Cone-beam CT device and method based on distributed multifocal X-ray source

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of computed tomography (CT) technology, and particularly to a cone-beam CT device and method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source. The device includes: at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source for generating a first X-ray signal; at least one X-ray detector for receiving a second X-ray signal remaining after the first X-ray signal passes through the object to be scanned; an electromechanical control module for controlling the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector to execute a preset CT scan mode; a data acquisition module for acquiring and transmitting the second X-ray signal; and a data processing and display module for reconstructing the second X-ray signal using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image. This solves the problems of cone-beam artifacts and lateral scan truncation that existing CT technologies cannot simultaneously address, and enables dynamic adjustment of the scanning field of view in a task-driven CT system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computed tomography (CT) technology, and in particular to a cone-beam CT device and method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source. Background Technology

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) technology, as a non-destructive testing technique, has been widely applied in medical and industrial imaging fields. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in particular, scans the object from multiple angles by emitting a cone-shaped beam of X-rays, reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the object from a single scan. With its advantages of high X-ray utilization, high spatial resolution, and flexible system structure, CBCT has been widely used in dental examinations, image guidance during surgery, and radiotherapy.

[0003] However, CBCT still faces several challenges. Firstly, unlike diagnostic spiral CT, CBCT suffers from data loss during acquisition. Only the central plane of the reconstructed 3D image can be accurately reconstructed; areas deviating from the central plane are affected by cone-beam artifacts. This leads to numerical offsets and stripe artifacts in the reconstructed 3D image. Furthermore, the farther the location from the central plane, the larger the corresponding scanning cone angle, and the more severe the cone-beam artifacts become. Some existing studies have attempted to reduce cone-beam artifacts by arranging two or more sources in the Z-direction. Secondly, CBCT has a limited reconstructed field of view (generally a lateral field of view with a diameter of 20–30 cm). For areas such as the abdominal cavity and thoracic cavity, especially for obese patients, the scanning field of view is severely insufficient, potentially leading to truncation artifacts in the reconstructed image. Previous studies have attempted to increase the scanning range by using offset detectors or arranging multiple sources horizontally. However, it is difficult to solve both problems simultaneously.

[0004] Multi-source CT imaging is developing rapidly and has great potential in future CT applications. Existing feasibility studies have shown that multi-source CT has significant application potential in inverse-geometry CT and cone-beam artifact suppression.

[0005] In recent years, the research and application of distributed multifocal X-ray source technology based on carbon nanotube cold cathodes and other technologies have attracted much attention. However, most practical multifocal X-ray sources are currently one-dimensional, and in existing feasibility studies, these one-dimensional linearly arranged multifocal X-ray sources are fixed relative to the detector in the system, and are parallel or perpendicular to the rotation axis of the imaging system. This makes it impossible to simultaneously address the aforementioned issues of cone-beam artifacts and lateral scan truncation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a cone-beam CT device and method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source to solve the problems of cone-beam artifacts and lateral scan truncation that existing CT technologies cannot simultaneously address, and enables dynamic adjustment of the scanning field of view of the CT system driven by the task.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, comprising: at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source disposed on one side of an object to be scanned, for generating a first X-ray signal; at least one X-ray detector disposed on the other side of the object to be scanned opposite to the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source, for receiving a second X-ray signal remaining after the first X-ray signal passes through the object to be scanned; an electromechanical control module connected to the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector, for controlling the rotation of the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and the execution of a preset CT scanning mode by the at least one X-ray detector; a data acquisition module connected to the at least one X-ray detector, for acquiring and transmitting the second X-ray signal; and a data processing and display module connected to the data acquisition module, for reconstructing the second X-ray signal using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

[0008] Optionally, the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is further configured to rotate to an optimal X-ray source tilt angle in a plane parallel to the plane of the at least one X-ray detector, according to the shape and volume of the object to be scanned.

[0009] Optionally, the optimal X-ray source tilt angle can be adjusted from 0 to 90°, where 0° means the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is parallel to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned, and 90° means the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned.

[0010] Optionally, each distributed multifocal X-ray source includes at least two focal points, and the at least two focal points are arranged linearly.

[0011] Optionally, the electromechanical control module is further configured to control the beam emission mode of the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source according to the coverage of each focal point, wherein when the field of view of each focal point covers the entire X-ray detector, each focal point emits beams sequentially, and when the field of view of each focal point only covers part of the X-ray detector, the at least two focal points emit beams simultaneously.

[0012] Optionally, the preset CT scanning method includes circular orbit scanning and spiral orbit scanning.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, comprising the following steps: pre-scanning the object to be scanned to obtain a projection image at at least one angle, and estimating the shape and volume of the object to be scanned based on the projection image to determine an optimal X-ray source tilt angle; rotating at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source to the optimal X-ray source tilt angle to obtain at least one rotated distributed multifocal X-ray source; using an electromechanical control module to control the at least one rotated distributed multifocal X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector to perform a preset CT scan mode to obtain a second X-ray signal; and reconstructing the second X-ray signal using an analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction method to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described in the above embodiments.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product that, when executed by a processor, implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described above.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described above.

[0017] The cone-beam CT device and method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed in this invention can achieve task-driven adaptive scanning. According to different scanning task requirements, the distributed X-ray source is adjusted to the required tilt angle before scanning, flexibly adjusting the effective scanning field of view of the device. This increases the lateral scanning range, avoiding truncation artifacts, and also increases the axial scanning range, improving the quality of reconstructed images. Furthermore, reducing the tilt angle of the X-ray source increases the axial scanning range and suppresses cone-beam artifacts. High-quality 3D image reconstruction can be achieved through analytical or iterative reconstruction algorithms. It can better meet the scanning needs of both large-volume and small-volume imaging, greatly improving the system's flexibility and enabling broader application scenarios.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A block diagram of a cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cone-beam CT device based on a tiltable distributed multifocal light source, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram comparing the imaging field of view of the tilting multifocal X-ray source CBCT system and the monofocal X-ray source CBCT system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, wherein (a) is the scanning field of view of the monofocal CBCT system, and (b) is the scanning field of view of the distributed multifocal (3 focal points as an example) CBCT system;

[0023] Figure 4 These are example diagrams of different parts of the human body scanning task provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of the reconstruction results of a dual-focal X-ray source with different tilt angles and a single-point source scan, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 101-Distributed multifocal X-ray source, 102-At least one X-ray detector, 103-Electromechanical control module, 104-Data acquisition module, 105-Data processing and display module, 701-Memory, 702-Processor and 703-Communication interface. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] The cone-beam CT device and method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source includes: at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101, at least one X-ray detector 102, an electromechanical control module 103, a data acquisition module 104, and a data processing and display module 105.

[0033] At least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 is disposed on one side of the object to be scanned to generate a first X-ray signal. At least one X-ray detector 102 is disposed on the other side of the object to be scanned, opposite the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101, to receive the second X-ray signal remaining after the first X-ray signal passes through the object. An electromechanical control module 103 is connected to both the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 and the at least one X-ray detector 102, and controls the rotation of the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 and the execution of a preset CT scan mode by the at least one X-ray detector 102. The preset CT scan mode can be a circular orbit scan or a helical orbit scan. A data acquisition module 104 is connected to the at least one X-ray detector 102 to acquire and transmit the second X-ray signal. A data processing and display module 105 is connected to the data acquisition module 104 to reconstruct the second X-ray signal using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 may consist of multiple carbon nanotube cold cathode sources or multiple hot cathode sources.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 includes at least two focal points, and the at least two focal points are arranged linearly between each other.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 is further configured to rotate to an optimal X-ray source tilt angle in a plane parallel to the plane of the X-ray detector 102, according to the shape and volume of the object to be scanned.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, each distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 includes at least two focal points, and the multiple focal points are arranged linearly. Each distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 can be flexibly rotated and tilted in a plane parallel to the X-ray detector 102, so that the projection of the object to be scanned at one or two angles can be obtained through pre-scanning, thereby estimating the shape and volume of the object to be scanned, and determining the optimal X-ray source tilt angle based on the shape and volume of the object to be scanned.

[0038] The tilt angle is defined as the angle between the straight line formed by the multiple focal points of the X-ray source and the rotation axis of the object to be scanned. The optimal adjustment range of the X-ray source tilt angle is 0 to 90°. 0° means that the distributed X-ray source is parallel to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned, and 90° means that the distributed X-ray source is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned.

[0039] For example, when two distributed multifocal X-ray sources 101 are selected and two X-ray detectors 102 are also selected, the two distributed multifocal X-ray sources 101 are respectively set on a plane parallel to the plane of the X-ray detector 102. Each distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 corresponds to one X-ray detector 102. Each distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 can rotate and tilt flexibly in the plane according to the shape and volume of the object to be scanned.

[0040] The tilt angle is fixed during a single scan, but can be adjusted between scans based on the shape and volume of the object being scanned. That is, different tilt angles can be set before scanning to meet different requirements, driven by different scanning tasks. When the lateral length of the object being scanned is large, the tilt angle of the distributed multifocal X-ray source needs to be increased to expand the lateral scanning range and reduce or avoid lateral data truncation. When the axial length of the object being scanned is long, the tilt angle of the distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 needs to be decreased to cover a larger axial range, reduce cone artifacts in the reconstructed image, and optimize the scanning results.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the scanning field of view of a cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 can be roughly described as a cylindrical region. Taking a distributed trifocal X-ray source placed at a 45° angle as an example, compared to a traditional monofocal X-ray source, the radius and height of the scanning field of view are significantly improved, and the cone angle range is effectively reduced, significantly suppressing cone angle artifacts. When the tilt angle decreases, the radius of the cylindrical scanning field of view decreases, but the height increases. Conversely, if the tilt angle increases, the radius of the field of view increases while the height decreases. It should be noted that the distributed trifocal X-ray source shown in this figure is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the embodiments of the present invention. The number of focal points in the distributed multifocal X-ray source involved in the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to three, and the distance between the focal points is also unrestricted; they can be arranged uniformly and linearly, or non-uniformly and linearly as needed.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, when the object to be scanned is wide (e.g. Figure 4 In chest scans, the tilt angle of the distributed X-ray source can be increased to cover a larger lateral scanning field of view. When the width of the scanned object is moderate (e.g., ...), Figure 4 In head scanning (as in traditional Chinese medicine), with sufficient lateral scanning field of view, the tilt angle of the X-ray source can be appropriately reduced to increase the axial scanning range and decrease cone-beam artifacts. When the scanned object is elongated (e.g., ...), Figure 4 (In the limb scan), the tilt angle of the X-ray source can be adjusted to zero degrees to obtain the maximum axial scanning range.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electromechanical control module 103 is further configured to control the beam emission mode of at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 according to the coverage of each focal point, wherein when the field of view of each focal point covers the entire X-ray detector 102, each focal point emits beams sequentially, and when the field of view of each focal point covers only part of the X-ray detector 102, at least two focal points emit beams simultaneously.

[0044] Specifically, since the distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 is tilted, the field of view of each focal point covers the entire X-ray detector 102, but it is also possible that the field of view of each focal point only covers part of the X-ray detector 102. Therefore, the electromechanical control module will control the beam emission mode of the distributed multifocal X-ray source according to the coverage of each focal point. When the field of view covers the entire X-ray detector 102, each focal point is controlled to emit beams sequentially to avoid signal aliasing and reduce the radiation of the object to be scanned. When only part of the X-ray detector 102 is covered, two or more focal points can be controlled to emit beams simultaneously without signal aliasing to ensure the accuracy of the scanning results.

[0045] The workflow of the cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed in this embodiment of the invention is as follows:

[0046] Before the formal CT scan, the optimal X-ray source tilt angle required for the scan is determined through a pre-scan. Generally, two projection images of the object to be scanned are taken at at least two mutually perpendicular angles. The approximate size of the object to be scanned is estimated based on the object boundary in the projection images, thereby calculating the optimal X-ray source tilt angle required for the formal CT scan. The tilt angle of at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 is adjusted to the optimal X-ray source tilt angle, and other scanning parameters are set to prepare for the CT scan. Under the set parameters, the electromechanical control module 103 controls at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source 101 and at least one X-ray detector 102 to perform the formal CT scan. During the scan, the tilt angle of the X-ray source remains unchanged, and multiple focal points alternately emit beams in sequence or adopt a scanning method in which two or more focal points emit beams simultaneously. After the scan task is completed, the scan results are obtained by the data acquisition module 104. The data processing and display module 105 reconstructs the scan results using analytical reconstruction methods such as FDK, or iterative reconstruction methods based on models, to obtain a high-quality three-dimensional image.

[0047] It should be noted that when the object to be scanned is small or relatively symmetrical, the optimal tilt angle of the X-ray source can be determined by simply acquiring a projection at one angle or omitting the pre-scanning process, which can reduce the radiation dose to the object being scanned.

[0048] The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed in this embodiment of the invention will be further illustrated by a specific simulation experiment below.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, simulations were performed using a distributed X-ray source with two focal points and the commonly used Shepp-Logan model. When using a conventional single-focal X-ray source, the reconstructed image exhibits both truncation artifacts and significant cone-beam artifacts. Using a dual-focal X-ray source with a fixed, non-adjustable axial or lateral arrangement may resolve one aspect of either truncation or cone-beam artifacts. When the dual-focal X-ray source is scanned at a 50° angle, truncation artifacts are avoided, and cone-beam artifacts are suppressed. Therefore, it can be seen that the reconstruction result of scanning with the X-ray source tilted at a certain angle in this embodiment of the invention has the smallest deviation compared to the true image. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention only uses two focal points as a reference; using a distributed X-ray source with more focal points would yield even better scanning results.

[0050] The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed in this embodiment of the invention can achieve task-driven adaptive scanning. According to different scanning task requirements, the distributed X-ray source can be adjusted to the required tilt angle before scanning, flexibly adjusting the effective scanning field of view of the device. This increases the lateral scanning range, avoiding truncation artifacts, and also increases the axial scanning range, improving the quality of reconstructed images. Furthermore, reducing the tilt angle of the X-ray source can increase the axial scanning range and suppress cone-beam artifacts. High-quality 3D image reconstruction can be achieved through analytical or iterative reconstruction algorithms. It can better meet the scanning needs of both large-volume and small-volume imaging, greatly improving the system's flexibility and enabling better application scenarios.

[0051] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, this cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source includes the following steps:

[0054] In step S601, the object to be scanned is pre-scanned to obtain a projected image at at least one angle, and the shape and volume of the object to be scanned are estimated based on the projected image to determine the optimal X-ray source tilt angle.

[0055] In step S602, at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is rotated to the optimal X-ray source tilt angle to obtain at least one rotated distributed multifocal X-ray source.

[0056] In step S603, the electromechanical control module controls at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and at least one X-ray detector to perform a preset CT scan mode to obtain a second X-ray signal.

[0057] In step S604, the second X-ray signal is reconstructed using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

[0058] It should be noted that the foregoing explanation of the cone-beam CT device embodiment based on distributed multifocal X-ray sources also applies to the cone-beam CT method based on distributed multifocal X-ray sources in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] The cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source proposed in this invention can achieve task-driven adaptive scanning. According to different scanning task requirements, the distributed X-ray source is adjusted to the required tilt angle before scanning, flexibly adjusting the effective scanning field of view of the device. This increases the lateral scanning range, avoiding truncation artifacts, and also increases the axial scanning range, improving the quality of the reconstructed image. Furthermore, reducing the tilt angle of the X-ray source increases the axial scanning range and suppresses cone-beam artifacts. High-quality 3D image reconstruction can be achieved through analytical or iterative reconstruction algorithms. It can better meet the scanning needs of both large-volume and small-volume imaging, greatly improving the system's flexibility and enabling better application scenarios.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device may include:

[0061] The memory 701, the processor 702, and the computer program stored on the memory 701 and executable on the processor 702.

[0062] When the processor 702 executes the program, it implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source provided in the above embodiments.

[0063] Furthermore, electronic devices also include:

[0064] Communication interface 703 is used for communication between memory 701 and processor 702.

[0065] The memory 701 is used to store computer programs that can run on the processor 702.

[0066] The memory 701 may include high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0067] If the memory 701, processor 702, and communication interface 703 are implemented independently, then the communication interface 703, memory 701, and processor 702 can be interconnected via a bus to complete communication between them. The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 7 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0068] Optionally, in a specific implementation, if the memory 701, processor 702, and communication interface 703 are integrated on a single chip, then the memory 701, processor 702, and communication interface 703 can communicate with each other through an internal interface.

[0069] The processor 702 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] This invention also provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a processor, implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described above.

[0071] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described above.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0074] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or N executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0075] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0076] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, the N steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. If implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0078] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0079] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, characterized in that, include: At least one distributed multifocal X-ray source, wherein the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is disposed on one side of the object to be scanned, for generating a first X-ray signal; At least one X-ray detector is disposed on the opposite side of the object to be scanned, opposite to the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source, for receiving the second X-ray signal remaining after the first X-ray signal passes through the object to be scanned; An electromechanical control module is connected to the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector, respectively, and is used to control the rotation of the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and the execution of a preset CT scan mode by the at least one X-ray detector; A data acquisition module, which is connected to the at least one X-ray detector, is used to acquire and transmit the second X-ray signal; A data processing and display module, connected to the data acquisition module, is used to reconstruct the second X-ray signal using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

2. The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is also used to rotate to an optimal X-ray source tilt angle in a plane parallel to the plane of the at least one X-ray detector, according to the shape and volume of the object to be scanned.

3. The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optimal X-ray source tilt angle is adjustable from 0 to 90°, where 0° means that the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is parallel to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned, and 90° means that the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the object to be scanned.

4. The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each distributed multifocal X-ray source includes at least two focal points, and the at least two focal points are arranged linearly between each other.

5. The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electromechanical control module is also used to control the beam emission mode of the at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source according to the coverage of each focal point, wherein when the field of view of each focal point covers the entire X-ray detector, each focal point emits beams sequentially, and when the field of view of each focal point only covers part of the X-ray detector, the at least two focal points emit beams simultaneously.

6. The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset CT scanning methods include circular orbit scanning and spiral orbit scanning.

7. A cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, characterized in that, The cone-beam CT device based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source, as described in any one of claims 1-6, comprises the following steps: The object to be scanned is pre-scanned to obtain a projected image at at least one angle, and the shape and volume of the object to be scanned are estimated based on the projected image to determine the optimal X-ray source tilt angle. At least one distributed multifocal X-ray source is rotated to the optimal X-ray source tilt angle to obtain at least one rotated distributed multifocal X-ray source; The electromechanical control module is used to control at least one distributed multifocal X-ray source and at least one X-ray detector after rotation to perform a preset CT scan mode and obtain a second X-ray signal. The second X-ray signal is reconstructed using analytical reconstruction or iterative reconstruction methods to generate a three-dimensional image of the object to be scanned.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The memory, the processor, and the computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the processor executing the program to implement the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described in claim 7.

9. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program / instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described in claim 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, The program is executed by the processor to implement the cone-beam CT method based on a distributed multifocal X-ray source as described in claim 7.

Images