Detector, signal acquisition system, imaging method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a detector, a signal acquisition system and an imaging method and device. The detector comprises a plurality of detection areas and a plurality of signal reading circuits. Wherein each detection area comprises a plurality of detection sub-areas; the signal reading circuits are in one-to-one correspondence with the corresponding detection areas, each signal reading circuit comprises a plurality of signal reading sub-circuits, and the signal reading sub-circuits are in one-to-one correspondence with the corresponding detection sub-areas. By adopting the detector, the signal reading speed can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical technology, and in particular to a detector, signal acquisition system, imaging method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The detector is a crucial component of a scanning device. Taking a computed tomography (CT) scanner as an example, when a CT scanner scans a target object, X-rays penetrate the object and reach the detector. The detector then generates a signal based on the X-rays and outputs this signal to the detector's readout circuit. The readout circuit uses this signal to obtain the CT scan data, thereby generating a three-dimensional CT image.

[0003] Currently, an increasing number of applications require large-area detectors. However, the signal readout speed of large-area detectors is not high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a detector, signal acquisition system, imaging method, and device that can improve the signal readout speed in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a detector, comprising:

[0006] Multiple detection zones, each containing multiple detection sub-zones; and

[0007] Multiple signal readout circuits are provided, each corresponding to a specific detection area. Furthermore, each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, each corresponding to a specific detection sub-area.

[0008] In one embodiment, the attribute parameters of pixels in at least two detection regions are different, and / or the attribute parameters of at least two signal readout circuits are different.

[0009] In one embodiment, the detection area is parallel to the tomographic reconstruction plane corresponding to the scanning device.

[0010] In one embodiment, each signal readout circuit is disposed on multiple circuit layers of the same circuit board.

[0011] In one embodiment, the signal readout circuit includes a gate switch control circuit, which is used to select a target pixel from the detection area by outputting a gating signal corresponding to the target pixel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the signal readout sub-circuit can acquire the output signal of the detection sub-region corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel is selected.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection sub-region is the region obtained by dividing each pixel in the detection region according to a preset division method, which includes pixel row division, pixel column division, or pixel block division.

[0014] In one embodiment, the signal readout sub-circuit includes an amplifier circuit and a signal conversion circuit;

[0015] An amplifier circuit is used to amplify the first signal of the target pixel and send the first signal to a signal conversion circuit.

[0016] The signal conversion circuit is used to obtain the output signal corresponding to the target pixel based on the first signal.

[0017] Secondly, this application also provides a signal acquisition system, including: a control device and a detector of any of the above.

[0018] Thirdly, this application also provides an imaging method, comprising:

[0019] Acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; and

[0020] Image data is generated based on the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit;

[0021] Each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0023] The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0024] Fourthly, this application also provides an imaging device, which includes:

[0025] The acquisition module is used to acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector;

[0026] The generation module is used to generate image data based on the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit;

[0027] Each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0028] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of any of the above methods.

[0029] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods.

[0031] The aforementioned detector, signal acquisition system, imaging method, and apparatus include multiple detection areas and multiple signal readout circuits. Since each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area, and each detection area includes multiple detection sub-areas, and each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, with each sub-circuit corresponding to a specific detection sub-area, the signal readout sub-circuit can read the output signal corresponding to each pixel in the detection sub-area, and the signal readout circuit can acquire the output signal read by each sub-circuit. This increases the number of signal readout circuits and sub-circuits, with each detection area having an independent signal readout circuit, thereby improving the signal readout speed of the detector. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a detector in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal readout circuit in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal readout sub-circuit in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the imaging method in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the imaging device in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a computer device in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0045] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a detector in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the detector 100 includes multiple detection areas 101 and a signal readout circuit 102 corresponding to each detection area 101. The signal readout circuit 102 includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits 103, and each signal readout sub-circuit 103 corresponds to each detection sub-area 104 in the corresponding detection area 101.

[0046] Each detection region 101 is a region obtained by dividing each pixel in the detector. It can be understood that a pixel is the basic unit of signal acquisition. The detector 100 of this application can be a planar array detector, which can acquire information about particles entering a plane and their distribution within that plane through the array of pixels. In other words, a single pixel acquires information about a particle entering at a specific location within the plane. The signal acquisition process of the detector 101 includes particle reception, signal conversion, signal amplification and processing, analog-to-digital conversion, output, and control of the signal acquisition process, etc. Some of these functions are implemented within each pixel in an array, some are implemented through signal readout circuits, and some require the cooperation of pixels and signal readout circuits.

[0047] Depending on the detector principle, pixels may have different types or include different components. For example, in a scintillator detector, pixels may include scintillators or photodiodes. In a semiconductor detector, pixels may include semiconductors, which can convert incoming particles into electrical signals by applying an electric field to the semiconductor.

[0048] The sizes of the detection regions 101 can be the same or different. For example, each pixel in each detector can be evenly divided to obtain each detection region 101. In some embodiments, each pixel in the detector can also be divided into detection regions according to imaging requirements, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0049] Each detection sub-region 104 is a region obtained by dividing each pixel in the detection region 101. Similarly, the sizes of the detection sub-regions 104 can be the same or different. For example, the detection region can be divided equally to obtain each detection sub-region 104.

[0050] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 Taking detection area 101, which includes detection area 101a and detection area 101b, as an example, detection area 101a corresponds to signal readout circuit 102a, and detection area 101b corresponds to signal readout circuit 102b. It is understandable that... Figure 1 This example uses two detection areas, each containing four detection sub-areas. This embodiment does not limit the number of detection areas and detection sub-areas.

[0051] The detection area 101a may include detection sub-regions 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d. Detection area 101b may include detection sub-regions 104e, 104f, 104g, and 104h. Detection sub-region 104a corresponds to signal readout sub-circuit 103a, detection sub-region 104b corresponds to signal readout sub-circuit 103b, and so on, with detection sub-region 104h corresponding to signal readout sub-circuit 103h.

[0052] Furthermore, each pixel in the detection sub-region 104 is connected to the corresponding signal readout sub-circuit 103, so as to... Figure 1 For example, each pixel in the detection sub-region 104a is connected to a signal readout sub-circuit 103a. The signal readout sub-circuit 103a may be, but is not limited to, an analog-to-digital converter or a circuit containing an analog-to-digital converter. In this way, the signal readout sub-circuit 103a can be used to read the output signal corresponding to each pixel in the detection sub-region 104a.

[0053] The signal readout circuit 102 is used to acquire the output signals read by each signal readout sub-circuit 103. Figure 1 For example, signal readout circuit 102a can acquire the output signals read from signal readout sub-circuit 103a to signal readout sub-circuit 103d respectively, and signal readout circuit 102b can acquire the output signals read from signal readout sub-circuit 103e to signal readout sub-circuit 103h respectively.

[0054] It should be noted that each signal readout circuit 102 can operate in parallel or in series. In other words, the signal readout circuits 102 can acquire the corresponding output signals sequentially or simultaneously.

[0055] In some embodiments, optionally, the attribute parameters of each detection region 101 in the detector 100 can be the same; for example, each detection region 101 uses the exact same detector. This is beneficial for signal readout of each detection region 101. Taking CT scan as an example, based on the above-described detector 100, the corresponding CT scan can be completed at a faster speed. Furthermore, when the CT device rotates at the same speed, compared with flat panel detectors in related technologies, more angle projection images can be obtained without changing the theoretical upper limit of the readout system delay.

[0056] The aforementioned detector includes multiple detection areas and multiple signal readout circuits. Since each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with a specific detection area, and each detection area includes multiple sub-detection areas, and each signal readout circuit includes multiple sub-circuits, each sub-circuit corresponding to a specific detection sub-area, the sub-circuit can read the output signal corresponding to each pixel within the sub-detection area. The signal readout circuit can then acquire the output signal read by each sub-circuit. This increases the number of signal readout circuits and sub-circuits, with each detection area having an independent signal readout circuit, thereby improving the signal readout speed of the detector.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, the attribute parameters of pixels in at least two detection regions are different.

[0058] The attribute parameters of pixels in the detection area refer to parameters that can change the performance of pixels in the detector. These parameters may include, but are not limited to, the detector type, resolution, acquisition speed, and material. For example, the detector type can be a direct detector or an indirect detector, or a photon counting detector, an energy integration detector, or other types of detectors.

[0059] Furthermore, it is possible to make the attribute parameters of pixels in at least two detection regions different. For example, using... Figure 1 For example, the detector in detection area 101a can be of type A, and the detector in detection area 101b can be of type B. This allows the performance of the pixels in detection area 101a to be different from that in detection area 101b, so that different acquisition requirements can be integrated into the same detector.

[0060] In some embodiments, the attribute parameters of pixels in a detection region within a preset area of ​​the detector are higher than the attribute parameters of pixels in other detection regions. These other regions refer to detection regions in the detector other than those within the preset area. The preset area can be set as needed. For example, since more attention is paid to the central portion of the image generated based on the detector, the attribute parameters of pixels in the detection region located in the center of the detector can be set higher to improve the detection accuracy of the central portion of the detector, thereby improving the quality of the central portion of the image.

[0061] Since the attribute parameters of pixels in at least two detection regions are different, the attribute parameters can be set according to different needs, which improves the flexibility of the detector.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, at least two signal readout circuits may have different attribute parameters.

[0063] In this embodiment, similarly, the attribute parameters of the signal readout circuit refer to parameters that can change the performance of the signal readout circuit, which may include, but are not limited to, the component type and material of the signal readout circuit. Thus, setting different attribute parameters for pixels in at least two detection regions can also improve the flexibility of the detector.

[0064] Continue with Figure 1 For example, the material of signal readout circuit 102a can be material A, and the material of signal readout circuit 102b can be material B. In this way, the performance of signal readout circuit 102a and signal readout circuit 102b can be different, so that different acquisition requirements can be integrated into the same detector.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, either the attribute parameters of pixels in at least two detection regions are different, or the attribute parameters of at least two signal readout circuits are different.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, each detection area is parallel to the tomographic reconstruction plane corresponding to the scanning device.

[0067] In other words, the projection data corresponding to each reconstructed fault can come from the same detection area. That is, the detection area is parallel to the fault reconstruction plane and perpendicular to the rotation axis. In this way, the information collected by the detection area after one rotation can reconstruct the corresponding fault image.

[0068] In the above embodiments, each detection area is parallel to the tomographic reconstruction plane corresponding to the scanning device. In this way, on the one hand, the generation efficiency between the images corresponding to each tomographic layer can be improved by the signal readout circuit corresponding to the detection area. On the other hand, the images corresponding to each tomographic layer can be flexibly obtained according to actual needs by setting the attribute parameters of the pixels in each detection area or the attribute parameters of the corresponding signal readout circuit.

[0069] In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, the signal readout circuits are disposed on multiple circuit layers of the same circuit board. Figure 1 For example, the signal readout circuit 102a can be set on the first circuit layer of the circuit board, and the signal readout circuit 102b can be set on the second circuit layer of the circuit board. This allows for the control of each signal readout circuit through the same circuit board, thereby improving the integration of the detector.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a signal readout circuit according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to it further. Figure 2 In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, each signal readout circuit 102 includes a door switch control circuit (also referred to as a gate control circuit) 201.

[0071] The gate switch control circuit 201 is connected to each pixel in the detection area 101. The gate switch control circuit 201 is used to select a target pixel from the detection area 101 by outputting a gating signal corresponding to the target pixel. It can be understood that the gating signal corresponding to the target pixel indicates that the target pixel has been turned on, that is, the output signal corresponding to the target pixel can be obtained. If a pixel is not selected, the output signal corresponding to that pixel cannot be obtained.

[0072] In other words, the door switch control circuit 201 can control the selection or deactivation of each pixel in the detection area 101, and outputs the selection signal corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel in the detection area 101 is selected. The target pixel refers to at least one pixel among the pixels in the detection area 101.

[0073] For example, assuming that the detection area 101 includes pixels A to H, and pixels A to H in the detection area 101 are in a closed state, the door switch control circuit 201 can select pixel A in the detection area 101 and output the selection signal corresponding to pixel A in the detection area 101.

[0074] In the above embodiments, since the signal readout circuit includes a gate switch control circuit, and the gate switch control circuit can select the target pixel from the detection area by outputting the gating signal corresponding to the target pixel, the control accuracy of the detector is improved.

[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, optionally, the signal readout sub-circuit can acquire the output signal of the detection sub-region corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel is selected.

[0076] In this embodiment, the signal readout sub-circuit 103 can acquire the output signal of the detection sub-region 101 corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel is selected. Continuing the example above, when pixel A in the detection region 101 is selected, the signal readout sub-circuit 103 corresponding to pixel A in the detection region 101 can acquire the output signal of pixel A in the detection region 101.

[0077] In the above embodiments, since the signal readout sub-circuit can be used to acquire the output signal of the detection sub-region corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel is selected, the signal readout efficiency is improved.

[0078] In one exemplary embodiment, the detection sub-region may include one or more pixels.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, optionally, the detection sub-region is a region obtained by dividing each pixel in the detection region according to a preset division method. The preset division method may include a pixel row division method, a pixel column division method, or a pixel block division method.

[0080] Taking the pixel row division method as an example, in the process of dividing the detection area into detection sub-regions, each row of pixels in the detection area can be associated with a detection sub-region. Assuming that the detection area includes 3 rows and 5 columns of pixels, then 3 detection sub-regions can be obtained according to the pixel row division method.

[0081] Taking the pixel column division method as an example, each column of pixels in the detection area can correspond to a detection sub-region. Assuming that the detection area includes 3 rows and 5 columns of pixels, then 5 detection sub-regions can be obtained according to the pixel column division method.

[0082] It is understandable that the above example of dividing the data into one row or one column does not limit the specific number of divisions in the pixel row or pixel column division method. For example, every two rows of pixels in the detection area can correspond to one detection sub-region.

[0083] Taking pixel block division as an example, the detection area can be divided into pixel blocks of various shapes to obtain multiple detection sub-regions. The shape of each pixel block can be, but is not limited to, rectangles, squares, T-shapes, L-shapes, etc., and this embodiment is not limited to these.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the preset division method includes pixel row division, pixel column division, or pixel block division. Therefore, after dividing each pixel in the detection area according to the preset division method, multiple detection sub-regions can be obtained flexibly and efficiently. For example, each pixel in the detection sub-region can be adaptively turned on or off according to the area or trajectory of the imaging beam movement during imaging scanning.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal readout sub-circuit in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment, the signal readout sub-circuit 103 optionally includes an amplifier circuit 301 and a signal conversion circuit 302. As a non-limiting embodiment, the amplifier circuit 301 includes, but is not limited to, an amplifier, and the signal conversion circuit 302 includes, but is not limited to, an analog-to-digital converter. The amplifier circuit 301 and the signal conversion circuit 302 can be or include any circuit or device capable of performing the corresponding functions.

[0086] The amplifier circuit 301 amplifies the first signal of the target pixel and sends it to the signal conversion circuit 302. The signal conversion circuit 302 obtains the output signal corresponding to the target pixel based on the first signal. In other words, when the target pixel is selected, the amplifier circuit 301 can acquire the first signal of the target pixel and send it to the signal conversion circuit 302, so that the signal conversion circuit 302 can obtain the output signal corresponding to the target pixel.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the signal readout sub-circuit includes an amplification circuit and a signal conversion circuit. Since the amplification circuit amplifies the first signal of the target pixel and sends it to the signal conversion circuit, the signal conversion circuit can obtain the output signal corresponding to the target pixel based on the first signal. Therefore, the signal readout sub-circuit can read the output signal corresponding to each pixel in the detection sub-region.

[0088] To more clearly illustrate the detector in this application, the following is combined with... Figures 4 to 7 Please provide an explanation. Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in an embodiment of this application. Taking the detector 100, which includes pixels 1-1 to 6-4 arranged in 6 rows and 4 columns, as an example, each pixel can be divided into a detection area 101a and a detection area 101b. Detection area 101a includes pixels 1-1 to 3-4, and detection area 101b includes pixels 4-1 to 6-4.

[0089] Taking detection area 101a as an example, each column of pixels in detection area 101a is considered as a detection sub-region. This allows us to determine the signal readout sub-circuit 103a corresponding to the first column of pixels in detection area 101a. The signal readout sub-circuit 103b corresponds to the second column of pixels in detection area 101a, and so on. Furthermore, signal readout sub-circuit 103a includes an amplifier circuit 301a and a signal conversion circuit 302a; signal readout sub-circuit 103b includes an amplifier circuit 301b and a signal conversion circuit 302b; signal readout sub-circuit 103c includes an amplifier circuit 301c and a signal conversion circuit 302c; and signal readout sub-circuit 103d includes an amplifier circuit 301d and a signal conversion circuit 302d.

[0090] Furthermore, each pixel in the detection area 101a is connected to the gate switch control circuit 201a in the signal readout circuit 102a. For example, assuming that the signal readout circuit 102a selects pixel 1-1, the amplification circuit 301a will amplify the first signal of pixel 1-1 and send the first signal of pixel 1-1 to the signal conversion circuit 302a. Then, the signal conversion circuit 302a determines the output signal of the first signal of pixel 1-1 based on the first signal of pixel 1-1.

[0091] Similarly, in detection area 101b, the signal readout sub-circuit 103e includes an amplifier circuit 301e and a signal conversion circuit 302e; the signal readout sub-circuit 103f includes an amplifier circuit 301f and a signal conversion circuit 302f; the signal readout sub-circuit 103g includes an amplifier circuit 301g and a signal conversion circuit 302g; and the signal readout sub-circuit 103h includes an amplifier circuit 301h and a signal conversion circuit 302h. Further details are omitted here.

[0092] Figure 5 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, in Figure 4 Based on this, taking the detector 100, which includes 9 rows and 4 columns of pixels, as an example, each pixel can be divided into detection area 101a, detection area 101b and detection area 101c, wherein detection area 101c includes pixels 7-1 to 9-4.

[0093] and Figure 4 The principle is the same. The signal readout circuit 102c corresponding to the detection area 101c includes a door switch control circuit 201c, amplifier circuits 301i to 301l, and signal conversion circuits 302i to 302l, which will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that the letters in this application are only for distinguishing examples and are not limited in number.

[0094] Currently, there are bottlenecks in applying large-field-of-view detectors to high-speed CT image acquisition. In systems that simultaneously meet the requirements of large-field-of-view, high-speed CT imaging such as human respiratory movements, the acquisition speed is limited, forcing the use of reduced speed or sparse angle acquisition, which leads to reconstruction artifacts. However, the detector 100 provided above divides each pixel into multiple detection regions, and the attribute information of pixels or signal readout circuits in each detection region can be selected individually. On the one hand, this enables rapid signal readout; on the other hand, different types, properties, and performance parameters of flat panel detectors each have their own advantages and limitations. Combining detectors with different noise models and artifacts is beneficial for extracting richer and more accurate information. Therefore, this embodiment is advantageous in combining the advantages of different detectors. For example, detectors with different detection efficiencies, acquisition speeds, and resolutions can be combined. For example, taking CT scanning, since different types, properties, and performance parameters correspond to different X-ray detection principles and properties, combining the acquisition from different detectors in adjacent areas can yield more or more accurate images and information about the material.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, in Figure 4Based on dividing each pixel into detection regions 101a and 101b, taking detection region 101a as an example, amplification circuits 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d can be integrated to form amplification circuit 301 in signal readout circuit 102a. Similarly, signal readout circuits 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d can be integrated to form signal readout circuit 302 in signal readout circuit 102a. Furthermore, signal readout circuit 102a, including amplification circuit 301, signal readout circuit 302, and door switch control circuit 201a, is placed on the first circuit layer of the circuit board. The same applies to detection region 101b; the corresponding signal readout circuit 102b is placed on the second circuit layer of the circuit board. Optionally, the first and second circuit layers can be controlled independently.

[0096] Figure 7 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the structure of a detector in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, in Figure 5 Based on dividing each pixel into detection regions 101a, 101b, and 101c, taking detection region 101a as an example, the door switch control circuit 201a, amplification circuit 301a, and signal conversion circuit 302a corresponding to detection region 101a can be integrated together to obtain signal readout circuit 102a. The signal readout circuits 102b and 102c corresponding to detection regions 101b and 101c are similarly implemented, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0097] In one embodiment, signal readout circuits 102a, 102b, and 102c can optionally be disposed on different circuit layers of the circuit board. Optionally, each circuit layer in the circuit board can be controlled independently. This allows a single control chip to simultaneously control the control and signal readout of different detection areas. The control chip includes the circuit board.

[0098] As can be seen, from a system perspective, the detector provided in this embodiment includes multiple detection areas. Therefore, the control and information acquisition of the detector can adopt a multi-level, parallel control and signal transmission scheme, which is beneficial for achieving simultaneous control and signal transmission of each detection area. From an algorithmic perspective, since the detector includes multiple detection areas, the use of an original fast algorithm can achieve high-speed information extraction and image reconstruction, thereby achieving high-speed imaging and information extraction from multiple detectors.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 8As shown, this application also provides a signal acquisition system 800, including a control device 801 and a detector 100.

[0100] The control device 801 can be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets and portable wearable devices. Portable wearable devices can be smartwatches, smart bracelets, head-mounted devices, etc. Of course, the control device 801 can also be implemented using a standalone server or a server cluster composed of multiple servers.

[0101] In some embodiments, the control device 801 may also be disposed inside the detector 100. The control device 801 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices.

[0102] The control device 801 can be connected to each signal readout circuit 102, so that the control device 801 can obtain the output signal corresponding to each pixel based on each signal readout circuit 102.

[0103] Alternatively, the control device 801 can also obtain the gating signal corresponding to the target pixel based on the door switch control circuit 201, so as to obtain the output signal corresponding to the target pixel based on the signal conversion circuit in each signal readout circuit 102.

[0104] This application also provides an imaging method. Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the imaging method in an embodiment of this application. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 9 As shown, an imaging method is provided that can be applied to... Figure 1 The control device 801 in the middle can also be applied to other computer devices, including the following S901 to S902.

[0105] S901, acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector.

[0106] S902, image data is generated based on the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; wherein, each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, each signal readout sub-circuit corresponding one-to-one with a corresponding detection sub-region. Image data may be or include images, or may be or include intermediate data used to obtain images. For example, images may be or include CT (Computed Tomography) images (such as fan-beam CT images, cone-beam CT images), DR (Digital Radiography) images, etc. As a non-limiting example, intermediate data may include raw data derived from electrical signals via analog-to-digital conversion, sine waves used for image reconstruction, etc.

[0107] In this embodiment, with Figure 1 For example, the control device 801 can acquire the output signal corresponding to the signal readout circuit 102a and the output signal corresponding to the signal readout circuit 102b. The output signal corresponding to the signal readout circuit 102a is also the output signal read by the signal readout sub-circuits 103a to 103d respectively, and the output signal corresponding to the signal readout circuit 102b is also the output signal read by the signal readout sub-circuits 103e to 103h respectively.

[0108] Then, the control device 801 can reconstruct the image based on the output signals of the signal readout circuit 102a and the signal readout circuit 102b. Taking a CT scan as an example, the image can be a three-dimensional CT image or a two-dimensional CT image; this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0109] In some embodiments, the control device requires not only the output signal corresponding to the signal readout circuit, but also the gating signal corresponding to that output signal, in order to generate an image based on the output signal and gating signal corresponding to each signal readout circuit. It is understood that there is a matching relationship between the gating signal and the output signal of the same pixel.

[0110] In the aforementioned imaging method, since each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; and each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, with each sub-circuit corresponding to a specific detection sub-region, the number of signal readout circuits and sub-circuits is increased. Each detection area has an independent signal readout circuit, thereby improving the signal readout speed of the detector. Furthermore, since the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector can be acquired, and an image is generated based on the output signals of each readout circuit, the efficiency of image generation is also improved.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging method described above further includes the following steps:

[0112] The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0113] In this embodiment, the analysis results can be used to indicate the differences between output signals. A time difference between acquisition times less than a preset difference indicates that the signal readout speeds between the detection area and the detection sub-area are synchronized. The preset difference can be set according to requirements; for example, the preset difference can be a number close to 0.

[0114] Continue with Figure 1 For example, the control device 801 can control the signal reading circuit 102a and the signal reading circuit 102b to work simultaneously, and simultaneously acquire the output signal A and the output signal B corresponding to the signal reading circuit 102a, and then analyze the output signal A and the output signal B to obtain the analysis result.

[0115] In some embodiments, the detection regions corresponding to at least two output signals may be adjacent, and the performance of the detection regions corresponding to at least two output signals may be different. Continuing with... Figure 1 For example, the attribute parameter of a pixel in detection region 101a can be attribute parameter A, and the attribute parameter of a pixel in detection region 101b can be attribute parameter B. Furthermore, detection regions 101a and 101b are two adjacent regions within the detector. In this way, the resulting analysis can indicate the differences in output signals between detectors with different performance characteristics.

[0116] In the above embodiments, since the time difference between the acquisition times of any two output signals among the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference, the analysis results can be obtained by analyzing at least two output signals among the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit, thus enabling the analysis between at least two detection areas.

[0117] Through the various embodiments of this application, the imaging area of ​​the detector can be flexibly and variably controlled during imaging, thereby reducing power consumption and the load on the signal readout circuit, for example. As a specific embodiment, when the imaging mode is CT or DR imaging, the individual pixels and / or their corresponding signal readout sub-circuits in the detection sub-region where the projection of the imaging X-ray beam is located can be dynamically and selectively turned on or off according to the motion trajectory of the projection of the imaging X-ray beam emitted from the imaging source onto the detector, thereby enabling imaging by tracking the imaging X-ray beam. As another specific example, when the imaging mode is CT or DR imaging, the detection area and / or detection sub-region corresponding to the space where the region of interest is located can be set to have higher detection accuracy (e.g., using high-precision imaging pixels, high-resolution imaging mode with active pixels, etc.) according to the spatial location of the region of interest to be imaged within the entire imaging field, while the detection area and / or detection sub-region corresponding to other spaces can be set to have lower accuracy (e.g., using low-precision imaging pixels, low-resolution imaging mode with active pixels, etc.), thereby saving costs and minimizing or not reducing imaging accuracy.

[0118] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0119] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an imaging apparatus for implementing the imaging method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the implementation described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more imaging apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the imaging method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0120] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the imaging device in an embodiment of this application. In one exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 10 As shown, an imaging device 1000 is provided, including: an acquisition module 1001 and a generation module 1002, wherein:

[0121] The acquisition module 1001 is used to acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector.

[0122] The generation module 1002 is used to generate an image based on the output signal corresponding to each signal readout circuit; wherein, each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0123] In the aforementioned imaging device, since each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; and each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, with each sub-circuit corresponding to a specific detection sub-region, the number of signal readout circuits and sub-circuits is increased. Each detection area has an independent signal readout circuit, thereby improving the signal readout speed of the detector. Furthermore, since the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector can be acquired, and an image is generated based on the output signals of each readout circuit, the efficiency of image generation is also improved.

[0124] Optionally, the imaging device 1000 includes:

[0125] The analysis module is used to analyze at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit to obtain the analysis results; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0126] Each module in the aforementioned imaging device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0127] Figure 11 The diagram below shows the internal structure of a computer device as described in an embodiment of this application. In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as shown below. Figure 11As shown, this computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is also connected to the system bus via the I / O interfaces. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides the environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores relevant data. The I / O interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for communication with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements an imaging method.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0129] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0130] Acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; and

[0131] An image is generated based on the output signal corresponding to each signal readout circuit;

[0132] Each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0133] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0134] The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0135] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0136] Acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; and

[0137] An image is generated based on the output signal corresponding to each signal readout circuit;

[0138] Each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0139] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0140] The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0141] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0142] Acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; and

[0143] An image is generated based on the output signal corresponding to each signal readout circuit;

[0144] Each signal readout circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; the signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding detection sub-region.

[0145] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0146] The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each signal readout circuit; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0148] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0149] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detector, characterized in that, include: Multiple detection areas, each of which includes multiple detection sub-regions; as well as Multiple signal readout circuits are provided, each of which corresponds to a corresponding detection area. Furthermore, each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, each of which corresponds to a corresponding detection sub-area.

2. The detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attribute parameters of pixels in at least two of the detection regions are different, and / or the attribute parameters of at least two of the signal readout circuits are different.

3. The detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection area is parallel to the tomographic reconstruction plane corresponding to the scanning device.

4. The detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal readout circuit includes a door switch control circuit, which is used to select the target pixel from the detection area by outputting a gating signal corresponding to the target pixel.

5. The detector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal readout sub-circuit can acquire the output signal of the detection sub-region corresponding to the target pixel when the target pixel is selected.

6. The detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection sub-region is the region obtained by dividing each pixel in the detection region according to a preset division method, which includes pixel row division, pixel column division, or pixel block division.

7. A signal acquisition system, characterized in that, The signal acquisition system includes a control device and a detector as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An imaging method, characterized in that, The imaging method includes: Acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; and Image data is generated based on the output signals corresponding to each of the aforementioned signal readout circuits; Each of the signal readout circuits corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection sub-region.

9. The imaging method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The analysis results are obtained by analyzing at least two of the output signals corresponding to each of the signal readout circuits; the time difference between the acquisition times of any two of the at least two output signals is less than a preset difference.

10. An imaging device, characterized in that, The imaging device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the output signal corresponding to at least one signal readout circuit in the detector; The generation module is used to generate image data based on the output signals corresponding to each of the signal readout circuits; Each of the signal readout circuits corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection area in the detector; each detection area includes multiple detection sub-regions; each signal readout circuit includes multiple signal readout sub-circuits, and each signal readout sub-circuit corresponds one-to-one with a corresponding detection sub-region.

Images