CT device and control method and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The application discloses a CT device and a control method and device thereof, and relates to the technical field of medical treatment. In the process of acquiring a positioning image of a scanning object, the CT device can acquire a plurality of first optical images through an image acquisition component, and acquire the Z-direction position of the scanning object when each first optical image is acquired. Then, in the formal scanning process, the CT device can acquire a target optical image corresponding to the Z-direction position closest to the Z-direction position corresponding to the second optical image from the plurality of first optical images based on the Z-direction position of the scanning object when the second optical image is acquired, and then automatically control the scanning process of the CT device based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image. Since the reliability of determining the movement result of the scanning object based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is relatively high, the reliability of controlling the scanning process of the CT device based on the movement result can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical technology, specifically to a CT scanner and its control method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] During a computed tomography (CT) scan, the subject needs to remain stationary until the scan is complete. However, in actual scanning, the subject may move, resulting in motion artifacts in the obtained image. This leads to lower image quality and affects medical diagnosis.

[0003] In related technologies, a glass window is installed between the room where the CT equipment is located and the room where the doctor is located. The doctor can observe the scanned object through this glass window and, upon detecting any movement of the scanned object, trigger the CT equipment's main control panel to stop the CT equipment from scanning.

[0004] However, in related technologies, the movement of the scanned object determined by doctors through visual observation may be erroneous, resulting in low reliability of the CT equipment's scanning process control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a CT scanner and its control method and apparatus, which can solve the problem in related technologies where the movement of the scanned object determined by the doctor's naked-eye observation may be erroneous, leading to low reliability of the CT scanner's scanning process control. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] On one hand, a control method for a CT device is provided. The CT device includes: a radiation source, an image acquisition component, and a scanning bed, wherein the field of view of the image acquisition component covers the irradiation range of the radiation source; the method includes:

[0007] During the process of acquiring the positioning image of the scanned object, multiple first optical images of the scanned object are acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the scanned object is obtained when each first optical image is acquired.

[0008] During the formal scanning of the object, a second optical image of the object is acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the object is obtained when the second optical image is acquired.

[0009] Based on the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image, the target optical image is determined from multiple first optical images, and the Z-axis position corresponding to the target optical image is closest to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image.

[0010] The scanning process of the CT equipment is controlled based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

[0011] Optionally, the scanning process of the CT equipment is controlled based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, including:

[0012] If the similarity is less than the first threshold, the CT equipment will be controlled to stop scanning or rescan.

[0013] Optionally, controlling the scanning process of the CT equipment based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image further includes:

[0014] If the similarity is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, a prompt message will be issued.

[0015] The second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0016] Optionally, the Z-axis position of the scanned object is represented by the bed code of the scanning bed.

[0017] Optionally, before controlling the scanning process of the CT device based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the method further includes:

[0018] A similarity algorithm is used to process the second optical image and the target optical image to obtain the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image; wherein, the similarity algorithm includes one of the following algorithms: cosine similarity algorithm, Euclidean distance calculation algorithm and Pearson correlation coefficient calculation algorithm.

[0019] Optionally, the field of view of the image acquisition component covers the scanning field of view of the CT equipment.

[0020] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of the CT device described above.

[0021] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the control method of the CT device described above.

[0022] In another aspect, a CT device is provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method for the CT device described above.

[0023] Furthermore, a control device for a CT scanner is provided. The CT scanner includes: an image acquisition component; the device includes:

[0024] The first acquisition module is used to acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through an image acquisition component during the process of acquiring the positioning image of the scanned object, and to acquire the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring each first optical image;

[0025] The second acquisition module is used to acquire a second optical image of the scanned object through an image acquisition component during the formal scanning process, and to acquire the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image.

[0026] The determination module is used to determine a target optical image from multiple first optical images based on the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image, wherein the Z-axis position corresponding to the target optical image is closest to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image.

[0027] The control module is used to control the scanning process of the CT equipment based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this invention include at least the following:

[0029] This invention provides a CT scanner and its control method and apparatus. During the acquisition of positioning images of the scanned object, the CT scanner can acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through an image acquisition component, and obtain the Z-axis position of the scanned object at the time of acquiring each first optical image. Then, during the actual scanning process, the CT scanner can, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image, obtain a target optical image from the multiple first optical images whose corresponding Z-axis position is closest to the corresponding Z-axis position of the second optical image. Subsequently, based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning process of the CT scanner is automatically controlled. Thus, compared to doctors determining the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, on the one hand, the reliability of determining the movement based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is high, thus ensuring high reliability in controlling the scanning process of the CT scanner based on this movement result; on the other hand, since doctors do not need to determine the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, the intelligence level of the CT scanner is improved, and the doctor's operation is simplified, enhancing the doctor's work experience.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2This is a flowchart of a control method for a CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another control method for a CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a control device for a CT equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] Currently, the CT scan procedure can include the following: After the doctor and the patient enter the scanning room, the doctor instructs the patient to lie on the CT scanner's scanning table and positions them according to the prescribed positioning guidelines. For example, if the scan area is the chest, the doctor instructs the patient to raise both hands above their head. If the scan area is the head, the doctor instructs the patient to place their hands at their sides and to maintain this adjusted posture during the CT scan. Afterward, the doctor leaves the scanning room and enters the control room, operating the main console based on the patient's information. The main console, under the doctor's control, then controls the CT scanner to scan the patient's positioning image. Following this, the main console responds to the doctor's marking operations on the positioning image displayed on the console, acquiring the scanning field of view for the formal scan, and controlling the CT scanner to perform the formal scan based on this field of view. After the formal scan is completed, i.e., the scan is finished, the doctor can instruct the patient to leave the scanning room.

[0038] However, during the actual scanning process, the object being scanned may move, which may cause motion artifacts in the resulting scan image, resulting in lower image quality and affecting medical diagnosis.

[0039] In related technologies, a glass window is installed between the room where the CT equipment is located and the room where the doctor is located. The doctor can observe the scanned object through this glass window and, upon detecting any movement of the scanned object, trigger the CT equipment's main control panel to stop the CT equipment from scanning.

[0040] Alternatively, a camera can be installed in the scanning room to capture images of the object being scanned in real time and upload them to the main control panel. The main control panel can then display the image for the doctor to view. By viewing the image, the doctor can observe whether the object being scanned has moved, and if movement is detected, trigger the CT scanner's main control panel to stop the scan.

[0041] However, in related technologies, the movement of the scanned object determined by doctors through visual observation may be erroneous, resulting in low reliability of the CT equipment's scanning process control.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 1 The CT equipment 100 includes: a radiation source ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), rack 10, scanning bed 20, image acquisition assembly ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and main control console 30. The main control console 30 is connected to the rack 10, the scanning bed 20 and the image acquisition components respectively. For example, the main control console 30 can be connected to the rack 10, the scanning bed 20 and the image acquisition components via controller area network communication (CAN).

[0043] Optionally, the image acquisition component can be a camera or a webcam. The field of view of the image acquisition component covers the scanning field of view of the CT device 100. For example, the image acquisition component can be located on the inner wall of the scanning port of the gantry 10. In this case, the CT device 100 can directly determine whether the scanned area has moved based on the images acquired by the image acquisition component during the positioning image scanning process and the images acquired by the image acquisition component during the actual scanning process.

[0044] The field of view of this image acquisition component may not need to cover the scanning field of view of the CT device 100. In this case, it can be assumed that if other parts of the scanned object move, the scanned area also moves. Therefore, the CT device 100 can determine whether the other parts have moved based on the images acquired by the image acquisition component during the positioning image scanning process and the images acquired by the image acquisition component during the actual scanning process, thereby obtaining a result of the movement of the scanned area. This result is either movement or no movement. The other parts are the adjacent parts of the scanned object other than the scanned area. For example, acquiring an abdominal image to determine whether the chest has moved.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a CT scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to a CT scanner, such as its main control panel. The CT scanner includes an image acquisition component. For example, the CT scanner can be... Figure 1The CT equipment shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The method includes:

[0046] Step 201: During the process of acquiring the positioning image of the scanned object, multiple first optical images of the scanned object are acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the scanned object is acquired when each first optical image is acquired.

[0047] During the acquisition of positioning images of the scanned object, the scan bed moves, thereby moving the scanned object. Consequently, the body parts of the scanned object within the field of view of the image acquisition unit change. Therefore, during this process, the CT scanner can acquire multiple different first optical images of the scanned object through the image acquisition unit. Furthermore, the CT scanner can also acquire the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring each first optical image, thus obtaining the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to each first optical image. This Z-axis is the forward and backward direction of the scan bed. The positioning images provide positioning information for subsequent formal scans, such as setting the range of the formal scan.

[0048] In one optional implementation, the Z-axis position of the scanned object can be represented by the bed code of the scanning bed. This bed code can be determined based on the distance the scanning bed travels in the Z-axis. For example, the CT device can pre-store a correspondence between travel distances and bed codes, and determine the bed code corresponding to the travel distance of the scanning bed in the Z-axis as the current bed code of the scanning bed. This travel distance can be pre-acquired by the CT device.

[0049] In another alternative implementation, the Z-axis position of the scanned object can be the coordinates of the scan bed in the target coordinate system. Optionally, a camera can be installed in the scanning chamber of the CT equipment. This camera can be connected to the CT equipment (such as a control console), and its field of view can cover the scan bed. The target coordinate system can be the camera coordinate system of the camera.

[0050] Alternatively, the target coordinate system can be a spatial coordinate system constructed using the space where the scanning bed is located. For example, the origin of this spatial coordinate system can be a point on the wall or floor of the space, the X-axis can be parallel to the width direction of the scanning bed, the Y-axis can be parallel to the length direction of the scanning bed, and the Z-axis can be perpendicular to the plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis (i.e., the surface of the scanning bed).

[0051] When the target coordinate system is the camera coordinate system, the CT scanner can acquire images captured by the camera and then directly obtain the coordinates of the scanning bed in the camera coordinate system based on these images. When the target coordinate system is the spatial coordinate system, the CT scanner can obtain the coordinates of the scanning bed in the camera coordinate system after acquiring the images. Then, the control panel can determine the coordinates of the scanning bed in the spatial coordinate system based on the transformation relationship between the camera coordinate system and the spatial coordinate system, and the coordinates of the scanning bed in the camera coordinate system.

[0052] Step 202: During the formal scanning of the object, a second optical image of the object is acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the object is obtained when the second optical image is acquired.

[0053] The specific implementation method for the Z-axis position of the scanned object when the CT device acquires the second optical image can refer to the relevant implementation process for acquiring the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the first optical image in step 201. This embodiment of the invention will not elaborate further here. The formal scan is either axial or helical.

[0054] Step 203: Determine the target optical image from multiple first optical images based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to the second optical image.

[0055] Among them, the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to the target optical image is closest to the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to the second optical image.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, the time taken for the CT scanner to obtain the positioning image is generally shorter than the time taken for the formal scan; that is, the scanning time for the positioning image is relatively short. During the process of obtaining the positioning image, the scanned object usually remains stationary and does not move. Therefore, each of the first optical images can be used as a reference to determine whether the scanned object moves during the formal scan.

[0057] Therefore, for each second optical image acquired by the CT device, the closest Z-axis position to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image can be obtained from multiple Z-axis positions corresponding to multiple first optical images, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to the second optical image.

[0058] Then, the CT device can acquire the first optical image corresponding to the closest Z-axis position and use the first optical image as the target optical image to determine whether the scanned object has moved at the Z-axis position.

[0059] Step 204: Based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, control the scanning process of the CT equipment.

[0060] The similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image can be used to characterize whether the scanned area of ​​the object has moved. Controlling the CT scanner's scanning process refers to: not interrupting the CT scanner (i.e., ensuring the CT scanner continues scanning), and controlling the CT scanner to stop or re-scan.

[0061] For example, if the main control panel determines that the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is less than the first threshold, that is, the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is low, it can determine that the scanned part of the object has moved significantly, and then control the CT equipment to stop scanning or rescan.

[0062] In summary, this invention provides a control method for a CT scanner. During the acquisition of positioning images of the scanned object, the CT scanner can acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through its image acquisition component, and obtain the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring each first optical image. Then, during the actual scanning process, the CT scanner can, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image, obtain a target optical image from the multiple first optical images whose corresponding Z-axis position is closest to the corresponding Z-axis position of the second optical image. Subsequently, based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning process of the CT scanner is automatically controlled. Thus, compared to doctors determining the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, on the one hand, determining the movement of the scanned object based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is highly reliable, thus ensuring high reliability in controlling the scanning process of the CT scanner based on this movement result; on the other hand, since doctors do not need to determine the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, the intelligence level of the CT scanner is improved, and the doctor's operation is simplified, enhancing the doctor's work experience.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another control method for a CT device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. This method can be applied to the main control console of a CT device. (Reference) Figure 3 The method may include:

[0064] Step 301: During the process of acquiring the positioning image of the scanned object, multiple first optical images of the scanned object are acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the scanned object is acquired when each first optical image is acquired.

[0065] When it is necessary to acquire a localization image of the object to be scanned, the main control console can control the X-ray source to lay out the beam for scanning the object. During the acquisition of the localization image of the object, the scanning bed moves, thereby moving the object. Consequently, the body parts of the object within the field of view of the image acquisition component will change. Therefore, during this process, the main control console can acquire multiple different first optical images of the object through the image acquisition component. Furthermore, the CT equipment can also acquire the Z-axis position of the object when acquiring each first optical image to obtain the Z-axis position of the object corresponding to each first optical image.

[0066] Understandably, the main control console can acquire the acquisition time of each first optical image, and then obtain the Z-axis position of the scanned object when the first optical image is acquired based on the acquisition time.

[0067] Optionally, the Z-axis position of the scanned object can be represented by the bed code of the scanning bed. This bed code can be determined based on the distance the scanning bed travels in the Z-axis. For example, the CT device can pre-store a correspondence between travel distances and bed codes, and determine the bed code corresponding to the travel distance of the scanning bed in the Z-axis as the current bed code of the scanning bed. This travel distance can be pre-acquired by the CT device.

[0068] Step 302: During the formal scanning of the object, a second optical image of the object is acquired through the image acquisition component, and the Z-axis position of the object is obtained when the second optical image is acquired.

[0069] The specific implementation method of the main control console acquiring the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image can refer to the relevant implementation process of acquiring the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the first optical image in step 201 or step 301 above. The embodiments of the present invention will not be repeated here.

[0070] Step 303: Determine the target optical image from multiple first optical images based on the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the time taken for the CT scanner to obtain the positioning image is generally shorter than the time taken for the formal scan; that is, the scanning time for the positioning image is relatively short. During the process of obtaining the positioning image, the scanned object usually remains stationary and does not move. Furthermore, the movement of the scanning bed during the formal scan is the same as the movement during the scanning of the positioning image. Therefore, each of the first optical images can be used as a reference to determine whether the scanned object moves during the formal scan.

[0072] Therefore, each time the main control console acquires a second optical image, it can obtain the Z-axis position that is closest to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image from multiple Z-axis positions corresponding to multiple first optical images, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object corresponding to the second optical image.

[0073] Then, the main control console can acquire the first optical image corresponding to the closest Z-axis position and use the first optical image as the target optical image to determine whether the scanned object has moved at the Z-axis position.

[0074] Taking the Z-axis position represented by a bed code as an example, the process of obtaining the Z-axis position closest to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image from multiple Z-axis positions corresponding to multiple first optical images is illustrated. For ease of description, the bed code corresponding to the first optical image is referred to as the first bed code, and the bed code corresponding to the second optical image is referred to as the second bed code.

[0075] After the main control console acquires the second optical bed code corresponding to the second optical image, it can determine the difference between the second optical bed code and the first bed code corresponding to each of the multiple first optical images, thus obtaining multiple differences. Then, the main control console can determine the minimum difference among these multiple differences.

[0076] If only one minimum difference exists, the main control console can determine the first bed code corresponding to the minimum difference as the first bed code closest to the second bed code. If multiple minimum differences exist, the main control console can determine the first bed code with the earliest acquisition time among the first bed codes corresponding to the multiple minimum differences as the first bed code closest to the second bed code.

[0077] Step 304: Use a similarity algorithm to process the second optical image and the target optical image to obtain the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

[0078] The similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image can be used to characterize whether the scanned part of the scanned object has moved.

[0079] Optionally, the similarity algorithm includes one of the following algorithms: cosine similarity algorithm, Euclidean distance calculation algorithm, and Pearson correlation coefficient calculation algorithm. For example, the main control console can use the cosine similarity algorithm to process the second optical image and the target optical image to obtain the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

[0080] Step 305: Determine whether the similarity is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0081] If the similarity is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the main control console can determine that the scanned part of the object has not moved, and thus will not interrupt the CT scan, and will execute step 303. That is to say, the main control console can determine the target optical image from multiple first optical images based on the Z-axis position corresponding to the next second optical image, until the scan is completed.

[0082] If the similarity is less than the second threshold, the main console can determine that the scanned part of the object has moved, and then can execute step 306. The second threshold can be pre-stored in the main console.

[0083] Step 306: Determine whether the similarity is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0084] If the similarity is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the main control console can determine that the scanned part of the scanned object has moved, but the movement is small and has little impact on the quality of the scanned image. Therefore, the main control console can execute step 307.

[0085] If the similarity is less than the first threshold, the main control console can determine that the scanned part of the object has moved, and the movement is significant, which has a large impact on the quality of the scanned image. Step 308 can then be executed. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the first threshold can be pre-stored in the main control console.

[0086] Step 307: Issue a notification message.

[0087] If the similarity is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control panel can instruct the CT equipment to issue a prompt message. This prompt message is used to remind the scanned object to remain still.

[0088] Optionally, the prompt message may include: a voice prompt message and / or a text prompt message. For example, the prompt message may be a voice prompt message. The CT device may also include a speaker. The CT device may play the prompt message through the speaker. For example, the text of the prompt message may be "Please do not move".

[0089] Step 308: Control the CT equipment to stop scanning or restart scanning.

[0090] If the similarity is less than the first threshold, the control panel can control the CT equipment to stop scanning or rescan.

[0091] It is understood that the order of steps in the control method for the CT equipment provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately adjusted, and steps can be added or removed as appropriate. For example, step 307 can be deleted as needed. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0092] In summary, this invention provides a control method for a CT scanner. During the acquisition of positioning images of the scanned object, the CT scanner can acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through its image acquisition component, and obtain the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring each first optical image. Then, during the actual scanning process, the CT scanner can, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image, obtain a target optical image from the multiple first optical images whose corresponding Z-axis position is closest to the corresponding Z-axis position of the second optical image. Subsequently, based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning process of the CT scanner is automatically controlled. Thus, compared to doctors determining the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, on the one hand, determining the movement of the scanned object based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is highly reliable, thus ensuring high reliability in controlling the scanning process of the CT scanner based on this movement result; on the other hand, since doctors do not need to determine the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, the intelligence level of the CT scanner is improved, and the doctor's operation is simplified, enhancing the doctor's work experience.

[0093] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned control method for a CT device. For example... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The control method of the CT equipment shown.

[0094] This invention 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 aforementioned control method for a CT device. For example... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The control method of the CT equipment shown.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a CT device structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the CT device 100 may include a memory 401, a processor 402, and a computer program stored in the memory 401 and executable on the processor 402. When the processor 402 executes the computer program, it implements the control method of the CT device shown in the above embodiment. For example... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The control method of the CT equipment shown.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a control device for a CT scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The CT scanner includes an image acquisition component. Figure 5As shown, the device 50 includes:

[0097] The first acquisition module 501 is used to acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through an image acquisition component during the process of acquiring the positioning image of the scanned object, and to acquire the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring each first optical image.

[0098] The second acquisition module 502 is used to acquire a second optical image of the scanned object through an image acquisition component during the formal scanning process, and to acquire the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image.

[0099] The determining module 503 is used to determine a target optical image from multiple first optical images based on the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image, wherein the Z-axis position corresponding to the target optical image is closest to the Z-axis position corresponding to the second optical image.

[0100] The control module 504 is used to control the scanning process of the CT equipment based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

[0101] Optionally, the control module 504 can be used to: control the CT device to stop scanning or rescan if the similarity is less than a first threshold.

[0102] Optionally, the control module 504 can be used to: issue a prompt message if the similarity is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0103] Optionally, the Z-axis position of the scanned object is represented by the bed code of the scanning bed.

[0104] Optional, see reference Figure 5 The device 50 may further include a processing module 505, which can be used to: process the second optical image and the target optical image using a similarity algorithm before controlling the scanning process of the CT device based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, to obtain the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image; wherein, the similarity algorithm includes one of the following algorithms: cosine similarity algorithm, Euclidean distance calculation algorithm and Pearson correlation coefficient calculation algorithm.

[0105] Optionally, the field of view of the image acquisition component covers the scanning field of view of the CT equipment.

[0106] In summary, this invention provides a control device for a CT scanner. During the acquisition of positioning images of the scanned object, the CT scanner can acquire multiple first optical images of the scanned object through its image acquisition component, and obtain the Z-axis position of the scanned object at the time of acquiring each first optical image. Then, during the actual scanning process, the CT scanner can, based on the Z-axis position of the scanned object when acquiring the second optical image, obtain a target optical image from the multiple first optical images whose corresponding Z-axis position is closest to the corresponding Z-axis position of the second optical image. Subsequently, based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning process of the CT scanner is automatically controlled. Thus, compared to doctors determining the movement of the scanned object through visual observation, on the one hand, determining the movement based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image is highly reliable, thus ensuring high reliability in controlling the scanning process of the CT scanner based on this movement result; on the other hand, since doctors do not need to visually determine the movement of the scanned object, the intelligence level of the CT scanner is improved, and the doctor's operation is simplified, enhancing the doctor's work experience.

[0107] 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.

[0108] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in 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.

[0109] In the description of this specification, 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 the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0110] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0111] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this invention are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated in this embodiment. Therefore, features defined with terms such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this invention can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the embodiment includes at least one of those features. In the description of this invention, the word "multiple" means at least two or more, such as two, three, four, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified in the embodiments.

[0112] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited in the embodiments, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" appearing in the embodiments should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can also be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, etc. Of course, it can also be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components, or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific implementation.

[0113] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method of a CT apparatus, characterized by, The CT device comprises an image acquisition component; and the method comprises: In a process of acquiring a scout image of a scan object, a plurality of first optical images of the scan object are acquired by the image acquisition component, and a Z-direction position of the scan object when each of the first optical images is acquired is acquired, the Z-direction being a direction of advancement and retreat of a scan bed of the CT device; In a process of performing formal scanning on the scan object, a second optical image of the scan object is acquired by the image acquisition component, and a Z-direction position of the scan object when the second optical image is acquired is acquired; Based on the Z-direction position corresponding to the second optical image, a target optical image is determined from the plurality of first optical images, the Z-direction position corresponding to the target optical image being closest to the Z-direction position corresponding to the second optical image; Based on a similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, a scanning procedure of the CT device is controlled.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning procedure of the CT device is controlled, comprising: If the similarity is less than a first threshold value, the CT device is controlled to stop scanning or to rescan.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the scanning procedure of the CT device is controlled, further comprising: If the similarity is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, a prompt message is sent; The second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The Z-direction position of the scan object is represented by a bed code of the scan bed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the scanning procedure of the CT device is controlled based on the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image, the method further comprises: The second optical image and the target optical image are processed by using a similarity algorithm to obtain the similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image; The similarity algorithm comprises one of the following algorithms: a cosine similarity algorithm, a Euclidean distance calculation algorithm, and a Pearson correlation coefficient calculation algorithm.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A field of view of the image acquisition component covers a scanning field of view of the CT device.

7. A computer readable storage medium characterized by A computer program is stored thereon, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the control method of the CT device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the control method of the CT device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A CT apparatus characterized by comprising: The computer program product comprises a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the control method of the CT device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A control device of a CT apparatus, characterized by comprising: The CT device comprises an image acquisition component; and the apparatus comprises: A first acquisition module is configured to, in a process of acquiring a scout image of a scan object, acquire a plurality of first optical images of the scan object by the image acquisition component, and acquire a Z-direction position of the scan object when each of the first optical images is acquired, the Z-direction being a direction of advancement and retreat of a scan bed of the CT device; The second acquisition module is configured to acquire a second optical image of the scanning object by using the image acquisition component during formal scanning of the scanning object, and acquire a Z-direction position of the scanning object when the second optical image is acquired. The determination module is configured to determine a target optical image from the plurality of first optical images based on the Z-direction position corresponding to the second optical image, wherein the Z-direction position corresponding to the target optical image is closest to the Z-direction position corresponding to the second optical image. The control module is configured to control a scanning process of the CT device based on a similarity between the second optical image and the target optical image.

Images