Mobile CT imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile CT imaging system which comprises a supporting frame, an X-ray bulb tube, an X-ray detector and a control terminal. Wherein the supporting frame is formed by splicing a plurality of supporting modules; the X-ray bulb tube and the X-ray detector are arranged on the supporting module and are used for scanning a detected workpiece; and the control terminal is configured to independently control the triggering of each X-ray bulb tube, perform projection scanning on the detected object, and construct a three-dimensional image of the detected object based on the electric signals generated by each X-ray detector. The mechanical structure of the imaging system is simplified, and the scanning flexibility, the imaging efficiency and the imaging quality are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of scanning imaging technology, and particularly relates to a mobile CT imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) technology, as an advanced non-destructive testing and imaging method, plays a vital role in fields such as medicine, industrial inspection, and materials science.

[0003] Traditional industrial CT systems require a high-precision mechanical rotating mechanism to drive the X-ray source and detector to rotate 360° around the workpiece being measured, or to drive the workpiece to rotate between the X-ray source and detector, thereby acquiring two-dimensional projection data of the workpiece at different angles, and then synthesizing a three-dimensional image through reconstruction algorithms.

[0004] Traditional architectures that rely on mechanical rotation for data acquisition are typically bulky, have complex mechanical structures, and poor mobility, making them difficult to transport to production sites, outdoors, or confined spaces for in-situ testing. Furthermore, their scanning path and speed are limited by the mechanical structure, requiring a complete rotation cycle to acquire sufficient reconstructed data. This makes it impossible to achieve millisecond-level static imaging or to flexibly and specifically perform local scanning or directional scanning within a specific angle range according to testing needs.

[0005] For mobile or detachable CT systems, there are some existing designs. However, the core imaging method of existing mobile or detachable CT systems still relies on the mechanical rotation of the X-ray source and detector, which results in problems such as complex mechanical structure, inability to achieve millisecond-level static imaging, and inability to perform directional scanning. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a mobile CT imaging system.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A mobile CT imaging system, comprising: The support frame is assembled from multiple support modules. X-ray tubes, arranged on the support module, are used to emit X-rays; X-ray detectors are arranged on the support module; each X-ray detector corresponds to an X-ray tube and is positioned opposite to its corresponding X-ray tube to receive X-rays emitted by its corresponding X-ray tube and generate corresponding electrical signals. The control terminal is electrically connected to the X-ray tube and X-ray detector; The control terminal is configured to independently control the trigger timing and exposure parameters of each X-ray tube, perform projection scanning on the object under test, receive electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector, and construct a three-dimensional image of the object under test based on the electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X support module is arranged in an arc shape; multiple arc-shaped support modules are assembled into a ring-shaped support frame; The X-ray tube and X-ray detector are arranged on the inner wall of the supporting frame.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X-ray tubes are arranged in a ring or arc shape at predetermined angular intervals on the inner wall of the support frame.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, each support module includes at least two connecting end faces; on each connecting end face, with the center of the end face as the symmetrical point, multiple sets of connecting units are provided for connecting with adjacent support modules.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, a power supply module is further included; The power supply module includes an energy storage unit and a high-voltage conversion circuit; the energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy; the high-voltage conversion circuit is connected between the energy storage unit and each X-ray tube, and is used to independently convert the DC voltage provided by the energy storage unit into the high-voltage DC power required by each X-ray tube. The control terminal is electrically connected to the power supply module; the control terminal is configured to control the high-voltage conversion circuit to apply high voltage to each X-ray tube through different high-voltage channels.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the support module integrates multiple electrical interfaces; The X-ray tube and X-ray detector are electrically connected to the control terminal and power supply module through electrical interfaces on the support module.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control terminal is further configured to: receive user instructions, generate a scanning scheme based on the user instructions, interpret the scanning scheme as a timing control signal, and determine the triggering order of each X-ray tube based on the timing control signal.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control terminal is configured to: trigger each X-ray tube sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence, and collect data from the corresponding X-ray detector after each X-ray tube is triggered.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control terminal is configured to randomly trigger each X-ray tube non-periodically at a predetermined frequency, and ensure that only one X-ray tube is triggered at any given time.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, X-ray tubes with non-intersecting X-ray paths and their corresponding X-ray detectors are defined as a group of X-ray imaging modules. The control terminal is configured to trigger each group of X-ray imaging modules sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention achieves static imaging by eliminating the mechanical rotation mechanism of existing imaging systems. At the same time, it greatly simplifies the system structure, reduces the overall weight and volume of the imaging system, and improves the system's convenience. It is suitable for in-situ detection in extreme environments such as high altitudes and confined spaces. 2. This invention uses electronic control via a control terminal to switch between different X-ray tubes, eliminating the need to wait for mechanical rotation and enabling data acquisition to be completed within milliseconds to seconds, thus greatly improving scanning efficiency. 3. This invention ensures that only one or a group of X-ray tubes with intersecting rays are working at any given time through precise timing control, which fundamentally avoids cross-scattering of multiple source rays on the detector, thereby obtaining pure projection data with higher signal-to-noise ratio and fewer artifacts, effectively improving the quality of imaging. 4. In this invention, each X-ray tube can be freely selected for triggering, realizing directional scanning and local scanning, making the radiation dose more controllable. It is suitable for detecting specific parts of immovable large workpieces, improving the flexibility of scanning. 5. The power control cabinet provided by this invention features a unique centralized energy storage and high-voltage pulse power supply architecture, which solves the power problem of multiple small X-ray tubes working simultaneously, ensuring imaging quality. At the same time, all high-voltage components are placed in a dedicated cabinet, making maintenance convenient and ensuring high reliability.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile CT imaging system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of adjacent support modules provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support module and the X-ray imaging module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the power control cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A timing diagram of the sequential polling triggering mode is provided for embodiments of the present invention; The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Support frame; 11. Support module; 111. Connecting end face; 12. Connecting unit; 13. Electrical interface; 2. X-ray imaging module; 21. X-ray tube; 211. High-pressure pipeline interface; 22. X-ray detector; 221. Signal exchange pipeline interface; 3. Power control cabinet; 31. Control terminal; 311. Signal exchange pipeline; 32. Energy storage unit; 33. High voltage conversion circuit; 331. High voltage pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to 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. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0023] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0025] As attached Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 6As shown, in an illustrative embodiment of a mobile CT imaging system of the present invention, the imaging system includes a support frame 1, an X-ray imaging module 2, and a power control cabinet 3.

[0026] The support frame 1 is designed as a modular frame structure that can be disassembled and assembled, facilitating transportation to different sites and on-site assembly around the immovable workpiece to be tested. The support frame 1 is assembled from multiple support modules 11, each made of lightweight, high-strength materials to ensure the mobility and rigidity of the support frame 1. In this embodiment, the support modules 11 are made of aluminum alloy. After assembly, the support frame 1 forms an open, annular or arched frame capable of accommodating the workpiece to be tested.

[0027] The X-ray imaging module 2 includes multiple modules, each including an X-ray tube 21 and an X-ray detector 22 corresponding to the X-ray tube 21.

[0028] The X-ray tubes 21 and X-ray detectors 22 of each X-ray imaging module 2 are arranged on the support module 11 of the support frame 1 according to a predetermined spatial geometric relationship. The X-ray tubes 21 are used to emit X-rays. The X-ray detectors 22 are positioned opposite to their corresponding X-ray tubes 21 to receive the X-rays emitted by their respective X-ray tubes 21 and generate corresponding electrical signals.

[0029] The power control cabinet 3 is equipped with a power supply module and a control terminal 31.

[0030] The control terminal 31 is connected to a signal exchange line 311, through which it is electrically connected to the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22. The control terminal 31 is configured to independently control the triggering timing and exposure parameters of each X-ray tube 21, perform projection scanning on the object under test, receive electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector 22, and construct a three-dimensional image of the object under test based on the electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector 22.

[0031] The power supply module is used to store the input mains power and convert it into different levels of high voltage DC power required by each X-ray tube 21 on demand and independently based on the control commands of the control terminal 31.

[0032] The workflow of the imaging system provided in this application is as follows: The lightweight, modular support frame 1 component is transported to the site and assembled around the workpiece to be tested. The power control cabinet 3 is placed in a safe position several meters away from the workpiece and is connected to the X-ray imaging module 2 fixedly installed on the support frame 1 via a multi-core cable integrating high-voltage lines and signal lines.

[0033] After the system is powered on and calibrated, the user sets the scanning scheme and scanning parameters through the human-machine interface on the power control cabinet 3. These scanning parameters include, but are not limited to, voltage, current, and scanning range. The control terminal 31 generates a scanning sequence according to the user's instructions and sends a trigger signal to the designated X-ray tube 21 on the support frame 1 through a multi-core cable to trigger X-ray projection acquisition.

[0034] Simultaneously, the control terminal 31 collects electrical signals from each X-ray detector 22 to reconstruct a three-dimensional image.

[0035] During the operation of the imaging system provided in this application, the support frame 1, the X-ray tube and the detector remain stationary. The X-ray tube 21 at different positions is triggered only by electronic timing control to obtain projections at different angles, thereby realizing the static acquisition of multi-angle projection data.

[0036] It should be understood that, since each X-ray tube 21 can be individually controlled and triggered, the imaging system provided in this application can selectively trigger some tubes to achieve local scanning or sparse angle scanning, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation and scanning time, and making the application scenarios more flexible.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the support module 11 is arranged in an arc shape. Multiple arc-shaped support modules 11 are connected end to end to form a complete, rigid annular support frame 1. The curvature of the support module 11 and the inner diameter of the support frame 1 can be designed according to the testing requirements to accommodate workpieces of different sizes, and the present invention does not further limit this.

[0038] The inner wall of each arc-shaped support module 11 serves as the mounting surface for the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22, on which the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22 are arranged according to a predetermined spatial geometry. Specifically, the predetermined spatial geometry is either a ring-shaped distribution with equal angular intervals or an arc-shaped distribution with predetermined angular intervals.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support module 11 includes six modules, each of which is equipped with an X-ray tube 21 or an X-ray detector 22. After assembly, the X-ray tubes 21 and X-ray detectors 22 on the support frame 1 are arranged in a cross pattern, and the central angles corresponding to the arcs between any two adjacent X-ray tubes 21 are equal.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, each support module 11 includes at least two connecting end faces 111 for connecting with adjacent support modules 11 at both ends. On each connecting end face 111, with the center of the end face as the symmetrical point, at least three sets of identical connecting units 12 and electrical contact points are provided, such that when each support module 11 rotates 0 degrees or 180 degrees around its central axis perpendicular to the support end face, all mechanical and electrical interfaces 13 on the two connecting end faces 111 can achieve perfect alignment and coupling.

[0041] Specifically, the connecting unit 12 is an internal hex bolt and a nut. In this embodiment, three connecting units 12 are provided, and the three connecting units 12 are distributed in an isosceles triangle shape on the connecting end face 111. By following the principle that three points determine a plane, deformation of the mating surface can be effectively eliminated, ensuring the rigidity and stability of the support frame 1 after assembly.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the support module 11 integrates multiple electrical interfaces 13. Specifically, the electrical interfaces 13 include high-voltage quick-connect interfaces and control signal / data transmission interfaces.

[0043] The X-ray tube 21 is provided with a high-voltage pipeline 331 interface 211. The X-ray tube 21 is connected to the high-voltage quick-connect interface of the support module 11 through the high-voltage pipeline 331 interface 211, and then electrically connected to the control terminal 31 and the power supply module.

[0044] The X-ray detector 22 is equipped with a signal exchange pipeline 311 interface 221. The X-ray detector 22 is connected to the control signal / data transmission interface on the support module 11, and then electrically connected to the control terminal 31 and the power supply module.

[0045] It should be understood that the electrical interface 13, as the electrical hub between the support frame 1 and the power control cabinet 3, can ensure that after on-site assembly, all high-voltage power supply and control signal connections can be quickly completed using only a multi-core integrated cable.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the power supply module includes an energy storage unit 32 and a high-voltage conversion circuit 33.

[0047] Among them, the energy storage unit 32 serves as the central energy storage pool of the system, including a large-capacity capacitor bank or battery bank for storing the input mains power.

[0048] The energy storage unit 32 can provide instantaneous high-power pulse current for the concentrated triggering of multiple X-ray tubes 21 in a short time. This overcomes the power bottleneck caused by the inability of traditional portable devices to provide instantaneous high power, ensuring that each X-ray tube 21 can emit X-rays of sufficient intensity.

[0049] The high-voltage conversion circuit 33 is connected between the energy storage unit 32 and each X-ray tube 21, and is used to independently convert the DC voltage provided by the energy storage unit 32 into the high-voltage DC voltage required by each X-ray tube 21.

[0050] The high-voltage conversion circuit 33 is connected to the high-voltage pipeline 331, and the high-voltage conversion circuit 33 is connected to the electrical interface 13 of the support module 11 through the high-voltage pipeline 331.

[0051] The high-voltage conversion circuit 33 is electrically connected to the control terminal 31 to receive control commands sent by the control terminal 31.

[0052] The control terminal 31 is configured to control the high voltage conversion circuit 33 to apply high voltage to each X-ray tube 21 through different high voltage channels, so as to achieve precise and rapid switching control of each X-ray tube 21.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control terminal 31 is a computer unit. The computer unit, as the system's main controller, is configured to: receive user operation commands; generate a scanning plan based on the user commands; and, including but not limited to, selecting which X-ray tubes 21 to trigger, and with what parameters and in what order. The scanning plan is interpreted as timing control signals, and the triggering order of each X-ray tube 21 is determined based on these timing control signals.

[0054] Based on this timing control signal, precise trigger and control signals are sent to the high-voltage conversion circuit 33. It also receives electrical signal data from the X-ray detector 22, executes a sparse angle CT reconstruction algorithm, and reconstructs the acquired two-dimensional projection data into a three-dimensional image.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control terminal 31 further includes a human-machine interface for inputting operation commands and displaying scan results and system status.

[0056] The imaging system control architecture provided in this application comprises three layers. The upper layer is the scan planning and scheduling layer, located within the computer unit, used to receive user commands and generate a global scan plan. The middle layer is the timing and logic control layer, located within the computer unit or a dedicated FPGA, used to parse the scan plan into precise timing control signals. The lower layer is the hardware driver layer, located in the high-voltage conversion circuit 33 and the interface circuit of the X-ray imaging module 2, used to directly drive the X-ray tube 21 to trigger and the X-ray detector 22 to acquire data.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaging system includes multiple trigger acquisition modes such as sequential polling trigger mode, group synchronous trigger mode, and dynamic flying point scanning mode. In practical applications, the trigger mode can be flexibly selected according to the requirements.

[0058] In the sequential polling trigger mode, the control terminal 31 is configured to trigger each X-ray tube 21 sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence, and to acquire data from the corresponding X-ray detector 22 after each X-ray tube 21 is triggered. For example, ... Figure 6 As shown, when the imaging system includes 3 sets of X-ray imaging modules 2, each X-ray tube 21 can be triggered sequentially in the order of module 1, module 2, and module 3.

[0059] The sequential polling triggering mode is simple and reliable, completely avoiding mutual interference between different X-ray tubes, ensuring the purity of the projection data, and can be applied to conventional static 3D scanning as well as scenarios with high signal-to-noise ratio requirements.

[0060] In the grouped synchronous triggering mode, the X-ray tube 21 and its corresponding X-ray detector 22, which are spatially relative and whose ray paths do not intersect, are defined as a group of X-ray imaging modules.

[0061] The control terminal 31 is configured to simultaneously trigger multiple X-ray tubes 21 within a set of X-ray imaging modules and simultaneously acquire electrical signal data from the X-ray detector 22 corresponding to each X-ray tube 21. During data acquisition, each set of X-ray imaging modules 2 is triggered sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence.

[0062] For example, when the imaging system includes six X-ray tubes 21 arranged in a ring, the tubes located diagonally, namely tube 1 and tube 4, tube 2 and tube 5, and tube 3 and tube 6, are divided into three groups. During data acquisition, tubes 1 and 4 can be triggered simultaneously, followed by tubes 2 and 5, and finally tubes 3 and 6.

[0063] The group synchronous triggering mode can significantly improve data acquisition speed without introducing interference, enabling rapid scanning. It can improve scanning efficiency and has a geometric layout that does not interfere with the ray path.

[0064] In dynamic flying-spot scanning mode, the control terminal 31 is configured to rapidly and non-periodically trigger each X-ray tube 21 at a predetermined frequency in the kHz range, and ensure that only one X-ray tube 21 is triggered at any given time, so as to form a "flying-spot" X-ray source that jumps between multiple fixed positions.

[0065] The dynamic flying-spot scanning mode greatly suppresses scattering because only a tiny beam is activated at any given time, minimizing the scattered radiation received by the X-ray detector 22. Furthermore, by controlling the activated areas of the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22, the shape and size of the beam can be electronically defined, eliminating or reducing the need for mechanical collimators and achieving electronic collimation. This allows for applications in high-contrast workpiece inspection that is extremely sensitive to scattering artifacts, or in scenarios requiring extremely low-dose imaging.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0067] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile CT imaging system, characterized in that, include: A support frame, which is assembled from multiple support modules; X-ray tubes are arranged on the support module for emitting X-rays; X-ray detectors are arranged on the support module; each X-ray detector corresponds to an X-ray tube and is arranged opposite to its corresponding X-ray tube to receive X-rays emitted by its corresponding X-ray tube and generate corresponding electrical signals. The control terminal is electrically connected to the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; The control terminal is configured to: independently control the trigger timing and exposure parameters of each X-ray tube, perform projection scanning on the object under test, receive electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector, and construct a three-dimensional image of the object under test based on the electrical signals generated by each X-ray detector.

2. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-shaped support module is arranged in an arc shape; multiple arc-shaped support modules are assembled into a ring-shaped support frame; The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are arranged on the inner wall of the support frame.

3. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The X-ray tubes are arranged in a ring or arc shape at predetermined angular intervals on the inner wall of the support frame.

4. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each support module includes at least two connection end faces; on each connection end face, with the center of the end face as the symmetrical point, multiple sets of connection units are set for connecting with adjacent support modules.

5. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes a power supply module; The power supply module includes an energy storage unit and a high-voltage conversion circuit; the energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy; the high-voltage conversion circuit is connected between the energy storage unit and each X-ray tube, and is used to independently convert the DC voltage provided by the energy storage unit into the high-voltage DC power required by each X-ray tube. The control terminal is electrically connected to the power supply module; the control terminal is configured to control the high-voltage conversion circuit to apply high voltage to each X-ray tube through different high-voltage channels.

6. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 45, characterized in that, The support module integrates multiple electrical interfaces; The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are both electrically connected to the control terminal and the power supply module through electrical interfaces on the support module.

7. The mobile CT imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal is further configured to: receive user instructions, generate a scanning scheme based on the user instructions, interpret the scanning scheme as a timing control signal, and determine the triggering order of each X-ray tube based on the timing control signal.

8. The mobile CT imaging system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control terminal is configured to trigger each X-ray tube sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence, and to collect data from the corresponding X-ray detector after each X-ray tube is triggered.

9. The mobile CT imaging system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control terminal is configured to randomly trigger each X-ray tube non-periodically at a predetermined frequency, and to ensure that only one X-ray tube is triggered at any given time.

10. The mobile CT imaging system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, An X-ray tube with non-intersecting X-ray paths and its corresponding X-ray detector are defined as a group of X-ray imaging modules. The control terminal is configured to trigger each group of X-ray imaging modules sequentially according to a predetermined timing sequence.

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