Anti-collision mechanism for PET, detector and PET

Abstract

The invention discloses an anti-collision mechanism for PET, a detector and the PET. The anti-collision mechanism is configured on a non-detection surface, facing an examination bed or a to-be-detected body, of a detector, and comprises a first protection module and a second protection module, and the anti-collision mechanism is configured to send feedback information by adopting the first protection module and the second protection module when the anti-collision mechanism is subjected to external acting force. And the external acting force approaches 0 but is not equal to 0. Collision to the to-be-detected body in the bed entering process can be reduced to the maximum extent, and medical accidents caused by collision are prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an anti-collision mechanism, detector, and PET for use in PET. Background Technology

[0002] In existing variable-diameter positron emission tomography (PET) systems, the standard operating procedure can be summarized as "advance bed, then variable diameter." Specifically, the operator or control system first pre-sets the target cross-sectional shape and size of the detector ring based on the body contour information of the subject (e.g., a patient) using laser positioning or a rough estimate via pre-scanning. Then, the subject is horizontally moved onto the examination bed to the predetermined imaging position within the detector ring. Once the subject is in place, the surrounding detectors are controlled to move radially according to the aforementioned preset shape, causing them to contract inwards or adjust their shape to approach the subject, forming the final imaging field of view. This mode aims to bring the detectors as close to the subject as possible to achieve higher detection efficiency and image quality.

[0003] However, this traditional method presents significant safety risks in practice. Due to the differences in body shape among individuals being tested (especially children or patients with special physical characteristics) and the inherent errors of preset measurement methods, it is difficult to achieve a precise and real-time match between the pre-determined cross-sectional shape of the detector and the actual three-dimensional contour of the subject. During the process of controlling the detector to perform diameter-changing actions (especially inward contraction), unexpected contact, compression, or even collisions can easily occur between the detector and the subject's body, posing a risk of pinching or scratching the subject. This risk is particularly prominent when examining children with low cooperation or fragile physical conditions, potentially leading to medical accidents caused by collisions, the subject's discomfort, or fear. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an anti-collision mechanism, detector, and PET for PET, addressing at least one technical problem existing in traditional solutions.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, an anti-collision mechanism is provided, the anti-collision mechanism being disposed on a non-detection surface of a detector facing an inspection bed or a test object, the anti-collision mechanism comprising: a first protection module and a second protection module, the anti-collision mechanism being configured to emit feedback information from the first protection module and the second protection module when subjected to an external force, the external force being close to 0 but not equal to 0.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the feedback information issued by the first protection module has a higher priority than that issued by the second protection module.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the first protection module issues the feedback information when subjected to a first force of pressure; the second protection module issues the feedback information when subjected to a second force of pressure; the first force is less than the second force.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the second protection module issues the feedback information when the first protection module fails.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the anti-collision mechanism further includes: a first plate and a second plate hinged at one end, the first protection module and the second protection module being disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate being fixed on the corresponding detector, and the second plate facing the inspection bed.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the unhinged ends of the first plate and the second plate form an opening in the anti-collision mechanism, the opening facing the detection field of the detector.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the anti-collision mechanism further includes a reset structure disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the reset structure being configured to restore the anti-collision mechanism to its initial state after the external pressure is released.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the anti-collision mechanism further includes: a limiting structure disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the limiting structure being configured to connect the first plate and the second plate.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this application, a detector for PET is provided, comprising: the anti-collision mechanism described in the first aspect.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this application, a PET scanner is provided, comprising: an examination bed configured to carry a test object; a plurality of detectors configured to acquire data of the test object, wherein at least one of the detectors is disposed on a non-detection surface of the examination bed with an anti-collision mechanism as described in the first aspect; and a control mechanism configured to determine a predetermined position of each detector based on information of the test object and control at least one detector to move to the corresponding predetermined position, control the examination bed to move toward a detection field of view formed by the plurality of detectors after all the controlled detectors have moved to the corresponding predetermined position, and control the examination bed to stop moving or move in the opposite direction when receiving the feedback information.

[0015] The anti-collision mechanism, detector, and PET provided in this application enhance the protection of the test subject when it enters the bed by setting two protection modules that are easily triggered. The system can be further optimized to minimize the impact of the test subject on the bed during the entry process and eliminate the possibility of medical collision accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of PET in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-collision mechanism for PET in one embodiment of this application when it is deployed; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-collision mechanism in its initial state in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-collision mechanism under compression in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more readily understood, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0019] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed to" another element, it can be directly fixed to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "substantially equal" or "substantially equal to" as used herein mean that the difference between the two lies within a range of errors considered equivalent in the art. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The terms “and / or” or “and / or” as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this application proposes an anti-collision mechanism and its supporting applications that can at least minimize the collision between the object under test and the detector during the bed feeding process.

[0022] The following is a reference appendix Figures 1-4 Some preferred embodiments of this application will be described. It should be noted that the following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In one embodiment, the anti-collision mechanism 100 is configured with the detector 200 facing the examination bed 300 or the object to be tested. Figure 1 The non-detection surface of the inspection bed 300 (showing a model of the object under test) is shown. The detector 200 generally includes a scintillation crystal, a photoelectric converter, and other structures. The scintillation crystal and the photoelectric converter are coupled together. The side of the scintillation crystal away from the photoelectric converter is usually the detection surface, which also faces the detection field of view to receive high-energy photons or rays emitted from the object under test. The anti-collision mechanism 100 is disposed on the side of the detector 200 adjacent to the inspection bed 300. It should be noted that when the inspection bed 300 is partially within the detection field of view, the detection surface of the detector 200 also faces the inspection bed 300. The side of the detector 200 closest to the inspection bed 300 refers to the side that is radially located on the same circumference and axially closest to the inspection bed 300. The purpose of this application is to minimize collisions during bed entry; therefore, the anti-collision mechanism 100 is disposed on the non-detection surface of the detector 200 adjacent to the inspection bed 300 or the object under test.

[0024] The anti-collision mechanism 100 includes a first protection module and a second protection module. The anti-collision mechanism 100 is configured to issue feedback information from the first protection module and the second protection module when subjected to an external force. The external force is close to 0 but not equal to 0. In application, this extremely small force is basically just contact. That is, the anti-collision mechanism 100 will issue a feedback signal when subjected to an extremely small force (contact). The issued feedback signal can facilitate the PET control mechanism (not shown) to take action based on the feedback information. For example, it can immediately control the examination bed 300 to stop to avoid further contact, or immediately control the corresponding detector 200 to move away from the detection field of view to avoid the collision. Of course, it can be understood that the examination bed 300 can be stopped and the corresponding detector 200 can be moved away from the detection field of view simultaneously.

[0025] Specifically, in one example of this application, the first protection module and the second protection module have the same priority in issuing the feedback information, that is, they can be triggered and issue feedback information simultaneously when subjected to external force.

[0026] Specifically, in another example of this application, the feedback information issued by the first protection module has a higher priority than that issued by the second protection module. More specifically, the first protection module issues the feedback information when subjected to a first force of pressure, and the second protection module issues the feedback information when subjected to a second force of pressure. The first force is less than the second force; that is, both the first and second forces are close to but not equal to 0. By employing a tiered logic, if the feedback information issued by the first protection module fails to trigger the action of the control mechanism (not shown), the second protection module can issue feedback information again, thereby enabling the system to stably perform its anti-collision function.

[0027] Furthermore, when the first protection module fails for any reason, the second protection module can immediately issue the feedback information as a substitute.

[0028] Specifically, as an optional structure, the anti-collision mechanism 100 further includes: a first plate 110 and a second plate 120 hinged at one end, the first plate 110 being fixed to the corresponding detector 200, and the second plate 120 being adjacent to the inspection bed 300. The unhinged ends of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 form an opening in the anti-collision mechanism 100. When the second plate 120 is subjected to an external force, the opening degree decreases. Figure 4 It should be noted that, in order to highlight the difference from the initial state, Figure 4 The opening degree was reduced in the design, and in actual use it is far from being achieved. Figure 4 Feedback information is issued when the opening degree is shown. The first protection module and the second protection module are disposed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. To increase sensitivity, the arrangement direction of the anti-collision mechanism 100 is set so that the opening faces the detection field of the detector 200. Figure 1 That is, the opening is located at the position where the anti-collision mechanism 100 is most easily contacted.

[0029] Preferably, in one example of this application, the anti-collision mechanism 100 further includes a reset structure disposed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. The reset structure is configured to restore the anti-collision mechanism 100 to its initial state after the external pressure is released. Exemplarily, the reset structure can be a spring 150. For example, fixed positions are provided at corresponding locations on the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, and the two ends of the spring 150 are respectively fixed to the corresponding fixed positions. The reset structure allows the anti-collision mechanism 100 to return to its initial state after contact with an object, ready for the next use.

[0030] For example, there can be two reset structures, symmetrically arranged at two points on the first plate 110 along one axis. After the reset structures are configured, when the opening degree of the opening decreases, the reset mechanism provides a thrust to the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, so that after the external force is removed, the opening between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 is restored to its initial opening degree through the reset mechanism. To ensure the reset mechanism functions properly, a preset pressure can be applied to the reset mechanism at the initial opening degree, such as applying a preload to the spring, so that the spring has a greater thrust after being compressed by the external force to restore the opening degree.

[0031] Preferably, in one example of this application, to prevent the openings of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 from exceeding a predetermined opening degree in the initial state, the anti-collision mechanism 100 further includes: a limiting structure disposed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, the limiting structure being configured to connect the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, thereby fixing the opening degree to a fixed value in the initial state. Exemplarily, the limiting structure may include two cooperating latches (161, 162), which are respectively disposed on the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. When the two latches (161, 162) are engaged, the opening degree is fixed to a fixed value in the initial state. It is worth noting that there is a space for movement between the two latches (161, 162) to limit the relative opening degree between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

[0032] Optionally, the first protection module may include a photoelectric sensor comprising two units (131, 132) respectively disposed on the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. When the second plate 120 is slightly touched, the unit (132) on the second plate 120 moves slightly inward, changing the relative position between it and the unit (131) on the first plate 110, thereby altering the signal strength of the photoelectric sensor and triggering it. The second protection module may include a distance sensor 140, which may be disposed on the first plate 110. The distance sensor 140 can measure the distance between itself and the second plate 120, and issue the feedback information when the distance value is less than a predetermined value.

[0033] The anti-collision mechanism 100 provided in this application, by changing the existing "advance bed, then diameter change" mode to a "diameter change first, then bed entry" scheme, can control the detector to form a scanning channel of a preset shape and size according to the estimated size, and then push the examination bed carrying the object to be tested into the fixed detection ring. This scheme avoids performing the diameter change action when the object to be tested is already inside the ring, thereby fundamentally eliminating the possibility of directly pinching and injuring the object to be tested during the diameter change process. Therefore, this scheme has an inherent advantage in safety and is a more worthwhile option to consider for active or small-sized children.

[0034] This application further enhances the protection of the subject during bed entry by incorporating two easily triggered protection modules. This optimizes the system to minimize collisions during entry, improving the subject's comfort and overall examination experience. It fundamentally eliminates the possibility of contact and collisions between certain body parts (such as the head, shoulders, and elbows) and the probe's end face (non-probe surface) or entrance edge during entry, thus preventing scraping due to discomfort or fright. This is especially beneficial for children who require calming and stillness, improving their cooperation and ensuring a smooth examination.

[0035] Corresponding to the aforementioned anti-collision mechanism 100, this application embodiment also provides a detector 200 for PET, which includes the anti-collision mechanism 100 described in any of the above examples. The anti-collision mechanism 100 is disposed on the non-detection surface of the detector 200 body adjacent to the examination bed 300 or the object to be tested. Those skilled in the art will understand that since the detector 200 includes the anti-collision mechanism 100 provided in the above examples, it necessarily possesses the advantages of the aforementioned anti-collision mechanism 100, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0036] Corresponding to the aforementioned anti-collision mechanism 100 and detector 200, this application embodiment also provides a PET, which may include: an examination bed 300, a plurality of detectors 200, and a control mechanism (not shown). It may also include a frame 400 and a moving mechanism 500. The plurality of detectors 200 are disposed on the frame 400, and a through hole is formed within the frame 400 for the subject and examination bed 300 to enter during testing. The moving mechanism 500 is connected to at least one detector 200 and controllably drives the detector 200 to move to form different detection fields. This PET is particularly suitable for testing children. The examination bed 300 is configured to carry the subject, and the plurality of detectors 200 are configured to acquire data from the subject. At least one of the detectors 200 is disposed adjacent to the non-detection surface of the examination bed 300 with the anti-collision mechanism 100 described in any of the above examples. The anti-collision mechanism 100 is configured to issue feedback information when receiving external pressure. The control mechanism (not shown) is configured to determine the predetermined position of each detector 200 based on the information of the object under test and control at least one of the detectors 200 to move to the corresponding predetermined position; after all the controlled detectors 200 have moved to the corresponding predetermined positions, control the examination bed 300 to move to the detection field of view formed by the plurality of detectors 200; and control the examination bed 300 to stop moving when the feedback information is received.

[0037] In a further example, the control mechanism (not shown) is also configured to control the corresponding detector 200 to move away from the detection field of view when the feedback information is received.

[0038] It should be noted that since the PET mentioned above includes the anti-collision mechanism provided in the example above, it must also have the advantages of the anti-collision mechanism mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and / or "some embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "ideal embodiments," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example, and certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification may be appropriately combined.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0042] The basic concepts have been described herein. It is obvious that the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, various modifications, improvements, and corrections may be made to this specification by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0043] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this specification can be described and illustrated in several patentable ways, including any new and useful combinations of processes, machines, products, or substances, or any new and useful improvements thereof. Accordingly, various aspects of this specification can be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. All of the above hardware or software may be referred to as a “data block,” “module,” “engine,” “module,” “component,” or “system.”

[0044] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented using hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely using software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0045] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0046] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0047] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents referenced in this specification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This excludes historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims in this specification (currently or subsequently appended to this specification). It should be noted that in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials to this specification and the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification shall prevail.

[0048] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A collision avoidance mechanism for PET, characterized in that, The anti-collision mechanism is configured on the non-detection surface of the detector facing the inspection bed or the object to be tested. The anti-collision mechanism includes a first protection module and a second protection module. The anti-collision mechanism is configured to issue the feedback information from the first protection module and the second protection module when subjected to an external force, wherein the external force is close to 0 but not equal to 0.

2. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feedback information issued by the first protection module has a higher priority than that issued by the second protection module.

3. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protection module sends out the feedback information when subjected to a first force of pressure; The second protection module sends out the feedback information when subjected to pressure of the second force; The first force is less than the second force.

4. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second protection module issues the feedback information when the first protection module fails.

5. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-collision mechanism further includes: a first plate and a second plate hinged at one end, with the first protection module and the second protection module disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate being fixed on the corresponding detector, and the second plate facing the inspection bed.

6. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unhinged ends of the first and second plates form the opening of the anti-collision mechanism, and the opening faces the detection field of the detector.

7. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anti-collision mechanism further includes a reset structure disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the reset structure being configured to restore the anti-collision mechanism to its initial state after the external pressure is released.

8. The anti-collision mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anti-collision mechanism further includes a limiting structure disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the limiting structure being configured to connect the first plate and the second plate.

9. A detector for PET, characterized in that, include: The anti-collision mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A PET, characterized in that, include: The examination bed is configured to support the object to be tested. A plurality of detectors are configured to acquire data of the object under test, and at least one of the detectors is provided with an anti-collision mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 on a non-detection surface of the inspection bed; The control mechanism is configured to determine the predetermined position of each detector based on the information of the object under test and control at least one of the detectors to move to the corresponding predetermined position; after all the controlled detectors have moved to the corresponding predetermined position, control the examination bed to move towards the detection field of view formed by the plurality of detectors; and control the examination bed to stop moving or move in the reverse direction when the feedback information is received.

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