging unit and a synchronous control unit. The X-ray source is configured to provide X-rays; the bracket is configured to fix the object to be imaged; and a plurality of imaging units are arranged in an array. The synchronous control unit is electrically connected to at least a plurality of imaging units, and the synchronous control unit is configured to receive a system working command containing a synchronous control instruction from an upper system, and to receive sequence information of time frames in which the plurality of imaging units are located. The synchronous control unit is also configured to generate a synchronous control instruction according to the received system working command and the sequence information of the time frame, and to issue the synchronous control instruction to the plurality of imaging units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of micro-CT imaging, and in particular relates to a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system and method for array micro-CT imaging. Background Art

[0002] Micro-CT imaging often pursues the best spatial resolution, but with the continuous development of industrial technology, the volume range of samples that need to be detected under high-resolution conditions is also expanding. When the volume of the sample to be detected exceeds the imaging field of view of a single perspective, the imaging field of view is enlarged by splicing array imaging units based on photocoupler detectors. For array micro-CT imaging units, by distributing the reasonable spatial position relationship of multiple imaging units, a larger imaging field of view can be obtained on the original basis to meet the detection requirements of the sample to be detected. The use of array imaging unit arrangement effectively solves the problem of small imaging field of view to a certain extent, but compared with the method of increasing the imaging field of view from a single perspective, it puts forward new requirements for the synchronization of the working sequence of multiple imaging units in the array.

[0003] In view of the imaging process of array multi-imaging units, relevant scholars have conducted research on synchronization control technology. At present, there are many methods for the synchronization control process, among which the main methods for achieving high-precision synchronization control are interrupt synchronization control method and delayed synchronization control method. Among them, the interrupt control method controls the interrupt pins of each working device in the system. Since the system works according to the clock cycle, different working devices are interrupted through the time frame in the same cycle to maintain the working state of different working devices in the same cycle. In practice, this method is generally applied to different types of working devices in the same system, such as multi-axis robotic arms, multi-signal acquisition systems, etc. The delayed synchronization control method forces each working device to remain in the interrupt state through the signal at the end of the cycle, and then the clock sends a unified signal to synchronize the next cycle of each working device, forcing each device cycle to be synchronized, so that the working actions and working states therein are synchronized.

[0004] Due to its underlying control principle, the interrupt synchronization control method is difficult to achieve control of multiple imaging units of the same type and different viewing angles in array-type micro-CT imaging systems. In practical applications, the delayed synchronization control method often affects the stability of the system because the clock of the working device needs to be calibrated frequently. In the micro-CT imaging process, in addition to the static imaging process, the dynamic continuous imaging cannot be effectively controlled by the delayed control method, which is prone to system crashes. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to overcome the defects in the above-mentioned related technologies, the present invention provides a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system and method for array micro-CT imaging, which facilitates the synchronous control of various components of the array micro-CT to ensure accurate imaging.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, on the one hand, the present invention provides a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging comprises: an X-ray source, a bracket, an imaging unit and a synchronous control unit. The X-ray source is configured to provide X-rays; the bracket is configured to fix the object to be imaged; a plurality of the imaging units are arranged in an array, and the X-ray source, the bracket and the plurality of the imaging units are arranged in sequence in a straight line.

[0007] The synchronization control unit is electrically connected to at least a plurality of the imaging units, and is configured to receive a system working command containing a synchronization control instruction from an upper-level system, and to receive sequence information of time frames in which the plurality of the imaging units are located. The synchronization control unit is also configured to generate a synchronization control instruction based on the received system working command and the sequence information of the time frame, and to issue the synchronization control instruction to the plurality of the imaging units.

[0008] Preferably, the synchronization control unit includes at least a microprocessor, which is configured to receive the system working command containing the synchronization control instruction and the sequence information of the time frame, and the microprocessor is also configured to perform data processing on the received system working command and the sequence information, generate a synchronization control instruction and send it to the multiple imaging units.

[0009] On the other hand, the present invention further provides a multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging, which is applied to the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0010] The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging includes: receiving a system working command transmitted from an upper system, and analyzing the system working command. Classifying the system working command containing a synchronous control instruction into a synchronous control instruction group. Analyzing the action instructions that need to be executed in the corresponding imaging unit of the system working command in the synchronous control instruction group.

[0011] According to the action instructions to be executed, the corresponding imaging unit performs system clock calibration, wherein the system clock calibration includes: the imaging unit uploads the sequence information of the time frame in which the current state is located to the synchronization control circuit, and the synchronization control circuit selects the time frame corresponding to the minimum sequence as the starting time frame.

[0012] The synchronization control circuit generates a synchronization control instruction according to the starting time frame and the action instruction to be executed, and synchronously sends the synchronization control instruction to the imaging unit corresponding to the system working command.

[0013] The synchronous control instructions include the work instructions that need to be executed from the starting time frame to the last time frame in the system work command.

[0014] Preferably, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes system operation timing calibration.

[0015] The system working timing calibration includes that when the imaging unit performs single imaging of a static object to be imaged, each time imaging is completed, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle.

[0016] Alternatively, the system operation timing calibration includes that when the imaging unit continuously images the moving object to be imaged, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle within the time of completing each imaging cycle.

[0017] Preferably, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes a unified system working sequence, and the unified system working sequence includes: after receiving the system working command transmitted from the upper system and analyzing the system working command, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging starts running all working components in the same imaging cycle.

[0018] Receive from upper system

[0019] Preferably, the analysis of the system working command includes: identifying the data frame tail of each piece of data to determine whether there is data loss at the data frame tail. For inter-frame identification of each piece of data, when receiving data, if no new data is received within a set first time period and at least one complete data frame tail is identified, then the received data is determined to be complete. For inter-frame identification of each piece of data, when receiving data, if new data is received within a set first time period, then the received data is determined to be complete.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] First, according to the action instructions to be executed, the corresponding imaging unit performs system clock calibration, and according to the current state of the imaging unit, each imaging unit can achieve synchronous operation in the cycle corresponding to the current state, so that imaging is continuous and stable.

[0022] Second, the system work commands containing synchronization control instructions are classified into the synchronization control instruction group. The system work commands in the synchronization control instruction group can be processed in another data processing method to distinguish them from other instructions, which can save computing power and improve operating efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 The following are structural diagrams of some related technologies of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 are structural diagrams of some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 A step diagram of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 Another step diagram of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is another step diagram of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0031] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; the term "connected" can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal connection of two elements; for ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging includes: an X-ray source 1, a bracket 2 and an imaging unit 3. The X-ray source 1, the bracket 2 and the imaging unit 3 are arranged in a straight line, the X-ray source 1 is configured to provide X-rays, the bracket 2 is configured to fix the object to be imaged, and the multiple imaging units 3 are arranged in an array, and the multiple imaging units 3 are configured to receive the X-rays and form images.

[0034] In order to image a larger object, a plurality of imaging units 3 are arranged in an array, each imaging unit 3 only images a part of the larger object, and the images formed by each imaging unit 3 are spliced ​​to form an overall image of the larger object.

[0035] Imaging of objects (hereinafter referred to as objects to be imaged) includes static objects to be imaged and objects to be imaged with running properties. For static objects to be imaged, slightly asynchronous movements of each imaging unit will not cause distortion of the overall image, but for objects to be imaged with running properties, slightly asynchronous movements of each imaging unit may cause image distortion and completely distorted images.

[0036] The object to be imaged with running attributes refers to a moving object to be imaged.

[0037] Based on this, on the one hand, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging. Figure 2 As shown, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging includes, in addition to the above-mentioned X-ray source 1, bracket 2 and imaging unit 3, a synchronous control unit 4. The present invention has already described the X-ray source 1, bracket 2 and imaging unit 3 in the above-mentioned embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the synchronization control unit 4 is electrically connected to at least a plurality of the imaging units 3, and the synchronization control unit 4 is configured to receive a system working command containing a synchronization control instruction from an upper-level system 5, and to receive sequence information of time frames in which the plurality of the imaging units 3 are located. The synchronization control unit 4 is also configured to generate a synchronization control instruction based on the received system working command and the sequence information of the time frame, and to issue the synchronization control instruction to the plurality of the imaging units 3.

[0039] In some embodiments, the synchronization control unit 4 may also be electrically connected to the X-ray source 1 and the bracket 2 to facilitate issuing synchronization control instructions to the X-ray source 1 and the bracket 2 .

[0040] In some embodiments, the synchronization control unit includes at least a microprocessor, which is configured to receive the system working command containing the synchronization control instruction and the sequence information of the time frame. The microprocessor is also configured to perform data processing on the received system working command and the sequence information, generate a synchronization control instruction and send it to the multiple imaging units.

[0041] On the other hand, some embodiments of the present invention also provide a multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging is applied to a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging.

[0042] Among them, Figure 3 As shown, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method of array micro-CT imaging includes:

[0043] S1. Receive a system working command transmitted from an upper system and analyze the system working command.

[0044] S2, classifying the system working commands including the synchronous control commands into a synchronous control command group, and analyzing the action commands that need to be executed in the corresponding imaging units of the system working commands in the synchronous control command group.

[0045] S3. According to the action instruction to be executed, the corresponding imaging unit performs system clock calibration; wherein, the system clock calibration includes: the imaging unit uploads the sequence information of the time frame in which the current state is located to the synchronization control circuit, and the synchronization control circuit selects the time frame corresponding to the minimum sequence as the starting time frame.

[0046] S4. The synchronization control circuit generates a synchronization control instruction according to the starting time frame and the action instruction to be executed, and synchronously sends the synchronization control instruction to the imaging unit corresponding to the system working command.

[0047] The synchronous control instructions include the work instructions that need to be executed from the starting time frame to the last time frame in the system work command.

[0048] It should be noted that the imaging unit completes imaging of one frame of image within one working cycle. During the imaging process of the imaging unit, the components of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system of array micro-CT imaging are basically in the same working cycle. In the same working cycle, the working states of different components at the same time are slightly different. For example, one imaging unit may be in the Xth time frame in a working cycle, and another imaging unit may be in the X+Nth time frame in the same working cycle.

[0049] In some examples, the technician inputs the instruction into the upper system, which can be, for example, a computer. After receiving the instruction, the computer converts it into an electrical signal and transmits it to the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging. The technician determines whether the action generated by the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging according to the instruction requires the coordination of various components, and whether the instruction needs to include a synchronous control instruction. For example, when the technician only needs to start or shut down the X-ray source, other components do not need to cooperate in operation, so the technician does not need to include a synchronous control instruction when entering the instruction. Alternatively, when the technician needs to take a picture of the object to be imaged, multiple imaging units must work together, so the technician should add a synchronous control instruction when entering the instruction.

[0050] In some examples, a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging receives system work commands from an upper system, analyzes whether the system work commands include synchronous control instructions, and collects the system work commands including synchronous control instructions into a synchronous control instruction group. Instructions belonging to the synchronous control instruction group can use a running logic for data processing, and other instructions can use the original running logic for data processing, thereby saving computing power and improving the operating efficiency of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging.

[0051] The system working commands in the synchronous control instruction group can be further analyzed and processed to obtain the actions that the corresponding components of the system working commands will perform, such as controlling multiple imaging units to image the object to be imaged. Before the system working command sends a signal to the corresponding multiple components, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system of array micro-CT imaging needs to calibrate the system clock of each component. The so-called system clock calibration refers to obtaining the sequence information of the time frame in which the corresponding component is in the same working cycle, and taking the minimum time frame among the multiple components obtained as the starting time frame, and controlling the multiple components to start the action from the starting time frame.

[0052] For example, a working cycle may include multiple time frames, and a component completes a corresponding action in each time frame. For example, a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging includes four imaging units, and the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging receives a system working command for the four imaging units to image an object to be imaged. The system clocks of the four imaging units are calibrated. If the four imaging units are initialized and the clocks are calibrated, the four imaging units can all be at the start position of the first frame, and then synchronously receive the system working command and start the operation.

[0053] If the four imaging units are performing other operations, after clock calibration, it can be known that the four imaging units are respectively in different time frames in the same working cycle. For example, the first imaging unit is in the nth time frame, the second imaging unit is in the n+xth time frame, the third imaging unit is in the n+mth time frame, and the fourth imaging unit is in the n+hth time frame. Then the nth time frame in the working cycle is taken as the starting frame, that is, the four imaging units all start to act from the nth time frame. For the second imaging unit, the third imaging unit and the fourth imaging unit, there are repeated imaging in the time frames. For the repeated imaging, one of the imaging units can be selected. In this way, it can be ensured that the imaging units operate synchronously, and the image formed on the imaged object will not be distorted due to the asynchronous screen.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes step S5, which is system working timing calibration.

[0055] The system working timing calibration includes that when the imaging unit performs single imaging of a static object to be imaged, each time imaging is completed, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle.

[0056] In other embodiments, the system operation timing calibration includes when the imaging unit continuously images the moving object to be imaged, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle within the time of completing each imaging cycle.

[0057] For example, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging starts running after receiving a system working command. If the technician does not issue other action instructions, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging may keep running for a long time according to the received system working command. During this period, the various components of the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging may have asynchronous movements. After a long period of accumulation, the asynchronous movements may become more serious. Therefore, after completing an imaging or regularly performing a system working timing calibration on each component.

[0058] The system working timing calibration is to obtain the time frame sequence information of each component in the current working cycle, and use the sequence information of the minimum time frame as the starting time frame of each component in the working cycle to start the operation.

[0059] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes step S6, and step S6 is a unified system working sequence; the unified system working sequence includes: after receiving the system working command transmitted from the upper system and analyzing the system working command, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging starts running all working components in the same imaging cycle.

[0060] In some examples, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging may complete the last image acquisition task, or the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging may be in different imaging cycles due to other reasons.

[0061] Before executing step S2, each imaging system should be adjusted to an initial state, or each imaging system should be in the same imaging cycle state, so the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system of array micro-CT imaging needs to execute the step of unifying the system working sequence.

[0062] Among them, after receiving the system work command transmitted from the upper system, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system of array micro-CT imaging can control all components to enter the preparation stage according to the system work command. In other words, the state of all components is to execute the system work command so that they can run synchronously and quickly after receiving the synchronous control instruction.

[0063] In some embodiments, the analyzing of the system working command includes: identifying the data frame tail of each piece of data, and determining whether there is data loss at the data frame tail. For each piece of data, when receiving data, if no new data is received within a set first time period and at least one complete data frame tail is identified, then the received data is determined to be complete.

[0064] For each piece of data, inter-frame identification is performed. When receiving data, if new data is received within a set first time period, the received data is judged to be complete.

[0065] Exemplarily, when the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging receives a system work command, the system work command is received, for example, data information of a data frame header of the system work command is detected, and data information of a data frame tail of the system work command is detected. Generally, it takes a certain amount of time for the system work command to complete the above action. Therefore, within a set first time period, for example, the first time period can be 50ms, only data information of a data frame header and data information of a data frame tail are detected, and it can be determined that the received system work command has no data loss.

[0066] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0067] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging, characterized in that: A multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging is applied, and the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system for array micro-CT imaging comprises: An X-ray source configured to provide X-rays; a support configured to fix an object to be imaged; An imaging unit, wherein a plurality of the imaging units are arranged in an array, and the X-ray source, the bracket and the plurality of the imaging units are arranged in sequence in a straight line; A synchronization control unit, electrically connected to at least the plurality of imaging units, the synchronization control unit being configured to receive a system work command containing a synchronization control instruction from an upper system, and to receive sequence information of time frames in which the plurality of imaging units are located, the synchronization control unit being further configured to generate a synchronization control instruction according to the received system work command and the sequence information of the time frame, and to issue the synchronization control instruction to the plurality of imaging units; The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method of array micro-CT imaging includes: Receiving a system working command transmitted from an upper layer system and analyzing the system working command; Classifying the system working commands including the synchronization control instructions into a synchronization control instruction group; Analyzing the system working commands in the synchronous control instruction group and the action instructions that need to be executed in the corresponding imaging unit; According to the action instruction to be executed, the corresponding imaging unit performs system clock calibration, wherein the system clock calibration includes: the imaging unit uploads the sequence information of the time frame in which the current state is located to the synchronization control circuit, and the synchronization control circuit selects the time frame corresponding to the minimum sequence as the starting time frame; The synchronization control circuit generates a synchronization control instruction according to the starting time frame and the action instruction to be executed, and synchronously sends the synchronization control instruction to the imaging unit corresponding to the system working command; Wherein, the synchronization control instructions include the work instructions to be executed from the starting time frame to the last time frame in the system work command; The analyzing of the system working command comprises: Identify the data frame tail of each piece of data to determine whether there is data loss at the data frame tail; For each piece of data, the frame recognition is performed. When receiving data, if no new data is received within a set first time period and at least one complete data frame tail is recognized, the received data is judged to be complete. For each piece of data, inter-frame identification is performed. When receiving data, if new data is received within a set first time period, the received data is judged to be complete.

2. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synchronization control unit includes at least a microprocessor, which is configured to receive the system working command containing the synchronization control instruction and the sequence information of the time frame. The microprocessor is also configured to perform data processing on the received system working command and the sequence information, generate a synchronization control instruction and send it to the multiple imaging units.

3. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes system working timing calibration; The system working timing calibration includes that when the imaging unit forms a single image of a static object to be imaged, each time imaging is completed, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle; Alternatively, the system operation timing calibration includes that when the imaging unit continuously images the moving object to be imaged, the imaging unit performs a system clock calibration in the current imaging cycle within the time of completing each imaging cycle.

4. The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel synchronous acquisition method for array micro-CT imaging also includes unifying the system working sequence; The unified system working sequence includes: after receiving the system working command transmitted from the upper system and analyzing the system working command, the multi-channel synchronous acquisition system of the array micro-CT imaging starts running all working components in the same imaging cycle.

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