Tomosynthesis imaging device and method for target region

Abstract

The present invention provides a tomosynthesis imaging device and method. The device comprises: a distributed multi-point emission radiation source, having an array formed by arrangement of a plurality of point sources which are configured to be capable of sequentially emitting radiation beams; and a detector, capable of being placed in a target region, for example, an oral cavity, or other suitable positions relative to the target region for detecting the radiation beams emitted by the distributed multi-point emission radiation source. The detector is configured to be capable of being activated according to an increase in the intensity of the detected radiation beams to collect the radiation beams, and to be capable of stopping the collection according to a reduction in the intensity of the detected radiation beams. The detector of the present invention does not need to be in communication connection with a controller or processor for controlling the distributed multi-point emission radiation source.

Description

Tomosynthesis imaging device and method for target area Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detection technology, and in particular to a tomosynthesis imaging device and method for a target area. Background Art

[0002] Digital tomosynthesis (DT) is an X-ray imaging modality characterized by requiring only a small number of projection angles to produce slice images parallel to the detector's direction, enabling the acquisition of depth information within an object. Traditional digital radiography (DR) produces superimposed images of an object's structure, which can easily lead to misdiagnosis when lesions are overlapped. DT, however, can capture depth information within an object, improving diagnostic success rates. Compared to traditional CT, DT offers advantages such as lower radiation dose and higher resolution.

[0003] There is a demand for developing digital tomosynthesis equipment that is easy to operate and has a relatively simple structure.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tomosynthesis imaging apparatus for a target area, comprising:

[0006] A distributed multi-point emitting radiation source having an array of a plurality of point sources and configured to sequentially emit radiation beams; and

[0007] a detector, which can be placed in the target area or outside the target area adjacent to the target area, for detecting the radiation beam emitted by the distributed multi-point radiation source;

[0008] The detector is configured to be able to start collecting the radiation beam according to an increase in the intensity of the detected radiation beam, and to stop collecting according to a decrease in the intensity of the detected radiation beam.

[0009] In one embodiment, the target area is the oral cavity and the probe is placed in the oral cavity.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detector is configured to start acquiring the radiation beam after detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detector is capable of stopping the acquisition after detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam is less than a second threshold.

[0012] In one embodiment, the detector is configured to have a continuous multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector can start acquiring the radiation beam multiple times according to the intensity of the radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stop acquiring according to the intensity of the radiation beam falling below a second threshold, thereby completing multiple acquisitions; or

[0013] The detector is configured to have an automatic multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector starts acquiring the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time exceeding a first threshold value, stops acquiring based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time falling below a second threshold value, completes the first acquisition, and then starts acquiring the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the second time exceeding the first threshold value, and automatically repeats the acquisition multiple times based on the known first acquisition start time, acquisition time, and time interval between the first acquisition start and the second acquisition start; or

[0014] The detector is configured to have a predetermined multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector starts to acquire the radiation beam according to the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding the first threshold, and automatically completes the subsequent acquisition of the radiation beam according to the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval, wherein the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval are determined by the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detector constructs image information based on the acquisition and outputs the image information wirelessly or wiredly.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source emits an X-radiation beam.

[0017] In one embodiment, the X-radiation beam emitted by each of the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source has the same intensity and beam shape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the intensity of the radiation beam is greater than the first threshold and remains substantially constant during the acquisition.

[0019] In one embodiment, the target area is a joint or heart or other part of the human body.

[0020] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging method, comprising:

[0021] placing a detector in the mouth to detect the radiation beam; and

[0022] emitting radiation beams from a plurality of locations toward the oral cavity;

[0023] The detector is configured to be able to start to collect the radiation beam according to an increase in the detected intensity of the radiation beam; and to be able to stop the collection according to a decrease in the detected intensity of the radiation beam.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method includes:

[0025] After detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold, the radiation beam is acquired.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method includes:

[0027] The detector is activated multiple times to collect the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and the collection is stopped multiple times based on the intensity of the radiation beam falling below a second threshold, thereby completing multiple collections; or

[0028] Initiating acquisition of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stopping the acquisition based on the intensity of the first detected radiation beam falling below a second threshold, completing the first acquisition, and subsequently initiating acquisition of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the second detected radiation beam exceeding the first threshold, and automatically repeating multiple acquisitions based on the known first acquisition initiation time, acquisition time, and time interval between the first acquisition initiation and the second acquisition initiation; or

[0029] The acquisition of the radiation beam is initiated based on the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and the subsequent acquisition of the radiation beam is automatically completed based on a predetermined acquisition time and a predetermined acquisition interval, wherein the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval are determined by multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source.

[0030] In one embodiment, the emitted radiation beam is an X-radiation beam.

[0031] In one embodiment, the intensity of the radiation beam emitted toward the oral cavity from each of the plurality of locations is greater than a first threshold.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method includes: constructing image information based on the acquisition, and outputting the image information wirelessly or wiredly.

[0033] In one embodiment, the radiation beams emitted from the plurality of positions toward the oral cavity have the same intensity and beam shape.

[0034] In one embodiment, radiation beams of substantially constant intensity and shape are emitted toward the oral cavity from a plurality of locations.

[0035] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings are provided for a better understanding of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention, wherein:

[0037] FIG1 shows an arrangement of distributed multi-point emission radiation sources and detectors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a first bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a second bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing how the intensity of a radiation beam varies with time according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments is intended to explain and illustrate the overall concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the specification and drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts or components. For the sake of clarity, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some well-known parts and structures may be omitted in the drawings.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and similar expressions do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are used solely to distinguish between different components. The term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" mean that the element or object preceding the term encompasses the elements or objects listed following the term, and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," or "bottom" are used solely to denote relative positions; changes in the absolute position of the described objects may also alter these relative positions. When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, the element may be "directly" "on" or "under" the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

[0043] In a tomographic imaging system, a radiation source and a detector cooperate with each other to operate synchronously, that is, the radiation source emits a radiation beam, while the detector collects the radiation beam transmitted through the target, thereby completing the scanning and imaging of the target. In a tomosynthesis imaging method and device for a target area, the detector is placed in the oral cavity, for example, behind the gums, so that the radiation beam emitted from the radiation source passes through the teeth and is received by the detector, thereby completing a single imaging of the teeth. In existing systems or devices, a controller or processor is provided to control the emission and stopping of the radiation source. For example, if the radiation source has a high-voltage device, such as a radiation source generator, the controller needs to control its voltage and current to generate radiation; it also controls the detection and acquisition signals of the detector, as well as the processing of image signals. The controller or processor is thus connected to the detector via a wired or wireless connection to complete the transmission of control signals and image signals.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a tomosynthesis imaging device is provided. To obtain tomosynthesis images, the radiation source employs a distributed multi-point radiation source 2. The distributed multi-point radiation source 2 comprises multiple point sources (such as the black dots in FIG1 ), arranged in an array and configured to sequentially emit radiation beams. In one embodiment, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 comprises, for example, five or seven point sources. In other embodiments, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 comprises other numbers of point sources, and those skilled in the art may configure the number as needed based on the present disclosure.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tomosynthesis imaging apparatus further includes a detector 1, which can be placed in the oral cavity to detect the radiation beam emitted by the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. Typically, the detector 1 is placed in the oral cavity, aligned with the teeth 4. Because the detector 1 is placed within the oral cavity 3, the detector 1 of the present disclosure has a different configuration and functionality than a typical detector 1 used for transmission imaging.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates the arrangement of a distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and a detector 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 , the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 can be positioned outside an oral cavity 3, emitting radiation beams toward target locations within the oral cavity 3. The detector 1 is positioned within the oral cavity, for example, on the side of a portion of a tooth 4, to receive the radiation beam transmitted through the tooth 4 from the distributed multi-point radiation source 2.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 is controlled by a tomosynthesis imaging device so that, for example, seven point sources thereof sequentially emit radiation beams to irradiate the tooth 4. In one embodiment, the time for a plurality of point sources, such as seven point sources, to be scanned sequentially is very short, such as 1-2 seconds, so that the change in the position of the detector 1 during this period will be very small and negligible. Here, it should be noted that each point source of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 can emit radiation, and the radiation is collimated or shaped into a radiation beam by a collimator. In an embodiment, a separate collimator can be provided for each point source, or a collimator can be provided for the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 as a whole, so that the radiation emitted by each point source is collimated or shaped into a desired radiation beam by the collimator. In the present disclosure, the description of a point source emitting a radiation beam implies that the radiation emitted by the point source is collimated into a desired radiation beam. Since the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 is arranged as shown in FIG1 , the plurality of point sources are located at different positions relative to, for example, the same tooth 4. As shown in Figure 1, multiple point sources are spatially displaced in the transverse direction (left-right on the page) relative to the same tooth 4. Consequently, the orientations of the radiation beams (in terms of tooth 4, the angles of illumination) emitted by these point sources differ. In other words, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 illuminates the same tooth 4 from multiple angles, thereby obtaining (via computed tomography) more information about the cross-sections of the tooth 4. By synthesizing these transmission images from different angles, three-dimensional information about the tooth 4 can be obtained. Methods known in the art can be used to calculate computed tomography images.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 can be controlled so that multiple point sources sequentially emit radiation beams. For example, the tomosynthesis imaging device includes a processor or controller that controls the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 to sequentially emit radiation beams, including the order in which the multiple point sources emit radiation beams, the start and end times of each point source emitting a radiation beam, and the time interval between two point sources emitting radiation beams that are not emitting a radiation beam.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may also be part of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 includes a processor or controller that controls the operation of the multiple point sources, such as the start and end times of each point source emitting a radiation beam. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 has the ability to sequentially emit radiation beams, including parameters such as a starting voltage, the (start) emission time of each point source, the emission duration, the end time, and the radiation intensity. In this embodiment, the tomosynthesis imaging device includes the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 and the detector 1. The emission time, emission duration, end time, and radiation intensity of the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 can be preset or predetermined.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector 1 is placed in the mouth and can operate automatically. According to the present embodiment, the detector 1 is a detector 1 in an automatic exposure mode, that is, it can automatically detect the energy or intensity of the radiation beam, and start to collect the radiation beam according to the increase in the intensity of the radiation beam; and can stop the collection according to the decrease in the intensity of the detected radiation beam. This is advantageous because the detector 1 of the present disclosure is a detector 1 in an automatic exposure mode, and therefore does not need to be controlled by the processor or controller of the tomosynthesis imaging device, or the processor or controller of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 to control the detector 1 to detect and collect the radiation beam. In other words, the detector 1 of the present disclosure and the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 do not need to be synchronized by a controller. Because detector 1 does not require control by the processor or controller of the tomosynthesis imaging device or distributed multi-point radiation source 2, there is no need for wired communication between detector 1 and the controller, nor is there a need for wireless communication between detector 1 and the processor or controller of the tomosynthesis imaging device or distributed multi-point radiation source 2. Consequently, there is no need for protocols or the like to enable communication between detector 1 and the controller for the controller to control the operation of detector 1. This significantly simplifies the tomosynthesis imaging device and improves the convenience of detector 1. It also meets the requirement for synchronization between the emission of radiation beams by the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and the detection and acquisition by detector 1. In this embodiment, the distributed multi-point radiation source, the detector placed in the mouth and capable of automatically acquiring signals based on the intensity or energy of the radiation, and the lack of physical connection between the distributed multi-point radiation source and the detector result in a simpler structure, easier operation, easier cleaning of the detector, and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0051] The embodiments of the present disclosure can realize timely detection and collection of radiation signals by the detector during the imaging process, and overcome the inertial thinking of those skilled in the art: that is, in order to realize synchronous operation of the radiation source and the detector, a controller is used to control the synchronous operation of the radiation source and the detector. For example, in the prior art, a controller or a processor of the radiation source is used to simultaneously control the operation of the radiation source and the detector. The embodiments of the present disclosure adopt an automatic detection and collection mode of the detector, which realizes that the detector is started when the radiation beam is irradiated. At the same time, it can solve the problem of wired or wireless communication between the radiation source and the detector. For example, the wired connection brings limitations on wiring and related structural configurations, and in the long run, line aging failures cannot be synchronized. Wireless connection requires a communication protocol. Detectors with different signals or different protocols need to be reset or re-customized. During communication, they will be interfered with by external currents and electromagnetic waves, causing the signal quality to deteriorate. The arrangement of the automatic acquisition detectors of the present invention greatly increases the convenience of operation and solves the problem that the brackets used to hold the detectors in some special positions are not easy to access. In addition, there is no need for synchronization between the detector and the radiation source through a controller, avoiding communication and related protocols. Therefore, detectors of different models or factories can be applied. There are no line restrictions or aging problems caused by wiring, and no external signal interference caused by wireless communication, which makes the entire equipment system easy to operate while improving long-term stability.

[0052] FIG2 illustrates a tomosynthesis imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tomosynthesis imaging device includes a first support 10. The first support 10 is movable and capable of supporting a distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and moving the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 to a desired position, greatly facilitating user use. The first support 10 comprises multiple arms connected by universal joints, allowing for movement in three degrees of freedom (six directions, including front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions) and free rotation. In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the first support 10 is mechanically connected to, for example, a radiation source generator 6. In this embodiment, the detector 1 is not physically connected to the first support 10, or to the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. This is advantageous because it allows for easy placement and removal of the detector 1 in and out of the oral cavity 3. The detector 1 lacks any connection devices, facilitating cleaning. Furthermore, the first support 10 or the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 does not require a connection interface with the detector 1, simplifying the structure.

[0053] FIG3 illustrates a tomosynthesis imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tomosynthesis imaging device includes a second support 11. The second support 11 is movable and capable of supporting a distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and moving the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 to a desired position, greatly facilitating user use. In the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the second support 11 is mechanically connected to, for example, a radiation source generator 6, which can, for example, provide power to the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. The second support 11 comprises at least two arms, which are connected by, for example, two rotating shafts, the axes of which are perpendicular to each other, thereby allowing the arms to move in three degrees of freedom (six directions, including front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down directions) and to rotate freely. In this embodiment, the detector 1 is physically connected to the second support 11, or to the housing 7 of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. This is advantageous because such a configuration allows the detector 1 to be conveniently placed within the oral cavity 3 while maintaining a predetermined distance and orientation from the window of the housing 7 of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. Because the detector 1 is physically connected to the housing 7 of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2, the relative position of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and the detector 1 does not need to be repositioned each time the detector 1 is placed in the mouth. It should be noted that although the detector 1 is connected to the housing 7 of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2, in this embodiment, this connection is only mechanical, i.e., it maintains the relative position of the detector 1 and the housing 7 of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 and does not provide any wired or wireless communication connection. In this embodiment, the detector 1 can be removed from the connection.

[0054] The first bracket 10 and the second bracket 11 are different embodiments of the present disclosure and do not need to be provided at the same time.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a tomosynthesis imaging device, the detector 1 is configured to start collecting the radiation beam when it detects an increase in the intensity of the radiation beam. For example, in the absence of a radiation beam, the detector 1 can be in a standby state, for example, in a state where it is powered on but not working; when the radiation beam starts to irradiate, the detector 1 detects an increase in the intensity of the radiation beam, and the detector 1 starts working to collect the signal of the radiation beam. After the sensitive element of the detector 1 is irradiated by radiation, the detector 1 starts to detect the radiation beam and collect the radiation beam. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector 1 starts collecting the radiation beam after detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold. The first threshold can be set according to actual conditions, for example, the first threshold is a specific value that is less than the intensity value of the radiation beam emitted by the point source of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2.

[0056] In one embodiment, the detector 1 is further configured to stop collecting the radiation beam when it detects a decrease in the intensity of the radiation beam. In one embodiment, the detector 1 is configured to stop collecting the radiation beam when it detects that the intensity of the radiation beam is less than a second threshold. The second threshold can be set based on practical circumstances; for example, the second threshold can be a specific value less than the intensity of the radiation beam emitted by the point source of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first threshold and the second threshold can be appropriately set based on practical circumstances and can be the same value or different values.

[0057] The setting of the first threshold protects the detector 1 from external interference. It only begins collecting radiation beams when, for example, a radiation beam is present, thus avoiding misoperation. This ensures the detector 1 maintains high sensitivity while preventing misoperation due to ambient radiation. For example, multiple point sources of a distributed multi-point radiation source 2 sequentially emit radiation beams. The energy of the radiation beams is schematically illustrated in FIG4 . During the period of each point source's radiation beam emission, the radiation beam emitted by the point source has a constant energy value 5. In FIG4 , the abscissa may be time, and the ordinate is energy value. Units are not shown for simplicity. The first threshold is lower than the radiation beam energy 5 shown in FIG4 . The radiation beam energy at the rising edge of the energy or intensity line of the radiation beam can trigger the detector 1 to begin operation, for example, to begin collecting radiation beam energy. When the detector 1 detects that the radiation beam energy is less than the second threshold, the detector 1 ceases collection. As shown in FIG4 , the detector 1 ceases collection when the falling edge of the intensity line of the radiation beam passes the second threshold. This ensures that the detector 1 collects the entire radiation beam while refraining from operation when the radiation beam is not present, preventing misoperation due to noise or interference that could lead to measurement errors.

[0058] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy value or intensity value 5 and beam shape of the radiation beam emitted by each of the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 are the same or substantially the same. FIG4 shows one form of energy value or intensity value variation over time, but it should be understood that other forms are possible, and the rising and falling edges of energy or intensity can have other forms. The beam shape of the radiation beam of the point source can be, for example, a rectangular radiation beam, a fan beam, a radial radiation beam, etc. Each point source of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 emits, for example, an X-ray beam, but it can also be other types of point sources.

[0059] The detector 1 can construct image information based on the acquisition and output the image information in a wireless or wired manner.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector 1 is configured to have multiple acquisition modes.

[0061] In one embodiment, the detector 1 has a continuous multiple acquisition mode. In this mode, the detector 1 can repeatedly start acquiring the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stop acquiring the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam falling below a second threshold, and each operation is based on the intensity of the radiation beam to complete multiple acquisitions. This mode is highly adaptable and can adapt to different irradiation requirements without specific settings.

[0062] In one embodiment, the detector 1 is configured to have an automatic multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector 1 starts acquiring the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time exceeding a first threshold value, and stops acquiring based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time falling below a second threshold value, thereby completing the first acquisition. Subsequently, based on the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the second time exceeding the first threshold value, the detector 1 starts acquiring the radiation beam. As a result, the detector 1 has obtained the first acquisition start time and the second acquisition start time and the time interval between the two, and can automatically repeat multiple acquisitions based on the known first acquisition start time, acquisition time, and the time interval between the first acquisition start time and the second acquisition start time. In this embodiment, the detector 1 is capable of storing the first acquisition start time and the second acquisition start time, and is capable of calculating the time interval between the first acquisition start time and the second acquisition start time.

[0063] In one embodiment, the detector 1 has a predetermined multiple acquisition mode, such that the detector 1 initiates acquisition of the radiation beam upon the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and automatically completes acquisition of subsequent radiation beams according to a predetermined acquisition time and predetermined acquisition interval. In this embodiment, the predetermined acquisition time and predetermined acquisition interval are determined by the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector 1 may be an independent component and may include a built-in processor or controller, thereby being able to control the operation of the radiation sensitive element, control the power supply, process the electrical signal converted from the radiation signal of the radiation sensitive element into image information, etc.

[0065] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tomosynthesis imaging device is provided, comprising a radiation source and a detector. The radiation source is a distributed multi-point emission radiation source as described in the aforementioned embodiment, and the detector can be a detector as described above, capable of starting or stopping signal acquisition based on increases or decreases in the energy or intensity of the received radiation beam. In this embodiment, the tomosynthesis imaging device is used to perform multi-angle imaging of a target area to obtain a three-dimensional image. In this embodiment, for example, the distributed multi-point emission radiation source and detector are placed on either side of a human joint to illuminate the joint from multiple angles and collect radiation signals to construct a three-dimensional image of the joint. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the target area can be the heart, liver, or other body part, and a three-dimensional image is acquired through the coordination of the distributed multi-point emission radiation source and detector. Because the detector of the present disclosure can be separated from the distributed multi-point emission radiation source and lacks a communication link, it can be used, for example, by attaching it to the back or other suitable location of the human body to perform CT imaging of the lungs, greatly improving practical convenience. The distributed multi-point emission radiation source and detector can refer to the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging method, comprising: placing a detector 1 intraorally to detect a radiation beam; and emitting the radiation beam from a plurality of positions toward an oral cavity 3. In this embodiment, the detector 1 is configured to activate acquisition of the radiation beam in response to an increase in the detected intensity of the radiation beam; and to stop acquisition in response to a decrease in the detected intensity of the radiation beam.

[0067] In the methods disclosed herein, emitting radiation beams from multiple locations toward the oral cavity 3 allows the same radiation to be used to illuminate the same tooth 4 from different angles, thereby obtaining three-dimensional information about the tooth 4. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 is used, wherein multiple point sources, such as the seven point sources shown in FIG1 , sequentially emit radiation beams to illuminate the tooth 4. Because each point source is located at a different location, the illumination angles used to illuminate the same tooth 4 are different, thereby obtaining different illumination information. Transmission images from these different angles are synthesized to achieve tomosynthesis imaging, thereby obtaining three-dimensional information about the tooth 4. The distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 can be controlled so that the multiple point sources sequentially emit radiation beams. For example, an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging device or distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 includes a processor that controls the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2 to sequentially emit radiation beams, including the order in which the multiple point sources emit radiation beams, the start and end times of each point source's radiation beam emission, and the time interval between two point sources that emit radiation beams. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor can also be part of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 includes a processor that controls the operation of the multiple point sources, such as the start and end times of each point source's radiation beam emission. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the distributed multi-point radiation source 2 has the ability to sequentially emit radiation beams, including parameters such as the emission time, end time, and radiation beam energy of each point source.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detector 1 is placed in the mouth and can work automatically. According to this embodiment, the detector 1 is a detector 1 in automatic exposure mode, that is, it can automatically detect the energy or intensity of the radiation beam and start to collect the radiation beam according to the increase in the intensity of the radiation beam; and can stop the collection according to the decrease in the detected intensity of the radiation beam. The processor of the intraoral tomosynthesis imaging device or the distributed multi-point emission radiation source 2 does not control the operation of the detector 1, or the processor and the detector 1 have no communication connection or even physical connection at all. In this embodiment, there is no need to control the detector 1 to start detecting the radiation beam or start collecting the radiation beam signal. The detector 1 can automatically detect the increase in the intensity of the radiation beam and start detecting and collecting the radiation beam. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector 1 is configured to start collecting the radiation beam when it detects the increase in the intensity of the radiation beam. For example, in the absence of a radiation beam, the detector 1 can be in a standby state, such as a state where it is powered on but not working; when the radiation beam starts to irradiate, the detector 1 detects the increase in the intensity of the radiation beam, and the detector 1 starts working to collect the signal of the radiation beam. After the sensitive element of the detector 1 is irradiated by radiation, the detector 1 starts to detect the radiation beam and collect the radiation beam. For example, after the detector 1 detects that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds the first threshold, it starts to collect the radiation beam. The first threshold can be set according to actual conditions, for example, the first threshold is a specific value less than the intensity value of the radiation beam emitted by the point source of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2. When the intensity value of the radiation beam is detected to decrease, the detector 1 stops collecting the radiation beam. In one embodiment, the detector 1 is configured to stop collecting the radiation beam when the intensity of the radiation beam is detected to be less than the second threshold. The second threshold can be set according to actual conditions, for example, the second threshold is a specific value less than the intensity value of the radiation beam emitted by the point source of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first threshold and the second threshold can be reasonably set according to actual conditions, and the two can be the same or different.

[0069] The radiation beam can be emitted by multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source 2, and the energy or intensity and beam shape of the radiation beam emitted by each point source are the same or substantially the same. The beam shape of the radiation beam can be, for example, a rectangular radiation beam, a fan-shaped radiation beam, a radial radiation beam, etc. The radiation beam can be, for example, an X-ray beam, however, it can also be other types of radiation. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation beam is emitted from each of the multiple positions toward the oral cavity 3, the intensity of the radiation beam remains constant or substantially constant, and the intensity of the radiation beam is known, and the intensity of the radiation beam is greater than a first threshold, so as to obtain tomographic images of the irradiated tooth 4 at multiple angles, and a three-dimensional image is synthesized through computer calculation.

[0070] Based on the acquisition, image information is constructed, and the image information is output in a wireless or wired manner.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes: each time the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold, activating the detector 1 to collect the radiation beam, and each time the intensity of the radiation beam falls below the first threshold, stopping the collection, thereby completing multiple collections. The method of this embodiment can be a continuous multiple collection mode, which is highly adaptable and can adapt to different irradiation requirements without specific settings.

[0072] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes: initiating acquisition of a radiation beam based on an intensity of a first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stopping acquisition based on an intensity of a second radiation beam falling below the first threshold, completing the first acquisition, and subsequently initiating acquisition of the radiation beam based on an intensity of the radiation beam exceeding the first threshold, and automatically repeating multiple acquisitions based on a known start time, acquisition time, and time interval between the first and second acquisitions of the first acquisition. The method of this embodiment may be in an automatic multiple acquisition mode, wherein the detector 1 is capable of storing the start time of the first acquisition and the start time of the second acquisition, and is capable of calculating the time interval between the start of the first acquisition and the start of the second acquisition.

[0073] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes initiating acquisition of the radiation beam based on an intensity of an initial radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and automatically completing subsequent acquisitions of the radiation beam based on a predetermined acquisition time and a predetermined acquisition interval. In this embodiment, the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval are determined by the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source 2.

[0074] It should be understood that the various forms of the processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the present invention can be performed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solutions disclosed in the present invention can be achieved. This is not limited herein.

[0075] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tomosynthesis imaging device for a target area, comprising: A distributed multi-point emission radiation source having an array of a plurality of point sources and the plurality of point sources are configured to emit radiation beams in sequence; and a detector, which can be placed in the target area or outside the target area adjacent to the target area, for detecting the radiation beam emitted by the distributed multi-point emission radiation source; The detector is configured to be started to collect the radiation beam according to an increase in the detected intensity of the radiation beam, and to stop the collection according to a decrease in the detected intensity of the radiation beam. 2 . The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the target area is an oral cavity, and the detector is placed in the oral cavity.

3. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The detector is configured to start collecting the radiation beam after detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold.

4. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The detector can stop the acquisition after detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam is less than a second threshold.

5. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The detector is configured to have a continuous multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector can start acquiring the radiation beam multiple times according to the intensity of the radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stop acquiring according to the intensity of the radiation beam being lower than a second threshold, thereby completing multiple acquisitions; or The detector is configured to have an automatic multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector starts to acquire the radiation beam according to the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time exceeding the first threshold, stops the acquisition according to the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the first time being lower than the second threshold, completes the first acquisition, and then stops the acquisition according to the intensity of the radiation beam detected for the second time exceeding the first threshold. value, and automatically repeat multiple acquisitions according to the known first acquisition start time, acquisition time, and the time interval between the first acquisition start and the second acquisition start; or The detector is configured to have a predetermined multiple acquisition mode, so that the detector starts to acquire the radiation beam according to the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding the first threshold value, and automatically completes the subsequent acquisition of the radiation beam according to the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval, wherein the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval are determined by the multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point radiation source.

6. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The detector constructs image information based on the acquisition, and outputs the image information in a wireless or wired manner.

7. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of point sources of the distributed multi-point emission radiation source emits an X-radiation beam.

8. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the intensity and beam shape of the X-radiation beam emitted by each of the plurality of point sources of the distributed multi-point emission radiation source are the same.

9. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The intensity of the radiation beam is greater than the first threshold and remains substantially constant during the acquisition.

10. The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target area is a human joint, heart or other part.

11. A method for tomosynthesis imaging of a target area, comprising: placing a detector for detecting the radiation beam at a target area; and emitting radiation beams from a plurality of locations toward the oral cavity; The detector is configured to be started to collect the radiation beam according to an increase in the detected intensity of the radiation beam, and to stop the collection according to a decrease in the detected intensity of the radiation beam.

12. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 11, comprising: After detecting that the intensity of the radiation beam exceeds a first threshold, starting to collect the radiation beam.

13. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 12, comprising: Starting the detector to collect the radiation beam multiple times according to the intensity of the radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stopping the collection according to the intensity of the radiation beam being lower than a second threshold, to complete multiple collections; or Initiate acquisition of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and stop the acquisition based on the intensity of the first detected radiation beam being lower than a second threshold, complete the first acquisition, and then initiate acquisition of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the second detected radiation beam exceeding the first threshold, and automatically repeat multiple acquisitions based on the known first acquisition start time, acquisition time, and the time interval between the first acquisition start and the second acquisition start; or The acquisition of the radiation beam is initiated based on the intensity of the first radiation beam exceeding a first threshold, and the subsequent acquisition of the radiation beam is automatically completed according to a predetermined acquisition time and a predetermined acquisition interval, wherein the predetermined acquisition time and the predetermined acquisition interval are determined by multiple point sources of the distributed multi-point emitting radiation source.

14. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 11, wherein the emitted radiation beam is an X-radiation beam.

15. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 12, wherein the intensity of the radiation beam emitted toward the oral cavity from each of the plurality of positions is greater than a first threshold.

16. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 11, comprising: Based on the acquisition, image information is constructed, and the image information is output in a wireless or wired manner.

17. The tomosynthesis imaging method according to claim 15, wherein the radiation beams emitted from the plurality of positions toward the oral cavity respectively have the same intensity and beam shape.

18. The tomosynthesis imaging method of claim 15, wherein radiation beams of substantially constant intensity and beam shape are emitted toward the oral cavity from a plurality of locations, respectively.

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