Imaging apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an imaging device and a control method thereof. The imaging device comprises a support frame fixedly connected to the ground, a scanning frame installed in the support frame, the scanning frame comprising rotating rings symmetrically arranged at two ends of the scanning frame and connected by connecting rods, the rotating rings comprising installation grooves, the rotating rings being capable of rotating along an axis of the scanning frame body, one of the rotating rings being embedded with a limiting ring, the limiting ring being capable of rotating with the rotating ring, a limiting device being arranged at the bottom of the scanning frame, the limiting device comprising a limiting baffle and a limiting block, the limiting baffle being fixedly connected to the support frame, one end of the limiting block being fixedly connected to the limiting baffle, the rotating ring being stopped from rotating after a protruding part in the limiting ring abuts against the limiting block. The radiation source and the detector are controlled not to take pictures of a patient in the process that the rotating ring is accelerated and decelerated, and the patient is taken pictures in the process that the rotating ring is in uniform motion, so that blurred images caused by acceleration and deceleration of the scanning frame are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an imaging device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, conventional CT equipment requires the X-ray source and detector on the CT scanner to move in a circular motion around the patient to perform a 360-degree image in order to meet the needs of a full-body examination. However, most CT equipment on the market can only rotate 360 ​​degrees. Although it can complete the image capture, there are acceleration and deceleration states during the 360-degree rotation. The images captured during acceleration and deceleration are unclear, which affects the accuracy of the final imaging results.

[0003] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to provide an imaging device and control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an imaging device and its control method capable of rotating at a constant speed for one revolution.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an imaging device, comprising:

[0006] The support frame is fixedly connected to the ground.

[0007] A scanning frame is installed in the support frame. The scanning frame includes rotating rings symmetrically arranged at both ends of the scanning frame and connected by a connecting rod. The rotating rings include mounting grooves and can rotate along the axis of the main body of the scanning frame. A limiting ring is embedded on one end of the rotating ring and can rotate together with the rotating ring.

[0008] The bottom of the scanning frame is provided with a movement limiting device, which includes a movement limiting baffle and a movement limiting block. The movement limiting baffle is fixedly connected to the support frame, and one end of the movement limiting block is fixedly connected to the movement limiting baffle. When the protrusion in the movement limiting ring abuts against the movement limiting block, the movement limiting ring stops rotating.

[0009] The limiting device further includes a secondary limiting block. The limiting ring and the rotating ring form a limiting groove. The secondary limiting block is fixedly connected to the rotating ring and slidably installed in the limiting groove. When the secondary limiting block abuts against one end of the limiting groove, the rotating ring stops rotating.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, a limiting plate is mounted on the protrusion, and a limiting photoelectric sensor is fixedly connected to the side of the limiting block facing the rotating ring. When the limiting photoelectric sensor detects the limiting plate, the rotating ring stops rotating.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, a trigger rod is fitted on the end of the limiting block away from the limiting baffle. When the protrusion in the limiting ring abuts against the trigger rod, the limiting ring stops rotating.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the imaging device further includes a limiting component, which includes a limiting wheel plate, a radial limiting wheel, and an axial limiting wheel. The limiting wheel plate is fixedly connected to the support frame, the axial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate and abuts against the outer side of the rotating ring, and the radial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate and abuts against the groove walls on both sides of the mounting groove.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the axial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate through an axial wheel axle, and the axis of the axial wheel axle extends and intersects the axis of the scanning frame body.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the imaging device further includes a support assembly, the support assembly including a mounting component and a support wheel, the bottom of the mounting component being fixedly connected to the support frame, and the support wheel being installed in the mounting component and abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ring.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the imaging device further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a gear set and a synchronization device. The synchronization device is connected to the motor and the gear set respectively. The gear set includes a gear shaft and a gear ring. The gear ring is fixedly connected to the rotating ring and exposed outside the rotating ring. The gear shaft meshes with the gear ring and is fixedly connected to the synchronization device. The motor rotates and drives the rotating ring to rotate through the synchronization device and the gear set.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the imaging device further includes an X-ray source and a detector, wherein the X-ray source is installed at one end of the scanning frame, and the detector is installed at the end of the scanning frame that is furthest from the X-ray source in a straight line.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an imaging device.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a control method for controlling the aforementioned imaging device, the control method comprising:

[0019] Step 1: Control the rotating ring and the limiting ring to enter the accelerated rotation state synchronously. At this time, the detector and the radiation source are not working.

[0020] Step 2: After the rotating ring and the limiting ring accelerate synchronously, they enter a uniform rotation state. At this time, the detector and the radiation source enter the working state and take pictures.

[0021] Step 3: The limiting ring stops rotating, the rotating ring continues to rotate at a constant speed, and the detector and the radiation source remain in working condition;

[0022] Step 4: After the detector and the radiation source have completed a 360-degree imaging, the detector and the radiation source stop imaging, and the rotating ring abuts against the secondary limiting block and enters a deceleration rotation state until it stops rotating.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the imaging device of this invention is equipped with a rotating ring and a limiting ring that can rotate synchronously. The rotation angle of the limiting ring is less than 360 degrees, while the rotation angle of the rotating ring can exceed 360 degrees. By controlling the X-ray source and detector, the patient is not photographed during the acceleration and deceleration of the rotating ring, but is photographed during the uniform motion of the rotating ring. This avoids blurry images caused by the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning frame. At the same time, the imaging device is also equipped with a limiting component, which further enhances the stability of its structure and further improves the imaging quality, making it highly practical. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an imaging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram from another angle.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram from another angle.

[0030] 100 - Imaging equipment;

[0031] 10-Scanning frame, 11-Rotating ring, 111-Mounting groove, 112-Outer side, 113-Outer peripheral surface, 12-Limiting ring, 121-Protrusion;

[0032] 20-Limiting assembly, 21-Limiting wheel plate, 22-Axial limiting wheel, 23-Radial limiting wheel;

[0033] 30 - Support component; 31 - Mounting element; 32 - Support wheel;

[0034] 40-Transmission assembly, 41-Gear set, 411-Gear shaft, 412-Gear ring, 42-Synchronizing device, 421-Lower synchronous pulley, 422-Upper synchronous pulley, 423-Synchronous belt;

[0035] 50-Limiting device, 51-Limiting baffle, 52-Limiting block, 521-Trigger rod, 53-Secondary limiting block, 54-Limiting groove, 55-Limiting photoelectric sensor, 56-Limiting plate;

[0036] 60-main wheel base plate;

[0037] 71-Detector, 72-Radiation source, 73-Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention with unnecessary details, only the structures and / or processing steps closely related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0040] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0041] Please see Figures 1-6 As shown, an imaging device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a scanning frame 10, comprising:

[0042] Support frame 73 is fixedly connected to the ground;

[0043] The scanning frame 10 is installed in the support frame 73. The scanning frame 10 includes rotating rings 11 symmetrically arranged at both ends of the scanning frame 10 and connected by a connecting rod. The rotating rings 11 include mounting grooves 111. The rotating rings 11 can rotate along the axis of the scanning frame 10. A limiting ring 12 is embedded on one end of the rotating ring 11. The limiting ring 12 can rotate together with the rotating ring 11.

[0044] The bottom of the scanning frame 10 is provided with a limiting device 50, which includes a limiting baffle 51 and a limiting block 52. The limiting baffle 51 is fixedly connected to the support frame 73. One end of the limiting block 52 is fixedly connected to the limiting baffle 51, and the other end is equipped with a trigger rod 521. When the protrusion 121 in the limiting ring 12 abuts against the trigger rod 521, the limiting ring 12 stops rotating.

[0045] When the scanning frame 10 initially rotates, the limiting ring 12 and the rotating ring 11 rotate synchronously. After rotating 360 degrees, the trigger rod in the limiting device 50 abuts against the protrusion 121 in the limiting ring 12, and the limiting ring 12 stops rotating after being blocked, while the rotating ring 11 can continue to rotate at a certain angle. This setting allows the rotating ring 11 to rotate more than 360 degrees, so that when scanning and taking pictures of the human body around one circle, the rotating ring 11 is always in a process of uniform motion. When accelerating or decelerating, it is always outside the 360 ​​degrees required for the picture, thus avoiding the problem of unclear imaging caused by acceleration or deceleration.

[0046] The limiting block 52 has a damping component inside, which is connected to the trigger rod 521. When the trigger rod 521 comes into contact with the limiting ring 12, the damping component will play a buffering role to avoid damage to the equipment due to excessively rigid contact.

[0047] In some embodiments, the limiting device 50 further includes a limiting photoelectric sensor 55, and a limiting piece 56 is installed in the rotating ring 11. When the limiting photoelectric sensor 55 detects the limiting piece 56, it sends a signal to the controller, and the controller controls the rotating ring 11 to stop rotating.

[0048] The limiting device 50 also includes a secondary limiting block 53. A limiting groove 54 is provided between the limiting ring 12 and the rotating ring 11. The secondary limiting block 53 is fixedly connected to the rotating ring 11 and slidably installed in the limiting groove 54. When the secondary limiting block 53 abuts against one end of the limiting groove 54, the rotating ring 11 stops rotating.

[0049] When the limiting ring 12 stops rotating, the rotating ring 11 will continue to rotate. When the auxiliary limiting block 53, which is fixedly connected to the rotating ring 11, comes into contact with one end of the limiting groove 54, that is, when the auxiliary limiting block 53 comes into contact with the limiting block 52, the rotating ring 11 will also stop rotating.

[0050] The imaging device 100 also includes a limiting component 20, which includes a limiting wheel plate 21, an axial limiting wheel 22, and a radial limiting wheel 23. The limiting wheel plate 21 is fixedly connected to the support frame 73. The axial limiting wheel 22 is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate 21 and abuts against the outer side 112 of the rotating ring 11. The radial limiting wheel 23 is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate 21 and abuts against the groove walls on both sides of the mounting groove 111.

[0051] The scanning frame 10 is fixedly installed on the support frame 73. The axial limiting wheel 22 and the radial limiting wheel 23 are fixedly connected to the support frame 73 by the limiting wheel plate 21. The radial limiting wheel 23 and the axial limiting wheel 22 respectively limit the radial movement and axial movement of the scanning frame. The axial limiting wheel 22 at the rotating ring 11 at both ends of the main body is pressed against the outer side 112 of the rotating ring 11, so that the scanning frame 10 cannot be displaced in the axial direction. The radial limiting wheel 23 abuts against the groove walls on both sides of the mounting groove 111 of the rotating ring 11. In this way, when the rotating ring 11 rotates, it will not be displaced in the radial direction due to the limiting effect of the radial limiting wheel 23. Through this limiting component 20, the radial and axial displacement of the scanning frame 10 during rotation can be effectively limited, and the overall structure is more stable.

[0052] The axial limiting wheel 22 is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate 21 via an axial wheel axle (not shown). The axis of the axial wheel axle extends and intersects the axis of the scanning frame 10. Setting the axial wheel axle so that its extended axis intersects the axis of the scanning frame 10 ensures that the linear velocity of the end face of the scanning frame 10 is uniform when it rotates, which can better limit the degree of shaking.

[0053] The imaging device 100 also includes a support assembly 30, which includes a mounting member 31 and a support wheel 32. The bottom of the mounting member 31 is fixedly connected to the support frame 73, and the support wheel 32 is installed in the mounting member 31 and abuts against the outer peripheral surface 113 of the rotating ring 11. The support assembly 30 is provided here to better support the scanning frame 10. The support wheel 32 of the support assembly 30 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 113 of the rotating ring 11, providing good support and ensuring a stable structure when the rotating ring 11 rotates.

[0054] The limiting wheel plate 21 is also fixedly connected to the mounting part 31 to fix the position of the limiting wheel plate 21 relative to the support frame 73.

[0055] In some embodiments, the imaging device 100 includes at least eight sets of limiting components 20, which are symmetrically distributed at the rotating rings 11 at both ends of the scanning frame 10. To achieve a better limiting effect, eight sets of limiting components 20 are required. The eight sets of limiting components 20 are symmetrically installed at the rotating rings 11 at both ends, and the line connecting the four sets of limiting components 20 at each rotating ring 11 forms an isosceles trapezoid. This arrangement makes the structure more stable, and the limiting components 20 are more effective at limiting radial and axial displacement.

[0056] In some embodiments, the limiting wheel plates 21 of the two sets of limiting components 20 located at the bottom of the rotating ring 11 can be integrated into a main wheel base plate 60, which can improve the stability of the overall structure, reduce the use of parts, and increase the assembly speed.

[0057] The scanning frame 10 is limited by the limiting component 20. When the scanning frame 10 rotates around its axis, the axial limiting wheel 22 and the radial limiting wheel 23 are used to limit the axial and radial movement of the rotating ring 11 in the scanning frame 10, respectively. Together with the support component 30, the structure of the scanning frame 10 is made more stable during rotation.

[0058] The imaging device 100 also includes a transmission assembly 40, which includes a gear set 41 and a synchronization device 42. The synchronization device 42 is connected to a motor (not shown) and the gear set 41 respectively. The gear set 41 includes a shaft gear 411 and a gear ring 412. The gear ring 412 is fixedly connected to the rotating ring 11 and exposed outside the rotating ring 11. The shaft gear 411 meshes with the gear ring 412 and is fixedly connected to the synchronization device 42. The motor rotates and drives the rotating ring 11 to rotate through the synchronization device 42 and the gear set 41.

[0059] The gear ring 412 in the gear set 41 is mounted on the rotating ring 11 at one end. When the motor rotates, it drives the shaft gear 411 to rotate through the synchronization device 42. The shaft gear 411 then drives the gear ring 412 to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the scanning frame 10. Through mechanical transmission, the imaging device 100 is more durable, less prone to damage, and easier to maintain and assemble.

[0060] The synchronization device 42 includes a lower synchronous belt pulley 421, an upper synchronous belt pulley 422, and a synchronous belt 423. The lower synchronous belt pulley 421 is connected to the output shaft of the motor, the upper synchronous belt pulley 422 is connected to the gear set 41, and the synchronous belt 423 is connected to both the lower synchronous belt pulley 421 and the upper synchronous belt pulley 422, thereby transmitting the power of the motor to the gear set 41. The length of the synchronous belt 423 can be changed according to actual needs. This synchronization device 42 has good applicability.

[0061] The present invention also provides a control method for controlling an imaging device 100 to take pictures of a patient, the control method comprising:

[0062] Step 1: Control the rotating ring 11 and the limiting ring 12 to enter the accelerated rotation state synchronously. At this time, the detector 71 and the radiation source 72 are not working.

[0063] Step 2: After the rotating ring 11 and the limiting ring 12 accelerate synchronously, they enter a uniform rotation state. At this time, the detector 71 and the radiation source 72 enter the working state and take pictures.

[0064] Step 3: After the limiting ring 12 comes into contact with the limiting block 52, it stops rotating. The rotating ring 11 continues to rotate at a constant speed, and the detector 71 and the radiation source 72 remain in working condition.

[0065] Step 4: After the detector 71 and the radiation source 72 have completed 360-degree imaging, the detector 71 and the radiation source 72 stop imaging, and the rotating ring 11 comes into contact with the secondary limiting block 53 and enters a deceleration rotation state until it stops rotating.

[0066] In summary, the imaging device 100 of the present invention is provided with a rotating ring 11 and a limiting ring 12 that can rotate synchronously. The rotation angle of the limiting ring 12 is less than 360 degrees, while the rotation angle of the rotating ring 11 can exceed 360 degrees. By controlling the X-ray source 72 and the detector 71, the device does not take pictures of the patient during the acceleration and deceleration of the rotating ring 11, but takes pictures of the patient during the uniform motion of the rotating ring 11. This avoids blurry images caused by the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning frame 10. At the same time, the imaging device 100 is also equipped with a limiting component 20, which further enhances the stability of its structure and further improves the imaging quality, making it highly practical.

[0067] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging device, characterized in that, include: The support frame is fixedly connected to the ground. A scanning frame is installed in the support frame. The scanning frame includes rotating rings symmetrically arranged at both ends of the scanning frame and connected by a connecting rod. The rotating rings include mounting grooves. The rotating rings can rotate along the axis of the main body of the scanning frame, and the rotation angle of the rotating rings exceeds 360 degrees, enabling them to rotate at a constant speed of 360 degrees. A limiting ring is embedded on one end of the rotating ring, and the limiting ring can rotate together with the rotating ring. The X-ray source and detector are provided, wherein the X-ray source is installed at one end of the scanning frame and the detector is installed at the end of the scanning frame that is furthest from the X-ray source in a straight line, for taking pictures when the rotating ring rotates at a constant speed; The bottom of the scanning frame is provided with a movement limiting device, which includes a movement limiting baffle and a movement limiting block. The movement limiting baffle is fixedly connected to the support frame, and one end of the movement limiting block is fixedly connected to the movement limiting baffle. When the protrusion in the movement limiting ring abuts against the movement limiting block, the movement limiting ring stops rotating. The limiting device further includes a secondary limiting block. The limiting ring and the rotating ring form a limiting groove. The secondary limiting block is fixedly connected to the rotating ring and slidably installed in the limiting groove. When the limiting ring stops rotating, the rotating ring continues to rotate. When the secondary limiting block abuts against one end of the limiting groove, the rotating ring stops rotating. The imaging device is configured such that when the rotating ring and the limiting ring synchronously complete acceleration and enter a uniform rotation state, the radiation source and detector start working and take pictures; after the limiting ring stops rotating, the rotating ring continues to rotate at a uniform speed until the detector and radiation source complete 360-degree imaging.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A trigger rod is mounted on the end of the limiting block away from the limiting baffle. When the protrusion in the limiting ring abuts against the trigger rod, the limiting ring stops rotating.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting plate is fitted on the protrusion, and a limiting photoelectric sensor is fixedly connected to the side of the limiting block facing the rotating ring. When the limiting photoelectric sensor detects the limiting plate, the rotating ring stops rotating.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging device further includes a limiting assembly, which includes a limiting wheel plate, a radial limiting wheel, and an axial limiting wheel. The limiting wheel plate is fixedly connected to the support frame. The axial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate and abuts against the outer side of the rotating ring. The radial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate and abuts against the groove walls on both sides of the mounting groove.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The axial limiting wheel is fixedly connected to the limiting wheel plate via an axial wheel axle, and the axis of the axial wheel axle extends and intersects the axis of the scanning frame body.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging device further includes a support assembly, which includes a mounting component and a support wheel. The bottom of the mounting component is fixedly connected to the support frame, and the support wheel is installed in the mounting component and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the rotating ring.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging device further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a gear set and a synchronization device. The synchronization device is connected to the motor and the gear set respectively. The gear set includes a gear shaft and a gear ring. The gear ring is fixedly connected to the rotating ring and exposed outside the rotating ring. The gear shaft meshes with the gear ring and is fixedly connected to the synchronization device. The motor rotates and drives the rotating ring to rotate through the synchronization device and the gear set.

8. A control method for an imaging device, used to control the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Control the rotating ring and the limiting ring to enter the accelerated rotation state synchronously. At this time, the detector and the radiation source are not working. Step 2: After the rotating ring and the limiting ring accelerate synchronously, they enter a uniform rotation state. At this time, the detector and the radiation source enter the working state and take pictures. Step 3: The limiting ring stops rotating, while the rotating ring continues to rotate at a constant speed, and the detector and the radiation source remain in working condition; Step 4: After the detector and the radiation source have completed a 360-degree imaging, the detector and the radiation source stop imaging, and the rotating ring abuts against the secondary limiting block and enters a deceleration rotation state until it stops rotating.

Images