Automatic detection method of radio frequency link connectivity and imaging equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an automatic detection method of radio frequency link connectivity and imaging equipment. The method comprises the steps that in response to butt joint of imaging equipment and a patient carrier device, a self-inspection path is communicated; starting an automatic radio-frequency signal receiving and transmitting function of the imaging equipment, and obtaining an output signal corresponding to the self-checking access; judging whether the output signal meets a preset condition or not; in response to the situation that the preset condition is not met, the patient carrier device and the imaging device are controlled to be in butt joint again till the output signal of the self-inspection path meets the preset condition after butt joint is conducted again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to an automatic detection method for radio frequency link connectivity and an imaging device. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technology used for medical diagnosis. It can generate magnetic resonance images of the target object to be scanned (for example, tissues or organs in the human body) by using strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients and radio waves. In magnetic resonance imaging, a patient carrier device (for example, a medical bed) and a radio frequency link are necessary components. The radio frequency link can include a radio frequency receiving link and a radio frequency transmitting link. Among them, the radio frequency transmitting link can be divided into volumetric transmission and local transmission. The coil for local transmission is usually connected to a specific coil socket that supports local transmission through a patient carrier device.

[0003] In some embodiments, the patient carrier device is in a pluggable and movable form. During the transportation process, the patient carrier device needs to be detached and docked with the main frame of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The radio frequency link undertakes the functions of signal transmission, acquisition and coil control in the scanning imaging workflow. A part of the radio frequency link is integrated with the patient carrier device, and the reliability and robustness of docking with another part of the radio frequency link located in the main frame becomes a great challenge.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for automatically detecting the connectivity of a radio frequency link. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present specification provides a method for automatically detecting the connectivity of a radio frequency link, comprising: in response to docking of an imaging device with a patient carrier device, connecting a self-test path; turning on the automatic transceiver function of the radio frequency signal of the imaging device, and acquiring an output signal corresponding to the self-test path; determining whether the output signal satisfies a preset condition; and in response to not satisfying the preset condition, controlling the patient carrier device to re-dock with the imaging device until the output signal after re-docking satisfies the preset condition.

[0006] In some embodiments, the preset condition includes at least one of the amplitude of the signal being greater than or equal to a preset amplitude, the amplitude variation of the signal being within a first preset range, and the phase variation of the signal being within a second preset range, or the preset condition includes the digital communication link corresponding to the output signal always remaining connected.

[0007] In some embodiments, the self-check path includes at least one receiving channel, and determining whether the output signal satisfies the preset condition includes: determining whether the output signal corresponding to each receiving channel of the at least one receiving channel satisfies the preset condition; if all receiving channels satisfy the condition, then it is determined that the output signal of the self-check path satisfies the preset condition; otherwise, it is considered that the output signal of the self-check path does not satisfy the preset condition.

[0008] In some embodiments, controlling the re-docking between the patient carrier device and the imaging device includes: controlling the second interface of the patient carrier device to move along a preset direction to perform a plug-in and unplug action between the first interface and the second interface of the imaging device to re-docking between the patient carrier device and the imaging device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes: in response to the number of times the re-docking is performed reaching a preset number, reporting an error.

[0010] Another aspect of the present specification provides an imaging device, comprising: a scanner for scanning a target object; a patient carrier device for carrying the target object, configured to move relative to the scanner, and when the patient carrier device establishes a connection with the scanner, a radio frequency link is formed; and a host computer for processing received data and detecting the connectivity of the radio frequency link.

[0011] In some embodiments, the imaging device includes a self-test module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the self-test module includes at least one of the following: a single-pole double-throw switch, used to switch between a connected scanning path and a connected self-test path; a radio frequency signal distribution module, used to distribute the signal output by the transmission channel to multiple receiving channels; a coupler, used to extract radio frequency energy for the detection from the transmission channel according to a preset coupling degree; wherein the output end of the coupler is connected to the input end of the radio frequency signal distribution module, and the output end of the radio frequency signal distribution module is connected to the single-pole double-throw switch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the RF signal distribution module is used to: when detecting the connectivity of the RF link, distribute the signal output by the transmitting channel to multiple receiving channels, and make the signal amplitudes of the output signals corresponding to the multiple receiving channels remain consistent or substantially consistent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device also includes: a motor assembly, used to drive the second interface of the patient carrier device to move along a preset direction, so that the first interface of the scanner and the second interface are plugged in and out to re-dock the patient carrier device and the scanner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] This specification will be further described in the form of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail by the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not restrictive, and in these embodiments, the same number represents the same structure, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an exemplary automatic detection system for radio frequency link connectivity according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary imaging device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of exemplary electronic components according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary self-test module according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary port according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of an exemplary method for automatically detecting connectivity of a radio frequency link according to some embodiments of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some examples or embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, this specification can also be applied to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without creative work. Unless it is obvious from the language environment or otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0023] It should be understood that the "system", "device", "unit" and / or "module" used herein are a method for distinguishing different components, elements, parts, portions or assemblies at different levels. However, if other words can achieve the same purpose, the words can be replaced by other expressions.

[0024] As shown in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, the words "a", "an", "an" and / or "the" do not refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprise" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements that have been clearly identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. The method or device may also include other steps or elements.

[0025] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiments of this specification, and the relevant description is to help better understand the control method and / or system. It should be understood that the previous or subsequent operations are not necessarily performed accurately in order. On the contrary, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. At the same time, other operations can also be added to these processes, or one or more operations can be removed from these processes.

[0026] In MRI, the patient carrier device and the radio frequency link are necessary components. The radio frequency link can include a radio frequency receiving link and a transmitting link. Among them, the radio frequency receiving link (including the radio frequency receiving coil) is responsible for receiving and sensing the echo signal from the target object (for example, a human body part), generating K space data after a series of signal processing, and providing the K space data to the host computer for image reconstruction to generate a magnetic resonance image of the target object. The radio frequency transmitting link is responsible for transmitting radio frequency power, and applying the radio frequency power to the target object in the form of a high-power radio frequency electromagnetic field through the radio frequency transmitting coil, so as to be absorbed by the human body under a specific static magnetic field and then stimulate the magnetic quantity in the human body, thereby generating an echo signal to be collected by the radio frequency receiving link.

[0027] In some embodiments, the radio frequency transmission link can be divided into volume transmission (i.e., global transmission) and local transmission. The local transmission mode can include a local transceiver coil (e.g., a transceiver head coil, a transceiver knee coil, etc.) for scanning a specific part of the human body (e.g., head, legs, etc.).

[0028] In some embodiments, the patient carrier device may include a coil socket for carrying a local transmission RF coil and a target object to be scanned (e.g., a patient) to move into or out of a scanning area within the aperture of a magnetic resonance imaging device. The local transmission RF coil (e.g., a local transmission signal line) is usually connected to a specific coil socket supporting local transmission through a patient carrier.

[0029] In some embodiments, the patient carrier device can be in a pluggable and movable form. By setting it in a movable form, special patients and critically ill patients can be transported quickly and conveniently. During the transportation process, the patient carrier device must be detached and docked with the main frame of the magnetic resonance imaging device. After the docking is successful, it is necessary not to affect the reliable operation of the normal scanning imaging workflow. The radio frequency link assumes the functions of signal transmission, signal acquisition, and coil control in the scanning imaging workflow. A part of the link is integrated with the patient carrier device, and the reliability and robustness of the docking with the other part of the link located in the main frame becomes a great challenge.

[0030] The electrical interface between the pluggable patient carrier device and the frame of the magnetic resonance imaging equipment is generally complex, especially for systems that support high channel counts and high-density coils, the total number of RF pins and DC control pins can reach more than 200. In general, electrical connections are prone to: wear caused by repeated plugging and unplugging of pins; bending caused by docking angle deviation; contamination caused by the adhesion of impurities such as dust, liquid, rust, and foreign matter. The more RF signal receiving channels and the more pins the magnetic resonance imaging equipment has, the greater the probability of connection abnormalities caused by the above failure modes. In some embodiments, connection abnormalities may include signal open circuits, short circuits, impedance discontinuities in the RF path, and other manifestations. Once signal connectivity abnormalities occur, there is a lack of the ability to perform self-checks and report errors in the first place, or even attempt to correct errors, resulting in poor reliability and robustness of the entire system.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present specification, a method for automatically detecting the connectivity of a radio frequency link is provided. When the rack of the imaging device is docked with the patient carrier device, the self-check path is connected, the automatic transceiver function of the radio frequency signal is turned on, and the output signal corresponding to the self-check path is obtained; then it is determined whether the output signal meets the preset conditions. If not, the rack is controlled to re-dock with the patient carrier device, and it is determined whether the output signal after re-docking meets the preset conditions. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned re-docking operation can be repeated until the output signal after reconnection meets the preset conditions, or the number of reconnections reaches a preset number. In some embodiments, when the number of re-dockings reaches a preset number and the output signal after re-docking does not meet the preset conditions, an error report can be made. Through this self-checking method, it can be ensured that the reliability problem of the radio frequency link connectivity is identified at the first time, and when poor contact occurs, the problem can be repaired by automatically re-plugging, which greatly improves the reliability and robustness of the magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an exemplary automatic detection system for radio frequency link connectivity according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the automatic detection system 100 may include an imaging device 110, a processing device 120, a terminal device 130, a storage device 140, and a network 150. The connections between the components in the automatic detection system 100 may be variable. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may be connected to the processing device 120 via the network 150. For another example, the imaging device 110 may be directly connected to the processing device 120, as indicated by the dashed double-headed arrow connecting the imaging device 110 and the processing device 120. For another example, the storage device 140 may be connected to the processing device 120 directly or via the network 150. As an example, the terminal device 130 may be directly connected to the processing device 120 (as indicated by the dashed arrow connecting the terminal device 130 and the processing device 120), or may be connected to the processing device 120 via the network 150.

[0034] The imaging device 110 can be used to scan a target object or a portion thereof located within its detection area and generate an image related to the target object or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the target object can be biological or non-biological. For example, the target object can include a patient, a man-made object, etc. In some embodiments, the target object can include a specific part of the body, such as the head, chest, abdomen, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the target object can include a specific organ, such as the heart, esophagus, trachea, bronchus, stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, bladder, ureter, uterus, fallopian tube, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the target object can include a region of interest (ROI), such as a tumor, a nodule, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include one or a combination of X-ray equipment, computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional (3D) CT, four-dimensional (4D) CT, ultrasound imaging components, fluoroscopic imaging components, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) equipment, positron emission tomography (PET) equipment, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may be an MRI device. In some embodiments, the MRI device may include a magnet assembly, a gradient coil assembly, and a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly.

[0037] The magnet assembly may generate a first magnetic field (also referred to as a main magnetic field) for polarizing a target object. For example, the magnet assembly may include a permanent magnet, a superconducting electromagnet, a resistive electromagnet, and the like.

[0038] The gradient coil assembly can generate a second magnetic field (also referred to as a gradient magnetic field). For example, the gradient coil assembly can include an X gradient coil, a Y gradient coil, and a Z gradient coil. The gradient coil assembly can generate one or more magnetic field gradient pulses for the main magnetic field in the X direction (Gx), the Y direction (Gy), and the Z direction (Gz) to encode the spatial information of the scanned object. In some embodiments, the X direction can be designated as a frequency encoding direction, and the Y direction can be designated as a phase encoding direction. In some embodiments, Gx can be used for frequency encoding or signal readout, which is generally referred to as a frequency encoding gradient or a readout gradient. In some embodiments, Gy can be used for phase encoding, which is generally referred to as a phase encoding gradient. In some embodiments, Gz can be used for slice selection to obtain two-dimensional K-space data. In some embodiments, Gz can be used for phase encoding to obtain three-dimensional K-space data.

[0039] The RF coil assembly may include at least two groups of RF coils. The RF coil may include one or more RF transmitting coils and / or one or more RF receiving coils. The RF transmitting coil may transmit RF pulses to an object to be scanned (such as a target object). Under the synergistic effect of the main magnetic field / gradient magnetic field and the RF pulse, a magnetic resonance signal related to the target object may be generated according to a pulse sequence. The RF receiving coil may acquire a magnetic resonance signal from the object according to the pulse sequence. A transformation operation (e.g., Fourier transform) may be used to process the magnetic resonance signal to fill the K space and acquire K space data.

[0040] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include a scanner for scanning a target object. In some embodiments, the scanner may include a gantry 112 for carrying electronic components (eg, a transmitter, a receiver, a controller, etc.).

[0041] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include a patient carrier device 115 (e.g., a medical bed) for carrying a target object. In some embodiments, the patient carrier device 115 may be movable relative to the frame 112. For example, the patient carrier device 115 may be movable along the z direction in the figure, where the z direction is a direction parallel to the central axis of the frame 112. In some embodiments, the patient carrier device 115 may be independent of the imaging device. For example, the imaging device 110 and the patient carrier device 115 are two independent devices.

[0042] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may further include a host computer for processing received data (e.g., K-space data) and sending control instructions to the gantry 112 and / or the patient carrier device 115. In some embodiments, the host computer may be used to detect the connectivity of the radio frequency link. For more information, see Figure 2 It is described in , and will not be repeated here.

[0043] The processing device 120 may process data and / or information obtained from the imaging device 110, the terminal device 130, the storage device 140, or other components of the automatic detection system 100. For example, the processing device 120 may connect the self-test path in response to the docking of the rack 112 of the imaging device 110 with the patient carrier device 115; turn on the automatic transceiver function of the radio frequency signal of the imaging device 110, and obtain the output signal corresponding to the self-test path; determine whether the output signal meets the preset condition; in response to not meeting the preset condition, control the rack 112 to re-dock with the patient carrier device 115, and determine whether the output signal after re-docking meets the preset condition; repeat the above re-docking operation until the output signal after reconnection meets the preset condition, or the number of reconnections reaches the preset number.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processing device 120 and the imaging device 110 may be integrated into one. For example, the processing device 120 may be integrated into a host computer of the imaging device 110. In some embodiments, the processing device 120 and the imaging device 110 may be directly or indirectly connected to jointly implement the methods and / or functions described in this specification.

[0045] In some embodiments, the processing device 120 may include an input device and / or an output device. Interaction with a user (e.g., displaying a reconstructed image, etc.) may be achieved through the input device and / or the output device. In some embodiments, the input device and / or the output device may include a display screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0046] The terminal device 130 may be connected and / or communicate with the imaging device 110, the processing device 120, and / or the storage device 140. For example, the terminal device 130 may obtain and display the reconstructed image from the processing device 120. In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may include a mobile device 131, a tablet computer 132, a laptop computer 133, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 (or all or part of its functions) may be integrated into the processing device 120.

[0047] The storage device 140 may store data, instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, the storage device 140 may store data (e.g., reconstructed images, etc.) acquired from the imaging device 110 and / or the processing device 120. In some embodiments, the storage device 140 may store computer instructions for implementing an automatic detection method for radio frequency link connectivity, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the storage device 140 may include one or more storage components, each of which may be an independent device or part of another device. In some embodiments, the storage device 140 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a mass storage, a removable memory, a volatile read-write memory, or the like, or any combination thereof. Exemplarily, the mass storage may include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid-state disk, or the like. RAM may include dynamic RAM (DRAM), double rate synchronous dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and zero capacitance (Z-RAM), or the like. ROM may include mask ROM (MROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (PEROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk ROM (CD-ROM), and digital versatile disk ROM, or the like. In some embodiments, the storage device 140 may be implemented on a cloud platform.

[0049] The network 150 may include any suitable network capable of facilitating information and / or data exchange. In some embodiments, at least one component of the automatic detection system 100 (e.g., the imaging device 110, the processing device 120, the terminal device 130, the storage device 140) may exchange information and / or data with at least one other component in the automatic detection system 100 via the network 150. For example, the processing device 120 may obtain a reconstructed image from the imaging device 110 via the network 150.

[0050] It should be noted that the automatic detection system 100 is provided only for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. For those of ordinary skill in the art, multiple modifications or variations can be made according to the description of this specification. For example, the automatic detection system 100 can implement similar or different functions on other devices. However, these changes and modifications will not deviate from the scope of this specification.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary imaging device according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the imaging device 200 may include a gantry 112, a patient carrier device 115, and a host computer 230. In some embodiments, the imaging device 200 may include a magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0053] Rack 112 may be used to carry electronic components 211. In some embodiments, rack 112 may include a magnet rack or an equipment room rack. Figure 1 As shown in , the rack 112 may be an arc-shaped magnet rack, which is located in the scanning room, and electronic components such as a radio frequency transceiver coil (for example, a transceiver coil in a volume transmission mode) may be installed on the side of the rack 112. For another example, when the rack 112 of the imaging device 200 is located in the equipment room, the rack 112 may be equipped with electronic components such as a radio frequency transceiver coil (for example, a transceiver coil in a volume transmission mode) in the form of an electronic chassis / cabinet.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown in , the electronic component 211 may include at least one of a transmitter, a receiver, and a controller.

[0055] The transmitter can be used to transmit radio frequency power. In some embodiments, the transmitter can include a radio frequency transmission coil. In some embodiments, the transmitter can correspond to multiple transmission channels. In some embodiments, the transmitter can receive control instructions sent from the host computer 230 to generate radio frequency waveforms for each channel, and finally generate a multi-channel radio frequency high-power transmission signal. For example, Figure 3 As shown in , the transmitter can receive control instructions related to the RF configuration file sent from the host computer 230, generate RF waveforms corresponding to each channel in the n-channel transmission channel according to the RF configuration file, and finally generate RF high-power transmission signals of the n-channel. In some embodiments, the transmission signal can be applied to the target object in the form of a high-power RF electromagnetic field, so as to be absorbed by the human body under a specific static magnetic field and then stimulate the magnetic quantity in the human body, thereby generating an echo signal to be collected by the RF receiving link (e.g., a receiver).

[0056] The receiver can be used to collect radio frequency signals. For example, the receiver can be used to receive echo signals from a target object and / or output signals of a self-test path. In some embodiments, the receiver can include a radio frequency receiving coil. In some embodiments, the receiver can perform signal processing, protocol packaging, and other operations on the received radio frequency signals, and transmit them to the host computer 230 so that the host computer can detect the connectivity of the radio frequency link and / or reconstruct images for clinical scans. As an example only, Figure 3As shown in , when the patient carrier device 115 is docked with the rack 112, the receiver can receive the RF signals of the m output channels, and transmit them to the host computer 230 after further signal processing (for example, generating K-space data) and protocol packaging. The host computer 230 can detect the connectivity of the RF link based on the received data, and / or generate a magnetic resonance image of the target object through image reconstruction and other processing.

[0057] The controller can be used to receive control instructions from the host computer. In some embodiments, the controller can control the connection or disconnection of the self-test path based on the received control instructions. For example, based on the control instructions received from the host computer 230, the controller can pass the switch state of the single-pole double-throw switch and / or the control information of the motor component (for example, information related to movement or stillness) to the firmware (Firmware, FW for short) to control the state of the single-pole double-throw switch and / or the motor component. In some embodiments, the controller can be used to identify the docking state of the rack 112 and the patient carrier device 115. For example Figure 3 As shown in , the controller can determine whether the patient carrier device 115 and the rack 112 have completed the docking operation by identifying the on-slot information at the interface between the patient carrier device 115 and the rack 112.

[0058] In some embodiments, the rack 112 may further include a first interface 215, and a cable 213 between the first interface 215 and the electronic component 211. The first interface 215 may be interconnected with the second interface of the patient carrier device to achieve docking between the two. When the patient carrier device 115 is connected to the rack 112 (for example, docking is successful), a radio frequency signal transceiver link may be formed. In some embodiments, the rack 112 may further include an interconnection cable (not shown in the figure) for connecting electronic components such as transmitters and receivers.

[0059] The patient carrier device 115 can be used to carry a target object. In some embodiments, the patient carrier device 115 can move relative to the gantry 112 (eg, move forward and backward along the z-axis in the figure).

[0060] In some embodiments, the patient carrier device 115 may include a table-top 201 , ports 203 , and cables 205 .

[0061] The desktop 201 can be used to carry the target object. In some embodiments, the desktop 201 can include one or more coil sockets for local transmission. For example, 6 to 8 coil sockets can be set at different positions on the edge of the desktop 201, and different sockets can realize scanning of different parts. For example, when the patient lies on his back or side on the desktop 201 of the patient carrier device 115, sockets 1-4 are located in the area where the patient's head is located, for realizing head scanning; sockets 5-6 are located in the area where the patient's legs are located, for realizing scanning of the legs (for example, knee joints, etc.); sockets 7-8 are located in the area where the patient's arms are located, for realizing scanning of the upper body (for example, elbows, shoulders, chest, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple coil sockets can correspond to their own mixed cables, respectively, for transmitting RF receiving signals from the RF coil and RF transmitting signals to the RF coil, as well as control signals (for example, control instructions) from the back-end software (for example, the host computer 230).

[0062] In some embodiments, the tabletop 201 may be a slide plate configured to carry the target object to be lifted and lowered (e.g., move up and down along the y-axis in the figure) and / or move relative to the rack 112 (e.g., move forward and backward along the z-axis in the figure). For example, after the rack 112 is docked with the patient carrier device 115, the slide plate may move along the positive direction of the y-axis to lift the target object to the same height as the aperture of the rack 112 based on the control instruction sent by the host computer 230, and move along the positive direction of the z-axis to send the target object into the aperture for scanning, and further after the scanning is completed, the slide plate may move along the reverse direction of the z-axis to carry the target object out of the aperture.

[0063] The port 203 may be used to connect to the rack 112. In some embodiments, the port 203 may include a second interface 207. The second interface 207 may be used to connect to the first interface 215 of the rack 112 (e.g., by plugging and unplugging) to achieve docking between the two. In some embodiments, the connection between the first interface 215 and the second interface 207 includes, but is not limited to, electrical connection, digital communication connection, optical communication connection, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, cable harness 205 may connect the coil jack and port 203 on desktop 201. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, multiple mixed cables corresponding to multiple coil sockets of the desktop 201 are aggregated into a unified cable bundle 205, which is connected to the port 203 (for example, welded to an electronic chip in the port 203), so that when the patient carrier device 115 is docked with the rack 112, the output radio frequency signal is transmitted to the host computer 230.

[0065] In some embodiments, the patient carrier device 115 may be pluggable and movable. For example, the patient carrier device 115 may be moved left and right along the arrow direction indicated by L in the figure to achieve plugging and unplugging of the interface (e.g., the first interface 215 and the second interface 207) between the rack 112.

[0066] In some embodiments, the frame 112 and the patient carrier device 115 may be fixed by a guide structure to ensure a secure docking.

[0067] The host computer 230 can be used to process the received data. For example, when the imaging device 200 scans the target object, the host computer 230 can reconstruct the K-space data received from the rack 112 to obtain a magnetic resonance image of the target object. For another example, when performing a connectivity test of the radio frequency link, the host computer 230 can process the output signal of the self-test path received from the rack 112 to determine whether the output signal meets a preset condition.

[0068] In some embodiments, the host computer 230 may be used to send control instructions to the gantry 112 and / or the patient carrier device 115. For example, the host computer 230 may send a movement instruction to the patient carrier device 115 to control the patient carrier device 115 to move to a target area (e.g., the area where the gantry 112 is located, the scanning area, etc.). For another example, the host computer 230 may send an automatic detection-related control instruction to the gantry 112 to connect the self-detection path and / or start the automatic transceiver function.

[0069] In some embodiments, the host computer 230 may include a processing device (e.g., the processing device 120). In some embodiments, the host computer 230 may be located in a scanning room or an equipment room. In some embodiments, the host computer 230 may be located in the same or different space as the rack 112. For example, the host computer 230 and the rack 112 are both in the equipment room; or the host computer 230 is located in the equipment room and the rack 112 is located in the scanning room.

[0070] In some embodiments, the imaging device 200 may include a self-test module (such as the self-test module 400) for detecting the connectivity of the radio frequency link. In some embodiments, the connectivity of the radio frequency link may be detected before scanning, after the device is started, and so on. In some embodiments, the self-test module may be disposed in the rack 112 or the patient carrier device 115. For example, the self-test module may be disposed in the port 203 of the patient carrier device 115, and the second interface 207 is electrically connected to the self-test module (for example, soldered on an electronic chip).

[0071] In some embodiments, Figure 4As shown, the self-test module 400 may include at least one of a single-pole double-throw switch (SPDT), a radio frequency signal distribution module, and a coupler.

[0072] A single-pole double-throw switch can be used to connect a scan path or a self-test path. A scan path can refer to a link used to implement a medical scan of a target object; a self-test path can refer to a link used to implement connectivity detection of a radio frequency link. For example, a single-pole double-throw switch can connect a self-test path when it is connected to the first path, and can connect a scan path when it is connected to the second path. In some embodiments, a single-pole double-throw switch can connect a self-test path or a scan path based on a control instruction of the firmware. In some embodiments, the firmware may include programmable logic devices such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a central processing unit (CPU). In some embodiments, the SPDT module may include multiple (e.g., m) independent single-pole double-throw switches, and the two inputs of each switch come from the self-test path and the scan path, respectively.

[0073] The RF signal distribution module, also known as the Fanout module, can be used to distribute (fan out) the signal output by the transmission channel to multiple receiving channels. In some embodiments, during the non-self-test period, the RF signal distribution module can guide all the output signals of the multiple inputs (e.g., n inputs) corresponding to the transmission channel to 50 ohms to ground. In some embodiments, during the self-test period, the RF signal distribution module can fan out the output signals of the multiple inputs (e.g., n inputs) corresponding to the transmission channel to the multiple outputs (e.g., m1 outputs) corresponding to the receiving channels.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the RF link connectivity is detected (i.e., during the self-test period), the RF signal distribution module may distribute the signal output by the transmission channel to multiple receiving channels, and make the signal amplitudes of the output signals corresponding to the multiple receiving channels consistent or substantially consistent. For example, when the RF signal distribution module fans out the power of n inputs to m1 outputs respectively, it is necessary to make the amplitude of the RF signal corresponding to each output in the m1 outputs consistent or substantially consistent (for example, the difference is less than a preset value, and the preset value can be any reasonable value).

[0075] In some embodiments, the RF signal distribution module can distribute the signal output by the transmission channel to multiple receiving channels by means of power division, signal amplitude adjustment, etc. In some embodiments, the power distribution can meet the preset rules. For example, the preset rules may include that the RF power of each of the n inputs corresponding to the transmission channel is distributed to at least one of the m1 outputs corresponding to the receiving channel, and / or the RF power of each of the m1 outputs comes from at least one of the n input channels.

[0076] The coupler can be used to extract the radio frequency energy for the above-mentioned automatic detection from the transmission channel according to the preset coupling degree. The extracted radio frequency energy can be used as an excitation source for automatic detection. In some embodiments, the preset coupling degree can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, for example, within the range of 40dB to 50dB, and this specification does not limit this. In some embodiments, the coupler may include a directional coupler (Directional Coupler, referred to as DICO).

[0077] In some embodiments, the coupler module may include multiple (eg, n) independent couplers, where n represents the number of transmission channels.

[0078] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown in , the input end of the coupler can be connected to the transmission channel, and after extracting the RF energy from the transmission channel according to the preset coupling degree, it is input into the RF signal distribution module; the output end of the RF signal distribution module is connected to the single-pole double-throw switch, and when the single-pole double-throw switch reaches the self-test path, the signal distributed to the multiple receiving channels is output through the link connected by the single-pole double-throw switch. In some embodiments, the output signal can be transmitted to the host computer 230 after processing, so as to realize the detection of the connectivity of the RF link.

[0079] By utilizing the existing RF link resources of the imaging equipment and using modules such as multi-channel single-pole double-throw switches to simultaneously detect the connectivity of the transmit link and the receive link, it is possible to avoid adding additional signal sources to the patient carrier device in order to achieve detection, thereby avoiding waste of cost, volume and power consumption.

[0080] In some embodiments, the imaging device 200 may further include a motor assembly. The motor assembly may be used to drive the second interface 207 of the patient carrier device 115 to move along a preset direction, so that the first interface 215 and the second interface 207 are plugged in and out, so that the rack 112 and the patient carrier device 115 are re-docking. In some embodiments, the preset direction may be a direction along the central axis of the rack (e.g., the positive direction and the negative direction of the z-axis in the figure).

[0081] The motor assembly can be used to provide power to the patient carrier device 115, drive the patient carrier device 115 to move, and thus move the second interface 207 in a preset direction. By driving the patient carrier device 115 to move, plugging and unplugging assistance can be provided when the two need to be docked or unplugged (i.e., plugging and unplugging operations), thereby achieving reconnection between the rack 112 and the patient carrier device 115.

[0082] In some embodiments, the motor assembly (ED) may include a motor controller, a motor drive, and a motor. In some embodiments, the motor assembly may be located in the patient carrier device 115. For example, the motor assembly may be integrated into the port 203 of the patient carrier device 115.

[0083] The motor assembly for electric power-assisted plugging and unplugging is integrated with the radio frequency self-test circuit through the system workflow to form a closed-loop detection and error correction circuit, which avoids the need for users to manually re-plug and plug, and improves detection efficiency.

[0084] In some embodiments, the imaging device 200 may further include one or more signal processing modules, firmware and other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the signal processing module may be used to reduce the number of channels. For example, the imaging device 200 may include a first signal processing module and a second signal processing module. The first signal processing module and / or the second signal processing module may reduce the number of channels by frequency division multiplexing merging, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the number of RF pins, reducing the insertion and extraction force, and improving reliability.

[0085] It should be noted that the above description of the imaging device 200 and its modules is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes and modifications can be made according to the description of this specification. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0086] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary port shown in some embodiments of this specification.

[0087] Taking the self-test module set in the patient carrier device as an example, Figure 5The structure of the port 203 is shown in FIG. The left side of the port 203 is connected to the rack 112, including RF transceiver channels and a control bus. The number of transmission channels is n (i.e., the number of channels corresponding to the transmitting coil in the figure is n), and the number of receiving channels is m (i.e., the number of channels corresponding to the receiving coil in the figure is m). The right side of the port 203 is connected to the cable bundle 205, including RF transceiver channels, wherein n RF transmission channels each pass through the coupler (DICO) inside the port 203, and m0 RF receiving channels pass through the first signal processing module 510, the single-pole double-throw switch output and the second signal processing module 520, and the corresponding number of transmission channels is n, and the number of receiving channels is m0. When the patient carrier device 115 is connected to the rack 112, the RF transceiver channel corresponding to the rack 112 on the left side is connected to the RF transceiver channel corresponding to each coil socket on the right side to form a RF transmission link and a receiving link.

[0088] When the controller identifies the on-slot information at the interface between the patient carrier device 115 and the rack 112 and determines that the two have completed the docking operation, the FW firmware can issue control instructions to the SPDT and Fanout modules based on the control instructions sent by the host computer 230. In the self-test stage, the SPDT is turned on according to the control instructions and connected to the Fanout module to form a self-test path. After the automatic transceiver function of the RF signal of the imaging device is turned on, the Fanout module fans out the n-way input of the transmission channel to the m1-way output through power distribution, signal amplitude adjustment, etc. according to the control instructions, and then outputs it to the second signal processing module 520 through a single-pole double-throw switch. The second signal processing module 520 reduces the m1-way receiving channel to the m-way receiving channel through signal processing, etc., and the output RF signal of the m-way receiving channel (i.e., the output signal corresponding to the self-test path) is transmitted to the rack 112. In some embodiments, the rack 112 can process the output signal and transmit it to the host computer 230, or directly transmit it to the host computer 230.

[0089] When the host computer 230 determines that the output signal of the self-test path does not meet the preset conditions, it sends a control instruction of the motor assembly to the FW. The FW controls the ED to work according to the control instruction, provides power for the forward and backward movement of the port 203 or the patient carrier device 115 (for example, forward and backward movement along the z-axis), and performs plug-in and unplug actions between the first interface (for example, the first interface 215) and the second interface (for example, the second interface 207) to control the re-docking between the rack 112 and the patient carrier device 115. The host computer 230 can determine whether the output signal of the self-test path meets the preset conditions after reconnection. If not, it controls the ED to perform the re-docking operation again; repeat the process until the output signal after reconnection meets the preset conditions, or the number of reconnections reaches the preset number of times.

[0090] In some embodiments, during the scanning phase, FW can control SPDT to go down based on the control instruction sent by the host computer 230, and connect with the first signal processing module 510 to form a scanning path. The first signal processing module 510 can reduce the m0 receiving channel to the m1 channel through frequency division multiplexing and other methods, and output it to the second signal processing module 520 through a single-pole double-throw switch. During the scanning phase, the Fanout module can guide all n-way inputs to 50ohm to ground according to the control instruction. In some embodiments, the second signal processing module 520 can perform deep signal processing and / or data packaging to generate relatively few communication links (for example, m is 1, 2, 3, ...).

[0091] It should be noted that the above description is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes and modifications can be made according to the description of this specification. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0092] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of an exemplary method for automatically detecting connectivity of a radio frequency link according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0093] In some embodiments, process 600 may be performed by processing device 120 or imaging device 200. The operational diagram of process 600 presented below is illustrative. In some embodiments, the process may be completed using one or more additional operations not described and / or one or more operations not discussed. In addition, Figure 6 The order in which the operations of flow 600 are illustrated and described below is not intended to be limiting.

[0094] Step 610, in response to the imaging device being docked with the patient carrier device, the self-test path is connected.

[0095] The docking of the imaging device and the patient carrier device may refer to the interface interconnection between the gantry and the patient carrier device (eg, the first interface 215 and the second interface 207 are plugged together, or connected by digital communication / optical fiber communication, etc.).

[0096] In some embodiments, it can be determined whether the gantry and the patient carrier device are docked based on the in-position information between the gantry and the patient carrier device. For example, the controller in the gantry 112 can determine whether the docking operation has been completed by identifying the in-position information at the interface between the patient carrier device 115 and the gantry 112. In some embodiments, it can be detected whether the gantry and the patient carrier device are docked after the imaging device is started.

[0097] In conjunction with the above, the self-test path may refer to a link used to implement connectivity detection of a radio frequency link. In some embodiments, the self-test path may include a transmitting link and a receiving link. For example Figure 5 As shown in , after the self-test path is connected, it may include a radio frequency transmission link formed by the transmission channel of the rack 112 and the transmission channel of the patient carrier device 115, and a reception link formed by the reception channel of the rack 112 and the reception channel of the patient carrier device 115. In some embodiments, the self-test path may include one or more reception channels. For example Figure 5 As shown in , when m=1, the self-check path includes one receiving channel; when m=2, it includes two receiving channels; ...; wherein, m≤m1.

[0098] In some embodiments, the self-test path can be connected by controlling the connection direction of the single-pole double-throw switch. Figure 5 As shown in , during the self-test phase, the FW can control each SPDT to hit the top thereof based on the control instruction sent by the host computer 230, connect the Fanout module, and thus connect the self-test path.

[0099] In some embodiments, in response to the docking of the imaging device gantry with the patient carrier device, it can be determined whether the patient carrier device is docked. If docked, the self-checking passage is connected; otherwise, the gantry and the patient carrier device are re-checked whether they are docked until the patient carrier device is docked.

[0100] Step 620, start the automatic radio frequency signal receiving and transmitting function of the imaging device, and obtain the output signal corresponding to the self-test path.

[0101] The automatic RF signal transceiving function of the imaging device may refer to the function of the imaging device to automatically transmit and collect RF signals. For example, after the automatic RF signal transceiving function of the imaging device is turned on during the scanning phase, the RF transmission link may transmit RF power based on the RF configuration file, and apply the RF power to the target object in the form of a high-power RF electromagnetic field through the RF transmission coil, so as to be absorbed by the human body under a specific static magnetic field and stimulate the magnetic quantity in the human body, thereby generating an echo signal to be collected by the RF receiving link.

[0102] In some embodiments, the output signal may include a radio frequency signal and / or an analog signal. When the self-check path is connected and the radio frequency signal automatic transceiver function of the imaging device is turned on, the radio frequency receiving link may automatically collect the output signal. For example Figure 5 As shown in , in the self-test stage, when the SPDT is connected to the upper self-test path and the automatic transceiver function of the RF signal of the imaging device is turned on, the RF signal output by the n transmission channels is automatically output through the coupler, the Fanout module, the SPDT and the second signal processing module 520, transmitted to the rack 112, and then transmitted from the rack to the host computer 230.

[0103] Step 630, determining whether the output signal of the self-test path meets a preset condition.

[0104] In some embodiments, the preset condition may include at least one of the amplitude of the signal being greater than or equal to the preset amplitude, the amplitude change of the signal being within a first preset range, and the phase change of the signal being within a second preset range. The first preset range is related to the stability of the signal amplitude (for example, it may be 0.5, 0.3, etc.), and the second preset range is related to the stability of the signal phase. In some embodiments, the preset amplitude, the first preset range, and / or the second preset range may be flexibly set according to actual needs, and this specification does not limit this.

[0105] By judging whether the amplitude change of the signal is within the first preset range, it can be determined whether the amplitude of the signal is stable. Similarly, by judging whether the phase change of the signal is within the second preset range, it can be determined whether the phase of the signal remains stable.

[0106] In some embodiments, the preset condition may include that the digital communication link corresponding to the output signal always remains connected. In this case, the electronic devices related to the transmitting channel and the receiving channel of the self-test path form a digital communication link, and the output signal is a digital signal. In some embodiments, it can be determined based on the relevant parameters of the digital signal whether the digital communication link always remains connected. For example, it can be determined whether the digital communication link always remains connected based on the bit error rate, stability, etc. of the digital signal.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the number of receiving channels of the self-checking path is large (for example, greater than a preset value) and the output signal is a radio frequency signal, the preset condition may be at least one of the amplitude of the signal being greater than or equal to the preset amplitude, the amplitude variation of the signal being within a first preset range, and the phase variation of the signal being within a second preset range. In some embodiments, when the number of receiving channels of the self-checking path is small (for example, less than or equal to the above preset value) and the output signal is a digital signal, the preset condition may be that the digital communication link corresponding to the output signal always remains connected. In some embodiments, the preset value may be flexibly set according to actual conditions, for example, the preset value is 5, 7, 10, 15, etc., and this specification does not limit this.

[0108] In some embodiments, the preset conditions corresponding to each receiving channel may be the same.

[0109] In some embodiments, for each receiving channel in the self-checking path, it can be determined whether the corresponding output signal meets the preset condition. When the output signals corresponding to all receiving channels meet the preset condition, it can be determined that the output signal of the self-checking path meets the preset condition; otherwise, it is considered that the output signal of the self-checking path does not meet the preset condition.

[0110] For example, when the number of receiving channels of the self-checking path is 10 (i.e., m=10), which is greater than the preset value 7, for each receiving channel, the host computer 230 can determine whether the amplitude of the output RF signal is greater than the preset amplitude. If the amplitudes of the RF signals output by the 10 receiving channels are all greater than the preset amplitude, it is determined that the output signal of the self-checking path meets the preset condition; otherwise, it is considered not to meet the condition. For another example, when the number of receiving channels of the self-checking path is 1 (i.e., m=1), and the output signal is a digital signal, the host computer 230 can determine whether the bit error rate of the digital signal is less than the preset value. If it is, it is considered to meet the preset condition; otherwise, it is considered not to meet the preset condition.

[0111] The output signal of the self-check path does not meet the preset conditions, indicating that there is an abnormality in the connectivity of the RF link, for example, one or more RF receiving links or transmitting links have open circuits, short circuits, etc. In some embodiments, when the output signal corresponding to the self-check path does not meet the preset conditions, step 640 may be entered; when the preset conditions are met, step 650 may be entered to end the automatic detection and determine that the RF link remains connected.

[0112] Step 640: Control the patient carrier device to re-dock with the imaging device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second interface of the patient carrier device (e.g., the second interface 207 of the patient carrier device 115) can be controlled to move along a preset direction, so that the first interface and the second interface are plugged in and out, so that the patient carrier device and the rack can be re-docking. In some embodiments, the preset direction can be a direction along the central axis of the rack (e.g., the positive direction and the negative direction of the z-axis in the figure).

[0114] In some embodiments, the motor assembly can be used to control the re-docking (eg, electrical connection) between the frame and the patient carrier device. Figure 2 As shown in , when the motor assembly is located in the patient carrier device, the upper computer 230 can send a control instruction to control the motor assembly to first drive the patient carrier device 115 to move along the negative direction of the z-axis to provide instantaneous assistance for removal, so as to separate the second interface 207 of the patient carrier device 115 from the first interface of the rack 112; and then control the motor assembly to drive the patient carrier device 115 to move along the positive direction of the z-axis to provide assistance for insertion, so as to dock the second interface 207 of the patient carrier device 115 with the first interface 215 of the rack 112, thereby controlling the rack 112 and the patient carrier device 115 to re-dock.

[0115] After re-docking, the process can go to step 620-step 630 again to determine whether the output signal of the self-test path after re-docking meets the preset condition. If not, the process repeats step 620-640 until the output signal of the self-test path after re-docking meets the preset condition or the number of re-dockings reaches the preset number.

[0116] In some embodiments, when the output signal of the self-test path after reconnection meets a preset condition, or the number of reconnections reaches a preset number, the process may proceed to step 650: ending the automatic test.

[0117] In some embodiments, an error report may be made in response to the number of re-dockings reaching a preset number (e.g., 5 times, 7 times, etc.). In some embodiments, an error report may be made when the number of re-dockings reaches a preset number and the output signal of the self-checking path still does not meet the preset condition after re-docking. For example, when the output signal of the self-checking path still does not meet the preset condition after the motor assembly is repeatedly controlled to drive the patient carrier device to perform plugging and unplugging actions for 5 times, the detection of the RF link connectivity may be terminated and an error report may be made so that the user can repair / maintain the imaging device.

[0118] It should be noted that the above description of process 600 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes and modifications can be made according to the description of this specification. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present specification, a computer device is also provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the method described above (e.g., process 600) when executing the computer program.

[0120] Another aspect of the present specification provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores computer instructions. When a computer reads the computer instructions in the storage medium, the computer executes the method described above (eg, process 600).

[0121] The beneficial effects that may be brought about by the embodiments of this specification include but are not limited to: (1) by connecting the self-test path after the rack and the patient carrier device are docked, the connectivity of the RF link is automatically detected, and the reliability problem of the RF link connectivity can be identified in the first time; (2) when the output signal of the self-test path does not meet the preset conditions, the electrical connection between the rack and the patient carrier device is automatically controlled to be re-established, which can effectively improve reliability and robustness; (3) the electrical connection is assisted by the motor component of the electric power assist plugging and unplugging, thereby avoiding the user's manual re-plugging operation, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs; (4) utilizing the existing RF link resources of the imaging device, assisted by a multi-way single-pole switch, to simultaneously detect the connectivity of the transmitting path and the receiving path, thereby avoiding the need to add an additional signal source to the device for detection, thereby avoiding the waste of cost, volume and power consumption.

[0122] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above detailed disclosure is only for example and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated here, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements and corrections are suggested in this specification, so such modifications, improvements and corrections still belong to the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this specification.

[0123] At the same time, this specification uses specific words to describe the embodiments of this specification. For example, "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different positions in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0124] In addition, unless explicitly stated in the claims, the order of the processing elements and sequences described in this specification, the use of alphanumeric characters, or the use of other names are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods of this specification. Although the above disclosure discusses some invention embodiments that are currently considered useful through various examples, it should be understood that such details are only for illustrative purposes, and the attached claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that are consistent with the essence and scope of the embodiments of this specification. For example, although the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented only by software solutions, such as installing the described system on an existing server or mobile device.

[0125] Similarly, it should be noted that in order to simplify the description disclosed in this specification and thus help understand one or more embodiments of the invention, in the above description of the embodiments of this specification, multiple features are sometimes combined into one embodiment, figure or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not mean that the features required by the subject matter of this specification are more than the features mentioned in the claims. In fact, the features of the embodiments are less than all the features of the single embodiment disclosed above.

[0126] In some embodiments, numbers describing the number of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of the embodiments are modified by the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. Unless otherwise specified, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicate that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may change according to the required features of individual embodiments. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should take into account the specified significant digits and adopt the general method of retaining digits. Although the numerical domains and parameters used to confirm the breadth of their range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, the setting of such numerical values ​​is as accurate as possible within the feasible range.

[0127] Each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other materials, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, etc., cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Except for application history documents that are inconsistent with or conflicting with the contents of this specification, documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims of this specification (currently or later attached to this specification) are also excluded. It should be noted that if the descriptions, definitions, and / or use of terms in the materials attached to this specification are inconsistent or conflicting with the contents described in this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or use of terms in this specification shall prevail.

[0128] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are only used to illustrate the principles of the embodiments of this specification. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, as an example and not a limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of this specification may be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to the embodiments explicitly introduced and described in this specification.

Claims

1. A method for automatically detecting radio frequency link connectivity, performed by at least one processing device, the method comprising: In response to the imaging device being docked with the patient carrier device, connecting the self-test pathway; Turning on the automatic radio frequency signal transceiving function of the imaging device and acquiring the output signal corresponding to the self-test path; Determining whether the output signal meets a preset condition; In response to the preset condition not being met, the patient carrier device is controlled to re-dock with the imaging device until the output signal after re-docking meets the preset condition.

2. According to the method according to claim 1, the preset condition includes at least one of the amplitude of the signal being greater than or equal to the preset amplitude, the amplitude change of the signal being within a first preset range, and the phase change of the signal being within a second preset range, or the preset condition includes that the digital communication link corresponding to the output signal always remains connected.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the self-checking path comprises at least one receiving channel, and determining whether the output signal satisfies the preset condition comprises: Determine whether the output signal corresponding to each receiving channel in the at least one receiving channel meets the preset condition; if all receiving channels meet the condition, determine that the output signal of the self-test path meets the preset condition; otherwise, determine that the output signal of the self-test path does not meet the preset condition.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the patient carrier device to re-dock with the imaging device comprises: The second interface of the patient carrier device is controlled to move along a preset direction, so that the first interface of the imaging device and the second interface are plugged in and out, so that the patient carrier device and the imaging device are re-docking.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to the number of times the re-docking is performed reaching a preset number, an error report is performed.

6. An imaging device comprising: A scanner, used to scan a target object; a patient carrier device for carrying the target object, configured to move relative to the scanner, and to form a radio frequency link when the patient carrier device establishes a connection with the scanner; The host computer is used to process the received data and detect the connectivity of the radio frequency link. The device according to claim 6 , further comprising a self-test module.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the self-check module comprises at least one of the following: A single-pole double-throw switch for switching between a connected scanning path and a connected self-test path; A radio frequency signal distribution module is used to distribute the signal output by the transmitting channel to multiple receiving channels; A coupler, configured to extract radio frequency energy for the detection from the transmission channel according to a preset coupling degree; in, The output end of the coupler is connected to the input end of the radio frequency signal distribution module, and the output end of the radio frequency signal distribution module is connected to the single-pole double-throw switch.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the radio frequency signal distribution module is used for: When the connectivity of the radio frequency link is detected, the signal output by the transmitting channel is distributed to multiple receiving channels, and the signal amplitudes of the output signals corresponding to the multiple receiving channels are kept consistent or substantially consistent.

10. The device according to claim 6, further comprising: The motor assembly is used to drive the second interface of the patient carrier device to move along a preset direction, so that the first interface of the scanner and the second interface are plugged in and out, so that the patient carrier device and the scanner are re-docking.

Images