Method for eliminating artifacts of medical CT machine

Abstract

The invention is applicable to the technical field of medical CT (computed tomography) machines, and provides a medical CT machine artifact elimination method which comprises the following steps: S1, placing a patient on a CT machine scanning bed, ensuring that the patient is comfortable and a scanning area is positioned in the visual field of a scanner, and ensuring that the patient does not carry metal articles to influence and damage the CT machine; s2, the monitoring module comprises a respiration sensor, the respiration sensor is adopted to collect respiration signals of the patient, signal recording and signal analysis are carried out, a respiration cycle is established through analysis, and the respiration cycle is output; s3, the analysis module obtains the respiratory cycle transmitted by the monitoring module, splits and processes the respiratory cycle, divides the respiratory cycle into a plurality of phases through the analysis module, and initiates instructions to the scanning device according to different phases; the device solves the problem of scanning artifacts caused by body movement caused by breathing when a patient is subjected to CT scanning, and achieves the purpose of eliminating the breathing artifacts through breathing monitoring, scanning strategy changing and only transmission of a scanning result when the patient is stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of medical CT machines, and more particularly to a method for eliminating artifacts of medical CT machines. Background Art

[0002] Medical CT machines are widely used. The diagnosis and treatment of many diseases cannot be separated from medical CT machines. However, the incidence of medical CT and image artifacts is currently high. The use of CT machine image artifacts will reduce image quality, affect the judgment of imaging doctors, and reduce the detection rate of lesions. According to the cause of the artifacts, corresponding elimination measures should be taken to ensure the quality of CT images and provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

[0003] At present, medical CT machines on the market usually use full-spectrum X-rays, which use X-rays of different energies for imaging, so as to distinguish tissues of different densities. This technology can provide clearer images, reduce the impact of overlapping structures, and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. However, in actual use, even if full-spectrum X-rays are used, there is still the problem of poor image quality. This poor image quality problem can easily lead to errors in the images seen by doctors, which will affect the judgment of the patient's condition.

[0004] At present, there are many factors that may cause medical CT image artifacts, such as foreign objects in the scanning area, uneven breath holding of patients, software and hardware failures, etc. Generally speaking, although software and hardware failures can be avoided through maintenance, it is difficult to avoid uneven breath holding or slight movement of patients because patients have not received training and medical scanning will make patients nervous. Therefore, it is necessary to set up a medical CT artifact elimination method to enable the doctor's feedback image to eliminate the influence of artifacts as much as possible, avoid affecting the doctor's judgment, and avoid affecting the medical results. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for eliminating artifacts in a medical CT machine by monitoring the patient's breathing to avoid the influence of the patient's breathing on the CT machine scanning, thereby avoiding artifacts and obtaining more accurate CT images.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A method for eliminating artifacts in a medical CT machine comprises the following steps:

[0008] S1. Place the patient on the CT scanning bed, ensure that the patient is comfortable and the scanning area is within the field of view of the scanner, and ensure that the patient does not carry any metal objects that may affect or damage the CT machine;

[0009] S2, the monitoring module includes a respiratory sensor, which uses the respiratory sensor to collect the patient's respiratory signal, perform signal recording and signal analysis, establish a respiratory cycle through analysis, and output the respiratory cycle;

[0010] S3, the analysis module obtains the breathing cycle transmitted by the monitoring module, splits and processes the breathing cycle, divides the breathing cycle into multiple phases through the analysis module, and initiates instructions to the scanning device according to different phases;

[0011] S4. Scanning is performed according to the instruction sent by the analysis module. The scanning device scans the affected part of the patient. During the scanning process, the scanned information data is stored in the scanning module, which is packaged into a scanning information packet and transmitted to the preprocessing module. The scanning module clears the recorded scanning data.

[0012] Among them, the scanning device scans the patient by rotating and sending X-rays;

[0013] S5, the preprocessing module performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet, and at the same time performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet to generate a preprocessed information packet;

[0014] S6, the reconstruction module reconstructs the processed information packet, reconstructs the image into an accurate three-dimensional image through multiple iterations, generates a reconstruction information packet, and transmits the reconstruction information packet;

[0015] S7, the post-processing module performs post-processing on the reconstructed information packet, and after completion, obtains a total data packet, and encrypts and stores the total data packet.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution and reasonably setting the scanning device, the scanning device continues to rotate and scan. This is because the time consumed by the scanning device to pause and restart is much longer than the breathing time of a human body. If the pause method is adopted, the time interval will be too long, and the scanning will continue after the next several groups of breathing cycles, and the scanning time will increase dramatically. If the scanning time is too long, it will cause dissatisfaction among patients and also require additional power consumption. By continuously scanning but pausing transmission, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and improve patient comfort while ensuring the quality of the scanned image.

[0017] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0018] The monitoring module establishes a breathing cycle by placing a breathing sensor on the patient's chest for monitoring, and the breathing sensor records the patient's chest pressure in real time.

[0019] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0020] The respiratory sensor records by monitoring the patient's chest pressure in real time. It establishes a pressure curve through the patient's chest pressure and converts the pressure curve into respiratory cycles. One set of respiratory cycles corresponds to one set of pressure curve cycles, and the respiratory cycles are transmitted to the analysis module.

[0021] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0022] The analysis module divides the respiratory cycle into multiple phases through the pressure change curve, including the exhalation phase, the inspiration phase, and the steady phase.

[0023] Both the expiratory and inspiratory phases indicate that the patient has undergone a change in body position and is not suitable for scanning monitoring;

[0024] The stable phase indicates that the patient has not changed his or her body position and should be monitored.

[0025] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0026] If the analysis module determines that the patient is in the exhalation phase or the inhalation phase, a pause command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan, but the scanning device does not record the information scanned at this time;

[0027] If the analysis module determines that the patient is in a stable position, a start command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan. The scanning device records the scanned information at this time and stamps it with a timestamp.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, not only can the time of each scan and when the scan is performed be known through the timestamp, but also the patient's breathing rate can be analyzed through the timestamp. In addition, if the timestamp interval is too long, there are two situations: abnormal patient breathing rate and abnormal CT machine; by analyzing the timestamp, maintenance personnel can find CT machine failure or doctors can find patient breathing rate problems.

[0029] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0030] The preprocessing module performs a preprocessing step on the scan information packet, and the specific steps include:

[0031] De-noising, using a median filter to filter image noise;

[0032] Correct image distortion and deformation;

[0033] Normalize the image pixel values.

[0034] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0035] The specific steps of the reconstruction process in S6 are:

[0036] S61, setting an initial image estimation and a preset value, wherein the initial image is set to be an evenly distributed initial image;

[0037] S62, calculating the estimated projection data of the current image;

[0038] S63, performing residual calculation to calculate the residual value between the projection data and the actual CT scan image;

[0039] S64, performing image update, and updating the CT image according to the residual value information;

[0040] If the image is updated to the preset value, execute S65;

[0041] If the image is lower than the preset value, execute S61;

[0042] S65. Output the image.

[0043] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0044] In the step S64, image updating is performed to update the CT image according to the residual value information; wherein each residual value update is performed in combination with a plurality of projection data to perform image updating.

[0045] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0046] The specific steps of the post-processing process in S7 are:

[0047] S71, improving the overall visibility of the image by increasing contrast and modifying image brightness;

[0048] S72, segmenting and quantifying the entire image; wherein segmentation is performed according to the region of interest, and quantitative analysis is performed, including volume measurement and density distribution.

[0049] The present invention is further configured as follows:

[0050] The total data packet is encrypted and stored, wherein encryption is performed using a symmetric key;

[0051] The total data package is uploaded to the hospital system and a copy of the total data package is backed up to avoid data loss.

[0052] By adopting the above technical solution, the symmetric key is used to ensure that the patient's total data packet is not leaked and the patient's privacy is protected. At the same time, the backup total data packet can ensure that when the total data packet uploaded to the system is lost, the patient information can continue to be viewed through the backup data packet.

[0053] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects of the medical CT machine artifact elimination method:

[0054] 1. Through reasonable settings of the scanning equipment, the scanning equipment continues to rotate and scan. This is because the time consumed by the scanning equipment to pause and restart is much longer than the breathing time of the human body. If the pause method is used, the time interval will be too long, and the scanning will continue after several groups of breathing cycles. The scanning time will increase dramatically. If the scanning time is too long, it will cause patient dissatisfaction and also require additional power consumption. By continuously scanning but pausing transmission, it can reduce energy consumption and improve patient comfort while ensuring the quality of the scanned image.

[0055] 2. Through the timestamp, we can not only know the time of each scan and when the scan was performed, but also analyze the patient's breathing rate. In addition, if the timestamp interval is too long, there are two situations: abnormal patient breathing rate and abnormal CT machine. Through the analysis of the timestamp, maintenance personnel can find CT machine failure or doctors can find problems with the patient's breathing rate.

[0056] 3. Through the symmetric key, the patient's total data packet is guaranteed not to be leaked, protecting the patient's privacy. At the same time, the backup total data packet can ensure that when the total data packet uploaded to the system is lost, the patient information can continue to be viewed through the backup data packet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 The present invention is a schematic flow chart of a method for eliminating artifacts in a medical CT machine.

[0058] Figure 2 It is a curve schematic diagram of the breathing curve in the present invention.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of encryption and decryption in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0061] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0062] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 , the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0063] For example, see Figure 1-Figure 3 , a method for eliminating artifacts of a medical CT machine, comprising the following steps:

[0064] S1. Place the patient on the CT scanning bed, ensure that the patient is comfortable and the scanning area is within the field of view of the scanner, and ensure that the patient does not carry any metal objects that may affect or damage the CT machine;

[0065] S2, the monitoring module includes a respiratory sensor, which uses the respiratory sensor to collect the patient's respiratory signal, perform signal recording and signal analysis, establish a respiratory cycle through analysis, and output the respiratory cycle;

[0066] S3, the analysis module obtains the breathing cycle transmitted by the monitoring module, splits and processes the breathing cycle, divides the breathing cycle into multiple phases through the analysis module, and initiates instructions to the scanning device according to different phases;

[0067] S4. Scanning is performed according to the instruction sent by the analysis module. The scanning device scans the affected part of the patient. During the scanning process, the scanned information data is stored in the scanning module, which is packaged into a scanning information packet and transmitted to the preprocessing module. The scanning module clears the recorded scanning data.

[0068] Among them, the scanning device scans the patient by rotating and sending X-rays;

[0069] S5, the preprocessing module performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet, and at the same time performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet to generate a preprocessed information packet;

[0070] S6, the reconstruction module reconstructs the processed information packet, reconstructs the image into an accurate three-dimensional image through multiple iterations, generates a reconstruction information packet, and transmits the reconstruction information packet;

[0071] S7, the post-processing module performs post-processing on the reconstructed information packet, and after completion, obtains a total data packet, and encrypts and stores the total data packet.

[0072] Specifically, the monitoring module establishes a breathing cycle by placing a breathing sensor on the patient's chest for monitoring, and the breathing sensor records by monitoring the patient's chest pressure in real time; it is specifically done by placing the breathing sensor in an appropriate position on the chest, usually near the sternum or on both sides of the chest. This position can capture the expansion and contraction of the chest during breathing. Use tape, chest strap or other fixing devices to fix the sensor on the chest to ensure that it does not move during breathing. The sensor is able to convert the captured pressure changes into electrical signals. Use an amplifier to amplify the weak electrical signal, and use a filter to remove noise and interference.

[0073] The respiratory sensor records the patient's chest pressure in real time. It establishes a pressure curve based on the patient's chest pressure and converts the pressure curve into a respiratory cycle. A set of respiratory cycles corresponds to a set of pressure curve cycles, and the respiratory cycles are transmitted to the analysis module.

[0074] Specifically, see Figure 2 , analyze the recorded signal waveform and identify the characteristics of breathing. Typical breathing waveforms include inhalation and exhalation peaks. Through peak monitoring, the exhalation peak, inhalation peak and curve stable change settings are judged. The analysis module divides the breathing cycle into multiple phases through the pressure change curve. The phases include exhalation phase, inhalation phase and stable phase. Among them, the inhalation peak is set to the inhalation phase, the exhalation peak is set to the exhalation phase, and the rest are set to the stable phase.

[0075] It should be further explained that both the exhalation phase and the inhalation phase indicate that the patient's body position has changed, and scanning monitoring is not suitable; if the analysis module determines that the patient is in the exhalation phase or the inhalation phase, a pause command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan, but the scanning device does not record the information scanned at this time; it should be explained that the scanning device continues to rotate and scan because the time consumed by the scanning device to pause and restart is much longer than the human breathing time. If the pause method is used, the time interval will be too long, and the scanning will continue after several groups of breathing cycles. The scanning time increases dramatically. If the scanning time is too long, it will cause patient dissatisfaction and require additional electricity. By continuing to scan but pausing transmission, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and improve patient comfort while ensuring the quality of the scanned image.

[0076] The stable phase indicates that the patient has not changed his position and should be monitored. If the analysis module determines that the patient is stable, a start command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan. The scanning device records the information scanned at this time and stamps it with a timestamp. It should be further explained that the timestamp stamp here can not only know the time of each scan and when the scan is performed, but also analyze the patient's respiratory rate through the timestamp. In addition, the timestamp can be used for analysis. If the timestamp interval is too long, there are two situations: the patient's respiratory rate is abnormal (due to tension or physical factors, further judgment can be made by the doctor) and the CT machine is abnormal; by analyzing the timestamp, the maintenance personnel can find the CT machine failure problem. If the patient's respiratory rate is not equal to the scanning frequency, it is judged that there is a problem with the CT machine scanning frequency or pressure sensor.

[0077] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the preprocessing module performs preprocessing steps on the scanned information packet, and the specific steps include:

[0078] De-noising: Use a median filter to filter image noise to avoid the impact of noise on image quality. Correct image distortion and deformation; normalize the image pixel value to the exact required pixel value.

[0079] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the specific steps of the reconstruction process in S6 are:

[0080] S61, setting an initial image estimation and a preset value, wherein the initial image is set to be an evenly distributed initial image;

[0081] S62, calculating the estimated projection data of the current image;

[0082] S63, performing residual calculation to calculate the residual value between the projection data and the actual CT scan image;

[0083] S64, update the image, and update the CT image according to the residual value information; each residual value update is combined with multiple projection data to update the image, and is not based on only one projection data to ensure that the preset value is reached faster, thereby improving the image accuracy and image quality.

[0084] If the image is updated to the preset value, execute S65;

[0085] If the image is lower than the preset value, execute S61;

[0086] S65. Output the image.

[0087] It should be noted that the specific steps of the post-processing process in S7 are:

[0088] S71. Improve the overall visibility of the image by increasing the contrast and modifying the image brightness; avoid poor image perception due to low brightness. Increasing the image brightness can make the situation that is difficult to find in the image itself clearer, improve the accuracy of patient diagnosis, and avoid misdiagnosis caused by unclear images.

[0089] S72, segmenting and quantifying the whole image; wherein segmenting is performed according to the region of interest, and quantitative analysis is performed, including volume measurement and density distribution. By segmenting and quantifying the whole image, different organs and body parts of the patient can be reasonably displayed according to the actual situation of the patient.

[0090] Specifically, see Figure 3 The total data package is encrypted and stored, where it is encrypted by a symmetric key; the total data package is uploaded to the hospital system, and a copy of the total data package is backed up to avoid data loss. The symmetric key is used to ensure that the patient's total data package is not leaked and protect the patient's privacy. At the same time, the backup total data package can ensure that when the total data package uploaded to the system is lost, the patient information can be continued to be viewed through the backup data package.

[0091] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Place the patient on the CT scanning bed, ensure that the patient is comfortable and the scanning area is within the field of view of the scanner, and ensure that the patient does not carry any metal objects that may affect or damage the CT machine; S2, the monitoring module includes a respiratory sensor, which uses the respiratory sensor to collect the patient's respiratory signal, perform signal recording and signal analysis, establish a respiratory cycle through analysis, and output the respiratory cycle; S3, the analysis module obtains the breathing cycle transmitted by the monitoring module, splits and processes the breathing cycle, divides the breathing cycle into multiple phases through the analysis module, and initiates instructions to the scanning device according to different phases; S4. Scanning is performed according to the instruction sent by the analysis module. The scanning device scans the affected part of the patient. During the scanning process, the scanned information data is stored in the scanning module, which is packaged into a scanning information packet and transmitted to the preprocessing module. The scanning module clears the recorded scanning data. Among them, the scanning device scans the patient by rotating and sending X-rays; S5, the preprocessing module performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet, and at the same time performs a preprocessing step on the scanned information packet to generate a preprocessed information packet; S6, the reconstruction module reconstructs the processed information packet, reconstructs the image into an accurate three-dimensional image through multiple iterations, generates a reconstruction information packet, and transmits the reconstruction information packet; S7, the post-processing module performs post-processing on the reconstructed information packet, and after completion, obtains a total data packet, and encrypts and stores the total data packet.

2. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring module establishes a breathing cycle by placing a breathing sensor on the patient's chest for monitoring, and the breathing sensor records the patient's chest pressure in real time.

3. A method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The respiratory sensor records by real-time monitoring of the patient's chest pressure. It establishes a pressure curve through the patient's chest pressure and converts the pressure curve into a respiratory cycle. A set of respiratory cycles corresponds to a set of pressure curve cycles, and the respiratory cycles are transmitted to the analysis module.

4. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The analysis module divides the respiratory cycle into multiple phases through the pressure change curve, including the exhalation phase, the inspiration phase, and the steady phase. Both the expiratory and inspiratory phases indicate that the patient has undergone a change in body position and is not suitable for scanning monitoring; The stable phase indicates that the patient has not changed his or her body position and should be monitored.

5. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: If the analysis module determines that the patient is in the exhalation phase or the inhalation phase, a pause command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan, but the scanning device does not record the information scanned at this time; If the analysis module determines that the patient is in a stable position, a start command is sent to the scanning device, and the scanning device continues to rotate and scan. The scanning device records the scanned information at this time and stamps it with a timestamp.

6. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preprocessing module performs a preprocessing step on the scan information packet, and the specific steps include: De-noising, using a median filter to filter image noise; Correct image distortion and deformation; Normalize the image pixel values.

7. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific steps of the reconstruction process in S6 are: S61, setting an initial image estimation and a preset value, wherein the initial image is set to be an evenly distributed initial image; S62, calculating the estimated projection data of the current image; S63, performing residual calculation to calculate the residual value between the projection data and the actual CT scan image; S64, performing image update, and updating the CT image according to the residual value information; If the image is updated to the preset value, execute S65; If the image is lower than the preset value, execute S61; S65. Output the image.

8. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the step S64, image updating is performed to update the CT image according to the residual value information; wherein each residual value update is performed in combination with a plurality of projection data to perform image updating.

9. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The specific steps of the post-processing process in S7 are: S71, improving the overall visibility of the image by increasing contrast and modifying image brightness; S72, segmenting and quantifying the entire image; wherein segmentation is performed according to the region of interest, and quantitative analysis is performed, including volume measurement and density distribution.

10. The method for removing artifacts from a medical CT machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total data packet is encrypted and stored, wherein encryption is performed using a symmetric key; The total data package is uploaded to the hospital system and a copy of the total data package is backed up to avoid data loss.

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