Scanning method and apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a scanning method and device, and relates to the technical field of medical scanning. The method can obtain at least two target exposure positions from a plurality of exposure positions, and controls a plurality of radiation sources to expose at the at least two target exposure positions. Each target exposure position is used for exposure of one radiation source at the target exposure position, and exposure time periods of each adjacent two exposures do not overlap. That is, the plurality of radiation sources can stagger exposure at the at least two target exposure positions, so that the problem of cross scattering can be effectively avoided. Since the plurality of radiation sources stagger exposure at the at least two target exposure positions without exposure at all exposure positions, the scanning speed can be improved, and the scanning dose can be effectively saved, so that the radiation dose to a scanning object can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical scanning technology, and more particularly to a scanning method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Dual-source computed tomography (CT) equipment is now widely used in clinical examinations. A dual-source CT scanner consists of two radiation sources. These two radiation sources can simultaneously scan the object, acquiring data from different angles at the same time, thus effectively improving scanning speed.

[0003] However, because the two X-ray sources of a dual-source CT device operate simultaneously, cross-scattering occurs, which affects the quality of the final image. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a scanning method and apparatus that can solve the problem of cross scattering caused by current dual-source CT equipment. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] On one hand, a scanning method is provided for a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system including a rotating gantry and a plurality of X-ray sources spaced apart on the rotating gantry; the method includes:

[0006] Obtain at least two target exposure locations from multiple exposure locations;

[0007] The exposure order of the plurality of radiation sources is determined based on the at least two target exposure locations and the locations of the plurality of radiation sources;

[0008] Based on the exposure sequence, the multiple X-ray sources are controlled to expose at the multiple target exposure positions in order to scan the object.

[0009] Each of the target exposure locations is used to expose one of the X-ray sources at the target exposure location, and the exposure time periods of each two adjacent exposures do not overlap.

[0010] Optionally, if the rotational speed of the rotating frame is higher than a speed threshold, the exposure time of any of the X-ray sources at the target exposure position is negatively correlated with the rotational speed.

[0011] Optionally, the exposure time is a reference value multiple of the standard exposure time, and the reference value is the quotient of the rotation speed threshold and the rotation speed.

[0012] Optionally, the total number of the at least two target exposure positions is the number of targets; obtaining at least two target exposure positions from the plurality of exposure positions includes:

[0013] The exposure index of each of the multiple exposure locations is obtained, and the exposure index is determined based at least on the degree of attenuation of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source at the exposure location after passing through the scanned object;

[0014] Based on the exposure index of each exposure position, the target exposure position of the target number is obtained from the plurality of exposure positions.

[0015] Optionally, based on the exposure index of each of the multiple exposure locations, the target exposure locations are obtained from the plurality of exposure locations, including:

[0016] The plurality of exposure positions are grouped to obtain the target number of exposure position groups, and each exposure position group includes at least two consecutive exposure positions;

[0017] Based on the target exposure position with the largest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups, obtain the target number of target exposure positions.

[0018] Optionally, based on the target exposure position with the largest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups, the number of target exposure positions are obtained, including:

[0019] The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups is determined as a target exposure position, thus obtaining the target number of target exposure positions.

[0020] Optionally, based on the target exposure position with the largest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups, the number of target exposure positions are obtained, including:

[0021] The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups is determined as an initial exposure position, thus obtaining the target number of initial exposure positions;

[0022] If the angle between the first initial exposure position and the second initial exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple radiation sources, then the first initial exposure position is determined as one of the target exposure positions among the target number of initial exposure positions, and another target exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is determined based on the second initial exposure position.

[0023] Optionally, determining another target exposure position from the target number of target exposure positions based on the second initial exposure position includes:

[0024] The first or second exposure position of the second initial exposure position is determined as another target exposure position among the target number of target exposure positions.

[0025] Optionally, the first initial exposure position corresponds to the first of the two radiation sources, and the second initial exposure position corresponds to the second of the two radiation sources;

[0026] The exposure priority of the first X-ray source is higher than that of the second X-ray source.

[0027] Optionally, the exposure index of the first initial exposure position is greater than the exposure index of the second initial exposure position.

[0028] On the other hand, a scanning device is provided for a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system including a rotating gantry and a plurality of radiation sources spaced apart on the rotating gantry; the scanning device includes:

[0029] The acquisition module is used to acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions;

[0030] A determining module is used to determine the exposure order of the plurality of radiation sources based on the at least two target exposure positions and the positions of the plurality of radiation sources;

[0031] A control module is used to control the plurality of X-ray sources to expose at the plurality of target exposure positions based on the exposure order, so as to scan the object being scanned;

[0032] Each of the target exposure locations is used to expose one of the X-ray sources at the target exposure location, and the exposure time periods of each two adjacent exposures do not overlap.

[0033] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the scanning method as described above.

[0034] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program or computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the scanning method as described above.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include at least the following:

[0036] This application provides a scanning method and apparatus. The method can acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions and control multiple X-ray sources to stagger exposure at the at least two target exposure positions. Each target exposure position is used for exposure by one X-ray source, and the exposure times of any two adjacent exposures do not overlap. That is, multiple X-ray sources can stagger exposure at at least two target exposure positions, thus effectively avoiding the problem of cross-scattering. Because multiple X-ray sources stagger exposure at at least two target exposure positions, instead of exposing at all exposure positions, the scanning speed can be increased, and the scanning dose can be effectively saved, thereby reducing the radiation dose to the scanned object.

[0037] Additional aspects and advantages of this application 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 this application. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a CT device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another CT device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a scanning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another scanning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exposure sequence of a CT device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a scanning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a medical imaging system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown 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 this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0046] This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a CT device. Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, this CT equipment includes: a scanning bed ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), rack 01, and multiple radiation sources 02 and multiple detectors 03 mounted on rack 01. Figure 1 Two X-ray sources 02 are shown. Figure 2 Three X-ray sources 02 are shown. The gantry 01 can rotate, which in turn drives the X-ray sources 02 and detectors 03 to rotate, in order to scan the object being scanned.

[0047] In this system, multiple X-ray sources 02 correspond one-to-one with multiple detectors 03. Each X-ray source 02 is an X-ray tube used to emit X-rays. After passing through the scanned object, the X-rays reach the corresponding detector 03, which converts the received X-rays into an energy intensity signal for subsequent processing. The multiple X-ray sources 02 are driven by one or more high-voltage generators.

[0048] For example, please refer to 1 and Figure 2 Multiple X-ray sources 02 and multiple detectors 03 can be evenly distributed on the frame 01. Each X-ray source 02 and its corresponding detector 03 are positioned opposite each other, that is, each X-ray source 02 and its corresponding detector 03 are spaced 180 degrees (°) apart.

[0049] This application provides a scanning method applied to a medical imaging system. The medical imaging system includes a rotating gantry and multiple X-ray sources spaced apart on the gantry. Optionally, the medical imaging system can be a dual-source C-arm X-ray device or a CT scanner. If the medical imaging system is a C-arm X-ray device, then the rotating gantry is the C-arm. If the medical imaging system is a CT scanner, then the rotating gantry can be the gantry of the CT scanner. For example, the medical imaging system can be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The CT equipment shown. See also Figure 3 The method includes:

[0050] Step 101: Obtain at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions.

[0051] In this embodiment, at least two target exposure positions are predetermined by the medical imaging system. Alternatively, the medical imaging system can acquire the exposure index of each of multiple exposure positions, and then, based on the exposure index of each exposure position, acquire at least two target exposure positions from the multiple exposure positions. Here, an exposure position refers to the location where the X-ray source emits X-rays. Of course, the at least two target exposure positions can also be positions set at preset intervals among multiple exposure positions. It is understood that the at least two target exposure positions constitute a sparse scan in terms of scanning method.

[0052] It should be understood that, in the case of a CT scanner as the medical imaging system, if axial scanning is used, the total number of exposure positions equals the total reference number. This total reference number is the total number of exposure positions of a single X-ray source when the gantry rotates once in the XY plane during a conventional scan (hereinafter referred to as the conventional case). If a complete scan sequence includes P scan positions arranged along the scanning direction, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1, then the total number of exposure positions in the complete scan sequence is the product of the sampling position P and the total reference number. The XY plane is perpendicular to the scanning direction, which is the forward and backward direction of the scanning bed. The P scan positions can be understood as P scanning bed positions. Taking scanning the heart as an example, the CT scanner is limited by the scanning field of view in the scanning direction, and a single axial scan cannot completely cover the heart. Therefore, the scanning bed needs to be moved in the scanning direction. The number of times the scanning bed is moved depends on the scanning field of view in the scanning direction and the scanning length of the heart in the scanning direction, thus forming P scan positions. This embodiment is limited to the scanning process of one scan position. For each of the P scan positions, the specific implementation of this embodiment can be referred to. If a spiral scan is used, the total number of exposure positions is equal to the total number of exposure positions during the spiral scan process.

[0053] Step 102: Determine the exposure order of multiple X-ray sources based on the exposure positions of at least two targets and the positions of multiple X-ray sources.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CT device can traverse the target exposure positions based on the order of the target number of exposure positions. For each exposure position traversed, the CT device can determine the radiation source to be aligned with the target exposure position based on the positions of multiple radiation sources, and record the identifier of the radiation source. This process continues until the traversal is complete. Only one radiation source is aligned with each target exposure position at a time to ensure that the exposure positions and exposure durations of each radiation source do not conflict in terms of rotation angle. After the traversal is complete, the CT device can determine the recorded arrangement order of the multiple radiation sources as the exposure order of the multiple radiation sources.

[0055] Step 103: Based on the exposure sequence, control multiple X-ray sources to expose at multiple target exposure positions to scan the object.

[0056] Each target exposure location is used to expose one X-ray source at that location. The exposure times of any two adjacent exposures do not overlap. Non-overlapping exposure times mean that at any given moment, only one of the multiple X-ray sources is exposed; that is, the multiple X-ray sources are not exposed simultaneously.

[0057] The exposure time for any two X-ray sources is equal. The interval between any two adjacent exposures must be at least the exposure time of each X-ray source. This exposure time is greater than or equal to the quotient of the CT scanner's rotation speed and the total number of exposure positions. The rotation speed refers to the time required for the CT scanner gantry to complete one revolution in the XY plane. In other words, the exposure time of the current X-ray source must be at least the sampling time of one frame of projection (view) of the CT scanner under normal conditions, compared to the exposure time of the previous X-ray source. Each view frame is obtained based on data acquired at one exposure position.

[0058] In summary, this application provides a scanning method that can acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions and control multiple X-ray sources to expose at at least two target exposure positions. Each target exposure position is used for exposure by one X-ray source, and the exposure time periods of any two adjacent exposures do not overlap. That is, multiple X-ray sources can stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, thus effectively avoiding the problem of cross-scattering. Since multiple X-ray sources stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, instead of exposing at all exposure positions, the scanning speed can be improved, and the scanning dose can be effectively saved, thereby reducing the radiation dose to the scanned object.

[0059] In addition, compared with sparse scanning using a single X-ray source, it can also reduce scanning time, improve scanning efficiency, and reduce motion artifacts caused by the movement of the scanned object.

[0060] This application uses a CT scanner as an example to illustrate the scanning method provided in this application. See also... Figure 4 The method may include:

[0061] Step 201: Obtain the exposure index of each exposure position among multiple exposure positions.

[0062] Each exposure position is the location where the X-ray tube emits X-rays. The total number of exposure positions equals the total reference number. This total reference number is the total number of exposure positions of a single X-ray source when the gantry rotates once in the XY plane under normal conditions.

[0063] In this embodiment, the exposure index for each exposure location is determined at least based on the degree of attenuation of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source at that location after passing through the scanned object. For example, a CT scanner can directly determine the exposure index for each exposure location based on the degree of attenuation. This exposure index is positively correlated with the degree of attenuation.

[0064] Alternatively, the CT scanner can also acquire at least one of the following: the distance from each exposure position to the scanned area of ​​the object being scanned, and the sampling angle corresponding to the exposure position. Then, for each exposure position, the CT scanner can determine the exposure index of that exposure position based on attenuation at that exposure position, and at least one of the distance from that exposure position to the scanned area, and the sampling angle corresponding to that exposure position. For example, the CT scanner can determine the exposure index of that exposure position based on attenuation at that exposure position, the distance from that exposure position to the scanned area, and the sampling angle corresponding to that exposure position.

[0065] The sampling angle is greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 360°. The exposure index is negatively correlated with the distance, while the importance of the sampling angle is positively correlated, and the importance of the sampling angle depends on the image reconstruction algorithm of the CT equipment.

[0066] It is understandable that the specific implementation process of the CT device determining the exposure index of the exposure position based on the attenuation level of the exposure position, the distance from the exposure position to the scanning area, and the sampling angle corresponding to the exposure position can be referred to the relevant implementation process in patent CN115568872A, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] In this embodiment, the CT scanner can perform a plain film scan on the object to obtain plain film scan data. Then, based on this plain film scan data, the CT scanner can obtain the attenuation level at multiple exposure locations. Specifically, the CT scanner can obtain an attenuation curve of the object based on the plain film scan data, and determine the attenuation level at multiple exposure locations at various acquisition positions of the object along the Z-direction of the CT scanner based on the attenuation curve.

[0068] Step 202: Obtain the number of targets at least two target exposure positions.

[0069] The number of targets is less than the total number of exposure locations.

[0070] Optionally, the ratio of the number of targets at at least two target exposure locations to the total number of multiple exposure locations can be greater than 9. For example, this ratio can be 20.

[0071] Step 203: Based on the exposure index of each exposure position, obtain the target number of target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions.

[0072] In this embodiment, the CT device can group multiple exposure positions to obtain a target number of exposure position groups. Each exposure position group includes at least two consecutive exposure positions. Then, the CT device can obtain the target number of target exposure positions based on the exposure position with the highest exposure index in each exposure position group.

[0073] Under normal circumstances, CT scanners divide the 360° rotation of the gantry in the XY plane into multiple angular ranges, each corresponding to an exposure position. "At least two exposure positions are consecutive" means that, under normal circumstances, at least two exposure positions correspond to consecutive angular ranges. For example, assuming a group of exposure positions includes three positions, each with an angle of 0.15°, and the smallest angle range in this group is 0-0.15°, then the three angle ranges of the exposure position group could be: 0°-0.15°, 0.15°-0.3°, and 0.3°-0.45°.

[0074] In one alternative implementation, the CT device can directly determine the exposure position with the highest exposure index in each exposure position group as a target exposure position, thereby obtaining multiple target exposure positions.

[0075] In another alternative implementation, the CT scanner can determine the exposure position with the highest exposure index among the various exposure position groups as an initial exposure position, thus obtaining a number of initial exposure positions for the target. Then, if the CT scanner determines that the angle between the first initial exposure position and the second initial exposure position among the target's initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple X-ray sources, then the first initial exposure position can be determined as one of the target's target exposure positions, and another target exposure position can be determined based on the second initial exposure position.

[0076] When the angle between the first and second initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple X-ray sources, ideally, one X-ray source should finish its exposure before the other begins. However, the gantry rotates during the exposure process of one X-ray source. This causes the other X-ray source to no longer align with either the first or second initial exposure position after its initial exposure. Consequently, it may not be able to immediately follow the first X-ray source's exposure, and instead, the first X-ray source may need to rotate one full circle before exposing the unexposed initial exposure position. Therefore, it may be impossible to guarantee that all multiple X-ray sources participate in the exposure, resulting in lower scanning efficiency for the object.

[0077] Based on this, CT equipment can determine another target exposure position among several target exposure positions based on the second initial exposure position, in order to improve scanning efficiency and to make multiple radiation sources participate in the exposure as much as possible.

[0078] In this embodiment, the CT device can determine the preceding or following exposure position of the second initial exposure position as another target exposure position among the target number of target exposure positions. Specifically, if the first initial exposure position is before the second initial exposure position, the CT device can determine the following exposure position of the second initial exposure position as another target exposure position among the target number of target exposure positions. If the first initial exposure position is after the second initial exposure position, the CT device can determine the preceding exposure position of the second initial exposure position as another target exposure position among the target number of target exposure positions. In this way, the two radiation sources can be exposed consecutively.

[0079] Optionally, the first initial exposure position corresponds to the first of the two radiation sources mentioned above, and the second initial exposure position corresponds to the second of the two radiation sources. The first radiation source has a higher exposure priority than the second radiation source. That is, when the angle between the first and second initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between the first and second radiation sources, the CT equipment can adjust the exposure position corresponding to the radiation source with the lower exposure priority.

[0080] Alternatively, the exposure index of the first initial exposure position is greater than that of the second initial exposure position. That is, when the angle between the first and second initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between the first and second radiation sources, the CT equipment can prioritize adjusting the exposure position with the lower exposure index.

[0081] For example, assuming a CT scanner gantry rotates one revolution in the XY plane under normal conditions, there are 2320 exposure positions. Assuming these 2320 exposure positions represent multiple exposure positions, and the number of targets is 116, the CT scanner can group these 2320 exposure positions into groups of 20 consecutive exposure positions, resulting in 116 exposure position groups. Then, assuming each target exposure position is the one with the highest exposure index within the exposure position group, for each exposure position group, the CT scanner can select the exposure position with the highest exposure index from that group and designate it as a target exposure position. In this way, 116 target exposure positions can be obtained.

[0082] It is understandable that when the sampling position P of the scanned object in the scanning direction is greater than 1, the total number of target exposure positions at each sampling position is equal. The target exposure positions at any two sampling positions can be the same or different. Specifically, the same target exposure positions at any two sampling positions mean that the angle range corresponding to the target exposure positions is the same.

[0083] Step 204: Determine the exposure order of multiple X-ray sources based on the number of targets, the exposure position of the targets, and the positions of multiple X-ray sources.

[0084] This exposure sequence can be used to indicate the exposure order of multiple radiation sources.

[0085] In this embodiment, the CT device can traverse the target exposure positions based on the order of the target number of exposure positions. For each exposure position traversed, the CT device can determine the radiation source to be aligned with the target exposure position based on the positions of multiple radiation sources, and record the identifier of the radiation source. This process continues until the traversal is complete. Only one radiation source is aligned with each target exposure position at a time to ensure that the exposure positions and exposure durations of each radiation source do not conflict in terms of rotation angle. After the traversal is complete, the CT device can determine the recorded arrangement order of the multiple radiation sources as the exposure order of the multiple radiation sources.

[0086] It is understandable that the order of the number of targets and the exposure positions can be determined at least based on the angles corresponding to the exposure positions on the gantry. For example, it can be determined based on the angles corresponding to the exposure positions and the order of multiple sampling positions.

[0087] Step 205: Based on the exposure sequence of multiple X-ray sources, control the multiple X-ray sources to expose at the target exposure positions to scan the target.

[0088] Each target exposure location is used for exposure by one X-ray source at that location, and the exposure times of two adjacent exposures do not overlap. That is, multiple X-ray sources are not exposed simultaneously. In other words, multiple X-ray sources are exposed in an alternating order, which effectively reduces the problem of cross-scattering caused by simultaneous exposure of multiple X-ray sources.

[0089] The exposure times of any two X-ray sources are equal, and the interval between any two adjacent exposures is at least the exposure time of each X-ray source. This exposure time is greater than or equal to the quotient of the rotation speed of the CT scanner and the total number of exposure positions. The rotation speed refers to the time required for the CT scanner gantry to complete one revolution in the XY plane. In other words, the exposure time of the current X-ray source is at least the sampling time of one frame of projection view of the CT scanner under normal conditions, compared to the exposure time of the previous X-ray source.

[0090] Each view frame is derived from data acquired at a single exposure location. Each view frame is converted from X-ray data acquired by the CT scanner within each angular range.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the rotation speed of the CT scanner is lower than or equal to a rotation speed threshold, the exposure time of any X-ray source at the target exposure position is equal to the quotient of the rotation speed of the CT scanner and the total number of exposure positions. When the rotation speed of the CT scanner is higher than the rotation speed threshold, the exposure time of any X-ray source at the target exposure position is greater than this quotient and is negatively correlated with the rotation speed of the CT scanner. That is, the faster the rotation speed, the longer the exposure time of the X-ray source at the target exposure position.

[0092] The rotational speed of a CT scanner refers to the time required for the scanner to complete one revolution in the XY plane. The rotational speed threshold can be a pre-stored empirical value for the CT scanner, such as 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, or 0.7 seconds.

[0093] In this way, on the one hand, sufficient exposure time can be ensured at the target exposure location, thus ensuring high quality of the reconstructed image; on the other hand, the need for the high-voltage generator to rapidly switch the voltage and current applied between the anode and cathode of the X-ray tube can be reduced. The voltage is measured in kilovolts (kV), and the current in milliamperes (mA).

[0094] Optionally, the exposure duration can be proportional to a standard exposure duration and a reference value. The reference value is the quotient of the rotation speed threshold and the rotation speed. The standard exposure duration is the quotient of the CT equipment's rotation speed and the total number of exposure positions, or a minimum value limited by the hardware performance of the CT equipment's high-voltage generator. This minimum value can refer to the minimum exposure time that the high-voltage generator can provide. The minimum exposure time is limited by the high-voltage set-off time; the shorter the minimum exposure time, the shorter the high-voltage set-off time, which is limited by the high-voltage generator's hardware.

[0095] For example, the exposure time can be equal to a reference value multiple of the standard exposure time. Assuming the rotation speed threshold is 0.5s and the rotation speed of the CT device is 0.25s, then the exposure time is twice the standard exposure time, which is the sampling time of 2 views (referred to as 2 views).

[0096] For example, under normal circumstances, a CT scanner can obtain 2320 views, from view 1 to view 2320. Assume the CT scanner has multiple radiation sources, including a first radiation source and a second radiation source (i.e., dual-source scanning), and that the multiple radiation sources and multiple detectors... Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the radiation sources are evenly distributed on rack 01, with a spacing of 580 views between the first and second radiation sources.

[0097] Assuming the exposure time at each target exposure location is 2 views, and assuming the interval between any two adjacent target exposure locations is 20 views, the CT equipment can determine the exposure order for the first and second X-ray sources as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0098] from Figure 5 It can be seen that this exposure sequence can be used to indicate that the first and second X-ray sources are exposed alternately, meaning that the second X-ray source can begin scanning after the first X-ray source has completed its scan. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, in an alternation cycle, the interval between each two adjacent exposures is twice the exposure time. This alternation cycle refers to the time interval between one alternating exposure between the first and second radiation sources.

[0099] Assuming the first target exposure position is the exposure position corresponding to view1, then from Figure 5 As can be seen, after the first X-ray source exposes at the exposure position corresponding to view 1, the exposure time lasts for two views. Therefore, the second X-ray source is already located at the position of view 582, and thus needs to start exposing from the exposure position corresponding to view 583. Similarly, after the first X-ray source exposes at the exposure position corresponding to view 21, the second X-ray source is already located at the position of view 602, and thus needs to start exposing from the exposure position corresponding to view 603. This process continues until exposure is completed at at least two target exposure positions, thereby obtaining the scan data.

[0100] It is understood that the order of the steps in the scanning method provided in this application embodiment can be appropriately adjusted, and the steps can be added or removed as appropriate. For example, steps 201 and 202 can also be deleted as appropriate. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0101] In summary, this application provides a scanning method that can acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions and control multiple X-ray sources to expose at at least two target exposure positions. Each target exposure position is used for exposure by one X-ray source, and the exposure time periods of any two adjacent exposures do not overlap. That is, multiple X-ray sources can stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, thus effectively avoiding the problem of cross-scattering. Since multiple X-ray sources stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, instead of exposing at all exposure positions, the scanning speed can be improved, and the scanning dose can be effectively saved, thereby reducing the radiation dose to the scanned object.

[0102] This application provides a scanning device for a medical imaging system, which includes a rotating gantry and multiple X-ray sources spaced apart on the rotating gantry. See also... Figure 6 The device 300 includes:

[0103] The acquisition module 301 is used to acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions.

[0104] The determination module 302 is used to determine the exposure order of multiple X-ray sources based on at least two target exposure positions and the positions of multiple X-ray sources.

[0105] The control module is used to control multiple X-ray sources to expose at multiple target exposure locations based on the exposure sequence, in order to scan the object. Each target exposure location is used by one X-ray source, and the exposure times of two adjacent exposures do not overlap.

[0106] Optionally, when the rotational speed of the rotating frame is higher than the rotational speed threshold, the exposure time of any X-ray source at the target exposure position is negatively correlated with the rotational speed.

[0107] Optionally, the exposure time is a reference value multiple of the standard exposure time, where the reference value is the quotient of the rotation speed threshold and the rotation speed.

[0108] Optionally, the total number of at least two target exposure locations is the number of targets. This acquisition module 301 can be used for:

[0109] The exposure index of each exposure location among multiple exposure locations is obtained. The exposure index is determined based at least on the degree of attenuation of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source at the exposure location after passing through the scanned object.

[0110] Based on the exposure index of each exposure position, the target exposure position is obtained from multiple exposure positions.

[0111] Optionally, the acquisition module 301 can be used for:

[0112] Grouping multiple exposure positions yields a target number of exposure position groups, with each exposure position group including at least two consecutive exposure positions;

[0113] Based on the target exposure position with the highest exposure index in each exposure position group, obtain the target exposure position number.

[0114] Optionally, the acquisition module 301 can be used for:

[0115] The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each exposure position group is determined as a target exposure position, resulting in a target number of target exposure positions.

[0116] Optionally, the acquisition module 301 can be used for:

[0117] The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each exposure position group is determined as an initial exposure position, thus obtaining the target number of initial exposure positions;

[0118] If the angle between the first initial exposure position and the second initial exposure position among the target initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple X-ray sources, then the first initial exposure position is determined as one of the target exposure positions among the target initial exposure positions, and another target exposure position among the target initial exposure positions is determined based on the second initial exposure position.

[0119] Optionally, the acquisition module 301 can be used for:

[0120] The one before or after the second initial exposure position is determined as another target exposure position among the target exposure positions.

[0121] Optionally, the first initial exposure position corresponds to the first of the two X-ray sources, and the second initial exposure position corresponds to the second of the two X-ray sources;

[0122] The exposure priority of the first radiation source is higher than that of the second radiation source.

[0123] Optionally, the exposure index of the first initial exposure position is greater than the exposure index of the second initial exposure position.

[0124] In summary, this application provides a scanning apparatus that can acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions and control multiple X-ray sources to expose at at least two target exposure positions. Each target exposure position is used for one X-ray source to expose at that target exposure position, and the exposure time periods of each two adjacent exposures do not overlap. That is, multiple X-ray sources can stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, which can effectively avoid the problem of cross-scattering. Since multiple X-ray sources stagger their exposure at at least two target exposure positions, instead of exposing at all exposure positions, the scanning speed can be improved, and the scanning dose can be effectively saved, thereby reducing the radiation dose to the scanned object.

[0125] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a medical imaging system provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 7 The medical imaging system 100 also includes a processor 110 and a memory 120. The processor 110 and the memory 120 are connected, for example, via a bus 130.

[0126] Processor 110 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. Processor 110 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0127] Bus 130 may include a pathway for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. Bus 130 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Bus 130 may be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, 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.

[0128] The memory 120 is used to store a computer program corresponding to the scanning method of the above embodiments of this application, and the computer program is controlled and executed by the processor 110. The processor 110 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 120 to implement the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0129] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the scanning method provided in the above-described method embodiments. For example, Figure 3 or Figure 4 The scanning method shown.

[0130] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer instructions. When the computer program or computer instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the scanning method provided in the above-described method embodiments. For example... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The scanning method shown.

[0131] It should be noted that 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, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0132] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, 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.

[0133] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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.

[0134] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0135] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0136] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A scanning method for a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system comprising a rotating gantry and a plurality of X-ray sources spaced apart on the rotating gantry; characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain at least two target exposure locations from multiple exposure locations; The exposure order of the plurality of radiation sources is determined based on the at least two target exposure locations and the locations of the plurality of radiation sources; Based on the exposure order, the plurality of X-ray sources are controlled to expose at at least two target exposure positions to scan the object. Each target exposure position is used for one X-ray source to expose at the target exposure position, and the exposure time periods of each two adjacent exposures do not overlap. Wherein, the total number of the at least two target exposure positions is the number of targets; obtaining at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions includes: obtaining the exposure index of each of the multiple exposure positions, wherein the exposure index is determined at least based on the attenuation degree of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source at the exposure position after passing through the scanned object; The plurality of exposure positions are grouped to obtain the target number of exposure position groups, and each exposure position group includes at least two consecutive exposure positions; The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups is determined as an initial exposure position, thus obtaining the target number of initial exposure positions; If the angle between the first initial exposure position and the second initial exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple radiation sources, then the first initial exposure position is determined as one of the target exposure positions among the target number of initial exposure positions, and another target exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is determined based on the second initial exposure position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the rotational speed of the rotating frame is higher than the rotational speed threshold, the exposure time of any of the X-ray sources at the target exposure position is negatively correlated with the rotational speed.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exposure time is a reference value multiple of the standard exposure time, and the reference value is the quotient of the rotation speed threshold and the rotation speed.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining another target exposure position from the target exposure positions based on the second initial exposure position includes: The first or second exposure position of the second initial exposure position is determined as another target exposure position among the target number of target exposure positions.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first initial exposure position corresponds to the first of the two radiation sources, and the second initial exposure position corresponds to the second of the two radiation sources; The exposure priority of the first X-ray source is higher than that of the second X-ray source.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exposure index of the first initial exposure position is greater than the exposure index of the second initial exposure position.

7. A scanning device, characterized in that, For use in a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system includes a rotating gantry and a plurality of radiation sources spaced apart on the rotating gantry; the scanning device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions; A determining module is used to determine the exposure order of the plurality of radiation sources based on the at least two target exposure positions and the positions of the plurality of radiation sources; The control module is used to control the plurality of X-ray sources to expose at at least two target exposure positions based on the exposure order in order to scan the object being scanned. Each target exposure position is used for one X-ray source to expose at the target exposure position, and the exposure time periods of each two adjacent exposures do not overlap. Wherein, the total number of the at least two target exposure positions is the number of targets; the process by which the acquisition module acquires at least two target exposure positions from multiple exposure positions includes: acquiring the exposure index of each of the multiple exposure positions, wherein the exposure index is determined at least based on the attenuation degree of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source at the exposure position after passing through the scanned object; The plurality of exposure positions are grouped to obtain the target number of exposure position groups, and each exposure position group includes at least two consecutive exposure positions; The exposure position with the highest exposure index in each of the exposure position groups is determined as an initial exposure position, thus obtaining the target number of initial exposure positions; If the angle between the first initial exposure position and the second initial exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is equal to the angle between any two of the multiple radiation sources, then the first initial exposure position is determined as one of the target exposure positions among the target number of initial exposure positions, and another target exposure position among the target number of initial exposure positions is determined based on the second initial exposure position.

8. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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