Phantom support device, phantom assembly and magnetic resonance imaging system

Abstract

A phantom support device, a phantom assembly and a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. The phantom support device includes an outer support having an upper surface and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The outer support has a first support recess formed in the upper surface. The first support recess has a first opening formed in the upper surface such that a phantom can be partially received in the first support recess via the first opening and can be supported by an opening edge of the first opening. The lower surface of the outer support is configured to be placed on a scan bed of the imaging system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a support structure for a phantom in an imaging system, and more specifically to a phantom support device, a phantom assembly including the phantom support device, and a magnetic resonance imaging system including the phantom assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, phantoms used in medical imaging systems are primarily employed for quality control, equipment calibration, dosimetry, and educational purposes. Such phantoms can include simulation phantoms and calibration phantoms.

[0003] A phantom is a model made of material that has similar tissue characteristics to the object being scanned by a medical imaging system (such as the human body). Phantoms offer advantages in practicality and similarity to the structure and properties of the object being scanned, thus allowing for wide application in various scenarios. They can be used for repetitive scanning experiments, avoiding multiple scans of the object. This makes phantoms suitable for metrological measurements and educational purposes without the risk of additional radiation exposure to the object being scanned.

[0004] A calibration phantom (also known as a water phantom) is a regular-shaped body (e.g., a cylinder or sphere) with a fixed density / signal reference value. In medical imaging systems, calibration phantoms are primarily used for quality control and equipment calibration to ensure accurate reconstruction of the tissue of the scanned object.

[0005] During use, the aforementioned phantoms are placed at predetermined positions on the scanning bed of the medical imaging system. To support and position the phantoms on the scanning bed, a corresponding phantom support device is used. However, existing phantom support devices are generally configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the phantoms, meaning each device can typically only support and position one phantom. This results in a lack of versatility and high cost for the phantom support devices. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems of the prior art, one object of this application is to provide a body model support device that can be adapted to a variety of body models, thereby having high versatility and reducing the cost of the support device that is matched with the body model.

[0007] Another object of this application is a phantom assembly including the above-mentioned phantom support device and a magnetic resonance imaging system including the phantom assembly.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application may adopt the following technical solutions.

[0009] Embodiments of this application provide a phantom support device for supporting a phantom of an imaging system. The phantom support device includes an outer support frame having an upper surface and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface.

[0010] The outer support has a first support recess formed on its upper surface, and the first support recess has a first opening formed on its upper surface, so that the body mold can be partially received into the first support recess through the first opening and can be supported by the opening edge of the first opening.

[0011] The lower surface of the outer support is used to be placed on the scanning bed of the imaging system.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments, an inner support is also included, which is located within the first support recess and fixed to the outer support.

[0013] The inner support has a second support recess, which has a second opening communicating with the first opening, so that the body mold can be partially housed in the second support recess through the first opening and the second opening, and can be supported by the opening edge of the second opening.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments, the inner support includes a main frame, the second support recess is formed in the main frame, and the outline shape of the outer wall surface of the main frame matches the outline shape of the inner wall surface of the first support recess, and the main frame abuts against the outer support.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments, the inner support also includes a base frame for supporting the phantom, the base frame including at least one straight beam that extends linearly and is located within the second support recess.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments, the base frame further includes at least one ring beam formed in a circular shape and located within the second support recess, and the ring beam is fixed together with the straight beam.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first support recess is configured as a first through hole, the second support recess is configured as a second through hole, and the first through hole and the second through hole are configured as coaxially arranged straight holes.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments, the opening edge of the first opening is chamfered; and / or the opening edge of the second opening is chamfered.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments, the opening edge of the second opening is located below the opening edge of the first opening.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments, the straight beam of the base of the inner support extends radially along the second through hole, and the annular beam of the base of the inner support extends circumferentially along the second through hole.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments, in the lateral direction of the phantom support device, the lower surface includes a middle portion, a left portion, and a right portion that are connected to each other.

[0022] The left and right portions are located on the left and right sides of the middle portion, and

[0023] The middle portion is formed as a planar shape parallel to the upper surface, and the left and right portions are formed as inclined surfaces extending obliquely from the middle portion toward the left and right sides and toward the upper surface, respectively.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments, both the left and right portions are formed into curved shapes.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments, the size of the middle portion in the left-right direction is L1, and the size of the left portion and the right portion in the left-right direction is L2, satisfying 2≥L1 / L2≥1.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments, the phantom support device has a limiting protrusion at the end edge of the left portion away from the middle portion and at the end edge of the right portion away from the middle portion, the limiting protrusion protruding in a direction away from the upper surface for engaging with the side edge of the scanning bed for limiting.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments, a support base is also included, and the upper surface of the outer bracket is further formed with a plurality of mounting recesses, the plurality of mounting recesses being staggered from the first support recess, and the support base being fixed to one of the plurality of mounting recesses in an alternative manner.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of mounting recesses are evenly distributed at intervals around the first opening.

[0029] In some non-limiting embodiments, the contour edge of the support adjacent to the first opening is flush with the opening edge of the first opening, and

[0030] The side of the support facing the first opening is formed as a curved surface, which is used to match the shape of the model.

[0031] In some non-limiting embodiments, the top of the support has an installation notch.

[0032] The embodiments of this application also provide a phantom assembly, including a phantom and the phantom support device described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0033] In some non-limiting embodiments, the phantom includes a spherical base and columnar protrusions extending from the base.

[0034] In some non-limiting embodiments, the phantom includes a spherical base with positioning annular grooves having upper and lower groove edges parallel to each other.

[0035] With the physical model and the physical model support device in place, one of the upper groove edge and the lower groove edge is flush with the opening edge of the first opening.

[0036] The embodiments of this application also provide a magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized in that it includes the phantom component described in any one of the above technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a phantom support device according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows including Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a phantom component in a phantom support device.

[0039] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the phantom component and the planar scanning bed.

[0040] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the assembly.

[0041] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the phantom component and the curved scanning bed.

[0042] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the assembly.

[0043] Figures 7 to 10 It shows including Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another phantom component of the phantom support device, wherein the phantom support device and the phantom are shown in different assembly states.

[0044] Figure 11 It shows Figure 7The exploded structural diagram of the phantom components.

[0045] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a phantom support device according to a second embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 and Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the inner support frame of the phantom support device.

[0047] Figures 15 to 18 It shows Figure 14 Three-dimensional schematic diagrams of different variations of the internal support structure.

[0048] Figure 19 It shows including Figure 12 and Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the phantom component of the phantom support device.

[0049] Figure 20 It shows Figure 19 A top view of the phantom components.

[0050] Figure 21 It shows Figure 19 The exploded structural diagram of the phantom components.

[0051] Figure 22 It shows Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the phantom component and the planar scanning bed.

[0052] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the assembly.

[0053] Figure 24 It shows Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the phantom component and the curved scanning bed.

[0054] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the elements shown in the drawings may include elements expressed differently from actual dimensions and scales. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the embodiments, for the sake of brevity, this specification does not describe all features of the embodiments in detail.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the description and claims of this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the components or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the components or objects listed following "comprising" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other components or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0057] In this application, "approximately" means that the conditions described herein can be considered to be met within a reasonable margin of error recognized by a person skilled in the art, and the following description uses this expression to convey a similar meaning.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise stated, "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" refer to the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the phantom support device according to this application, respectively. When the phantom assembly including the phantom support device according to this application is placed on the scanning bed of the imaging system and is in normal use, the side of the phantom support device facing the imaging device is the front side, and the side opposite to the front side is the rear side; the left and right sides refer to the left and right sides when the phantom assembly is in normal use and is viewed from the front side; the upper and lower sides generally refer to the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction.

[0059] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates a phantom support device and a phantom assembly including the phantom support device according to a first embodiment of this application.

[0060] The phantom support device according to this application is used to support a phantom of an imaging system (especially a medical imaging system), such as a magnetic resonance imaging system. The phantom can be a simulation phantom, a calibration phantom, or other types of phantoms. For example, the phantom can be a head tissue equivalent liquid phantom, a magnetic resonance spectroscopy phantom, or a precise spherical phantom.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the phantom support device 1 according to the first embodiment of this application includes an outer bracket 11 and a support base 12 assembled together.

[0062] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 6As shown, the outer bracket 11 can be generally formed into a substantially cubic shape as a whole. The present application does not limit the overall shape of the outer bracket 11, and the outer bracket 11 can be adjusted to other shapes as required. The outer bracket 11 can be made of a material with low density and sufficient strength for supporting the phantom 2. The outer bracket 11 has an uppermost upper surface 111 (i.e., a top surface) and a lowermost lower surface 112 (i.e., a bottom surface), and the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 are disposed opposite to each other in the up-down direction D1.

[0063] In order to position and support different phantoms 2 on the upper surface 111, as Figure 1 shown, the outer bracket 11 is formed with a first supporting recess 11c on the upper surface 111 thereof. In this embodiment, the first supporting recess 11c is configured as a first through hole extending from the upper surface 111 to the lower surface 112, and the first through hole is configured as a straight hole extending linearly along the up-down direction D1, so that the entire first through hole is formed in a cylindrical shape, such that the cross-sectional shape of the first through hole taken along the left-right direction D2 and the front-rear direction D3 is always a circle with the same area. This is favorable for processing and forming the first supporting recess 11c in the outer bracket 11. The shape of the first supporting recess 11c is not limited to the configuration described above. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first supporting recess 11c can be formed as a blind hole, a stepped hole or other configurations. Further, still as Figure 1 shown, the first supporting recess 11c is formed with a first opening 11h on the upper surface 111. Thus, in a state where the phantom 2 is supported by the first supporting recess 11c, as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, a part of the phantom 2 can be accommodated in the first supporting recess 11c via the first opening 11h, whereby the phantom 2 is stably supported on the opening edge of the first opening 11h. In addition, in order to stably support the phantom 2, the opening edge of the first opening 11h can be processed to have a circular chamfer (R chamfer) or an oblique chamfer (C chamfer). By adopting such a solution, by appropriately adjusting the size of the first opening 11h of the first supporting recess 11c, various phantoms 2 (for example, phantoms 2 whose base body 21 is spherical or substantially spherical) can be adapted, thereby having high versatility and further reducing the cost of the supporting structure matched with the phantom 2.

[0064] As Figures 3 to 6As shown, the lower surface 112 of the outer support 11 is used to be placed on the scanning bed 3 of the imaging system, so that the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 can be stably supported by the scanning bed 3 and positioned at a predetermined position on the scanning bed 3. In this embodiment, in order to adapt the lower surface 112 of the outer support 11 to scanning beds 3 with different top surfaces (planar or curved surfaces), the lower surface 112 of the outer support 11 has multiple regions with different shapes. Specifically, as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the lower surface 112 includes a middle portion 1121, a left portion 1122, and a right portion 1123 connected to each other in the left-right direction D2. These three portions extend continuously to each other, with the left portion 1122 and the right portion 1123 located on the left and right sides of the middle portion 1121, respectively. The middle portion 1121 is formed as a planar shape parallel to the upper surface 111, so that when the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 is in normal use, the middle portion 1121 and the upper surface 111 can be parallel to the horizontal support surface of the scanning bed 3 used to support the imaging system. Furthermore, the left portion 1122 and the right portion 1123 are each formed as inclined surfaces extending from the middle portion 1121 to the left and right and inclined towards the direction close to the upper surface 111. The inclined surface shape can be adjusted according to the shape of the upper surface 111 of the scanning bed 3. For example, the inclined surface shape can be a planar shape inclined relative to the horizontal plane that satisfies the above-mentioned extension trend, or the inclined surface shape can be a curved surface shape that satisfies the above-mentioned extension trend. In the cross-section taken along the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D1, the outline of the curved surface shape can be various curve segments such as circular arcs, elliptical arcs, or parabolas. Further, in this embodiment, a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the left-right direction D2 may exist, with the middle portion 1121, the left portion 1122, and the right portion 1123 being mirror-symmetric with respect to this plane of symmetry. More specifically, the middle portion 1121 itself is mirror-symmetric with respect to this plane of symmetry, and the left portion 1122 and the right portion 1123 are mirror-symmetric with respect to this plane of symmetry. In some non-limiting embodiments, the middle portion 1121, the left portion 1122, and the right portion 1123 may not form the aforementioned mirror-symmetric structure.

[0065] Thus, as Figure 4 As shown, when the phantom assembly, including the phantom support device 1, is placed on the planar scanning bed 3, the middle portion 1121 of the lower surface 112 of the phantom support device 1 rests on the upper surface of the scanning bed 3. The middle portion 1121 presses against the upper surface of the scanning bed 3 using the phantom assembly's own weight. Figure 6As shown, when the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 is placed on the curved scanning bed 3, the left side portion 1122 of the lower surface 112 of the phantom support device 1 rests on the left side portion of the upper surface of the scanning bed 3, and the right side portion 1123 of the lower surface 112 of the phantom support device 1 rests on the right side portion of the upper surface of the scanning bed 3. Utilizing the weight of the phantom assembly itself, the left side portion 1122 and the right side portion 1123 press against the corresponding portions of the upper surface of the scanning bed 3.

[0066] Furthermore, in order for the phantom assembly, including the phantom support device 1, to be stably placed on the upper surface of the scanning bed 3 without tilting, the middle portion 1121, the left portion 1122, and the right portion 1123 need to have sufficient support area with the upper surface of the scanning bed 3. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, let the dimension of the middle portion 1121 in the left-right direction D2 be L1, and the dimensions of the left portion 1122 and the right portion 1123 in the left-right direction D2 be L2, which satisfies 2≥L1 / L2≥1. In this way, the contact area between the middle portion 1121 and the upper surface of the scanning bed 3, as well as the contact areas between the left portion 1122 and the right portion 1123 and the upper surface of the scanning bed 3, can be taken into account, so that the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 can be stably supported when placed on the planar scanning bed 3 or the curved scanning bed 3.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the central axis of the first through hole can pass through the geometric center of the intermediate portion 1121, so that the projection of the center of gravity of the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 along the vertical direction D1 can fall within the area where the intermediate portion 1121 is located. Thus, when the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 is placed on the planar scanning bed 3, stable support can be obtained using the intermediate portion 1121. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, limiting protrusions 113 are formed at the end edge of the left portion 1122 away from the middle portion and at the end edge of the right portion 1123 away from the middle portion, respectively. The limiting protrusions 113 extend a sufficient length along the front-rear direction D3 and protrude relative to the surrounding structure in a direction away from the upper surface 111 (towards the lower side in the vertical direction D1). In this way, when the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 is placed on the curved scanning bed 3, the two limiting protrusions 113 can be located outside the left and right side edges of the scanning bed 3 in the left-right direction D2, so that the two limiting protrusions 113 can cooperate with the width direction edge of the scanning bed 3 for limiting, so that the phantom assembly including the phantom support device 1 is placed more stably on the curved scanning bed 3.

[0068] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the support base 12 can be detachably assembled to different positions on the upper surface 111 of the model support device 1. For this purpose, the upper surface 111 of the outer bracket 11 also has a plurality of mounting recesses 111c, each of which is staggered from the first support recess 11c. Each mounting recess 111c is recessed downwards relative to other parts of the upper surface 111 and matches the shape of the lower end of the support base 12. Thus, the support base 12 can be inserted into the mounting recess 111c, for example, by an interference fit, thereby fixing it to the model support device 1. Furthermore, since the support base 12 is fixed to the mounting recess 111c in an alternative manner, the support base 12 can have multiple different relative positions to the outer bracket 11, further increasing the flexibility of the structure of the model support device 1. In addition, in this embodiment, four mounting recesses 111c are provided, and these four mounting recesses 111c can be evenly distributed around the first opening 11h at intervals. In some non-limiting embodiments, the number and position of the mounting recesses 111c can be adjusted as needed, for example, more than four mounting recesses 111c can be provided.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the contour edge 12e of the lower surface of the support base 12 facing the first opening 11h is flush with the opening edge of the first opening 11h. In this way, the support base 12 does not obstruct the mold 2 from being placed into the first opening 11h of the first support recess 11c. Furthermore, the side surface 12s of the support base 12 facing the first opening 11h is formed as a curved surface, which is used to match the shape of the outer surface of the base 21 of the mold 2. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, when the model 2 is placed in the first support recess 11c, the base 21 of the model 2 can cooperate with the side surface 12s, allowing the support base 12 to further limit the position of the model 2 and ensure that the model 2 is supported more stably. To achieve the above effect, even if the support base 12 is installed in different positions, the aforementioned contour edge 12e and side surface 12s of the support base 12 always face the first opening 11h, that is, face the model 2.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 11 As shown, a mounting notch 12c is formed on the top of the support base 12, which is adapted to the shape of the column 22 extending from the spherical base 21 of the mold 2. In this way, when the mold 2 is placed in the first opening 11h, the column 22 of the mold 2 can be placed in the mounting notch 12c, so that the column 22 faces a predetermined direction.

[0071] By adopting this scheme, the presence of support bases 12 that can be located in different positions not only allows the model support device 1 to further stably support the model 2, but also enables the model support device 1 to be adapted to more types of models 2, thus having higher versatility and reducing the cost of the support structure that matches the model 2.

[0072] The following description includes the phantom assembly of the phantom support device 1 according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0073] In such Figures 2 to 6 In one phantom assembly shown, the phantom 2 includes a spherical base 21 with an internal accommodating space for holding a functional liquid used for calibration with an imaging system. The outer diameter of the base 21 is larger than the diameter of the first opening 11h, allowing the base 21 to be placed at the opening edge of the first opening 11h. Furthermore, the base 21 is shaped to fit the side surface 12s of the support 12, allowing the base 21 to contact the side surface 12s of the support 12 when placed at the opening edge of the first opening 11h. Thus, when the phantom 2 is stably placed in a predetermined posture on the phantom support device 1, the phantom assembly can be stably placed at a predetermined position on a planar scanning bed 3 or a curved scanning bed 3 (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0074] In such Figures 7 to 11 In another phantom assembly shown, the phantom 2 includes a spherical base 21 and a column 22 extending from the base 21. The base 21 has an internal accommodating space for accommodating a functional liquid used for calibration with the imaging system. The outer diameter of the base 21 is larger than the diameter of the first opening 11h, allowing the base 21 to be placed at the opening edge of the first opening 11h. Furthermore, the base 21 is shaped to fit the side surface 12s of the support 12, allowing the base 21 to contact the side surface 12s of the support 12 when placed at the opening edge of the first opening 11h. Additionally, the column 22 extends radially outward from the base 21 along one radial direction, and the column 22 may have an injection port through which the functional liquid can be injected into the accommodating space of the spherical base 21. Thus, when the phantom 2 is stably placed in a predetermined posture on the phantom support device 1, the phantom assembly can be stably placed at a predetermined position on the planar scanning bed 3 or the curved scanning bed 3.

[0075] In some non-limiting embodiments, the phantom assembly may also include phantoms 2 with other structures, not limited to the phantoms 2 described above.

[0076] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a second embodiment of the phantom support device 1 according to this application.

[0077] As Figures 12 to 14 shown, the structure of the phantom support device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present application is substantially the same as that of the phantom support device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present application, and the differences between the two will be mainly described below.

[0078] In this embodiment, as Figures 12 to 14 shown, in addition to the outer support 11, the phantom support device 1 further comprises an inner support 13. The inner support 13 may be generally cylindrical as a whole. The overall shape of the inner support 13 is not limited in the present application, and the inner support 13 can be adjusted to other shapes as required. The inner support 13 can be made of a material with a material strength greater than that of the outer support 11. On one hand, the inner support 13 can serve as the framework of the phantom support device 1, and on the other hand, it can be used to support the phantom 2. The inner support 13 is located in the first support recess 11c, and the inner support 13 and the outer support 11 can be fixed to each other, for example, by interference fit or bonding.

[0079] In order to position and support different phantoms 2 via the inner support 13, a second support recess 13c is formed on the inner support 13. In this embodiment, the second support recess 13c is configured as a second through hole penetrating axially along the inner support 13. The second through hole is configured as a straight hole extending linearly along the up-down direction D1, so that the entire second through hole is formed in a cylindrical shape, such that the cross-sectional shape of the second through hole taken along the left-right direction D2 and the front-back direction D3 is always a circle with the same area. This is conducive to processing and forming the second support recess 13c in the inner support 13. The shape of the second support recess 13c is not limited to the above-described configuration; in some non-limiting embodiments, the shape of the second support recess 13c can be formed as a blind hole, or can also be formed as other configurations such as a stepped hole. In addition, the second through hole is arranged coaxially with the first through hole, and the second support recess 13c is formed with a second opening 13h communicating with the first opening 11h. In this way, in a state where the phantom 2 is supported by the second support recess 13c, a part of the structure of the phantom 2 can be accommodated in the second support recess 13c via the first opening 11h and the second opening 12h, whereby the phantom 2 is stably supported on the opening edge of the second opening 13h. In order to stably support the phantom 2, the opening edge of the second opening 13h can be processed to have a round chamfer (R chamfer) or an oblique chamfer (C chamfer). By adopting such a solution, as long as the size of the second opening 13h of the second support recess 13c is appropriately adjusted, the device can be adapted to various phantoms 2 (for example, the phantom 2 where the base body 21 is spherical or substantially spherical), so that the device has high versatility, thereby reducing the cost of the support structure matched with the phantom 2.

[0080] Further, in this embodiment, as Figures 12 to 14As shown, the inner support 13 includes a main frame 131, which has a cylindrical shape, and a second support recess 13c is formed in the main frame 131. The lower end face of the main frame 131 matches the shape of the lower surface 112 of the outer support 11, so that the lower end face of the main frame 131 is flush with the lower surface 112 of the outer support 11. Furthermore, the contour shape of the outer wall surface of the main frame 131 can match the contour shape of the inner wall surface of the first support recess 11c, so that the main frame 131 and the outer support 11 abut together. In this embodiment, the base 21 of the body mold 2 is directly supported by the opening edge of the second opening 13h of the main frame 131, so that the body mold 2 can be stably supported.

[0081] exist Figure 15 In a variant of the inner support 13 shown, in addition to the main frame 131 described above, the inner support 13 also includes a base frame 132, whereby the base frame 132, together with the main frame 131, supports the body mold 2. In this variant, the base frame 132 is located within the second support recess 13c and includes two straight beams 1321. Each straight beam 1321 is connected at both ends to different parts of the main frame 131 and extends linearly along a radial direction of the main frame 131, and the two straight beams 1321 intersect at the central axis of the main frame 131. The upper end face of each straight beam 1321 of the base frame 132 is shaped to fit the lower surface of the body mold 2, thereby enabling the base frame 132 to support the body mold 2 together with the main frame 131, allowing the body mold 2 to be more stably supported by the inner support 13.

[0082] exist Figure 16 In another variation of the inner support 13 shown, in addition to the main frame 131 described above, the inner support 13 also includes a base frame 132, whereby the base frame 132, together with the main frame 131, supports the body mold 2. In this variation, the base frame 132 is located within the second support recess 13c and includes two straight beams 1321 and a ring beam 1322. Each straight beam 1321 is connected at both ends to different parts of the main frame 131 and extends linearly along a radial direction of the main frame 131, and the two straight beams 1321 intersect at the central axis of the main frame 131. The ring beam 1322 is formed in a circular shape and is arranged coaxially with the main frame 131 within the second support recess 13c, whereby the ring beam 1322 of the inner support 13 extends circumferentially along the main frame 131. The ring beam 1322 is fixed together with the straight beams 1321. The upper surfaces of the straight beams 1321 and ring beams 1322 of the base frame 132 are matched with the shape of the lower surface of the body mold 2, so that the base frame 132 can work together with the main frame 131 to support the body mold 2, making the body mold 2 more stably supported by the inner support 13.

[0083] exist Figure 17In another variation of the inner support 13 shown, in addition to the main frame 131 described above, the inner support 13 also includes a base frame 132, whereby the base frame 132, together with the main frame 131, supports the body mold 2. In this variation, the base frame 132 is located within the second support recess 13c and includes two straight beams 1321 and two ring beams 1322. Each straight beam 1321 is connected at both ends to different parts of the main frame 131 and extends linearly along a radial direction of the main frame 131, and the two straight beams 1321 intersect at the central axis of the main frame 131. Each ring beam 1322 is formed in a circular shape, and each ring beam 1322 is coaxially arranged with the main frame 131 within the second support recess 13c, whereby the ring beams 1322 of the inner support 13 extend circumferentially along the frame 131. Different ring beams 1322 have different diameters, and these ring beams 1322 are fixed together with straight beams 1321. The upper end faces of each straight beam 1321 and ring beam 1322 of the base frame 132 are shaped to match the lower surface of the body mold 2, so that the base frame 132 can work together with the main frame 131 to support the body mold 2, making the body mold 2 more stably supported by the inner support 13.

[0084] exist Figure 18 In another variation of the inner support 13 shown, in addition to the main frame 131 described above, the inner support 13 also includes a base frame 132, whereby the base frame 132, together with the main frame 131, supports the body mold 2. In this variation, the base frame 132 is located within the second support recess 13c and includes four straight beams 1321 and three ring beams 1322. Each straight beam 1321 is connected at both ends to different parts of the main frame 131 and extends linearly along a radial direction of the main frame 131, and these four straight beams 1321 intersect at the central axis of the main frame 131. Each ring beam 1322 is formed in a circular shape, and each ring beam 1322 is coaxially arranged with the main frame 131 within the second support recess 13c, whereby the ring beams 1322 of the inner support 13 extend circumferentially along the main frame 131. Different ring beams 1322 have different diameters, and these ring beams 1322 are fixed together with straight beams 1321. The upper end faces of each straight beam 1321 and ring beam 1322 of the base frame 132 are shaped to match the lower surface of the body mold 2, so that the base frame 132 can work together with the main frame 131 to support the body mold 2, making the body mold 2 more stably supported by the inner support 13.

[0085] In some non-limiting embodiments of this application, the structure of the base frame 132 is not limited. For example, the base frame 132 may include other numbers of straight beams 1321 and ring beams 1322, and the arrangement and connection positions of the straight beams 1321 and ring beams 1322 may be adjusted as needed.

[0086] In this embodiment, as Figure 12As shown, the opening edge of the second opening 13h of the inner support 13 is located below the opening edge of the first opening 11h of the outer support 11. Further, as... Figures 19 to 25 As shown, the spherical base 21 of the phantom 2 has a positioning ring groove 21c, which has an upper groove edge 21e1 and a lower groove edge 21e2 that are parallel to each other. In order to place the phantom 2 in a predetermined posture on the opening edge of the second opening 13h of the inner support 13, such positioning can be achieved by aligning the lower groove edge 21e2 of the positioning ring groove 21c with the opening edge of the first opening 11h. This allows the phantom 2 to be accurately placed on the phantom support device 1 in a predetermined posture in a relatively simple manner.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, each side of the outer support 11 has a side hole 11a. The shape and size of the side hole 11a are configured to allow the user to manually move the phantom assembly, including the phantom support device 1, onto the scanning bed 3. This configuration is beneficial for the user to transport and perform other operations on the phantom assembly.

[0088] The following description includes the phantom assembly of the phantom support device 1 according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0089] In such Figures 21 to 25 In the phantom assembly shown, the phantom 2 includes a spherical base 21. The interior of the base 21 can be formed with a receiving space to hold a functional liquid used for calibration with the imaging system. The outer diameter of the base 21 is larger than the diameter of the second opening 13h, allowing the base 21 to be placed at the opening edge of the second opening 13h. As described above, the base 21 has a positioning annular groove 21c, and the base 21 is placed at the opening edge of the second opening 13h such that the lower edge 21e2 of the positioning annular groove 21c is flush with the opening edge of the first opening 11h. Thus, when the phantom 2 is stably placed in the phantom support device 1 in a predetermined posture, the phantom assembly can be stably placed at a predetermined position on the planar scanning bed 3 or the curved scanning bed 3 (see [reference]). Figures 22 to 25 ).

[0090] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit this application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the above embodiments under the teachings of this application without departing from the scope of this application. The following supplementary description is provided regarding the technical solutions of this application.

[0091] i. This application also provides a magnetic resonance imaging system including the phantom assembly according to this application. Additionally, the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a planar scanning bed 3 or a curved scanning bed 3, which is used to mount a scanning object, such as a human body. In, for example, a system calibration mode of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the phantom assembly can be placed at a predetermined position on the scanning bed 3.

[0092] ii. In some non-limiting embodiments, the phantom support device 1 may include only the outer support 11, while the support base 12 and the inner support 13 may be omitted.

[0093] iii. In some non-limiting embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 19 The outer support 11 of the phantom support device 1 of this application is also provided with a positioning mark corresponding to the cross-shaped positioning mark of the base 21 of the phantom 2. When the phantom 2 is placed on the phantom support device 1, the cross-shaped positioning mark is aligned with the positioning mark of the outer support 11, thereby enabling the phantom 2 to be placed on the phantom support device 1 in a predetermined posture.

[0094] iv. By adopting the above-described solution, the phantom support device 1 of this application can not only adapt to phantoms 2 of different shapes and types, but also to planar scanning beds 3 and curved scanning beds 3, so that the phantom assembly can be stably supported by the scanning bed and will not fall off the scanning bed 3. Moreover, by using the phantom assembly including the above-described phantom support device 1, the user can quickly and accurately place the phantom assembly into position each time it is used.

[0095] It is understood that some of the components, structures, and constituent parts described above may be omitted without affecting the achievement of one or more objectives of this application. Different embodiments, examples, or aspects may be appropriately combined, as long as they do not contradict or conflict with each other.

[0096] The foregoing has described exemplary embodiments and variations of this application; however, it should be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, achieving the same, similar, or other suitable results, these changes or modifications also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A phantom support device for supporting a phantom of an imaging system, characterized in that, The phantom support device includes an outer support frame, which has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The outer support has a first support recess formed on its upper surface, and the first support recess has a first opening formed on its upper surface, so that the body mold can be partially received into the first support recess through the first opening and can be supported by the opening edge of the first opening. The lower surface of the outer support is used to be placed on the scanning bed of the imaging system.

2. The phantom support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inner support, which is located within the first support recess and fixed to the outer support. The inner support has a second support recess, which has a second opening communicating with the first opening, so that the body mold can be partially housed in the second support recess through the first opening and the second opening, and can be supported by the opening edge of the second opening.

3. The phantom support device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner support includes a main frame, the second support recess is formed in the main frame, and the outline shape of the outer wall surface of the main frame matches the outline shape of the inner wall surface of the first support recess, and the main frame abuts against the outer support.

4. The phantom support device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner support also includes a base frame for supporting the body model, the base frame including at least one straight beam that extends linearly and is located within the second support recess.

5. The phantom support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base frame also includes at least one ring beam, which is formed in a circular shape and located within the second support recess, and the ring beam is fixed together with the straight beam.

6. The phantom support device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first support recess is configured as a first through hole, the second support recess is configured as a second through hole, and the first through hole and the second through hole are configured as straight holes arranged coaxially.

7. The phantom support device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening edge of the first opening is chamfered; and / or The opening edge of the second opening is chamfered.

8. The phantom support device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening edge of the second opening is located below the opening edge of the first opening.

9. The phantom support device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The straight beam of the base of the inner support extends radially along the second through hole, and the ring beam of the base of the inner support extends circumferentially along the second through hole.

10. The phantom support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the left-right direction of the phantom support device, the lower surface includes a middle portion, a left portion, and a right portion that are connected to each other. The left and right portions are located on the left and right sides of the middle portion, and The middle portion is formed as a planar shape parallel to the upper surface, and the left and right portions are formed as inclined surfaces extending obliquely from the middle portion toward the left and right sides and toward the upper surface, respectively.

11. The phantom support device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Both the left and right portions are formed into curved surfaces.

12. The phantom support device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Let the dimension of the middle part in the left-right direction be L1, and the dimensions of the left part and the right part in the left-right direction be L2, satisfying 2≥L1 / L2≥1.

13. The phantom support device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The phantom support device has a limiting protrusion at the end edge of the left portion away from the middle portion and at the end edge of the right portion away from the middle portion. The limiting protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the upper surface and is used to engage with the side edge of the scanning bed for limiting.

14. The phantom support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support base, and the upper surface of the outer bracket is further formed with a plurality of mounting recesses. The plurality of mounting recesses are staggered from the first support recess, and the support base is fixed to one of the plurality of mounting recesses in an alternative manner.

15. The phantom support device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting recesses are evenly distributed at intervals around the first opening.

16. The phantom support device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The contour edge of the support adjacent to the first opening is flush with the opening edge of the first opening, and The side of the support facing the first opening is formed as a curved surface, which is used to match the shape of the model.

17. The phantom support device according to claim 14, characterized in that, An installation notch is formed at the top of the support base.

18. A phantom assembly, characterized in that, Includes a phantom and a phantom support device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The phantom assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The phantom comprises a spherical base and columnar sections extending from the base.

20. The phantom assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The phantom includes a spherical base with positioning annular grooves formed therein. The positioning annular grooves have upper and lower groove edges that are parallel to each other. With the physical model and the physical model support device in place, one of the upper groove edge and the lower groove edge is flush with the opening edge of the first opening.

21. A magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized in that, Includes the phantom assembly as described in any one of claims 18 to 20.

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