Cathode cell x-ray source, static ct imaging system, and image enhancement method

Abstract

This invention provides a cathode-unitized X-ray source, a static CT imaging system, and an image enhancement method, comprising: a vacuum tube; a cathode end for emitting electron beams, the cathode end including an exposure control module and multiple electron emission units arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module, all electron emission units being independent and electrically connected to the exposure control module; an anode target bombarded by the electron beam, the anode target including an anode body and a target surface formed on the anode body, the target surface being located on the emission path of the electron emission units; when the exposure control module receives an external control signal, it establishes a voltage line between the selected electron emission unit and the exposure control module, the electron emission units emitting electrons one by one or row by row toward the target surface, and the target surface reflecting X-rays to a window under the bombardment of electrons. This invention can increase the scanning range, improve the image quality of static CT, and extend the lifespan of the X-ray source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of static CT technology, and in particular to a cathode-unitized X-ray source, a static CT imaging system, and an image enhancement method. 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] Existing static CT generally adopts a single-layer design, with a single-layer emission source and a single-layer detector. The structure is relatively simple, but it can only image in a very narrow direction. It also has the disadvantage of small coverage area during scanning. It may need to rely on a linearly moving bed frame to assist in scanning specific organs or samples. 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 cathode-unitized X-ray source, a static CT imaging system and an image enhancement method. By using the unitized form of the cathode, selective multi-point exposure can be achieved. Combined with the angle of the target surface, the scanning range is increased, the image quality of static CT is improved, and the local temperature of the anode target can be effectively reduced, thereby increasing the lifespan of the X-ray source.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a cathode-unitized X-ray source, comprising:

[0009] A vacuum tube, with a window that allows X-rays to pass through;

[0010] The cathode end for emitting the electron beam is located inside the vacuum tube. The cathode end includes an exposure control module and multiple electron emission units arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module. All electron emission units are independent of each other and are electrically connected to the exposure control module respectively.

[0011] An anode target bombarded by an electron beam is located inside a vacuum tube. The anode target includes an anode body and a target surface formed on the anode body. The target surface is located on the emission path of the electron emission unit, and the normal of the target surface is set at an acute angle to the emission direction of the electron emission unit.

[0012] When the exposure control module receives an external control signal, it establishes a voltage line between the selected electron emission unit and the exposure control module. The electron emission unit emits electrons one by one or row by row toward the target surface, and the target surface reflects X-rays to the window under the bombardment of electrons.

[0013] Preferably, the electron emission unit includes a unit filament and a unit switching circuit, wherein the unit switching circuit is used to electrically connect the unit filament and the exposure control module.

[0014] Preferably, the anode body is fan-shaped and has a wedge-shaped surface, and the target surface is formed on the wedge-shaped surface.

[0015] The present invention also provides a static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0016] The control system includes the CT host and a scanning timing controller that is connected to the CT host.

[0017] A rack mounted on the ground;

[0018] An X-ray ring, mounted on a rack and communicatively connected to a scan timing controller, comprises a plurality of cathode-unitized X-ray sources arranged in a circumferential array;

[0019] The detector ring is mounted on the rack and is communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller. A single detector ring is coaxially arranged on one side of the X-ray ring, and the detector ring includes multiple detectors arranged in a circular array.

[0020] Preferably, the vacuum tube extends in an arc with the axis of the X-ray ring as the center.

[0021] Preferably, the cathode end and the anode target are aligned in a direction parallel to the X-ray ring axis, and the window is located on the radially inward wall of the vacuum tube, with the window aligned radially with the anode target along the X-ray ring.

[0022] Preferably, the number of cathode ends and the number of anode targets are both multiple and correspond one-to-one, with all cathode ends arranged sequentially along the X-ray ring circumference and all anode targets arranged sequentially along the X-ray ring circumference.

[0023] Preferably, the static CT imaging system further includes a collimation ring, which includes a coaxial inner sleeve of an X-ray ring to confine X-rays emitted by a cathode-unitized X-ray source.

[0024] Preferably, the collimation ring includes a circular ring and a collimation hole structure that radially penetrates the circular ring.

[0025] The present invention also provides an image enhancement method using the static CT imaging system, comprising the following steps:

[0026] Set the preset exposure program for all electron emission units at the cathode end on the CT host;

[0027] Under the control of the exposure control module, based on the preset exposure program, all electron emission units emit free electrons one by one or row by row in the exposure sequence from the radial outside of the X-ray ring to the radial inside of the X-ray ring or from the radial inside of the X-ray ring to the radial outside of the X-ray ring.

[0028] The exposure information collected by all detectors is fed back to the CT host, where a CT image of the object being tested is formed.

[0029] As described above, the cathode-unitized X-ray source, static CT imaging system, and image enhancement method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: the cathode end of the X-ray source is no longer a whole, but a segmented and matrix-arranged structure, which is coupled to the horizontal length direction of the object under test by the tilt angle of the anode target surface, thereby forming a larger scanning range to observe different positions of the object under test. The resulting imaging effect is higher than that of existing static CT. The aforementioned cathode is housed within a vacuum tube and is used to emit an electron beam. The cathode includes an exposure control module and multiple electron emission units arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module. All electron emission units are independent and electrically connected to the exposure control module. The anode target includes an anode body and a target surface formed on the anode body. The target surface is located on the emission path of the electron emission units, and the normal to the target surface and the emission direction of the electron emission units are set at an acute angle, allowing X-rays to be generated using backscattering. With this configuration, when the exposure control module receives an external control signal, a voltage line is established between the selected electron emission unit and the exposure control module. The electron emission units emit electrons one by one or row by row towards the target surface, and the target surface reflects the X-rays back to the window under the bombardment of electrons. This design allows for free adjustment of the size or position of the focal spot on the target surface, reducing the temperature rise of the anode target due to exposure, controlling the smoothness of the CT image, and reducing artifacts. Therefore, the cathode-unitized X-ray source of the present invention, through the unitized form of the cathode end, can selectively expose multiple points, and combined with the angle of the target surface, increases the scanning range, improves the image quality of static CT, and can also effectively reduce the local temperature of the anode target and increase the lifespan of the X-ray source. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 Shown is a perspective view of the cathode unitized X-ray source of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 Shown is a partial cross-sectional view of the cathode unitized X-ray source of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 The first stereoscopic view shows the cathode end and the anode target;

[0033] Figure 4 The second stereoscopic view shows the cathode end and the anode target;

[0034] Figure 5 Displayed as a 3D view of an X-ray ring;

[0035] Figure 6 The diagram shows the internal structure of the X-ray ring.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the use of the X-ray ring;

[0037] Figure 8 Shown is a three-dimensional view of the static CT imaging system of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 Shown is a front view of the static CT imaging system of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 Displayed as along Figure 9 A sectional view of line A-A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 11 Displayed as Figure 10 Enlarged view of section B.

[0041] Component designation explanation

[0042] 1 Control System

[0043] 11 CT main unit

[0044] 12 Scan Timing Controller

[0045] 2 racks

[0046] 3 X-ray ring

[0047] 31. Cathode-unitized X-ray source

[0048] 311 Vacuum Tube

[0049] 312 Yin extreme

[0050] 312a Exposure Electronic Control Module

[0051] 312b Electron Emission Unit

[0052] 313 Anode Target

[0053] 313a Anode Body

[0054] 313b target surface

[0055] 314 Temperature Sensor

[0056] 315 Window

[0057] 4. Detection ring

[0058] 41 detectors

[0059] 5. Collimation ring

[0060] 51. Toroidal

[0061] 52. Collimation hole structure

[0062] 6. The object being tested Detailed Implementation

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the present invention provides a cathode-unitized X-ray source, comprising:

[0066] Vacuum tube 311, with a window 315 that allows X-rays to pass through;

[0067] The cathode end 312 for emitting electron beams is located inside the vacuum tube 311. The cathode end 312 includes an exposure control module 312a and multiple electron emission units 312b arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module 312a. All electron emission units 312b are independent of each other and are electrically connected to the exposure control module 312a respectively.

[0068] The anode target 313 is bombarded by an electron beam. The anode target 313 is disposed inside the vacuum tube 311. The anode target 313 includes an anode body 313a and a target surface 313b formed on the anode body 313a. The target surface 313b is located on the emission path of the electron emission unit 312b. The normal of the target surface 313b and the emission direction of the electron emission unit 312b are set at an acute angle.

[0069] When the exposure control module 312a receives an external control signal, it establishes a voltage line between the selected electron emission unit 312b and the exposure control module 312a. The electron emission unit 312b emits electrons one by one or row by row toward the target surface 313b. The target surface 313b reflects X-rays to the window 315 under the bombardment of electrons.

[0070] In this invention, the cathode end 312 of the X-ray source is no longer a single unit, but a segmented and matrix-arranged structure. It is coupled to the horizontal length direction of the object under test 6 by the tilt angle of the target surface 313b of the anode target 313, thereby forming a larger scanning range to observe different positions of the object under test 6 (e.g., human organs). The resulting imaging effect is higher than that of existing static CT.

[0071] For details, please see Figure 3 The cathode end 312 is disposed inside the vacuum tube 311 and is used to emit an electron beam. The cathode end 312 includes an exposure control module 312a and multiple electron emission units 312b arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module 312a. All electron emission units 312b are independent of each other and electrically connected to the exposure control module 312a. The anode target 313 includes an anode body 313a and a target surface 313b formed on the anode body 313a. The target surface 313b is located at the electron emission unit 312a. In the emission path of 2b, the normal of the target surface 313b and the emission direction of the electron emission unit 312b are set at an acute angle, so that X-rays can be generated by backscattering. With this configuration, when the exposure control module 312a receives an external control signal, a voltage line is established between the selected electron emission unit 312b and the exposure control module 312a. The electron emission unit 312b emits electrons one by one or row by row toward the target surface 313b, and the target surface 313b reflects the X-rays to the window 315 under the bombardment of electrons. For example, Figure 3 The multiple small white arrows shown indicate the exposure sequence of electron emission units 312b belonging to the same row. If a row contains N electron emission units 312b, then it is exposed N times before exposing the next row, and so on. For example, Figure 3 The single large white arrow indicates the row-by-row exposure order of electron emission units 312b belonging to different rows. That is, all electron emission units 312b belonging to the same row can be exposed simultaneously. If there are M rows, then they are exposed M times. Figure 3 This is merely an illustration; a single cathode end 312 comprises 168 electron emission units 312b arranged in a 14 (column) × 12 (row) matrix. This design allows for free adjustment of the size or position of the focal spot on the target surface 313b, reducing the temperature rise of the anode target 313 due to exposure, and controlling the smoothness of CT images, thus reducing artifacts.

[0072] Therefore, the cathode-unitized X-ray source of the present invention, through the unitized form of the cathode end 312, can selectively expose multiple points, and the scanning range is increased by combining the angle of the target surface 313b, thereby improving the image quality of static CT. It can also effectively reduce the local temperature of the anode target 313 and improve the lifespan of the X-ray source.

[0073] The electron emission unit 312b described above can be an existing electron emission structure, such as a tiny structure similar to an electron gun. For example, the electron emission unit 312b includes a unit filament and a unit switching circuit, which is used to electrically connect the unit filament and the exposure control module 312a.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to tilt the target surface 313b, the anode body 313a is fan-shaped and has a wedge-shaped surface, and the target surface 313b is formed on the wedge-shaped surface.

[0075] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the present invention also provides a static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0076] Control system 1, which includes CT host 11 and scanning timing controller 12 which is communicatively connected to CT host 11;

[0077] Frame 2, located on the ground;

[0078] X-ray ring 3 (see details) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The 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 a plurality of the aforementioned cathode unitized X-ray sources arranged in a circumferential array.

[0079] The detector ring 4 is mounted on the rack 2 and is communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller 12. A single detector ring 4 is coaxially arranged on one side of the X-ray ring 3. The detector ring 4 includes multiple detectors 41 arranged in a circular array.

[0080] In the above-described static CT imaging system, the scanning timing controller 12 can send the aforementioned external control signal to the exposure control module 312a of each negative end 312.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve the structural compactness of the X-ray ring 3, the vacuum tube 311 extends in an arc with the axis of the X-ray ring 3 as the center line, and the angle corresponding to the vacuum tube 311 is an acute angle.

[0082] As one embodiment of the aforementioned X-ray source 31: the X-ray source 31 further includes a deflection structure for controlling the trajectory of the electron beam; the deflection structure can be an electromagnetic coil. Figure 11As 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.

[0083] To improve the compactness of the X-ray source 31, the cathode end 312 and the anode target 313 are aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the X-ray ring 3, and the window 315 is provided on the radially inward tube wall of the vacuum tube 311, with the window 315 aligned radially with the anode target 313 along the X-ray ring 3.

[0084] Furthermore, 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 circumference of the X-ray ring 3, and all anode targets 313 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the X-ray ring 3.

[0085] The aforementioned static CT imaging system also includes a collimation ring 5, which is coaxially fitted inside the X-ray ring 3 to confine the X-rays emitted by the cathode-unitized X-ray source 31. Furthermore, the collimation ring 5 includes a circular annulus 51 and a collimation aperture structure radially penetrating the circular annulus 51.

[0086] The present invention also provides an image enhancement method using the above-described static CT imaging system, comprising the following steps:

[0087] Set the preset exposure program for all electron emission units 312b of the cathode end 312 on the CT host 11;

[0088] Under the control of the exposure control module 312a, based on the preset exposure program, all electron emission units 312b emit free electrons one by one or row by row in the exposure sequence from the radial outside of the X-ray ring 3 to the radial inside of the X-ray ring 3 or from the radial inside of the X-ray ring 3 to the radial outside of the X-ray ring 3.

[0089] The exposure information collected by all detectors 41 is fed back to the CT host 11, where a CT image of the object under test 6 is formed.

[0090] In the image enhancement method of the present invention, the cathode end 312 is segmented, which effectively increases the number of exposure points, effectively increases the usable area of ​​the target surface 313b, and reduces the heat of the target disk focus. In addition, the multi-focal exposure method also effectively changes the X-ray irradiation angle, similar to the flying focal structure of existing X-ray sources, which can form more image sequences, perform imaging from a finer scanning perspective, and form smoother CT images. It also helps to remove image artifacts and improve the quality of CT images.

[0091] In summary, the cathode-unitized X-ray source, static CT imaging system, and image enhancement method of this invention, through the unitized form of the cathode, enable selective multi-point exposure. Combined with the angle of the target surface, this increases the scanning range and improves the image quality of static CT. Furthermore, it effectively reduces the local temperature of the anode target and extends the lifespan of the X-ray source. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of existing technologies and possesses high industrial applicability.

[0092] 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 cathode-unitized X-ray source, characterized in that, include: Vacuum tube (311), the vacuum tube (311) is provided with a window (315) that allows X-rays to pass through. The cathode end (312) for emitting electron beams is located inside the vacuum tube (311). The cathode end (312) includes an exposure control module (312a) and multiple electron emission units (312b) arranged in a matrix on the same side of the exposure control module (312a). All electron emission units (312b) are independent of each other and electrically connected to the exposure control module (312a). An anode target (313) bombarded by an electron beam is disposed inside a vacuum tube (311). The anode target (313) includes an anode body (313a) and a target surface (313b) formed on the anode body (313a). The anode body (313a) is fan-shaped and has a wedge-shaped surface. The target surface (313b) is formed on the wedge-shaped surface and located on the emission path of the electron emission unit (312b). The normal of the target surface (313b) and the emission direction of the electron emission unit (312b) are set at an acute angle to generate X-rays by backscattering. When the exposure control module (312a) receives an external control signal, it establishes a voltage line between the selected electron emission unit (312b) and the exposure control module (312a). The electron emission unit (312b) emits electrons one by one or row by row toward the target surface (313b). The target surface (313b) reflects X-rays to the window (315) under the bombardment of electrons, so as to freely adjust the size or position of the focal spot on the target surface (313b).

2. The cathode-unitized X-ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electron emission unit (312b) includes a unit filament and a unit switch circuit, which is used to electrically connect the unit filament and the exposure control module (312a).

3. A static CT imaging system, characterized in that, include: The control system (1) includes a CT host (11) and a scanning timing controller (12) that is connected to the CT host (11). A frame installed on the ground (2); X-ray ring (3), which is mounted on the rack (2) and is communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller (12), includes a plurality of cathode-unitized X-ray sources arranged in a circular array as described in claim 1 or 2; The detector ring (4) is mounted on the rack (2) and is communicatively connected to the scanning timing controller (12). A single detector ring (4) is coaxially arranged on one side of the X-ray ring (3). The detector ring (4) includes multiple detectors (41) arranged in a circular array.

4. The static CT imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vacuum tube (311) extends in an arc with the axis of the X-ray ring (3) as the center.

5. The static CT imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that: 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 window (315) is located on the radially inward wall of the vacuum tube (311) and is radially aligned with the anode target (313) along the X-ray ring (3).

6. The static CT imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that: 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 circumference of the X-ray ring (3), and all anode targets (313) are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the X-ray ring (3).

7. The static CT imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The static CT imaging system also includes a collimation ring (5), which includes a coaxial inner ring of an X-ray ring (3) to confine X-rays emitted by a cathode-unitized X-ray source (31).

8. The static CT imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The collimation ring (5) includes a ring body (51) and a collimation hole structure (52) that radially penetrates the ring body (51).

9. An image enhancement method using a static CT imaging system as described in any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Set the preset exposure program for all electron emission units (312b) of the cathode end (312) on the CT host (11); Under the control of the exposure control module (312a), based on the preset exposure program, all electron emission units (312b) emit free electrons one by one or row by row in the exposure sequence from the radial outside of the X-ray ring (3) to the radial inside of the X-ray ring (3) or from the radial inside of the X-ray ring (3) to the radial outside of the X-ray ring (3). Exposure information collected by all detectors (41) is fed back to the CT host (11), forming a CT image of the object under test (6) in the CT host (11).

Images