CN101040218A - Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging of elongate objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette comprises a shell and a single storage phosphor plate. The shell includes first and second opposite open ends. The single storage phosphor plate is housed within the shell and is adapted to be at least partially removable from the shell through the first and second open ends. A radiation image of the elongate object can be read by extracting a first portion of the single plate through one of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the first portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a first partial image, and then extracting a second portion of the single plate through the other of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the second portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a second partial image. The first and second partial images can be combined to form the image of the elongate object.

Description

The x-ray imaging method and apparatus of elongated objects

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the imaging of medical field, particularly imaging elongated objects.More specifically, the present invention relates to the elongated body part of imaging, for example whole backbone or shank.This imaging is applied to computed radiography (CR) especially.

Background technology

The x-ray imaging technology provides a kind of and comes developing to be concerned about the atraumatic technique of object inner structure by object is exposed to high-energy electromagnetic radiation (being X ray).The X ray that radiation source sends absorbs at different energy levels through object and by the object inner structure.Therefore, the X ray that leaves object absorbs feature according to the difference of material that X ray runs into and decays.

Can by object is placed obtain between high-energy electromagnetic radiation source and the image recording media be concerned about the absorption feature of object.The radiation of sending when radiation source is during through object, and this radiation is radiated on the image recording media with certain intensity, and this intensity is correlated with the decay that different absorption features by object are caused.The radiation of irradiation causes the variation that is directly proportional with radiation intensity in the image recording media, thereby stores the information about the object inner structure.Handle image recording media then with by for example being that digital form is recovered stored information with information translation.The conventionally form of image recording media comprises sheet film, fluorescent media etc.

Fluorescent plate technique occurs as the valuable image recording media of computed radiography (CR).When electromagnetic radiation for example during the x-ray bombardment fluorescent plate, the phosphor dot array of radiation and plate interacts.Fluorescent material in the plate stores the energy that is directly proportional with illumination radiation intensity.Afterwards can be by releasing energy with the fluorescence in the activation plate (promptly by making fluorescent material send fluorescence) with this plate of laser scanning.The fluorescence that is excited discharges and can detect, quantizes and as the value of pixel in the presentation video and the radiation that stores.

Some image-forming steps need be exposed under the radiation of large-size object, and these objects are often referred to elongated objects.Usually elongated objects has the standard large-sized fluorescent plate that at least one size is bought greater than market.For example, in various imaging of medical steps, related slim-lined construction needs the longer part of Polaroid health in full-leg or the backbone inspection.These steps are commonly referred to " long bone " imaging and need instrumentation to adapt to the elongated features of wanting the imaging tissue usually.In addition, often need be in industrial environment the imaging elongated objects.For example test the noninvasive imaging of structural intergrity of supporting construction such as important actor or bearing wall and/or the imaging of pipeline such as pipe, can comprise and extend than the farther elongated objects of single conventional fluorescent plate volume.

The radiographic image acquiring unit of stock size is restricted in size, and is not suitable for for example whole backbone of the elongated body part of imaging or shank.When being necessary to obtain the radiographic image of full spine or shank, used several method.If the employing film/screen technology then adopts very long or non-type ray photographic film.For example referring to United States Patent (USP) NO.5,130,541 (Kawai).As selection, as United States Patent (USP) NO.3,774,045 (Trott) and United States Patent (USP) NO.3,725,703 (Bucky) are disclosed, and a kind of a plurality of overlapping conventional big or small film loaders or the box or car of bag of holding is provided.

Another selection comprise with two or more standard-sized each other vertically adjacent CR fluorescent plates (for example 35 * 43cm fluorescent plate) place special box.The enough imaging sizes of pattern length possibility of a plurality of plates are greater than the slender body of any single fluorescent plate longest dimension.Term " box " is often referred to any case, box or container, and these casees, box or container are suitable for holding other material and more specifically are suitable for holding one or more image recording medias (for example one or more fluorescent plate) and damage to prevent from directly to hand, contact or expose.For example, box can form hard cover, and it provides and can bear the shell that patient's weight, rough operation, accident drop etc.Box generally includes the opening that the permission of certain form is inserted image recording media in the box or taken out from box.

The box that adopts two or more storage phosphor plates/screens is disclosed.For example referring to common U.S. Patent No. 6,852,987 (Steklenski), U.S. Patent No. 6,696,691 (Foos) and the U.S. Patent No. of transferring the possession of 6,744,062 (Brahm).Also can be referring to U.S. Patent No. 6,843,598 (Minnigh), U.S. Patent No. 6,273,606 (Dewaele), EP1312977 (Delaby), JP2000-241920 (Sadada), JP2002-202571 (Nakajo), JP2000-267210 (Sadada), JP2000-250153 (Sadada) and JP2000-258861 (Sadada).

Fig. 1 has described exemplary slender bodies imaging device.This equipment comprises that width is the box 100 of Y for X length.Box 100 is suitable for holding a pair of fluorescent plate 150a and 150b, and the width of each is y for x length.Usually, select the long bone image-forming step of length Y, for example check whole shank or backbone with adaptive expectation.Length y is generally equal to the length of the conventional fluorescent plate of being produced by imaging plate leading firm, and length y itself is not enough to obtain the complete image information of whole elongated objects.

Fluorescent plate 150a and 150b place box 100 with overlapping relation and form width is the overlapping region 155 of u.Add together, the size of plate 150a and 150b (being 2y-u) is enough to obtain the image information of whole elongated objects.

Box 100 can comprise reference or the reference mark (not shown) of for example casting " shade " on the plate portion in overlapping region 155.Reference marker can be any X ray barrier material that is provided with known pattern or mutual relationship usually, can cast discernible shade when this material is exposed to X-radiation on fluorescent plate.For example reference marker can be many parallel with vertical lines, can print off waffle-like pattern when these lines of exposure on fluorescent plate.As described in greater detail below, reference marker provides reference information, can be with reference to this reference information with correct for alignment errors and used as the indication of being convenient to image mosaic.

The action that can repeat a plurality of plates in the above-mentioned overlapping box is to cover the elongated objects of any desired size.For example, box is suitable for holding three plate overlapping with the lower edge of plate 150b.The length that any amount of plate can be set together and enough obtain image information from required elongated objects to reach.

Having when this box be exposed to radiation under the situation of slender body after, fluorescent plate 150a and 150b are taken out from box and are installed in separately and continuously in the CR imaging reader, this imaging reader is suitable for obtaining the image information on the plate that is stored in normal size.Therefore, the CR imaging reader obtains first's image from fluorescent plate 150a, obtains the second portion image from fluorescent plate 150b.

But, the separated portions image make elongated objects diagnosis and/or check comparatively difficulty.Like this, the CR imaging reader can comprise and be suitable for image processing techniques that these parts of images are stitched together that this technology adopts the alignment information that reference marker provided that is imprinted on the parts of images to form the single image of elongated objects.Some joining methods are disclosed, for example referring to the common U.S. Patent No. of transferring the possession of 6,895,106 (wang).

Summary of the invention

One object of the present invention is to provide a kind of box that is used in the single exposure the elongated objects imaging.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of such storage fluorescence light box.

These purposes only provide by illustrated examples, and these purposes are examples of the one or more embodiment of the present invention.Invention disclosed other expectation target and the advantage of intrinsic realization also may exist or it will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Limit the present invention by additional claim.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of storage fluorescence light box that is used to write down the elongated objects radiographic image.This box comprises shell and single storage fluorescent plate.This shell comprises the first and second relative openends.This single storage fluorescent plate holds in the enclosure, and is adapted to pass through first and second openends and takes out at least in part from shell.

According to a further aspect of the invention, provide a kind of and form the method for the composite number word image of elongated objects by radiation image, this radiation image forms being arranged on the single extending length storage fluorescent plate of box.This method comprises following step: the first that takes out this veneer by first end of box; Scan this first and obtain first's image; Take out the second portion of veneer by second end of the box relative with this first end; Scan this second portion and obtain the second portion image; And make up first and second parts of images to form the image of elongated objects.

A kind of method of reconstruct elongated objects radiation image is provided according to a further aspect of the invention.This method comprises following step: first end taking-up by box is positioned at the first that box length is the single storage fluorescent plate of L, and first's length is S1, S1＜L; Scanning first reads canned data in the first to obtain first's image; Canned data on first section of removing first, this first segment length is E1, E1＜S1; Take out the second portion of single storage fluorescent plate by second end of box, second end is relative with first end, and second portion length is S2, S2＜L and S1+S2＜L; The scanning second portion reads canned data on the second portion to obtain the second portion image; And removing is stored in the residue canned data on the storage fluorescent plate.

Description of drawings

By looking like the more specifically description of the illustrated embodiment of the invention of accompanying drawing down, aforementioned and other purpose, feature and advantage of the present invention will be clear.It is not necessarily proportional between the element of accompanying drawing is mutual.

Fig. 1 illustrates the synoptic diagram of the exemplary slender bodies imaging box that comprises a pair of storage fluorescent plate.

Fig. 2 illustrates the synoptic diagram that has the radiographic imaging box of extending length plate according to of the present invention;

Fig. 3 A-3D describes the conventional sweep process synoptic diagram that is obtained the long bone image by a pair of standard medical imaging plate;

Fig. 4 A and 4B describe extending length fluorescent plate exemplary scan and removing round-robin synoptic diagram according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 A-5F describes the synoptic diagram of extending length plate scanning according to an embodiment of the invention and reset procedure.

Embodiment

Be the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to accompanying drawing below, wherein identical Reference numeral is represented identical structural detail in each accompanying drawing.

As mentioned above, the conventional imaging of elongated objects comprises that the two or more parts of images that will be obtained by the fluorescent plate separately that separates are stitched together.Yet, use a plurality of fluorescent plates to make the imaging process complexity.At first, this box generally includes mechanical hook-up and is rotating relative to each other and keeping substantial registration all in the overlapping region of expectation to guarantee these plates.And, because complete latent image is stored on the fluorescent plate of separation, the behavior that scans independent fluorescent plate has produced other alignment difficulties, promptly needs complicated imaging algorithm to form the visual and correct image of elongated objects before parts of images is stitched together usually.

Stitching algorithm need discern and the compensated part image between rotation and angle do not overlap and the overlapping region in not the overlapping of range of translation.In addition, the image that successfully is stitched together can be included in a way proofreaies and correct the caused distortion of adopting in the various alignment errors of Flame Image Process.Conventional stitching algorithm depends on the redundant information in a plurality of fluorescent plates overlapping region usually.For example, because the part of plate 150a and 150b is exposed in the degrading radiation that imaging object identical portions branch sends, so two plates all should be noted identical information in the overlapping region in a way in the overlapping region 155.Yet the absorption feature of last fluorescent plate causes exposure more weak on the lower plate." signal " on this lower plate cut down and reduced the correlativity of this supposition redundant information, and makes splicing difficult, reduced the precision of alignment algorithm simultaneously.

The applicant recognizes by the fluorescent plate that adopts single extending length and can alleviate or reduce and adopt some relevant problems of a plurality of standard fluorescence plates scanning elongated objects.Fig. 2 has described the imaging device according to one embodiment of the invention scanning elongated objects.This imaging device comprises that its length can adapt to the box 200 of for example whole shank of long bone imaging or the inspection of whole backbone.Especially, box 200 length Y are equal to or greater than the elongated objects for the treatment of imaging.Box 200 is suitable for holding the single fluorescent plate 250 with the length Y ' that is enough to capture the elongated objects image information.

Clearer by following explanation meeting, box 200 comprises the elongated rectangular shell with two opposed ends.It can move with respect to shell in the box 200 (for example by slip) so that shift out from arbitrary end of box at least in part thereby plate 250 is arranged on.Like this, can plate 250 be read from box 200 by arbitrary end of box by taking out plate from arbitrary box end.Therefore, box 200 is the both-end boxes that comprise veneer.When plate 250 was in the shell, box was preferably light tight basically.

Should recognize that the plate that can make extending length is institute's length of acquisition usually with corresponding to a plurality of plate of adopting any amount and combination the time.For example, the extending length plate can comprise and obtains the identical size of a plurality of plate coverages that makes up with the arbitrary dimension that is set together of two, three, four or any amount, although the invention is not restricted in this respect.

Adopt single extending length plate need many plates carefully be set in box to avoid alignment error.Especially, because do not need the overlapping region, so box does not need to have the structure that is suitable for suitably being provided with and holding with overlapping relation many boxes.In addition, because plate is whole, rotation does not overlap caused error between exposure period so eliminated.As following more detailed discussion, veneer is imaged in the scanning process also helpful.

In the long bone imaging of routine, after a plurality of fluorescent plates are exposed in the X-radiation, from box, take out first plate and first plate is packed in the CR imaging reader.The United States Patent (USP) NO.6 of inventor Koren discloses the example of CR imaging reader in 791,101 (' 101), its integral body is incorporated in this.The CR imaging reader is suitable for carrying out the complete scan of certain predetermined maximum, and it refers to sweep length.For example, can design the CR imaging reader and have the sweep length of about 43cm in single scanning step, to hold and to handle the fluorescent plate of normal size.Defined the maximum length of the image recording media that the CR imaging reader can capture in single sweep operation about the term " sweep length " of CR imaging reader.Usually, the size of sweep length and CR imaging reader is closely related.For example, when fluorescent plate was packed the CR imaging reader into, the size of imaging reader may only adapt to a certain maximum length of plate.Many CR imaging readers are designed to adapt to the large scale fluorescent plate (for example 35 * 45cm fluorescent plate) of the standard of buying on the market.Such sweep length is not enough to obtain the long bone image in the single sweep operation operation.

Fig. 3 A-3D has described the snapshots in time of being obtained the conventional sweep process of long bone image by a pair of standard medical imaging plate.

Fig. 3 A has described the box 300 that inserts CR imaging reader 360.Box has held the plate 350a and the 350b of a pair of normal size in radiation that exposed.At first, by pinch roller 366a and 366b plate 350a being imported cylindrical section 362 from box 300 taking-ups and with it, for example is its cylindrical shape drum that provides conformal to support when fluorescent plate enters CR imaging reader 360.The CR imaging reader also comprises the sweep unit 365 that is suitable for fluorescence excitation plate (for example passing through laser beam) and detects the exciting radiation (for example by photomultiplier (PMT)) that fluorescent plate response laser beam sends, for example ' 101 described in the patent.CR imaging reader 360 also comprises as hereinafter being suitable for the removing lamp 364 of the information of removing from fluorescent plate in greater detail.

In Fig. 3 B, fluorescent plate 350a all inserts imaging reader and is ready to by sweep unit 365 scannings.Sweep unit 365 comprises and can shine the detecting device of its surperficial radiation that laser energy sends for cylindrical section 362 surfaces provide the lasing light emitter of exciting radiation and can detect fluorescent plate 350a response.Should recognize that the sweep length of CR imaging reader 360 partly depends on the mechanical constraint of the circumference and/or the sweep unit 365 of cylindrical section 362.At scanning fluorescent plate 350a and after obtaining first's image, pinch roller 366a and 366b reverses direction shown in Fig. 3 C is drawn back box 300 with fluorescent plate 350a, gets back in the box safely shown in Fig. 3 D up to this plate.

Obtain image and plate is turned back to the total processing time in order to reusing the box for reducing, when turning back to box, remove fluorescent plate usually from fluorescent plate.Remove fluorescent plate and comprise that thereby plate is exposed to the fluorescent powder in the plate in the high light to be released in and to finish the energy that is retained in after the scan cycle in the phosphor dot array plate.

Shown in Fig. 3 C, remove lamp 364 and be arranged in the middle of the pinch roller.When activating pinch roller in direction when introducing fluorescent plate in the box, open and remove lamp 364 to be exposed in the light through out-of-date below when plate.Therefore, insert in the box to discharge remaining stored energy before carrying out with post-exposure at plate 350a.The second fluorescent plate 350b can be packed in the CR imaging reader then and repeat this process to obtain the second portion image.After obtaining two parts of images, image processing algorithm handle this parts of images for example with the position reference mark, the degree determining not overlap between image, compensate this and do not overlap and these two parts of images are stitched together to form the single image of elongated objects.

The applicant has developed a kind of in design comes with the CR imaging reader of operating less than the sweep length of the length of extending length fluorescent plate, scans and remove the method and apparatus of single extending length fluorescent plate (for example shown in Figure 2).For example in one embodiment, a kind of method and apparatus that scans and remove extending length fluorescent plate (for example shown in Figure 2) in the CR imaging reader that the larger size panel for standard designs is provided, has checked the elongated objects that runs in the steps at various long bones for example to help to scan.

Fig. 4 A and 4B have described the exemplary scan and the snapshots in time of removing cycle period of extending length fluorescent plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 A has described the box 400 of the extending length fluorescent plate 450 in the operation insertion CR imaging reader 460.CR imaging reader 460 can with CR imaging reader 360 structural similarities described in Fig. 3 A-3D or substantially the same.Especially, CR imaging reader 460 can have the sweep length identical with CR imaging reader 360.

Fig. 4 B has described the fluorescent plate 450 of whole insertion CR imaging readers 460, and it is in the appropriate location for optical device 465 scannings like this.The CR imaging reader is then by the first image of a part of fluorescent plate 450 of optical device 465 scannings with the acquisition elongated objects.Pinch roller 466a and 466b reverses direction then draw back box 400 with fluorescent plate.Unload box 400 and opposite side is inserted the CR imaging reader from the CR imaging reader then, repeat this process to obtain the second portion image.

As mentioned above, as common doing, the parts of images that splices different imaging plates usually depends on the redundant information available in the plate overlapping region.According to each side of the present invention, can obtain this redundant information by the last scanning area that repeatedly scans single prolongation fluorescent plate.For example can the scan period first time run-down plate 450 near the center the zone and scan once more in the scan period second time.Yet the applicant recognizes that the conventional step of removing can remove information in the scanning area before scanning for the second time, and this has caused the loss that is used for two parts of images alignings and the information that is stitched together at least in part.

The applicant has developed preservation information in last scanning area and has not needed additionally to remove the extending length plate program (as shown in Figure 2) of step.With reference to accompanying drawing 5A-5F this removing program is described in more detail.

Fig. 5 A-5F has described scanning and the reset procedure that is used for the extending length plate according to one embodiment of the invention.460 scannings of CR imaging reader and removing fluorescent plate 550 shown in for example available Fig. 4 A and the 4B.

Fig. 5 A has described the prolongation phosphor plate 550 with the length L that for example is equal to or greater than the elongated objects length for the treatment of imaging.Length S is corresponding to the sweep length of CR imaging reader.Because the sweep length of CR imaging reader 460 can be designed to hold and handle the plate of normal size in single pass, so length S can be much smaller than length L.For the combination of plate 550 and CR imaging reader 460, sweep length S approximately is that half of length L adds the additional length O that is used for scanning area, as hereinafter discussing in more detail.

Owing to the width of pinch roller in the CR imaging reader (or other plate connecting gear) and owing to remove the layout of lamp, CR imaging reader 460 can be removed than its more most plate that can scan in scanning and removing circulation.For example, the CR imaging reader comprises from the place (shown in the 462b Fig. 4 B) that stops near cylindrical section 462 to the scanning area in the place (shown in the 462a among Fig. 4 B) that begins near cylindrical section 462.The CR imaging reader also comprises the removing zone between pinch roller, and it extends (shown in Fig. 4 B) greatly between 464a and 464b.When using extending length plate (referring to Fig. 4 B), at local 462a that scanning area begins and remove between the local 464b that the zone stops and have a part of plate, if turn on lights before the Reverse Activity pinch roller or simultaneously, then this part plate is in position to be removed.Because this part plate is in outside the scanning area, its removing is not scanned so can and remove cycle period in first scanning.Like this, remove length E (shown in Fig. 5 A) greater than sweep length S.

Fig. 5 B has described the plate 550 that exposes behind X-radiation, and it has stored for example latent image of patient's long bone like this.Then plate 550 is packed in the CR imaging reader, insert end 550a earlier, and it is scanned to obtain first's image.Shown in the shade among Fig. 5 C, the energy of the part 552 of scanning fluorescent plate 550 and its storage of a release part detects to form first's image it.Because do not have the part 554 of scanning board 550, so it has kept all exposure energies.Should recognize that the part 552 that is scanned comprises and surpass half zone of fluorescent plate 550 length, allow in first and second scan cycle, to scan scanning area simultaneously.

For avoiding removing the information in the scanning area, can excite pinch roller before opening the removing lamp, in the opposite direction plate to be guided out the scanning area preset time at interval.Begin towards moment that box moves and excite the time interval between the moment of removing lamp to be called " between the Accreditation Waiting Area " at plate.Through the clear (area) and when entering in the box, this waits for the interval information that goes up at least in the scanning area of preserving at it.In case finish between the Accreditation Waiting Area, excite the remainder of removing lamp and removing part 552.

Fig. 5 D has described through first scanning and the fluorescent plate 550 after removing circulation.The part 565 that comprises fluorescent plate 550 between the Accreditation Waiting Area is by CR imaging reader clear (area) time necessary, and this clear (area) comprises the part 552a that is scanned part 552.After between the Accreditation Waiting Area, activate and remove lamp to remove the remaining information among the part 552b.Although selected the exemplary interval of embodiment shown in Fig. 5 A-5F to remove half of part 552 substantially, the invention is not restricted to this.Can select to have preserved between any Accreditation Waiting Area of the information in fluorescent plate expectation part.

After first scanning and removing circulation, in the CR imaging reader of then fluorescent plate 550 being packed into, at first insert sidepiece 550b to obtain the second portion image.That is, the fluorescent plate end that comprises part 554 can be encased in the CR imaging reader.As before, pinch roller (perhaps other connecting gear) is introduced imaging reader with fluorescent plate and is carried out second scanning.

Fig. 5 E has described through second scan cycle to obtain the fluorescent plate 550 of second portion image.Identical with first scanning, the fluorescent plate that surpasses half has experienced the scanning that optical scanning device carried out by the CR imaging reader.Therefore, sweep test 554 whole, and the last scanning area 552ba of the sweep test 552a that preserves experiences second scan cycle.As following more detailed discussion, second scan cycle discharges part energy among the left last sweep test 552a of first scanning so that redundant information to be provided.

After second scan cycle, the while is activated pinch roller in the opposite direction and opens and remove lamp before pinch roller clear board residue length or basically.Because do not remove the adjacent and length of part 554,552ba and 552b less than length E, complete removing circulation can be removed all residue potential energies that are stored in the fluorescent plate.

Fig. 5 F has described through second scanning and has removed round-robin fluorescent plate 550, has wherein removed whole plate and prepared to be exposed in the X-radiation subsequently.

Should recognize that the various piece shown in Fig. 5 A-5B only is exemplary.Partial-length each other and relation can be according to the factors vary of last scanning area of any or the combination (for example clear (area) length, maximum scan length, the maximum length or the like of removing) of size that comprises the CR imaging reader and setting, fluorescent plate length, expectation or the like, and the invention is not restricted to use the relative size described in the embodiment described here.

Usually, when being exposed fluorescent plate when scanning experience,, be not to have discharged all to be stored in energy in the phosphor dot array for example by the surface of guided laser bundle irradiation fluorescent plate.For example, be scanned the attenuated form that part 552b has kept stored image information between exposure period.Therefore, when last scanning area 552ba experiences second scan cycle, the CR imaging reader will obtain the attenuated copy of the image information that obtained by this zone during first scan cycle.Image information on will being obtained during first and second scan cycle then in the scanning area is mated this parts of images is aimed at and be stitched together.

As mentioned above, in conventional long bone imaging, obtain " redundancy " information by two fluorescent plates of stack in box.But, because the absorption feature of fluorescent plate, have only less information to use so be positioned on the fluorescent plate of overlapping region inner underside.Therefore conventional splicing depends on reference marker and needs to use reference pattern outside the overlapping region, this cause further block be concerned about content (being the medical image content).And the extending length plate obtain with the image-forming step that uses more than the identical coverage of conventional steps of two conventional plates in, still only need single upward scanning area.Therefore, can avoid by needed a plurality of overlapping regions and concatenation in more than two the big platelet built-up section of routine images.

Among some embodiment, the redundant information in the last scanning area is enough to be used for parts of images aimed at and is spliced into single image and need not be by means of reference marker.That is, the information in two copies (being initial copy and attenuated copy) of scanning area can be mated and aim at, and the outside reference marker that generates needn't be relied on.

For example, in the first's image that is obtained in first scan period, with last image pixel line end of record edge.Subsequently, in the second second portion image that obtained of scanning, the terminating edge of first's image is recorded in the second portion image.Therefore, can be in the second portion image or by the terminating edge of second portion image detection first image.If expectation to first's image, can be spliced the second portion image mosaic along the terminating edge of first's image thereby be necessary to rotate/locate the second portion image so.

The terminating edge that detects first's image in the second portion image can be finished by the uncontinuity of detection signal.That is, because in first scanning, read the signal in the overlapping region, so reduced its pixel intensity.This terminating edge is determined relative position and the rotation of second portion image with respect to first's image.

Possible is, need rotate the second portion image based on the terminating edge from first's image of second portion image detection.

In addition, need rotation second portion image 180 degree (with its splicing to first image) suitably to mate this two images.This is the reason owing to single imaging plate.That is,, need to rotate a parts of images 180 degree so suitably to mate this two images if each end of single imaging plate is inserted the CR imaging reader.

About splicing two parts of images, the common U.S. Patent No. of transferring the possession of 6,895,106 (wang) discloses in the use overlapping region information and/or scanning terminating edge with stitching image.Notice, can manually or automatically finish this splicing.

The invention provides the use of simpler box, it does not need built in patterns or mark to print off parts of images, perhaps replacedly, may allow to use simpler reference marker and/or be limited in reference marker in the scanning area.In addition, when not having reference marker when reference marker (perhaps exist better simply), the contents of being concerned about have been exempted the very big position of reference information and have been disturbed more in the image, and this reference information is of no use clinically and impair medical examination and/or diagnosis.

Should recognize,, can use any type of reference marker or benchmark technology and be not limited thereto although the present invention helps to use together better simply reference marker or eliminates these marks.For example, be desirably in the extension plate step use for the same reference numbers of many plates step development and alignment algorithm to reduce further development cost.

As mentioned above, in the elongated objects scan operation of routine, between the parts of images that obtains from the imaging plate that separates do not overlap may be partly by plate be introduced into respect to this plate imaging reader direction rotation and cause.For example, along with the pinch roller among Fig. 3 A-3D is introduced the CR imaging reader with independent standard size plate, these plates trend towards departing from different amounts the path of expection.Big departing from makes splicing difficulty and because the image processing techniques that correct for alignment errors adopted causes bigger anamorphose more.The extending length of fluorescent plate of the present invention helps to make when plate is introduced the CR imaging reader it stable, to reduce possible rotation amount.Especially because a part prolongs fluorescent plate and stays in the box when plate is introduced the CR imaging reader, so scan period (referring to Fig. 4 B) this box retrain this plate and limit its rotation and departing from from the expection scanning position.Alignment error reduce to cause in simpler splicing and the composograph still less distortion.

Should recognize that various aspects of the present invention not only can be used for the imaging of elongated objects in medical treatment or the industrial environment, and can be used for wherein conventional big or small fluorescent plate deficiency and think that elongated objects provides any environment of the scope of searching image information.

The above embodiment of the present invention can be with any execution of several different methods.For example, can use hardware, software or its to make up and carry out these embodiment.When carrying out with software, can be on any suitable processor or processor sets software code, this processor sets or be provided in the single computing machine or be distributed in a plurality of computing machines.Should recognize, can regard any parts or the component set of carrying out above-mentioned functions as control above-mentioned functions one or more controllers usually.Can carry out this one or more controllers with several different methods, for example use specialized hardware or use with microcode or software programming common hardware (for example one or more processor) with the execution above-mentioned functions.

Can be individually, jointly or with not concrete various setting of discussing among the described embodiment in front use each side of the present invention, therefore the invention is not restricted to its describe in front in the application in being provided with of cited or described in the accompanying drawings details and parts.The present invention can have other embodiment and put into practice or carry out with the whole bag of tricks.Especially, single prolongation fluorescent plate can use in conjunction with various box and CR imaging reader, and is not limited to exemplary means described here.In addition, can according to size and configuration constraint or arbitrarily the CR imaging reader arrange scanning and remove the round-robin time.Therefore, above stated specification and accompanying drawing only are for example.

Here used term and term are in order to describe purpose rather than conduct restriction.Use " comprising ", " comprising " or " having ", " containing ", " relating to ", with and distortion mean and comprise project and equivalent and other project of enumerating thereafter.

Describe the present invention in detail with reference to currently preferred embodiments especially, be to be understood that and change within the spirit and scope of the present invention and to change.Therefore all regard presently disclosed embodiment as descriptive and non-limiting in every respect.Additional claim has been represented scope of the present invention, and in its implication and all changes in the equivalent scope all be believed to comprise therein.

Claims (19)

1. storage fluorescence light box that is used to write down the elongated objects radiographic image comprises:

Shell has the first and second relative openends; With

Single storage fluorescent plate, it is contained in the shell, and is suitable for shifting out from shell at least in part by first and second openends.

2. according to the storage fluorescence light box of claim 1, further comprise from shell through first and second open end portion shift out the device of described veneer.

3. according to the storage fluorescence light box of claim 1, further comprise the device that moves described veneer with respect to shell slidably, thereby described veneer stretches out by first openend or second openend.

4. according to the storage fluorescence light box of claim 1, wherein said veneer is flexible or rigidity basically.

5. imaging system comprises:

Be suitable for being exposed to the imaging box in the radiation, this box has single storage fluorescent plate and two relative ends, can take out the described veneer of at least a portion by the end;

Storage fluorescence reader, be suitable for: first that (1) is taken out the first of this veneer through one of them of two opposite ends of described box and scanned this single storage fluorescent plate to be obtaining first's image, and the second portion that (2) are taken out the second portion of this veneer through another of two opposite ends of described box and scanned this single storage fluorescent plate is to obtain the second portion image; And

Make up first and second parts of images to form the device of elongated objects image.

6. method that reads the radiation image of elongated objects comprises following step:

The box that is exposed in the radiation is provided, and this box has single storage fluorescent plate and two relative ends, can take out the described veneer of at least a portion by the end;

One of them first that takes out the first of this veneer and scan this single storage fluorescent plate of two opposite ends of the described box of process is to obtain first's image;

The second portion that takes out the second portion of this veneer and scan this single storage fluorescent plate through another of two opposite ends of described box is to obtain the second portion image; And

Make up first and second parts of images to form the image of elongated objects.

7. according to the method for claim 6, further below step:

In first's image identification by on the terminating edge of image pixel line record, the terminating edge that will discern in first's image is defined as first mark;

Detect described terminating edge in the second portion image, the terminating edge that will detect in the second portion image is defined as second mark; And

By aiming at first and second marker combination, first and second parts of images.

8. according to the method for claim 7, wherein finish combination step to aim at first and second references by rotating described second portion image.

9. according to the method for claim 7, wherein finish the step that detects terminating edge in the second portion image by the uncontinuity of detection signal.

10. one kind forms the method for the composite number word image of elongated objects by radiation image, forms on the single extending length storage fluorescent plate of described radiation image in box, and described method comprises following step:

The first that first end of the described box of process takes out this veneer;

Scan described first to obtain first's image;

Take out the second portion of this veneer through second end of relative first end of described box;

Scan described second portion to obtain the second portion image; And

Make up first and second parts of images to form the image of elongated objects.

11., also comprise following step according to the method for claim 10:

In first's image identification by on the terminating edge of image pixel line record, the terminating edge of discerning in first's image is first mark;

Detect described terminating edge in the second portion image, the terminating edge that detects in the second portion image is second mark; And

By aiming at first and second marker combination, first and second parts of images.

12., wherein finish combination step to aim at first and second marks by rotate described second portion image with respect to described first image according to the method for claim 11.

13., wherein finish the step that detects terminating edge in the second portion image by the uncontinuity of detection signal according to the method for claim 11.

14. one kind forms the method for the composite number word image of elongated objects by radiation image, forms on the single extending length storage fluorescent plate of described radiation image in box, described method comprises following step:

Locate first end of described box with respect to storage fluorescence reader;

The first that first end of the described box of process takes out described veneer;

Scan described first to obtain first's image;

After scanning first, thereby reorientate described box is located described box with respect to storage fluorescence reader second end with respect to this first end;

Second end through described box takes out the veneer second portion;

The scanning second portion is to obtain the second portion image; And

Make up first and second parts of images to form the image of elongated objects.

15. the method for the radiation image of a reconstruct elongated objects comprises following step:

First end taking-up by box is positioned at the first that described box length is the single storage fluorescent plate of L, and first's length is S1, wherein S1＜L;

Scanning first reads canned data in the first to obtain first's image;

Canned data on first section of removing first, first segment length is E1, wherein E1＜S1;

Take out the second portion of single storage fluorescent plate by second end of box, second end is relative with first end, and the second end length is S2, wherein S2＜L and S1+S2＞L;

The scanning second portion reads canned data on the second portion to obtain the second portion image; And

Removing is stored in the residue canned data on the storage fluorescent plate.

16., wherein finish the step of removing the residue canned data, wherein E2=L-E1 by the storage fluorescent plate of removing length E2 at least according to the method for claim 15.

17., also comprise following step according to the method for claim 15:

In first's image identification by on the terminating edge of image pixel line record, the terminating edge of discerning in first's image is first mark;

Detect described terminating edge in the second portion image, the terminating edge that detects in the second portion image is second mark; And

By aiming at first and second marker combination, first and second parts of images.

18. according to the method for claim 17, wherein by rotating described second portion image with respect to described first image to aim at first and second with reference to finishing combination step.

19., wherein finish the step that detects terminating edge in the second portion image by the uncontinuity of detection signal according to the method for claim 17.

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