RU154086U1 - DETECTING UNIT OF THE SYSTEM FOR IMAGE FORMATION FOR THE RADIOLOGICAL COMPLEX - Google Patents

Abstract

1. The detection unit of the imaging system for a radiological complex containing an x-ray source, characterized by the presence of an x-ray detector configured to receive the specified radiation passed through the object of study, and the first output of the detector, which is the first output of the detection unit, is configured to receive at least one setting parameter defining image parameters, and a second output of said detector is the second output of the detection unit, while the detection unit contains a synchronization unit associated with the X-ray detector, which generates synchronization signals of the detector and the complex, and an additional signal generation unit for the x-ray source, while the additional signal generation unit is configured to provide non-destructive reading information from the specified detector and with the possibility of obtaining at least one installation a parameter defining image parameters. 2. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein obtaining at least one setting parameter defining image parameters is provided by the control unit of the imaging system of the radiological complex. The detection unit according to claim 1, in which the X-ray detector is based on sensors made using the technology of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structures (CMOS), using thin-film transistors and�

Description

This utility model relates to X-ray image detection devices and can be used in medicine, for example, for use in angiographic complexes, mammography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, etc., as well as in industrial X-ray units for performing non-destructive quality control of materials.

The technical solution relates to x-ray equipment and can be used to create research tools in the field of radiology.

In medical research, for the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies of internal organs, radiological complexes are widely used that allow different types of studies: radiography, fluoroscopy, linear tomography and tomosynthesis, fluorography, mammography, etc. For each type of research, there is a certain set of data that is set before the study. Such predetermined parameters include, for example, the dose of radiation, depending on the structure, density of the organ to be studied; type of study and others. However, regardless of these data, one of the main tasks in carrying out research is the task of setting and maintaining optimal exposure parameters and reducing radiation exposure to the object under study while maintaining image quality.

When conducting x-ray studies in most cases, it is required to study the structure of a certain area of the object. To study and display the internal structure of an object using an x-ray source, x-ray radiation is generated and directed to the object of study. After passing through the object, the radiation falls on the detection unit, which converts it into an electrical signal, which is further processed by the x-ray image forming system, which is part of the x-ray complex. The system converts some of the information from the input x-ray radiation into electrical image signals, calibrates and processes them, generates video signals for further visualization or transmission to storage and archiving systems. The system converts another part of the signals into electrical control signals designed to form an effect on other blocks of the system and on the external equipment of the complex.

As the closest analogue, the set of features of which is closest to the set of essential features of a utility model, a decision is made according to the prior art according to US Pat. No. 7313224 (published on December 25, 2007), where the task of developing an imaging system for an X-ray complex is implemented, one of the main structural elements of which is the detection unit. The detection unit operates as part of an X-ray complex, including an X-ray source connected to the X-ray power supply device that emits X-rays. After passing through the object of study, the rays fall on the detection unit, which converts low-energy photons into light, and the photodetector array converts the light signals into electrical ones. The image video signal received at the output of the block is sent to a processing block, which includes a circuit for accumulating, processing and amplifying the video signal of the image. The control unit, which is part of the visualization system and provides, through the interface, communication with the user panel, controls the operation of the detection unit and the entire system. The control unit uses the data of the preliminary (Preshot) image from the detection unit obtained by exposing the object to a small dose of x-ray radiation. Data on the number, location and size of areas of interest in the preliminary image are determined based on a predetermined anatomy / view or are automatically calculated from the image data created in the detection unit. These data are used to control the x-ray source and obtain the optimum amount of radiation in the region of interest. To control the x-ray source, it is proposed to use an integrated modular device implemented on the basis of an ionization chamber and placed between the source and the detection unit. Such a device, when installed in front of the detection unit, is an element that degrades the signal quality. As a result of the incorporation of the structural elements of the ionization chamber into the X-ray propagation path, the X-ray radiation is involved in the formation of the useful signal, which negatively affects the quality of the image obtained in the future. Structural elements have different spectral x-ray properties, which leads to the appearance of additional artifacts in the image. The disadvantage is the tough definition of areas of interest with a limited ability to change them.

The objective of this utility model is to develop a detection unit for an imaging system for a radiological complex devoid of the disadvantages of known devices for this purpose.

The technical result of the proposed technical solution is to ensure high image quality by increasing the information content of the signal at the output of the detection unit, the ability in real time to control the shooting parameters without additional radiation load on the object of study and at the same time ensure high image quality, as well as the ability to integrate the proposed detection unit in any x-ray complex and use it to perform any type of study.

To solve the problem with the achievement of the specified technical result, the detection unit of the imaging system for a radiological complex containing an x-ray source is characterized in that the unit is equipped with an x-ray detector configured to receive the specified radiation passed through the object of study. The first output of the x-ray detector, which is the first output of the detection unit, is configured to receive at least one setting parameter defining image parameters. The second output of the specified detector is the second output of the detection unit. The detection unit contains a synchronization unit associated with the X-ray detector, which provides the generation of synchronization signals of the detector and the complex, and an additional signal generation unit for the x-ray source. The additional signal generating unit is configured to provide non-destructive reading of information from the specified detector and to obtain at least one setting parameter defining image parameters.

In addition, in the detection unit, obtaining at least one setting parameter defining image parameters is provided by the control unit of the image forming system of the complex.

Alternatively, in the detection unit, the X-ray detector is made on the basis of sensors manufactured using the technology of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structures (CMOS) using thin-film transistors or CCD arrays.

The use of an additional signal generating unit in the x-ray imaging system, which is capable of providing non-destructive reading of information from the x-ray detector, eliminates the integrated modular device from the x-ray propagation path, which is placed between the radiation source and the detection unit in known x-ray complexes, and transfers it functions (automatic exposure control) signal. This has significantly improved information content and image quality.

The proposed technical solution is considered by the example of an X-ray diagnostic complex and is illustrated in Fig., Which shows a functional block diagram illustrating a general description of the complex, including an imaging system with a detection unit. In FIG. positions marked:

1 - x-ray emitter

2 - x-ray power device (hereinafter - RPU)

3 - detection unit

4 - X-ray detector

5 - block forming an additional signal

6 - calibration block

7 - image processing unit

8 - visualization unit

9 - control unit

10 - integration unit with complex equipment

11 - block integration with external systems

12 - block recording, archiving and storage of video image data

13 - feedback signal generation unit

14 - equipment of the x-ray complex

15 - external systems

16 - monitor (s)

17 - block synchronization

18 - communication line.

The x-ray diagnostic complex contains an x-ray emitter 1 connected to the RPU 2. Through the object of research placed along the x-rays, the emitter 1 is connected optically to the x-ray detector 4. The detector 4, in turn, through the additional signal generating unit 5 and the feedback generating unit 13 is connected to the RPU 2. The second output of the detector 4, which is the output of the detecting unit 3, is connected to the series-connected units: calibration unit 6, image processing unit 7 and a visualization unit 8, wherein each block from the indicated sequence, as well as the detector 4 are connected via a communication line 18 to the control unit 9. Block 7 is connected to an image recording, archiving and storage unit 12, which is connected to the block 11 integration with external systems. The detector 4 through the synchronization unit 17, and RPU 2 are directly connected to the integration unit 10 with the equipment 14 of the x-ray complex, while the unit 10, as well as the blocks 11 and 12, are connected to the control unit 9 using the communication line 18.

Detector 4 for an example implementation of a utility model is made on the basis of sensors manufactured using the technology of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structures (CMOS), however, it can be implemented using thin-film transistors or CCD arrays.

The basis of the operation of block 5 for generating an additional signal is a solution protected by US patent No. 7659516, which allows you to use the specified block as a device that performs the functions of an X-ray exposure meter using pixels with non-destructive reading: the block allows the reading of such pixels in a given area of interest. The operation of such a device is based on the fact that information is read from pixel data during the exposure much more often than the duration of the exposure, which leads to the formation of additional information that is used in the feedback channel (block 13 - see below), and conducting research maintains the value of the setting parameter, essentially constant. Information from block 5 enters the feedback signal generation block 13 and is intended to regulate the RPU parameters. When using this device in an imaging system, the pixel brightness values are attached to the radiation dose during system calibration - at the stage of setting the settings using the control unit 9, and then, during normal operation, the system uses this information to control the radiation dose.

Blocks 6-13 are functional blocks for performing various operations, in particular, operations related to image processing, and for specialists in the art it is obvious that these blocks can be implemented in hardware and / or software.

The calibration unit 6 reads the video data from the detection unit 3 and pre-processes (pre-processes) the image video data, which makes it possible to compensate for the design features of the detector and the active elements used in it, in order to obtain an image that reflects the state of the object at the time of shooting, as well as spatial spatial arrangement detection unit in the x-ray complex.

The image processing unit 7 for improving image quality performs the processing of video data that has undergone pre-processing, and brings the image to a form suitable for display (for example, the unit performs correction of frequency, amplitude, noise, etc. characteristics). Processing video image data may imply, in particular, the use of specialized data processing packages, obtaining or measuring parameters of the object of study, etc.

The visualization unit 8 allows you to display the image on the monitor (s) 16 with the specified parameters of the displayed image.

The control unit 9, which, in the General case, may contain a corresponding processor and interface for controlling and receiving signals from the blocks of the system and the complex as a whole, provides both the control of the blocks included in the imaging system, and the control of equipment 14 included in the complex, carries out interaction between blocks, coordinates the work of blocks of the system and the whole complex. The block allows you to process acknowledged and diagnostic messages.

Unit 10 of integration with equipment - a device that allows for the physical and logical level linking of the imaging system with the equipment included in the complex (for example, equipment (block 14) for the angiographic complex is a table, tripod, collimator, dosimeter, injector, remote control management, etc.). To ensure communication, block 10 is equipped with a sufficient number of interfaces for connecting equipment (for example, the “dry contacts” interface, digital interfaces: Ethernet, CAN (CANopen), RS232, RS485, RS422, etc.)

Block 11 of integration with external systems allows the transfer of recorded or archived data to information systems in the appropriate format (for example, external systems (block 15) for medical institutions are RIS - X-ray information system, HIS - hospital information system, data format for DICOM transmission )

The image recording, archiving and storage unit 12 writes image video data to a medium and reads video data from the medium, stores and archives the video image data in the required format.

The feedback signal generating unit 13 provides a feedback signal to the RPU to adjust the RPU settings in order to maintain the required radiation dose or to terminate the exposure. In this case, information from the additional signal generating unit 5 is used to generate the feedback signal (for example, the brightness stabilization signal for the copy mode in angiographic complexes, the exposure stop signal for the graph mode in angiographic complexes, etc.).

The synchronization unit 17 provides at the physical and logical level the generation of synchronization signals of the detector 4 with the equipment of the system: the formation of a signal of readiness of the detection unit 3 for the accumulation of video data, the processing of the start signal of the exposure and, as a result, the beginning of the accumulation of information in the detection unit.

In the particular case of medical use, the proposed device as part of the complex operates as follows.

At the preliminary stage, in preparation for the study, the operator through the control unit 9 generates a request for a picture (or a series of pictures), for which he sets the settings:

- for the imaging system:

- shooting parameters - to detector 4,

- the size, location and shape of the area of interest - to block 5 of the formation of an additional signal,

- the composition and parameters of functions for preliminary processing of image video data - to the calibration block 6,

- the composition and parameters of the video image processing functions of the image that have undergone pre-processing in block 6 - to block 7 of the image processing,

- recording / storage parameters - to block 12 recording, archiving and storage of the image;

- for an x-ray complex, for example, for an angiographic complex:

- parameters for installing the collimator curtains,

- generator settings for shooting modes: scopia, serial graph or single shot,

- setting / reading the position of the table,

- setting / reading the position of the tripod, etc.

After selecting the parameters of the survey, the operator through the control unit 9 generates a readiness request RPU 2 and a readiness request to the detection unit 3.

Having received the ready state from RPU 2 and detector 4, the integration unit 10 with the equipment generates the appropriate RPU switching circuit (for example, the copy or graph mode for the angiographic complex) and ensures synchronous operation of unit 3 and the RPU for receiving images (for example, data accumulation in block 3 goes at the time of applying high voltage to the x-ray emitter 1, reading - at the moment when the high voltage is removed from the x-ray emitter). Reading data for generating a feedback signal is provided during the exposure. The formation of the feedback signal, depending on the mode of operation of the complex, can be carried out both during the exposure and at the end of the exposure with the prediction of the generator parameters for the next frame.

The resulting video data from block 3 is sent to the calibration block 6, where the pre-processing procedure is applied to them. After preliminary processing, the video data is sent to the image processing unit 7, where specialized data processing packets (for example, cardiopacket, vascular packet, etc. used in medicine) can be used for their processing. If the settings for this block have not been set, the video data is sent to the visualization block 8, from where it is sent to the monitor (s) 16 and to the block 12 for recording, archiving and storing the video data of the image, where it is stored on the medium. The stored video data of the image can also be processed by specialized packages, for which they are downloaded to block 7. The processing results are displayed on the monitor (s) 16. The processing parameters are set using the control unit 9. The stored images by the command from block 9 can additionally be transferred to block 11 integration with external systems for transferring data to information systems.

Due to the presence of a feedback channel made in the form of a chain: an additional signal generating unit - a feedback signal generating unit - an X-ray power supply device - an X-ray emitter - a detecting unit - it is possible to automatically maintain a constant value of a predetermined parameter by a control signal from the control unit, for example, radiation doses, ensuring that the dose value set in advance per one image is not exceeded.

Thus, the proposed device allows (with minimal design changes and minimal changes to the software part) with minimal labor and time costs to integrate it into any x-ray complex, while ensuring high image quality of a certain area of the studied object. The inclusion of the proposed detection unit in the x-ray complex imaging system allows you to realize the possibility in real time without additional load on the patient to monitor the current shooting parameters, to control the x-ray power device (current and voltage), automatically adjusting the exposure parameters based on predetermined anatomical parameters. The developed detection device can be used in any x-ray complex designed for a wide range of applications.

It should be noted that the description of the utility model and the drawing are given only as an example and do not limit the possible modifications of the utility model in the framework of the proposed formula.

Claims (3)

1. The detection unit of the imaging system for a radiological complex containing an x-ray source, characterized by the presence of an x-ray detector configured to receive the specified radiation passed through the object of study, and the first output of the detector, which is the first output of the detection unit, is configured to receive at least one setting parameter defining image parameters, and a second output of said detector is the second output of the detection unit, while the detection unit contains a synchronization unit associated with the X-ray detector, which generates synchronization signals of the detector and the complex, and an additional signal generation unit for the x-ray source, while the additional signal generation unit is configured to provide non-destructive reading information from the specified detector and with the possibility of obtaining at least one installation a parameter defining image parameters. 2. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein obtaining at least one setting parameter defining image parameters is provided by the control unit of the imaging system of the radiological complex. 3. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray detector is made on the basis of sensors made using the technology of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structures (CMOS) using thin-film transistors or CCD arrays.

Images