Collimator module, collimator, detector module and imaging device
By setting grid-shaped first and second shielding plates in the collimator module of the CT imaging equipment, the problem of X-rays passing through the gaps in the collimator module was solved, resulting in a more balanced imaging effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
In existing CT imaging equipment, radiation shielding technology cannot completely shield the radiation passing through the gaps between collimator modules, causing the radiation to irradiate the scintillator and affecting the imaging uniformity.
The collimator module is provided with multiple first shielding plates and multiple second shielding plates extending in two vertical directions. The protrusions of the first shielding plates extend beyond the ends of the second shielding plates to form a grid-like structure to prevent rays from passing through the gaps and irradiating the scintillator.
This improved the imaging uniformity of the detector module across all channels, thus enhancing the imaging quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224484020U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of imaging equipment technology, and in particular to a collimator module, a collimator, a detector module, and an imaging device. Background Technology
[0002] Imaging equipment is used to scan objects (such as patients or workpieces) in a non-invasive or non-destructive manner to obtain images of the internal structures of anatomical tissues or parts of interest in the object being examined, in order to assist in diagnosis.
[0003] Imaging equipment typically includes a circular scanning aperture for the object to be scanned to enter or exit, and a detector subsystem mounted along the entire circumference or a portion of the arc of the aperture. This detector subsystem comprises multiple detector modules mounted on a rack. For example, computed tomography (CT) equipment is commonly used as a medical imaging device to scan patients to obtain tomographic medical images of areas of interest to assist physicians in diagnosis.
[0004] A CT scanner includes multiple detector modules that receive X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube and passing through the patient. The shape and number of these modules depend on clinical needs and the design of the CT system. These modules communicate with each other. Each detector module typically includes a pixelated scintillator and a photoelectric conversion device arranged sequentially along the X-ray transmission direction. The scintillator receives the X-rays passing through the patient and generates light, while the photoelectric conversion device (e.g., a photodiode) converts the light into an electrical signal. Each detector module also includes a collimator to collimate the X-rays passing through the patient into a specific direction to avoid or reduce interference between the pixels of the scintillator. The collimator modules are spaced apart to prevent collisions. Each detector module also includes signal processing circuitry for processing the electrical signals generated by the photoelectric conversion device, as well as a frame to support the collimator, scintillator, photoelectric conversion device, circuit board, and heat dissipation devices. During installation, gaps are maintained at the edges of the detector modules to prevent collisions.
[0005] CT equipment also includes a computer subsystem that reconstructs medical tomographic images based on processed electrical signals to generate diagnostic aids.
[0006] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solution of this application and facilitating the understanding of those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0007] The inventors discovered that in imaging equipment such as CT scanners, existing radiation shielding technologies sometimes fail to completely shield radiation passing through the gaps between collimator modules, which may cause radiation to irradiate the scintillator, thereby affecting the imaging on the corresponding channel and the uniformity of the detector module's imaging performance across all channels.
[0008] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems or other similar issues, embodiments of this application provide a collimator module, a collimator, a detector module, and an imaging device. In this collimator module, a plurality of first shielding plates and a plurality of second shielding plates extending along two perpendicular directions are provided. The protrusions of the first shielding plates extend beyond the end shielding plates of the second shielding plates. Thus, the protrusions of the first shielding plates can prevent radiation passing through the gaps between the collimator modules from irradiating the scintillator, enabling the detector module to achieve imaging uniformity across the entire channel and improving the imaging quality of the detector module.
[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a collimator module is provided, the collimator module comprising:
[0010] A plurality of first shielding plates, the plurality of first shielding plates being arranged at intervals, each first shielding plate extending along a first direction, including a main body portion and a protrusion extending from at least one end of the main body portion; and
[0011] A plurality of second shielding sheets extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each second shielding sheet including at least one end shielding sheet connected to at least one end of the main body portion of the first shielding sheet, the protrusion of the first shielding sheet extending beyond the end shielding sheet.
[0012] Therefore, in this collimator module, there are multiple first shielding plates and multiple second shielding plates arranged in two vertical directions in a grid pattern, and the protrusions of the first shielding plates extend beyond the end shielding plates of the second shielding plates. Thus, the protrusions of the first shielding plates can prevent radiation rays passing through the gaps between the collimator modules from irradiating the scintillator, so that the detector module can achieve imaging uniformity in the entire channel and improve the imaging quality of the detector module.
[0013] In some embodiments, the protrusion has a dimension greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm in the first direction.
[0014] In some embodiments, the thickness of the protrusion is greater than the thickness of the main body.
[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the protrusion is 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm greater than the thickness of the main body.
[0016] In some embodiments, the second shielding sheet includes a first end shielding sheet and a second end shielding sheet respectively connected to both ends of the main body portion of the first shielding sheet, wherein the first shielding sheet includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the two ends of the main body portion respectively, the first protrusion extending beyond the first end shielding sheet, and the second protrusion extending beyond the second end shielding sheet.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the same shape and are centrally symmetrical.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are of the same shape, such as a rectangle, a triangle, or a trapezoid, and the second protrusion is centrally symmetrical to the first protrusion.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are rectangular in shape, and the dimension of the rectangle in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first shielding sheet in the third direction.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are in the shape of a right trapezoid, the upper base and the lower base of the right trapezoid are parallel to the third direction, and the lower base is closer to the first end shield than the upper base. The size of the lower base is less than or equal to the size of the first shield in the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are shaped as right triangles, with the first right-angled side of the right triangle parallel to the third direction, the second right-angled side of the right triangle parallel to the first direction, the size of the first right-angled side being less than or equal to the size of the first shielding sheet in the third direction, and the third direction being perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.
[0022] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a collimator is provided, the collimator comprising at least two collimator modules as described in any of the above embodiments, arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction.
[0023] In some embodiments, there is a gap between adjacent collimator modules in the first direction, and when viewed along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the gap is obscured by the protrusions of the adjacent collimator modules.
[0024] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a detector module is provided, the detector module including a radiation detector element, a circuit board, a processing circuit chip, and a collimator as described in the above embodiments.
[0025] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an imaging device is provided, the imaging device having a detector module as described in the above embodiments and an image reconstruction device, the image reconstruction device performing image reconstruction based on an electrical signal generated by a radiation detector element in the detector module to generate a tomographic image of the object under examination.
[0026] Referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, specific implementation methods of the embodiments of this application are disclosed in detail, indicating how the principles of the embodiments of this application can be adopted. It should be understood that the implementation methods of this application are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the implementation methods of this application include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this application and illustrate the implementation methods of this application, together with the textual description, to explain the principles of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other implementation methods based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a CT device according to an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the shielding plate and the scintillator of the collimator module;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding plate of the collimator module;
[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a collimator module according to an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the collimator module according to an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application;
[0035] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application;
[0037] Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application;
[0038] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application;
[0039] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view of the collimator module according to an embodiment of this application;
[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a detector module according to an embodiment of this application;
[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0042] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other features of the embodiments of this application will become apparent from the following description. Specific embodiments of this application are specifically disclosed in the description and drawings, illustrating partial implementations in which the principles of the embodiments of this application can be adopted. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the described embodiments; rather, the embodiments of this application include all modifications, variations, and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.
[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different elements by name, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or chronological order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one or more of the terms listed in association and all combinations thereof. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components, or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, or assemblies.
[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc., including the plural forms, should be broadly understood as "a kind" or "a class" rather than limited to the meaning of "an." Furthermore, the term "the" should be understood to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the term "according to" should be understood as "at least partially based on…," and the term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on…," unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.
[0045] Features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. The term "comprising / including" as used herein means the presence of a feature, integral, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, or components.
[0046] In various embodiments of this application, "above" and "below" both include the stated number. For example, "two or more" includes two and more than two, and "two or less" includes two and less than two.
[0047] The medical imaging device described in this application can be applied to a variety of medical imaging modalities, including but not limited to CT (computed tomography) imaging devices, PET (positron emission tomography)-CT, or any other suitable medical imaging devices.
[0048] A system for acquiring medical image data may include the aforementioned medical imaging equipment, a separate computer connected to the medical imaging equipment, or a computer connected to an internet cloud, which is connected via the internet to the medical imaging equipment or a storage device for storing medical images. The imaging method may be implemented independently or in combination by the aforementioned medical imaging equipment, the computer connected to the medical imaging equipment, and the computer connected to the internet cloud. For example, a system for acquiring medical image data may be a CT imaging system, etc.
[0049] Exemplary examples are described below in conjunction with X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging equipment. Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can also be applied to other medical imaging equipment.
[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a CT device according to an embodiment of this application, illustrating the configuration of the CT device 100. Figure 1 As shown, the CT equipment 100 includes a scanning gantry 101 and a patient table 102; the scanning gantry 101 has an X-ray source 103 that projects an X-ray beam toward a detector assembly 104 or collimator on the opposite side of the scanning gantry 101. The subject 105 can lie flat on the patient table 102 and move into the scanning gantry opening 106 as the patient table 102 moves; medical image data of the subject 105 can be obtained by scanning with the X-ray source 103.
[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application, illustrating a block diagram of the CT imaging system 200. Figure 2As shown, the detector assembly 104 includes multiple detector units 104a and a data acquisition system (DAS) 104b. The multiple detector units 104a sense projected X-rays passing through the object being detected 105.
[0052] DAS104b converts the collected information into projection data based on the sensing of detector unit 104a for subsequent processing. During the scan that acquires X-ray projection data, the scanning gantry 101 and the components mounted thereon rotate around the rotation center 101c.
[0053] The rotation of the scanning gantry 101 and the operation of the X-ray source 103 are controlled by the control mechanism 203 of the CT imaging system 200. The control mechanism 203 includes an X-ray controller 203a that provides power and timing signals to the X-ray source 103, and a scanning gantry motor controller 203b that controls the rotational speed and position of the scanning gantry 101. The image reconstruction unit 204 receives projection data from the DAS 104b and performs image reconstruction. The reconstructed image is transmitted as input to the computer 205, which stores the image in a mass storage device 206.
[0054] Computer 205 also receives commands and scanning parameters from the operator via console 207. Console 207 has some form of operator interface, such as a keyboard, mouse, voice-activated controller, or any other suitable input device. An associated display 208 allows the operator to view reconstructed images and other data from computer 205. Commands and parameters provided by the operator are used by computer 205 to provide control signals and information to DAS 104b, X-ray controller 203a, and scanning gantry motor controller 203b. Additionally, computer 205 operates patient table motor controller 209, controlling patient table 102 to position the subject 105 and scanning gantry 101. Specifically, patient table 102 moves the subject 105, wholly or partially, through... Figure 1 The scanning rack opening is 106.
[0055] The above illustrations depict devices and systems for acquiring medical imaging data (or medical images or medical image data) according to embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto. Medical imaging devices may be CT equipment, PET-CT, or any other suitable imaging equipment. Storage devices may be located within the medical imaging device, on a server outside the medical imaging device, in a standalone medical image storage system (e.g., PACS, Picture Archiving and Communication System), and / or in a remote cloud storage system.
[0056] Furthermore, medical imaging workstations can be located locally on the medical imaging equipment, meaning they are situated close to the equipment, and both can be located in the same scanning room, radiology department, or within the same hospital. Meanwhile, the medical image cloud platform analysis system can be located away from the medical imaging equipment, for example, in the cloud where it communicates with the equipment.
[0057] As an example, after a medical institution completes an imaging scan using medical imaging equipment, the scanned data is stored in a storage device. A medical imaging workstation can directly read the scanned data and perform image processing through its processor. As another example, a medical image cloud platform analysis system can remotely access medical images stored in the storage device to provide "Software as a Service" (SaaS). SaaS can exist between hospitals, between hospitals and imaging centers, or between hospitals and third-party online medical service providers.
[0058] The above illustrations illustrate medical image scanning. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a CT scanner is used as an example for description; however, this description is equally applicable to other medical imaging devices.
[0059] In various embodiments of this application: the X direction is, for example, Figure 1 The scanning gantry 101 or patient table 102 shown is in the horizontal or left-right direction; the Y direction is, for example, Figure 1 The vertical direction of the scanning gantry 101 or patient table 102 shown; the Z direction is, for example, Figure 1 The patient table 102 shown is moved in or out of the scanning gantry opening 106 in the Z direction, i.e. Figure 1 The front-to-back direction of the scanning gantry 101 and the scanning gantry opening 106 shown. The X direction can also be referred to as the first direction, the Z direction as the second direction, and the Y direction as the third direction.
[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the shielding plate and the scintillator of the collimator module, as viewed along the Z-direction. Figure 3As shown, the detector module 300 includes collimator modules 301a, 301b, and 301c, and scintillators 302a, 302b, and 302c. Collimator modules 301a, 301b, and 301c are each provided with multiple shielding plates 303, each shielding plate 303 extending along the Z direction and perpendicular to the X direction. Thickened shielding plates 304a, 304b, and 304c (not shown in the figure) are respectively provided at the edges of collimator modules 301a, 301b, and 301c. A gap 305a exists between collimator modules 301a and 301b, and a gap 305b exists between collimator modules 301b and 301c. Scintillators 302a, 302b, and 302c correspond to multiple channels 306. In this process, the X-ray source 103 passes through gaps 305a and 305b to form radiation lines 307a and 307b. These radiation lines irradiate scintillators 302b and 302c, affecting the imaging quality of channels 306a and 306b, thereby reducing the uniformity of the detector module 300's imaging across all channels.
[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding plate of the collimator module, shown as a view along the Y direction. Figure 4 As shown, collimator modules 401a, 401b, and 401c are respectively provided with the following... Figure 3 The diagram shows multiple shielding plates 303 and thickened shielding plates 304a, 304b, and 304c, and also includes multiple shielding plates 402 extending along the X direction and perpendicular to the Z direction. A gap 403a exists between collimator modules 401a and 401b, and a gap 403b exists between collimator modules 401b and 401c.
[0062] Figure 4 The grid-like shielding structure shown is similar to Figure 3 The shielding structures shown in the diagram cannot block the radiation in the gaps between adjacent collimator modules (e.g., gaps 305a, 305b, 403a, 403b), resulting in poor image uniformity of detector module 300 across the entire channel.
[0063] To address the aforementioned technical problems or at least similar issues, embodiments of this application provide a collimator module.
[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a collimator module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view of the collimator module according to an embodiment of this application. The structure of the shielding plate will be specifically described below using collimator module 501a as an example. The structure of the shielding plate in collimator module 501b is the same as that in collimator module 501a.
[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 12 As shown, the collimator module 501a includes a plurality of first shielding plates 502 and a plurality of second shielding plates 505. The first shielding plates 502 are arranged at intervals and extend along the X direction perpendicular to the Z direction, also referred to as Z-plates. They include a main body 503 and a protrusion extending from at least one end of the main body 503 (e.g., at least one protrusion extending from the end includes at least one of a first protrusion 504a and a second protrusion 504b). The second shielding plates 505 extend along the Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, also referred to as X-plates. They include at least one end shielding plate connected to at least one end of the main body 503 of the first shielding plates 502 (e.g., at least one of a first end shielding plate 506a and a second end shielding plate 506b). The end shielding plate is also referred to as a shared plate. At least one of the protrusions 504a and 504b of the first shielding plates 502 extends beyond the end shielding plate.
[0066] Therefore, in the collimator module 501a, there are a plurality of first shielding plates 502 and a plurality of second shielding plates 505 arranged in two vertical directions in a grid pattern. The protrusions 504b of the first shielding plates 502 extend beyond the end shielding plates of the second shielding plates 505. The protrusions 504a and 507b can prevent radiation rays passing through the gaps 508 between the collimator modules from irradiating the scintillator, so that the detector module achieves imaging uniformity across the entire channel and improves the imaging quality of the detector module.
[0067] In some embodiments, the protrusions 504a and 504b have dimensions 509a and 509b in the X direction that are greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.
[0068] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the collimator module according to an embodiment of this application. Taking collimator module 601a as an example, the structure of the shielding sheet is specifically described. The structure of the shielding sheet in collimator module 601b is the same as that in collimator module 601a. Figure 6 As shown, the collimator module 601a includes the following: Figure 5 The collimator module 501a shown has multiple first shielding plates 602 and multiple second shielding plates 505, wherein the thickness 605 of the protrusions 604a and 604b of the first shielding plate 602 is greater than the thickness 606 of the main body 603, and the thickness can be the length of the first shielding plate 602 along the Z direction.
[0069] In some embodiments, the thickness 605 of the protrusions 604a and 604b of the first shielding sheet 602 is 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm greater than the thickness 606 of the main body 603.
[0070] In some embodiments, the second shielding sheet 505 includes a first end shielding sheet 506a and a second end shielding sheet 506b respectively connected to both ends of the main body portion 503 of the first shielding sheet 502. The first shielding sheet 502 includes a first protrusion 504a and a second protrusion 504b extending from the two ends of the main body portion 503 respectively. The first protrusion 504a extends beyond the first end shielding sheet 506a, and the second protrusion 504b extends beyond the second end shielding sheet 506b.
[0071] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 504a and the second protrusion 504b have the same shape and are centrally symmetrical. For example, the second protrusion 504b is obtained by rotating the first protrusion 504a 180 degrees around the collimator module 501a along the midpoint of the X and Y directions.
[0072] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the first shielding sheet in an embodiment of this application. Figures 7-11 The first shielding plate in the middle is suitable for Figure 5 and Figure 6 The collimator modules 501a, 501b and 601a, 601b in the above text are referred to below as collimator modules 501a, 501b. Figure 5 The structure of the first shielding sheet is explained in detail using collimator modules 501a and 501b as examples.
[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, the first protrusion 703a and the second protrusion 703b of the collimator module 701a are set to have the same rectangular shape, the size of which in the Y direction is equal to the size of the first shielding plate 702a in the Y direction, and the shapes of the first protrusion 704a and the second protrusion 704b of the collimator module 701b are the same as the shapes of the first protrusion 703a and the second protrusion 703b of the collimator module 701a.
[0074] The first protrusion 703a of the collimator module 701a and the second protrusion 704b of the collimator module 701b can prevent radiation 706 passing through the gap 705 between the collimator modules 701a and 701b from irradiating the scintillator 302b.
[0075] like Figure 8As shown, the first protrusion 801a and the second protrusion 801b of the collimator module 801a are both rectangular in shape, and the size of this rectangle in the Y direction is smaller than the size of the first shielding plate 802a in the Y direction. The first protrusion 803a and the second protrusion 803b are centrally symmetrical about the midpoint 807 of the collimator module 801a in the X and Y directions. The shapes of the first protrusion 804a and the second protrusion 804b of the collimator module 801b are the same as the shapes of the first protrusion 803a and the second protrusion 803b of the collimator module 801a.
[0076] The first protrusion 803a of collimator module 801a and the second protrusion 804b of collimator module 801b can prevent radiation 806 passing through the gap 805 between collimator modules 801a and 801b from irradiating the scintillator 302b.
[0077] like Figure 9 As shown, the first protrusion 903a and the second protrusion 903b of the collimator module 901a are both right-angled trapezoids. The upper base 908 and the lower base 909 of this right-angled trapezoid are parallel to the Y direction. The size of the lower base 909 is larger than the size of the upper base 908, and the lower base 909 is closer to the end shielding plate 910 than the upper base 908. The size of the lower base 909 is smaller than the size of the first shielding plate 902a in the Y direction. The first protrusion 903a and the second protrusion 903b are centrally symmetrical about the midpoint 907 of the collimator module 901a in the X and Y directions. The shapes of the first protrusion 904a and the second protrusion 904b of the collimator module 901a are the same as the shapes of the first protrusion 903a and the second protrusion 903b of the collimator module 901a.
[0078] The first protrusion 903a of collimator module 901a and the second protrusion 904b of collimator module 901b can prevent radiation 906 passing through the gap 905 between collimator modules 901a and 901b from irradiating the scintillator 302b.
[0079] like Figure 10As shown, the first protrusion 1003a and the second protrusion 1003b of the collimator module 1001a are both right-angled trapezoids. The upper base 1008 and the lower base 1009 of the right-angled trapezoid are parallel to the Y direction. The size of the lower base 1009 is larger than that of the upper base 1008, and the lower base 1009 is closer to the end shielding plate 1010 than the upper base 1008. The size of the lower base 1009 is equal to the size of the first shielding plate 1002a in the Y direction. The first protrusion 1003a and the second protrusion 1003b are centrally symmetrical about the midpoint 1007 of the collimator module 1001a in the X and Y directions. The shapes of the first protrusion 1004a and the second protrusion 1004b of the collimator module 1001a are the same as those of the first protrusion 1003a and the second protrusion 1003b of the collimator module 1001a.
[0080] The first protrusion 1003a of collimator module 1001a and the second protrusion 1004b of collimator module 1001b can prevent radiation 1006 passing through the gap 1005 between collimator modules 1001a and 1001b from irradiating the scintillator 302b.
[0081] like Figure 11 As shown, the first protrusion 1103a and the second protrusion 1103b of the collimator module 1101a are shaped like the same right-angled triangle. The first leg of the right-angled triangle is parallel to the Y direction, and the second leg is parallel to the X direction. The size of the first leg is less than or equal to the size of the first shielding plate 1102a in the third direction. The first protrusion 1101a and the second protrusion 1101b are centrally symmetrical about the midpoint 1107 of the collimator module 1101a along the X and Y directions. The shapes of the first protrusion 1104a and the second protrusion 1104b of the collimator module 1101b are the same as the shapes of the first protrusion 1102a and the second protrusion 1102b of the collimator module 1101a.
[0082] The first protrusion 1103a of collimator module 1101a and the second protrusion 1104b of collimator module 1101b can prevent radiation 1106 passing through the gap 1105 between the collimator modules 1101a and 1101b from irradiating the scintillator 302b.
[0083] In some embodiments, the collimator modules described above in this application can be manufactured using 3D printing or other technologies. 50
[0084] This application also provides a collimator comprising at least two collimator modules arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction. For example, in Figure 5In this context, the collimator 500 may include at least two collimator modules 501a and 501b arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction; Figure 6 In this context, the collimator 600 may include at least two collimator modules 601a and 601b arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction.
[0085] In the collimator of this application, there is a gap between adjacent collimator modules in a first direction, thereby facilitating the assembly of the collimator modules. For example, in Figure 5 In the collimator 500, there is a gap 508 between the collimator modules 501a and 501b; for example, in Figure 6 In the collimator 600, there is a gap 608 between the collimator modules 601a and 601b.
[0086] In some embodiments of the collimator, when viewed along a third direction, the gap between adjacent collimator modules is not obscured by the protrusion. For example, in Figure 7 When viewed along a third direction, the gap 705 between collimator modules 701a and 701b is not completely obscured by protrusions 703a and 704b.
[0087] In other embodiments of the collimator, when viewed along a third direction, the gap between adjacent collimator modules can be blocked by a protrusion, thereby further improving the imaging uniformity of the detector module. For example, in Figure 8 In the middle, when viewed along a third direction, the gap 805 between collimator modules 801a and 801b is completely obscured by protrusions 803a and 804b. For example, in... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 In the example shown, the gap between adjacent collimator modules is also obscured by the protrusion.
[0088] This application also provides a detector module.
[0089] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a detector module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the detector module 1300 includes a radiation detector element 1301, a circuit board 1302, a processing circuit chip 1303, and a collimator 1304. Furthermore, the detector module 1300 may also include a data collection circuit board 1305. The collimator 1304 can be the collimator described in the above embodiments (e.g., collimator 500 or collimator 600, etc.). The protrusion of the first shielding plate of the collimator module in the collimator 1304 can prevent radiation passing through the gaps between the collimator modules from irradiating the scintillator, thereby enabling the detector module to achieve imaging uniformity across the entire channel and improving the imaging quality of the detector module.
[0090] This application also provides an imaging device.
[0091] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 As shown, the imaging device 1400 includes Figure 13 The detector module 1300 and image reconstruction device 1401 are shown. The image reconstruction device 1401 performs tomographic imaging of the object based on the electrical signals generated by the radiation detector element 1301 in the detector module 1300. For a detailed description of the image reconstruction device 1401, please refer to related technologies.
[0092] The imaging device 1400 of this application is, for example, a CT (computed tomography) imaging device, a PET-CT, a non-destructive testing (NDT) computed tomography imaging device, or any other suitable imaging device.
[0093] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto, and appropriate modifications can be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments can be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments can be combined.
[0094] The present application has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these descriptions are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present application based on the principles thereof, and these modifications and variations are also within the scope of the present application.
Claims
1. A collimator module, characterized in that, The collimator module includes: A plurality of first shielding plates, the plurality of first shielding plates being arranged at intervals, each first shielding plate extending along a first direction, including a main body portion and a protrusion extending from at least one end of the main body portion; and A plurality of second shielding sheets extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each second shielding sheet including at least one end shielding sheet connected to at least one end of the main body portion of the first shielding sheet, the protrusion of the first shielding sheet extending beyond the end shielding sheet.
2. The collimator module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion has a dimension greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm in the first direction.
3. The collimator module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the protrusion is greater than the thickness of the main body.
4. The collimator module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the protrusion is 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm greater than the thickness of the main body.
5. The collimator module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second shielding sheet includes a first end shielding sheet and a second end shielding sheet respectively connected to both ends of the main body of the first shielding sheet, wherein, The first shielding sheet includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from two ends of the main body, respectively. The first protrusion extends beyond the first end shielding sheet, and the second protrusion extends beyond the second end shielding sheet.
6. The collimator module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion have the same shape and are centrally symmetrical.
7. The collimator module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are of the same shape, either a rectangle, a triangle, or a trapezoid, and the second protrusion is centrally symmetrical to the first protrusion.
8. The collimator module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are rectangular in shape. The dimension of the rectangle in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first shielding sheet in that third direction.
9. The collimator module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are both right-angled trapezoids. The upper and lower bases of the right trapezoid are parallel to a third direction, and the lower base is closer to the end shielding plate than the upper base. The size of the bottom is less than or equal to the size of the first shielding sheet in the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
10. The collimator module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are both right-angled triangles. The first leg of the right triangle is parallel to the third direction, and the second leg of the right triangle is parallel to the first direction. The size of the first right-angled side is less than or equal to the size of the first shielding sheet in the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
11. A collimator, characterized in that, The collimator includes at least two collimator modules arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The collimator according to claim 11, characterized in that, There is a gap between adjacent collimator modules in the first direction. Viewed along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the gap is obscured by the protrusion of the adjacent collimator module.
13. A detector module, characterized in that, The detector module includes: Radiation detector elements; Circuit board; Processing circuit chips; and The collimator as described in any one of claims 11 to 12.
14. An imaging device, characterized in that, The imaging device includes a detector module as described in claim 13 and an image reconstruction device, wherein the image reconstruction device performs image reconstruction based on the electrical signal generated by the radiation detector element in the detector module to generate a tomographic image of the object under examination.