Method and device for determining thickness of imaging area in C-shaped arm system, host, medium and product

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a method and device for determining the thickness of an imaging area in a C-shaped arm system, a host, a medium and a product. The method comprises the following steps: determining an imaging area in an imaging target, a body shape parameter of the imaging target and a positioning parameter of the imaging target relative to a C-shaped arm; based on the shape of the imaging area, determining a thickness proportionality coefficient of the imaging area; based on the body shape parameters of the imaging area, determining a reference thickness value when the imaging area is in a normal position; and determining the thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness proportionality coefficient and the positioning parameter. The thickness of the imaging area can be determined without perspective processing, the exposure parameter can be further determined based on the thickness, the complexity is reduced, and the image quality can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to methods, apparatus, main unit, media and products for determining the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system. Background Technology

[0002] A C-arm X-ray system (for example, simply called a C-arm system) typically includes a C-arm, an X-ray tube for generating X-rays, a flat panel detector for acquiring X-ray images, and a control unit (for example, called a workstation) for performing image processing, etc.

[0003] C-arm systems can provide high-resolution real-time fluoroscopy (FL) images. To obtain good digital radiography (DR) images, fluoroscopy is typically performed first to determine the thickness of the imaging area. Exposure parameters in DR are then set based on this thickness, and DR is performed based on these exposure parameters.

[0004] However, in many scenarios, it is not possible to perform perspective in advance to obtain the thickness of the imaging area (for example, some people prefer not to perform perspective). If DR is performed directly in this case, it may result in poor image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, host, medium and product for determining the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system, which can determine the thickness of the imaging region without performing fluoroscopy.

[0006] A method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system includes:

[0007] Determine the imaging region in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm;

[0008] Based on the shape of the imaging region, determine the thickness scaling factor of the imaging region;

[0009] Based on the shape parameters of the imaging region, determine the reference thickness value when the imaging region is in the positive position;

[0010] Based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the positioning parameters, the thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction is determined.

[0011] Therefore, without performing perspective processing, the thickness of the imaging area can be automatically determined using the shape parameters, positioning parameters, and thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging area of ​​the target, thus improving the ease of implementation.

[0012] In one embodiment, determining the imaging region in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm includes:

[0013] Before the C-arm begins to move, a user interface is provided that includes a first interactive box, a second interactive box, and a third interactive box. The first interactive box contains multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive box contains multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive box is adapted to receive user input.

[0014] Based on the first interactive frame, the imaging region is determined from the plurality of candidate imaging regions;

[0015] Based on the second interactive box, the body shape parameter is determined from the plurality of candidate body shape parameters;

[0016] The user input is received based on the third interactive box, and the user input is determined as the positioning parameters of the imaging target.

[0017] Therefore, based on user interaction, the size parameters, positioning parameters, and thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging area of ​​the imaging target can be quickly obtained.

[0018] In one embodiment, the user interface includes a fourth interaction box containing classification information of the imaging target; the method includes:

[0019] Based on the fourth interactive box, the selected category is determined from the category information;

[0020] Based on the selected category, the plurality of candidate imaging regions contained in the first interactive box are determined.

[0021] Therefore, by selecting a classification, candidate imaging regions can be identified more quickly.

[0022] In one implementation, it includes:

[0023] After the C-arm begins to move, the positioning parameters are updated based on the reading command of the position encoder of the C-arm.

[0024] The thickness value is updated based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the updated positioning parameters.

[0025] As can be seen, updating the positioning parameters after the C-arm begins to move, thereby synchronously updating the thickness value, improves the accuracy of the thickness.

[0026] In one embodiment, determining the thickness scaling factor of the imaging region based on its shape includes:

[0027] When the cross-section of the imaging area is circular, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be 1;

[0028] When the cross-section of the imaging region is an ellipse and the axial length of the ellipse in the horizontal direction is greater than the axial length in the vertical direction, the thickness ratio coefficient is determined to be a first predetermined value.

[0029] When the cross-section of the imaging region is elliptical and the ellipse's horizontal axis is less than its vertical axis, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be a second predetermined value.

[0030] As can be seen, the thickness ratio coefficient can be quickly determined based on the cross-sectional shape of the imaging region.

[0031] In one embodiment, the positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm;

[0032] Determining the thickness value of the imaging region in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the positioning parameters includes:

[0033] Determine the first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the included angle;

[0034] Determine the first square value of the first product;

[0035] Determine the second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor, and the cosine of the included angle;

[0036] Determine the second square value of the second product;

[0037] Determine the sum of the first squared value and the second squared value;

[0038] The square root of the summation result is determined as the thickness value.

[0039] As can be seen, the thickness value can be quickly obtained based on mathematical calculations of the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the included angle.

[0040] In one implementation, it includes:

[0041] Based on the thickness value, an exposure dose is determined, wherein the exposure dose increases as the thickness value increases;

[0042] Based on the exposure dose, the C-arm is controlled to perform X-ray exposure.

[0043] Therefore, by adjusting the exposure dose through the thickness value, precise dose control can be achieved, and image quality can also be improved.

[0044] In one implementation, it includes:

[0045] Determine the detection dose of the flat panel detector used for X-ray exposure;

[0046] When the detected dose is not equal to a preset threshold, the thickness value is adjusted; when the detected dose is greater than the preset threshold, the thickness value is decreased; when the detected dose is less than the preset threshold, the thickness value is increased.

[0047] Adjust the exposure dose based on the adjusted thickness value;

[0048] Based on the adjusted exposure dose, the X-ray exposure continues.

[0049] Therefore, by adjusting the calculated thickness value through the detection dose of the flat panel detector, the accuracy of the thickness is improved, which is beneficial for precise dose control and can also improve image quality.

[0050] A device for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system, comprising:

[0051] The first determining module is used to determine the imaging area in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm;

[0052] The second determining module is used to determine the thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging region based on the shape of the imaging region;

[0053] The third determining module is used to determine the reference thickness value when the imaging region is in the positive position based on the body shape parameters of the imaging region.

[0054] The fourth determining module is used to determine the thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient and the positioning parameters.

[0055] Therefore, without performing perspective processing, the thickness of the imaging area can be automatically determined using the shape parameters, positioning parameters, and thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging area of ​​the target, thus improving the ease of implementation.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first determining module is configured to provide a user interface comprising a first interactive frame, a second interactive frame, and a third interactive frame before the C-arm begins to move, wherein the first interactive frame contains multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive frame contains multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive frame is adapted to receive user input; based on the first interactive frame, determining the imaging region from the multiple candidate imaging regions; based on the second interactive frame, determining the body shape parameter from the multiple candidate body shape parameters; and based on the third interactive frame, receiving user input and determining the user input as the positioning parameter of the imaging target.

[0057] Therefore, based on user interaction, the size parameters, positioning parameters, and thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging area of ​​the imaging target can be quickly obtained.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first determining module is configured to update the positioning parameters based on a read command from the position encoder of the C-arm after the C-arm begins to move.

[0059] The fourth determining module is used to update the thickness value based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the updated positioning parameters.

[0060] As can be seen, updating the positioning parameters after the C-arm begins to move, thereby synchronously updating the thickness value, improves the accuracy of the thickness.

[0061] In one embodiment, the positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm;

[0062] The fourth determining module is used to determine the first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the included angle; determine the first square value of the first product; determine the second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the cosine of the included angle; determine the second square value of the second product; determine the sum of the first square value and the second square value; and determine the square root of the sum as the thickness value.

[0063] Mathematical calculations involving the reference thickness value, thickness ratio factor, and included angle can quickly yield the thickness value.

[0064] A control host for a C-arm system includes:

[0065] processor;

[0066] Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor;

[0067] The processor is configured to read the executable instructions from the memory and execute the executable instructions to implement a method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in any of the above-described C-arm systems.

[0068] A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement a method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in any of the above-described C-arm systems.

[0069] A computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in any of the above-described C-arm systems. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will make the above and other features and advantages of the present invention more apparent to those skilled in the art. In the drawings:

[0071] Figure 1 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 4 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of the process for determining the exposure dose according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 5 This is an exemplary structural diagram of a device for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 6 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the control host of the C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0078]

[0079] Detailed Implementation

[0080] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the following embodiments are provided to further illustrate the invention in detail. The nouns and pronouns referring to "person" in this patent application are not limited to specific genders.

[0081] For the sake of brevity and intuitiveness, the following description uses several representative embodiments to illustrate the solution of the present invention. Numerous details in the embodiments are only used to aid in understanding the solution of the present invention. However, it is obvious that the technical solution of the present invention can be implemented without being limited to these details. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the solution of the present invention, some embodiments are not described in detail, but only a framework is given. In the following text, "comprising" means "including but not limited to," and "according to..." means "at least according to..., but not limited to only according to...". Due to Chinese language habits, unless the quantity of a component is specifically indicated below, it means that the component can be one or more, or can be understood as at least one.

[0082] In this embodiment of the invention, a solution is proposed to determine the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system without performing fluoroscopy. Subsequent operations such as fluoroscopy or DR can then be performed based on this thickness, reducing process complexity and improving image quality.

[0083] Figure 1 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The C-arm system may include a mobile orthopedic surgical X-ray imaging system and an angiography system. Preferably, the process can be performed by a controller. Figure 1 The method is illustrated. The controller can be implemented as a control host integrated into the C-arm system, or as a control unit independent of the control host. For example, the method can be executed by the X-ray Control Unit (XCU) of the control host.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0085] Step 101: Determine the imaging area in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm.

[0086] Imaging targets can include patients or individuals undergoing medical examinations. The imaging area is typically the organ of the target, such as the head, neck, spine, shoulder, arm, chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, hand, foot, elbow, knee, etc.

[0087] The body shape parameters of the imaging target are used to characterize the body shape of the imaging target. For example, the body shape parameters can include multiple preset levels, such as: child body shape, standard body shape, thin body shape, and obese body shape, etc. The positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm can specifically include: the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm (e.g., a 90-degree angle for the frontal view, a 0-degree angle for the lateral view, or any angle between the frontal and lateral views, etc.), the vertical rise and fall of the C-arm, the horizontal movement of the C-arm, the rotation angle of the C-arm along the track, the axial rotation angle of the C-arm, and the left and right swing angles of the C-arm, etc.

[0088] User input can be received via a user interface to determine the imaging region and the size parameters of the imaging target. Furthermore, user input can be received via the user interface before the C-arm begins movement to determine the initial state of the imaging target's positioning parameters relative to the C-arm. After the C-arm begins movement, the updated state of the imaging target's positioning parameters relative to the C-arm can be determined based on commands to read the C-arm's position encoder.

[0089] In one embodiment, step 101 includes: before the C-arm begins to move, providing a user interface comprising a first interactive frame, a second interactive frame, and a third interactive frame, wherein the first interactive frame contains multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive frame contains multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive frame is adapted to receive user input; determining an imaging region from the multiple candidate imaging regions based on the first interactive frame; determining body shape parameters from the multiple candidate body shape parameters based on the second interactive frame; and receiving user input based on the third interactive frame and determining the user input as the positioning parameters of the imaging target. It is evident that the multiple interactive frames provided by the user interface facilitate user input of the imaging region, body shape parameters, and positioning parameters.

[0090] In one embodiment, the user interface includes a fourth interaction box containing multiple candidate medical departments of the imaging target; the method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system of the present invention includes: determining a selected category from classification information based on the fourth interaction box; and determining the multiple candidate imaging regions contained in the first interaction box based on the selected category.

[0091] For example, the classification information can include multiple candidate medical departments. Based on the fourth interactive box, the selected medical department is determined from the multiple candidate medical departments. Then, based on the selected medical department, multiple candidate imaging regions included in the first interactive box are determined. Therefore, based on the pre-selected medical department, only the candidate imaging regions corresponding to the selected medical department can be displayed in the first interactive box, reducing the number of candidate imaging regions in the first interactive box and making it easier for users to quickly select imaging regions.

[0092] The above examples illustrate typical instances of classification information. In practice, classification information can also be implemented as multiple candidate organs, etc., and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0093] Figure 2 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 In the middle, the user interface includes a first interaction box 19, a second interaction box 14, a third interaction box 21 and a fourth interaction box 10.

[0094] The fourth interaction box 10 contains multiple candidate medical departments. For example, the fourth interaction box 10 contains trauma orthopedics 11, orthopedic surgery 12, and urology 13, etc. When the user selects a medical department in the fourth interaction box 10, the candidate imaging areas corresponding to the selected medical department are displayed in the first interaction box 19. Then, the user can select a candidate imaging area from the candidate imaging areas corresponding to the selected medical department in the first interaction box 19 as the selected imaging area 20.

[0095] The second interaction box 14 contains multiple candidate body shape parameters, such as child body shape 15, standard body shape 16, thin body shape 17, and obese body shape 18, etc. Users can select a candidate body shape parameter in the second interaction box 14 as the selected body shape parameter.

[0096] The third interactive box 21 contains an input box 22. The user can input positioning parameters in the input box 22. Correspondingly, the positioning effect 23 graphically displays the C-arm and imaging target corresponding to the positioning parameters. For example, assuming the input box 22 states that the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm is 90 degrees, the positioning effect 23 will display the C-arm and imaging target in the orthogonal position. Assuming the input box 22 states that the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm is 0 degrees, the positioning effect 23 will display the C-arm and imaging target in the lateral position.

[0097] The above exemplary descriptions illustrate typical examples of candidate medical departments, imaging regions in imaging targets, body shape parameters of imaging targets, and positioning parameters of imaging targets relative to the C-arm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] Step 102: Determine the thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging region based on its shape.

[0099] Here, the thickness scaling factor of the imaging region can be implemented as the ratio of the lateral thickness to the anteroposterior thickness of the imaging region (i.e., lateral thickness / anteroposterior thickness), or a calculated value based on this ratio (e.g., multiplying or dividing the ratio by a predetermined value, or adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the ratio, etc.). The anteroposterior thickness refers to the thickness of the imaging region through which X-rays pass vertically (i.e., the imaging region is in the anteroposterior position); the lateral thickness refers to the thickness of the imaging region through which X-rays pass horizontally (i.e., the imaging region is in the lateral position).

[0100] In one implementation, step 102 includes:

[0101] (1) When the cross-section of the imaging area is circular, the lateral thickness and the orthogonal thickness are considered to be equal or approximately equal, so the thickness ratio coefficient can be determined to be 1.

[0102] For example, the cross-section of the head of the imaging target can be considered as a circle, so the thickness ratio of the head of the imaging target can be determined to be 1.

[0103] (2) When the cross-section of the imaging region is an ellipse and the ellipse's axis length in the horizontal direction is greater than its axis length in the vertical direction, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be a first predetermined value. For example, the first predetermined value can be a predetermined value greater than 1.

[0104] For example, the cross-section of the main part of the imaging target (e.g., chest, abdomen, pelvis) can be considered as an ellipse. Typically, the ellipse's horizontal axis is longer than its vertical axis (i.e., lateral thickness is greater than orthogonal thickness), therefore the thickness scaling factor is a predetermined value greater than 1. Here, the respective thickness scaling factors for the imaging regions of the ellipse can be determined based on empirical values.

[0105] (3) When the cross-section of the imaging region is an ellipse and the ellipse's horizontal axis is less than its vertical axis, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be a second predetermined value. For example, the second predetermined value can be a predetermined value less than 1.

[0106] For example, for some parts of the imaging target (such as the abdomen), there may be a situation where the horizontal axis length is smaller than the vertical axis length due to the body being fat (i.e., the lateral thickness is smaller than the orthogonal thickness). In this case, the thickness ratio coefficient is determined to be a predetermined value less than 1.

[0107] In one implementation, the thickness scaling factor of the imaging region can be determined based on body shape parameters and the shape of the imaging region. For example, when the imaging region is the abdominal area with an elliptical cross-section, the thickness scaling factor for a standard body type can be greater than that for an obese body type.

[0108] Step 103: Based on the shape parameters of the imaging area, determine the reference thickness value when the imaging area is in the correct position.

[0109] For example, based on empirical data, a mapping table can be pre-established for each imaging region, mapping body shape parameters to the baseline thickness value (in positive position) of that region. Then, the body shape parameters of the imaging region can be used as a search term to query this mapping table to obtain the corresponding baseline thickness value. Generally, for the same imaging region, the baseline thickness value for obese body types is greater than that for standard body types, which is greater than that for lean body types, and vice versa.

[0110] Step 104: Based on the reference thickness value, thickness ratio coefficient and positioning parameters, determine the thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction.

[0111] In one implementation, the positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As can be seen, the imaging target is located on the hospital bed between the first and second ends of the C-arm. An X-ray tube 31 is positioned at the first end of the C-arm, and a flat panel detector 32 is positioned at the second end. The angle α between the imaging target 30 and the C-arm is the angle between the imaging target 30 and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 31 to the flat panel detector 32. Specifically: when α is 90 degrees (i.e., the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 31 pass through the imaging target 30 vertically to reach the flat panel detector 32), the C-arm is in the orthogonal position; when α is 0 degrees (i.e., the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 31 pass through the imaging target 30 horizontally to reach the flat panel detector 32), it is in the lateral position.

[0112] In one embodiment, step 104 includes: determining a first product of a reference thickness value and the sine of the included angle; determining a first square value of the first product; determining a second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the cosine of the included angle; determining a second square value of the second product; determining the sum of the first square value and the second square value; and determining the square root of the sum as the thickness value.

[0113] Assuming the thickness value is WW, then:

[0114]

[0115] Where: pre WW As the reference thickness value, body ratio is the thickness scaling factor; sin() is the sine function; cos() is the cosine function.

[0116] As can be seen, the thickness value of the imaging area can be quickly determined based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient and the included angle, without the need to perform perspective processing to determine the thickness of the imaging area, thus reducing the complexity of the process.

[0117] After quickly determining the thickness value of the imaging area based on the reference thickness value, thickness ratio coefficient, and included angle, various operations of the C-arm system (such as fluoroscopy or DR) can be performed.

[0118] In one embodiment, the method includes: determining an exposure dose based on a thickness value, wherein the exposure dose increases as the thickness value increases; and controlling a C-arm to perform X-ray exposure based on the exposure dose.

[0119] Therefore, based on the rapidly determined thickness value, the appropriate exposure dose in subsequent DR or fluoroscopy can be determined without performing fluoroscopy processing to determine the thickness of the imaging area, reducing the complexity of the process. Furthermore, compared to existing methods that directly perform DR without pre-determining the thickness using fluoroscopy processing, the embodiments of the present invention significantly improve the quality of DR images by considering the thickness of the imaging area when determining the exposure dose.

[0120] Considering that the thickness value determined by the above method may have errors, the thickness value can be adjusted based on the detection dose of the flat panel detector. In one embodiment, the method includes: determining the detection dose of the flat panel detector for X-ray exposure; adjusting the thickness value when the detection dose is not equal to a preset threshold; wherein when the detection dose is greater than the preset threshold, the thickness value is decreased; when the detection dose is less than the preset threshold, the thickness value is increased; adjusting the exposure dose based on the adjusted thickness value; and continuing to perform X-ray exposure based on the adjusted exposure dose.

[0121] For example, after determining the exposure dose of the X-ray tube based on the thickness value obtained from the above calculation process, the X-ray tube is controlled to complete the exposure based on this exposure dose, and the detection dose of the flat panel detector is read. Assume the detection dose of the flat panel detector is 60 nanograys (nGy), and the threshold is 55 nGy. It can be seen that the detection dose of the flat panel detector is greater than the threshold, which means that the exposure dose set for the X-ray tube is too large. In this case, the thickness value can be reduced, and the exposure dose of the X-ray tube can be lowered based on the reduced thickness value. Then, the X-ray tube is controlled to perform subsequent exposures based on this lowered exposure dose.

[0122] Therefore, the thickness value can be adjusted based on the comparison between the detection dose of the flat panel detector and the preset threshold. Subsequently, the exposure dose in the subsequent X-ray exposure can be adjusted based on the adjusted thickness value, thus achieving precise control of the exposure dose and improving image quality.

[0123] After the C-arm begins to move, the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm may change. Therefore, the thickness of the imaging area in the X-ray direction may also change accordingly.

[0124] In one implementation, the method includes: after the C-arm begins to move, updating positioning parameters based on reading commands from the C-arm's position encoder (e.g., the microcontroller unit (MCU) in the C-arm motion control module reads the updated angle between the imaging target and the C-arm); and updating the thickness value based on a reference thickness value, a thickness scaling factor, and the updated positioning parameters. Specifically, the process of updating the thickness value based on the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor, and the updated positioning parameters may include: determining a first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the updated angle; determining a first square value of the first product; determining a second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor, and the cosine of the updated angle; determining a second square value of the second product; determining the sum of the first square value and the second square value; and determining the square root of the sum as the updated thickness value.

[0125] As can be seen, after the C-arm begins to move, the thickness value is updated based on the updated angle. Subsequently, the exposure dose in subsequent X-ray exposures can be adjusted based on the updated thickness value, which not only achieves precise dose control but also improves image quality.

[0126] Figure 4 This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the process of determining the exposure dose according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the process includes:

[0127] Step 201: Before the C-arm begins to move, the imaging system 40 in the control host of the C-arm system receives the imaging area in the imaging target, the body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm through the user interface, and sends the imaging area, body shape parameters, and positioning parameters to the XCU42.

[0128] Step 202: XCU42 determines the thickness scaling factor of the imaging region based on the shape of the imaging region; determines the reference thickness value when the imaging region is in the correct position based on the shape parameters of the imaging region; determines the thickness value of the imaging region in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor and the positioning parameters, and determines the exposure dose based on the thickness value, and sends the exposure dose to the X-ray tube 43 so that the X-ray tube 43 can perform exposure based on the exposure dose.

[0129] Step 203: After the C-arm starts moving, the MCU43 in the motion control module of the C-arm sends the updated positioning parameters to the XCU42 in real time.

[0130] Step 204: Based on the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor and the updated positioning parameters, XCU42 determines the updated thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction, and based on the updated thickness value, determines the updated exposure dose, and sends the updated exposure dose to X-ray tube 43 so that X-ray tube 43 can continue to perform exposure based on the updated exposure dose.

[0131] As can be seen, the embodiments of the present invention can determine the thickness value of the imaging area without performing perspective processing, and can determine the exposure parameters based on the thickness value, reducing complexity and improving image quality. Moreover, during the movement of the C-arm, the thickness value can be updated accordingly based on dynamically updated positioning parameters, and the exposure dose can be updated accordingly based on the updated thickness value, so that the exposure dose conforms to the movement of the C-arm, achieving precise dose control.

[0132] Figure 5 This is an exemplary structural diagram of a device for determining the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5As shown, the device 500 for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system includes: a first determining module 501, used to determine the imaging region in the imaging target, the shape parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm; a second determining module 502, used to determine the thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging region based on the shape of the imaging region; a third determining module 503, used to determine the reference thickness value of the imaging region when it is in the correct position based on the shape parameters of the imaging region; and a fourth determining module 504, used to determine the thickness value of the imaging region in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the positioning parameters.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first determining module 501 is configured to provide a user interface including a first interactive frame, a second interactive frame, and a third interactive frame before the C-arm begins to move. The first interactive frame contains multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive frame contains multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive frame is adapted to receive user input. Based on the first interactive frame, an imaging region is determined from the multiple candidate imaging regions; based on the second interactive frame, a body shape parameter is determined from the multiple candidate body shape parameters; based on the third interactive frame, user input is received and determined as the positioning parameters of the imaging target.

[0134] In one embodiment, the user interface includes a fourth interactive box containing classification information of the imaging target; a first determining module 501 is used to determine a selected classification from the classification information based on the fourth interactive box; and to determine multiple candidate imaging regions contained in the first interactive box based on the selected classification.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first determining module 501 is used to update the positioning parameters based on the reading command of the position encoder of the C-arm after the C-arm starts to move; the fourth determining module 504 is used to update the thickness value based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient and the updated positioning parameters.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second determining module 502 is configured to determine the thickness ratio coefficient as 1 when the cross-section of the imaging region is circular; determine the thickness ratio coefficient as a first predetermined value when the cross-section of the imaging region is elliptical and the axial length of the ellipse in the horizontal direction is greater than the axial length in the vertical direction; and determine the thickness ratio coefficient as a second predetermined value when the cross-section of the imaging region is elliptical and the axial length of the ellipse in the horizontal direction is less than the axial length in the vertical direction.

[0137] In one embodiment, the positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm; the fourth determining module 504 is used to determine a first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the angle; determine a first square value of the first product; determine a second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the cosine of the angle; determine a second square value of the second product; determine the sum of the first square value and the second square value; and determine the square root of the sum as the thickness value.

[0138] In one embodiment, the fourth determining module 504 is configured to determine an exposure dose based on a thickness value, wherein the exposure dose increases as the thickness value increases; and control the C-arm to perform X-ray exposure based on the exposure dose.

[0139] In one embodiment, the fourth determining module 504 is used to determine the detection dose of the flat panel detector for X-ray exposure; when the detection dose is not equal to a preset threshold, the thickness value is adjusted; when the detection dose is greater than the preset threshold, the thickness value is decreased; when the detection dose is less than the preset threshold, the thickness value is increased; based on the adjusted thickness value, the exposure dose is adjusted; based on the adjusted exposure dose, X-ray exposure is continued.

[0140] The present invention also proposes an electronic device with a processor-memory architecture. Figure 6 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the control host of the C-arm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] like Figure 6 As shown, the control host 600 includes a processor 601, a memory 602, and a computer program stored in the memory 602 and executable on the processor 601. When executed by the processor 601, the computer program implements the method for determining thickness in any of the above-described C-arm systems. Specifically, the memory 602 can be implemented as various storage media such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, and programmable programmable read-only memory (PROM). The processor 601 can be implemented as including one or more central processing units (CPUs) or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), wherein the FPGA integrates one or more CPU cores. Specifically, the CPU or CPU core can be implemented as a CPU, MCU, or DSP, etc.

[0142] It should be noted that not all steps and modules in the above processes and structural diagrams are mandatory; some steps or modules can be omitted as needed. The execution order of the steps is not fixed and can be adjusted as required. The division of modules is merely for the convenience of description and functional division. In actual implementation, a module can be implemented by multiple modules, and the functions of multiple modules can also be implemented by the same module. These modules can be located in the same device or in different devices.

[0143] The hardware modules in each embodiment can be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may include specially designed permanent circuitry or logic devices (such as dedicated processors, such as FPGAs or ASICs) to perform specific operations. A hardware module may also include programmable logic devices or circuitry (such as general-purpose processors or other programmable processors) temporarily configured by software to perform specific operations. The choice between mechanical implementation, dedicated permanent circuitry, or temporarily configured circuitry (such as software-configured circuitry) can be made based on cost and time considerations.

[0144] The present invention also provides a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a machine to perform the methods described in this application. Specifically, a system or apparatus equipped with a storage medium storing software program code that implements the functions of any of the embodiments described above, and causing a computer (e.g., CPU, MCU, or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. Furthermore, an operating system or similar device operating on a computer can perform some or all of the actual operations through instructions based on the program code. The program code read from the storage medium can also be written to a memory located in an expansion board inserted into a computer or to a memory located in an expansion unit connected to the computer. Subsequently, a control unit or similar device installed on the expansion board or expansion unit can perform some or all of the actual operations based on the instructions in the program code, thereby implementing the functions of any of the embodiments described above. Storage medium embodiments for providing program code include floppy disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks (such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW), magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Alternatively, program code can be downloaded from a server computer or the cloud via a communication network.

[0145] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system, characterized in that, include: Determine the imaging region in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm (101); Based on the shape of the imaging region, the thickness scaling factor (102) of the imaging region is determined; Based on the shape parameters of the imaging region, the reference thickness value (103) when the imaging region is in the positive position is determined; Based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the positioning parameters, the thickness value of the imaging region in the X-ray direction is determined (104).

2. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the imaging region in the imaging target, the size parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters (101) of the imaging target relative to the C-arm includes: Before the C-arm begins to move, a user interface is provided that includes a first interactive box, a second interactive box, and a third interactive box. The first interactive box contains multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive box contains multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive box is adapted to receive user input. Based on the first interactive frame, the imaging region is determined from the plurality of candidate imaging regions; Based on the second interactive box, the body shape parameter is determined from the plurality of candidate body shape parameters; The user input is received based on the third interactive box, and the user input is determined as the positioning parameters of the imaging target.

3. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The user interface includes a fourth interaction box, which contains classification information of the imaging target; the method includes: Based on the fourth interactive box, the selected category is determined from the category information; Based on the selected category, the plurality of candidate imaging regions contained in the first interactive box are determined.

4. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 2, characterized in that, include: After the C-arm begins to move, the positioning parameters are updated based on the reading command of the position encoder of the C-arm. The thickness value is updated based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the updated positioning parameters.

5. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the thickness scaling factor (102) of the imaging region based on its shape includes: When the cross-section of the imaging area is circular, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be 1; When the cross-section of the imaging region is an ellipse and the axial length of the ellipse in the horizontal direction is greater than the axial length in the vertical direction, the thickness ratio coefficient is determined to be a first predetermined value. When the cross-section of the imaging region is elliptical and the ellipse's horizontal axis is less than its vertical axis, the thickness scaling factor is determined to be a second predetermined value.

6. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm; The step of determining the thickness value (104) of the imaging region in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient, and the positioning parameters includes: Determine the first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the included angle; Determine the first square value of the first product; Determine the second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor, and the cosine of the included angle; Determine the second square value of the second product; Determine the sum of the first squared value and the second squared value; The square root of the summation result is determined as the thickness value.

7. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 6, characterized in that, include: Based on the thickness value, an exposure dose is determined, wherein the exposure dose increases as the thickness value increases; Based on the exposure dose, the C-arm is controlled to perform X-ray exposure.

8. The method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: Determine the detection dose of the flat panel detector used for X-ray exposure; When the detected dose is not equal to the preset threshold, the thickness value is adjusted; When the detected dose is greater than the preset threshold, the thickness value is reduced. When the detected dose is less than the preset threshold, the thickness value is increased; Adjust the exposure dose based on the adjusted thickness value; Based on the adjusted exposure dose, the X-ray exposure continues.

9. A device for determining the thickness of an imaging region in a C-arm system, characterized in that, include: The first determining module (501) is used to determine the imaging area in the imaging target, the body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the positioning parameters of the imaging target relative to the C-arm. The second determining module (502) is used to determine the thickness ratio coefficient of the imaging region based on the shape of the imaging region; The third determining module (503) is used to determine the reference thickness value of the imaging region when it is in the positive position based on the body shape parameters of the imaging region. The fourth determining module (504) is used to determine the thickness value of the imaging area in the X-ray direction based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient and the positioning parameters.

10. The apparatus for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first determining module (501) is used to provide a user interface including a first interactive box, a second interactive box and a third interactive box before the C-arm starts to move, wherein the first interactive box includes multiple candidate imaging regions of the imaging target, the second interactive box includes multiple candidate body shape parameters of the imaging target, and the third interactive box is adapted to receive user input. Based on the first interactive frame, the imaging region is determined from the plurality of candidate imaging regions; Based on the second interactive box, the body shape parameter is determined from the plurality of candidate body shape parameters; The user input is received based on the third interactive box, and the user input is determined as the positioning parameters of the imaging target.

11. The apparatus for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first determining module (501) is used to update the positioning parameters based on the reading command of the position encoder of the C-arm after the C-arm starts to move; The fourth determining module (504) is used to update the thickness value based on the reference thickness value, the thickness ratio coefficient and the updated positioning parameters.

12. The apparatus for determining the thickness of the imaging region in a C-arm system according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The positioning parameters include the angle between the imaging target and the C-arm; The fourth determining module (504) is used to determine the first product of the reference thickness value and the sine of the included angle; Determine the first square value of the first product; Determine the second product of the reference thickness value, the thickness scaling factor, and the cosine of the included angle; Determine the second square value of the second product; Determine the sum of the first squared value and the second squared value; determine the square root of the sum as the thickness value.

13. A control host for a C-arm system, characterized in that, include: Processor (601); Memory (602) for storing executable instructions of the processor (601); The processor (601) is configured to read the executable instructions from the memory (602) and execute the executable instructions to implement the method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to any one of claims 1-8.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the computer instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to any one of claims 1-8.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for determining the thickness of the imaging region in the C-arm system according to any one of claims 1-8.

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