Integrated modular static ct imaging system and ct imaging method

Abstract

The application provides an integrated modular static CT imaging system and a CT imaging method, which comprises a control system, a ground-mounted rack, and a single scanning integrated ring; the control system comprises a CT host and a scanning controller in communication connection with the CT host; the scanning integrated ring comprises an even number of emission detection modules in a circumferential array, and two emission detection modules oppositely arranged along the scanning integrated ring constitute a group; the cathode end of one of the emission detection modules emits an electron beam towards an anode target under the control of the scanning controller, a part of X rays generated by the anode target irradiates a first detection area of a detector of another emission detection module after sequentially passing through a window and a measured object, and another part of X rays generated by the anode target irradiates a second detection area of the detector of the emission detection module in which the anode target is located after passing through a partition plate. The application can effectively utilize the installation space, is convenient for maintenance and replacement, and can assist in improving the quality of CT images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of static CT technology, and in particular to an integrated modular static CT imaging system and CT imaging method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional CT scanners consist of several major components: a gantry, a high-voltage generator, an X-ray tube, and a detector. The gantry is a rotating system on which the three main components—the high-voltage generator, the X-ray tube, and the detector—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 via 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 increased, but this has now become a bottleneck limiting further development. To overcome this bottleneck, the next generation of revolutionary CT is widely recognized as static CT. Static CT is defined as the sixth generation of CT in its development history. Employing entirely new imaging techniques, it 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] However, in existing static CT scanners, the X-ray source and detector are independent of each other, making disassembly and maintenance procedures cumbersome, and the overall structure is still not very compact. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an integrated modular static CT imaging system and CT imaging method, which can modularly design existing X-ray sources and existing detectors, effectively utilize installation space, facilitate maintenance and replacement, and help improve the quality of CT images.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides an integrated modular static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0008] The control system includes the CT host and the scan controller that is connected to the CT host for communication.

[0009] A rack mounted on the ground;

[0010] A single scanning integrated ring is mounted on a rack. The scanning integrated ring includes an even number of emission detection modules arranged in a circular array. Two emission detection modules arranged radially opposite each other along the scanning integrated ring form a group. Each emission detection module includes a module housing. The module housing is divided into an integrally formed vacuum cavity and a detection cavity by a partition that allows only X-ray transmission. The vacuum cavity and the detection cavity are arranged side by side along a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring. The inner wall of the vacuum cavity along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring has a window. Inside the vacuum cavity, there is a cathode end for emitting an electron beam and an anode target bombarded by the electron beam. The anode target is radially aligned with the window. Inside the detection cavity, there is a detector. The detector has a first detection area and a second detection area. All cathode ends and all detectors are communicatively connected to the scanning controller.

[0011] In two emission detection modules belonging to the same group, the cathode of one emission detection module emits an electron beam toward the anode target under the control of the scanning controller. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through the window and the object under test in sequence and then irradiates the first detection area of ​​the detector of the other emission detection module. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through the partition and then irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector of the emission detection module where the anode target is located.

[0012] Preferably, the module housing extends in an arc shape, and the center of the circle corresponding to the module housing is located on the axis of the scanning integrated ring.

[0013] Preferably, the detector cavity is further provided with a detector collimator, which is located on the inner side of the detector along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring.

[0014] Preferably, the detection cavity is made of a material that allows only X-rays to pass through.

[0015] Preferably, the scanning controller includes a dose analysis unit and a dose control unit communicatively connected to the dose analysis unit. The dose analysis unit is used to receive dose information from two emission detection modules belonging to the same group, and the dose control unit is used to control the exposure power of one of the emission detection modules.

[0016] Preferably, the cathode end and the anode target are aligned along a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring, and the anode target directs the X-rays generated by the electron beam bombardment toward the window;

[0017] Preferably, the second detection area of ​​the detector faces the anode target.

[0018] Preferably, each of the launch detection modules has multiple cathode ends and multiple anode targets, and they correspond one-to-one. All cathode ends are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity, and all anode targets are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity.

[0019] Preferably, the integrated modular static CT imaging system further includes a collimation ring, which includes a detector coaxially fitted inside the scanning integrated ring to guide X-rays emitted by one emission detection module belonging to the same group to another emission detection module.

[0020] The present invention also provides a CT imaging method using the integrated modular static CT imaging system, comprising the following steps:

[0021] Establish a dose correction model between two emission detection modules belonging to the same group;

[0022] Under the control of the scanning controller, the cathode of one of the emission detection modules emits an electron beam toward the anode target. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through the window and the object under test in sequence and then irradiates the first detection area of ​​the detector of another emission detection module to obtain the actual dose of X-rays. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through the partition and then irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector of the emission detection module where the anode target is located to obtain the reference dose of X-rays.

[0023] The reference dose and actual dose are imported into the dose correction model to calculate the correction coefficient of the CT image, and the exposure power of the cathode is adjusted based on the correction coefficient.

[0024] As described above, the integrated modular static CT imaging system and CT imaging method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: The integrated modular static CT imaging system integrates existing X-ray sources and existing detectors into a single structure, namely, the aforementioned scanning integrated ring includes an even number of emission and detection modules arranged in a circular array; each emission and detection module includes a module housing, which is divided into an integrally formed vacuum cavity and a detection cavity by a partition that allows only X-ray transmission. The vacuum cavity and the detection cavity are arranged side by side along a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring. The vacuum cavity has a window on its inner wall along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring. Inside the vacuum cavity, there is a cathode end for emitting the electron beam and an anode target bombarded by the electron beam, with the anode target radially aligned with the window. Inside the detection cavity, there is a detector. This design can effectively utilize the installation space of the integrated modular static CT imaging system, and the emission and detection module is a universal replacement component that combines X-ray emission and detection functions. More importantly, two emission and detection modules arranged radially opposite each other along the scanning integrated ring form a group, each detector having a first detection area and a second detection area, and all cathode ends and all detectors are communicatively connected to the scanning controller. When an integrated modular static CT imaging system scans and exposes an object under test, in two emission detection modules belonging to the same group, the cathode of one emission detection module emits an electron beam towards the anode target under the control of the scan controller. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through a window and the object under test before irradiating the first detection area of ​​the detector in the other emission detection module, obtaining CT imaging information, which is then fed back to the scan controller. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target passes through a partition and irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector in the emission detection module containing the anode target, obtaining CT reference information, which is also fed back to the scan controller. Because the second detection area is very close to the anode target, and because the partition only allows X-ray transmission, the CT reference information can serve as accurate and auxiliary imaging reference information for correcting the CT imaging information. The relationship between the CT imaging information and the CT reference information is then analyzed. This further reduces imaging noise in CT images and improves image quality. Therefore, the integrated modular static CT imaging system of this invention modularizes existing X-ray sources and detectors, effectively utilizing installation space, facilitating maintenance and replacement, and contributing to improved CT image quality. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the integrated modular static CT imaging system of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 The image shows a 3D view of a single launch detection module and collimation loop.

[0027] Figure 3Displayed as a 3D view of the launch detection module;

[0028] Figure 4 Displayed as the main view of the launch detection module;

[0029] Figure 5 Displayed as along Figure 4 A sectional view of line A-A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the usage status of an integrated modular static CT imaging system.

[0031] Component designation explanation

[0032] 1 Control System

[0033] 11 CT main unit

[0034] 12 Scan Controller

[0035] 121 Dosage Analysis Unit

[0036] 122 Dosage Control Unit

[0037] 2 racks

[0038] 3. Scanning integrated ring

[0039] 31 Launch Detection Module

[0040] 311 Module Housing

[0041] 311a Vacuum cavity section

[0042] 311b Probe cavity section

[0043] 312 partition

[0044] Window 313

[0045] 314 Yin extreme

[0046] 315 Anode Target

[0047] Detector 316

[0048] 317 Detector Collimator

[0049] 4. Collimation ring

[0050] 5. The object being tested Detailed Implementation

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

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

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated modular static CT imaging system, comprising:

[0054] Control system 1, which includes CT host 11 and scan controller 12 which is communicatively connected to CT host 11;

[0055] Frame 2, located on the ground;

[0056] A single scanning integrated ring 3 is mounted on the rack 2. The scanning integrated ring 3 includes an even number of emission detection modules 31 arranged in a circular array. Two emission detection modules 31 arranged radially opposite each other along the scanning integrated ring 3 form a group. Each emission detection module 31 includes a module housing 311. The module housing 311 is divided into an integrally formed vacuum cavity part 311a and a detection cavity part 311b by a partition 312 that only allows X-ray transmission. The vacuum cavity part 311a and the detection cavity part 311b are arranged parallel to the scanning integrated ring 2. The scanning integrated ring 3 is arranged side by side along its axis. The vacuum cavity 311a has a window 313 on its inner wall along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring 3. Inside the vacuum cavity 311a, there is a cathode end 314 for emitting an electron beam and an anode target 315 bombarded by the electron beam. The anode target 315 is radially aligned with the window 313. Inside the detection cavity 311b, there is a detector 316. The detector 316 has a first detection area and a second detection area. All cathode ends 314 and all detectors 316 are communicatively connected to the scanning controller 12.

[0057] In the two emission detection modules 31 belonging to the same group, the cathode end 314 of one emission detection module 31 emits an electron beam toward the anode target 315 under the control of the scanning controller 12. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the window 313 and the object under test 5 in sequence and then irradiates the first detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the other emission detection module 31. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the partition 312 and then irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the emission detection module 31 where the anode target 315 is located.

[0058] In this invention, the integrated modular static CT imaging system integrates existing X-ray sources and existing detectors into a single structure. Specifically, the aforementioned scanning integrated ring 3 includes an even number of emission and detection modules 31 arranged in a circular array. The number of emission and detection modules 31 can be four, six, or even more. Each emission and detection module 31 includes a module housing 311, which is divided into an integrally formed vacuum cavity 311a and a detection cavity 311b by a partition 312 that allows only X-ray transmission. The vacuum cavity 311a and the detection cavity 311b are arranged side by side along a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring 3. The vacuum cavity 311a has a window 313 on its inner wall along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring 3. Inside the vacuum cavity 311a, there is a cathode end 314 for emitting an electron beam and an anode target 315 bombarded by the electron beam. The anode target 315 is radially aligned with the window 313. Inside the detection cavity 311b, there is a detector 316. This design effectively utilizes the installation space of the integrated modular static CT imaging system, and the emission and detection module 31 is a universal replacement component that combines X-ray emission and detection functions.

[0059] More importantly, two emission detection modules 31 arranged radially opposite each other along the scanning integrated ring 3 form a group, each detector 316 has a first detection area and a second detection area, and all cathode ends 314 and all detectors 316 are communicatively connected to the scanning controller 12. When the integrated modular static CT imaging system scans and exposes the object 5, in the two emission detection modules 31 belonging to the same group, the cathode end 314 of one emission detection module 31 emits an electron beam toward the anode target 315 under the control of the scan controller 12. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the window 313 and the object 5 in sequence and then irradiates the first detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the other emission detection module 31, obtaining CT imaging information and feeding it back to the scan controller 12. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the partition 312 and then irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the emission detection module 31 where the anode target 315 is located, obtaining CT reference information and feeding it back to the scan controller 12. Since the second detection area is very close to the anode target 315 and since the partition 312 only allows X-rays to pass through, the CT reference information can be used as accurate and auxiliary correction imaging reference information for the CT imaging information. Subsequently, the relationship between the CT imaging information and the CT reference information is analyzed. For example, the CT reference information measured in the second detection area of ​​detector 316 can be converted to characterize the reference dose distribution of X-rays, and the CT imaging information measured in the first detection area of ​​detector 316 can be converted to characterize the actual dose distribution of X-rays. The scan controller 12 generates a reference dose parameter for X-rays based on the CT reference information and uses this reference dose parameter to correct the actual dose parameter corresponding to the CT imaging information. This further reduces imaging noise in the CT image and improves the quality of the CT image.

[0060] Therefore, the integrated modular static CT imaging system of the present invention modularizes existing X-ray sources and detectors, effectively utilizes installation space, facilitates maintenance and replacement, and can help improve the quality of CT images.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to facilitate the assembly of multiple launch and detection modules 31 into a circular structure, the module housing 311 extends in an arc shape, and the center of the circle corresponding to the module housing 311 is located on the axis of the scanning integrated ring 3.

[0062] To further improve the detection accuracy of the detector 316, a detection collimator 317 is also provided inside the detection cavity 311b. The detection collimator 317 is located inside the detector 316 along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring 3.

[0063] To further improve the detection accuracy of the detector 316, the detection cavity 311b is made of a material that allows only X-rays to pass through. This material that allows only X-rays to pass through is an existing material.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, as one embodiment of the above-mentioned scanning controller 12: the scanning controller 12 includes a dose analysis unit 121 and a dose control unit 122 communicatively connected to the dose analysis unit 121. The dose analysis unit 121 is used to receive dose information from two emission detection modules 31 belonging to the same group, and the dose control unit 122 is used to control the exposure power of one of the emission detection modules 31.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to further improve the compactness of the vacuum cavity 311a, the cathode end 314 and the anode target 315 are aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring 3, and the anode target 315 directs the X-rays generated by the electron beam bombardment toward the window 313.

[0066] To further improve the detection accuracy of the second detection area, the second detection area of ​​the detector 316 is oriented towards the anode target 315.

[0067] Each of the above-mentioned launch detection modules 31 has multiple cathode ends 314 and anode targets 315, and they correspond one-to-one. All cathode ends 314 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity portion 311a, and all anode targets 315 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity portion 311a.

[0068] To confine the X-rays transmitted from the window 313, the integrated modular static CT imaging system further includes a collimation ring 4, which includes a detector 316 coaxially fitted inside the scanning integrated ring 3 to guide X-rays emitted by one emission detection module 31 belonging to the same group to another emission detection module 31.

[0069] The present invention also provides a CT imaging method using the above-mentioned integrated modular static CT imaging system, comprising the following steps:

[0070] A dose correction model is established between two emission detection modules 31 belonging to the same group;

[0071] Under the control of the scanning controller 12, the cathode end 314 of one of the emission detection modules 31 emits an electron beam toward the anode target 315. A portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the window 313 and the object under test 5 in sequence and then irradiates the first detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the other emission detection module 31 to obtain the actual dose of X-rays. Another portion of the X-rays generated by the anode target 315 passes through the partition 312 and then irradiates the second detection area of ​​the detector 316 of the emission detection module 31 where the anode target 315 is located to obtain the reference dose of X-rays.

[0072] The reference dose and actual dose are imported into the dose correction model to calculate the correction coefficient of the CT image. The exposure power of the cathode 314 is then adjusted based on the correction coefficient.

[0073] The CT imaging method of the present invention can correct CT images and help improve the quality of CT images.

[0074] In summary, this invention integrates a modular static CT imaging system and method, enabling modular design of existing X-ray sources and detectors. This effectively utilizes installation space, facilitates maintenance and replacement, and helps improve the quality of CT images. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of existing technologies and has high industrial application value.

[0075] 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. An integrated modular static CT imaging system, characterized by, The application relates to a CT scanning system. The CT scanning system comprises a control system (1), a gantry (2) arranged on the ground, a single scanning integrated ring (3) arranged on the gantry (2), and a collimating ring (4). The scanning integrated ring (3) comprises an even number of emission and detection modules (31) arranged in a circumferential array, two emission and detection modules (31) oppositely arranged along the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring (3) form a group, each emission and detection module (31) comprises a module shell (311), the module shell (311) is divided into a vacuum cavity part (311a) and a detection cavity part (311b) by a partition plate (312) allowing only X-ray transmission, the vacuum cavity part (311a) and the detection cavity part (311b) are arranged side by side along the direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring (3), the vacuum cavity part (311a) is provided with a window (313) on the inner wall in the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring (3), the inside of the vacuum cavity part (311a) is provided with a cathode end (314) emitting an electron beam and an anode target (315) bombarded by the electron beam, the anode target (315) is radially aligned with the window (313), the inside of the detection cavity part (311b) is provided with a detector (316), the detector (316) has a first detection area and a second detection area, all cathode ends (314) and all detectors (316) are communicatively connected to the scanning controller (12). In the two emission and detection modules (31) belonging to the same group, the cathode end (314) of one emission and detection module (31) emits an electron beam towards the anode target (315) under the control of the scanning controller (12), a part of X-rays generated by the anode target (315) irradiates the first detection area of the detector (316) of the other emission and detection module (31) after sequentially passing through the window (313) and the object (5) to be detected, another part of X-rays generated by the anode target (315) irradiates the second detection area of the detector (316) of the emission and detection module (31) where the anode target (315) is located after passing through the partition plate (312). The collimating ring (4) comprises a coaxial inner sleeve arranged in the scanning integrated ring (3) to guide the X-rays emitted by one emission and detection module (31) belonging to the same group to the detector (316) of the other emission and detection module (31). The module shell (311) extends in an arc shape, and the center of the arc corresponding to the module shell (311) is located on the axis of the scanning integrated ring (3).

2. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The detection cavity part (311b) is further provided with a detection collimator (317) located on the inner side of the detector (316) in the radial direction of the scanning integrated ring (3).

3. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The detection cavity part (311b) is made of a material allowing only X-ray transmission.

4. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: ​ 5. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The scanning controller (12) comprises a dose analysis unit (121) and a dose regulation unit (122) connected to the dose analysis unit (121), the dose analysis unit (121) is configured to receive dose information of two emission and detection modules (31) belonging to the same group, and the dose regulation unit (122) is configured to control the exposure power of one of the emission and detection modules (31).

6. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The cathode end (314) and the anode target (315) are arranged in alignment along a direction parallel to the axis of the scanning integrated ring (3), and the anode target (315) emits X-rays generated by electron beam bombardment towards the window (313).

7. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The second detection area of the detector (316) faces the anode target (315).

8. The integrated modular static CT imaging system of claim 1, wherein: The number of cathode ends (314) and the number of anode targets (315) of each emission and detection module (31) are both multiple and one-to-one correspondence, all cathode ends (314) are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity part (311a), and all anode targets (315) are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the vacuum cavity part (311a).

9. A CT imaging method employing the integrated modular stationary CT imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Establishing a dose correction model between two emission and detection modules (31) belonging to the same group; The cathode end (314) of one of the emission and detection modules (31) emits an electron beam towards the anode target (315) under the control of the scanning controller (12), a part of X-rays generated by the anode target (315) irradiates the first detection area of the detector (316) of the other emission and detection module (31) after sequentially passing through the window (313) and the measured object (5), to obtain the actual dose of X-rays; another part of X-rays generated by the anode target (315) irradiates the second detection area of the detector (316) of the emission and detection module (31) where the anode target (315) is located after passing through the partition (312), to obtain the reference dose of X-rays; The reference dose and the actual dose are introduced into the dose correction model, and the correction coefficient of the CT image is calculated, and the exposure power of the cathode end (314) is regulated based on the correction coefficient.

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