WO2016093786A2

WO2016093786A2 - An x-ray imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2016093786A2
Application number: PCT/TR2015/050233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fevzi Aytac DURMAZ
Original assignee: Durmaz Fevzi Aytac
Priority date: 2014-12-08
Filing date: 2015-12-07
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: WO2016093786A3

Abstract

This invention is about a x-ray control device (10) that controls, process, and error checks of an x-ray device which has at least a power source (3), at least a x-ray tube (4), at least a collimator (5), at least a detector (6), automatic exposure control (7), positioning mechanism (8). Control unit (10) has a storage unit for protocols (job worklist) (10.1), a central process unit that synchronize the peripherals inside the x-ray system, and process the protocols coming from storage unit (10.1), a image process unit (10.3) that process the raw image data coming from the detector, and at least one isolation circuit protects the data and electricity surges (10.4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

AN X-RAY IMAGING DEVICE

Field of the invention

This invention is a device that controls the electronic components inside an x-ray device, and able to bilateral data acquisition, control the system from a single node. Device also able to work as a Workstation, image processing unit and make synchronization between components, and it has a control unit inside that uses fault and error detection algorithms.

Description of the Prior Art

Commonly used X-Ray devices generally consist of with a power source (eg: high frequency generator), an x-ray tube, an imaging platform (eg: detector), and several other optional components such as automatic exposure control, dose area product, collimator, synchronization device, workstation, electronic mechanic control systems etc. With usage of these components systems are designed and built up. In addition to that with a control (synchronization) box unit it is able to connect peripheral devices (high frequency generator, AEC, DAP etc. ) and communicate through the control system. In general there is a terminal station on each x-ray system. After the exposure, and imaging acquisition process work station has been notified by the synchronization device and system checks for image transfer to the system. After the acquisition workstation has been started for post-processing processes upon raw data. This process works around "ms" precision.

Inside the X-ray system there are several architectures for image processing and synchronization (control). First method is using hardwire exposure, and acquisition. With this method x-ray tube, generator defines as a one unit, and detector, and workstation works as a separate unit. These two systems works and controls separately.

Second method is to work with a single control unit. And data acquisition works through this system.

Most of the image processing process works with a simple image correction algorithms. So there is no need for high performance control units, or graphical processors. In some units x-ray control unit also works as synchronization device also, however this process is only limited with the predefined components, and it is not adaptable to system changes, or upgrades.

In independent devices, there are two main approaches. First one is to develop a software algorithm to control the system, however software solutions are not time sensitive and could have problems on stability and security. So that software solutions are not adaptable for synchronization of the x-ray device. So software systems needs an additional hardware approach to complete the process. The other system is to use a hardware control system

In both situation after the image acquisition process, first data transfers into the workstation with high speed communication ports from detector. Processing routines works inside the workstation.

Since synchronization and image processing methods works as two independent processes, system needs at least high data acquisition card, and a high performance graphical process card for system communication, and graphical processing.

So that previous techniques has complex architecture and not flexible. Aim of this Invention

The main goal of this invention is to develop an x-ray control device that able to make all processing and control systems combined. This helps to system to work on a single unit for all the processes, which makes the system more reliable and cost effective. Especially during high size data imaging and processing, system will be able to perform better in this situation. Another aim of this device is to simplify the communication system of the x-ray devices and decrease the several control platforms to a single unit. With this design user or integrator will be able to set parameters and convert to medical protocols easily, and also the could be able to store this protocols as a stack. Also system will be easily controlled from a single point of control.

A central control unit (CCU) inside the combined control system able to call each necessary protocols from the system and works these processes. So that during the imaging process combined unit disables the access of the workstation to the control system for protocols. For example imaging od a part could be analyzed through out the combined control system, through system still continue to image acquisition for a new part. So that since data acquisition could go bilateral it could be improve the image acquisition and processing efficiency.

Another aim of this invention is to easily develop custom x-ray systems, with desired x-ray parts. Depending on the manufactures choice of parts, and desired protocols, this invention is

Another aspect of this invention is to develop plug & play x-ray systems, depending on manufacturers protocol, and part choice. So system will be custom made depending on the manufactures choice. Invention will able to easily integrate the system easily with high frequency generator, detector, mechanics, collimator etc. Another main aim of this invention is to during the exposure when an anomaly occurs, central control unit detects the problem and stops the process, depending on the emergency protocol. This system is able to detect the problem in a very short time (<ms) and patient and technician will be protected from radiation, and mechanical errors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To clarify the main aspect of this invention details explained in following figures below. Figure 1. Schematic view of X-Ray imaging system.

Figure 2. Fused control unite of the control system.

Each of the parts on the schematic has been labeled and each number explanation is given below.

1. X-Ray Imaging Device

2. Work Station

3. Power Supply Unit

4. X-Ray Tube

5. Collimator

6. Detector

7. Automatic Exposure Control

8. Positioning Mechanism

9. X-Ray Switch

10. Combined Control Unit

10.1. Protocol Storage Unit

10.2. Central Control Unit

10.3. Image Process Unit

10.4. Isolation Circuit

10.5. Memory Unit

11. Cooling System

12. Ventilation System

13. Other Units

Subject of this Invention "X-Ray Exposure Control Unit" basically consists of,

- At least one workstation with User interface for entering protocol and information to the system. (2),

- At least one power supply to create high frequency power. (3),

- X-Ray tube (4) to convert the energy coming from power supply (3) to X- ray, - At least on collimator (5),

- Detector(6) that captures the x-ray photons passing through the object.

- Automatic exposure control (7) that measures the radiation coming through the detector (6)

- At least one positioning mechanism (8) to set up the object and system position

- X-Ray switch (9) to start and stop the exposure,

- At least one unified central control system (10),

- At least one storage unit (10.1) to store up the protocols coming up through the workstation inside the central control unit (10),

- At least one central control unit (10.2) to control stored protocols(10,l) peripheral devices and synchronization

- At least on image processing unit (10.3) inside the control unit (10) to process the raw data image.

- Isolation circuit (10,4) to protect system through electrical interface, and data isolation inside the central control unit (10),

- At least a memory unit (10.5) to store embedded system information about the hardware control system inside the central control unit (10), The main aspect of this invention is an x-ray control system. Process is starting with the entering desired protocols to the workstation from the technician (1) (ie: PA Lung Direct Graph). Workstation (2) could be any device such as a simple electronic device, mechanical interface, a computer

, a touchscreen, smart phone or similar.

Parameters entered to the workstation (2) send through the control unit (10) as a batch of process commands. Control Unit (10) depending on the inventions main aspect consists of at least a protocol storage unit (10.1), a image processing unit (10.3), central control unit (10.2) , and an isolation circuit (10.4) Protocol sotarage unit (10.1), stores the task orders coming from the workstation (2), for each exposure method different parameters should be set to the workstation (2), and the protocols coming from these parameters (such as the working time of the power supply, or distance between detector, and x-ray source..) stores in that unit. Central control unit (10.2) is responsible to keep track of all these processes and able to run them at necessary time. Central control unit (10.2) could be a microcontroller, or any other system that is able to control, and communicate, and make process. Central control unit is adapted to communicate with all peripherals, and synchronize all processes in this specific example. Central control unit (10.2) also could be communicate and send & receive data from the image processing unit (10.3) if necessary.

Image processing unit (10.3) found inside the unified control system (10) is used to process the raw data image created by the detector (6). For example an image could be processes through the image process unit when central control unit (10.2) is continue to the other process, it also could be process a stack of images or any image from a stack any time. These makes the system more reliable and fast.

Central control unit (10.2) and image processing unit (10.3) both has electrical and data protection circuit on I/O ports, and energy ports.

For Storage unit (10.5) generally uses a non-volatile memory types such as a flash drive, hard disk, SSD, SD-Card, EPROM, ROM and sometimes could be a microcontroller with memory. This storage unit (105.) works with central control unit (10.2) with harmony, and store all third party software that is used on each peripheral device. So in case of any hardware change, it will be enough to upgrade the codes inside the software unit. Since all hardware drives stores inside the storage unit, this invention helps x-ray system (1) works with workstation (2) and isolate the system harmony from any hardware change. And it helps the system to upgrade the system hardware and software separately. Also central control unit (10) has several communication ports to communicate with all hardware systems. For example CAN port for collimator communication (5), COM port for detector (6), RS232 /485 for AEC, or generator etc. Device has been designed future hardware and software compatible, according to system design protocols has been set up by the invention it self, so that a new data acquisition or device protocols has been changed system will be adaptable to these changes. All the information pass through the central control unit (10.2) either with a wireless protocol or with a wire, and system will be worked through the central control unit (10.2)

After sending the data from workstation (2) through the central control unit (10) as a protocol batch, central control unit (10.2) takes out all the data from the storage unit (10.1), and sends commands to all necessary peripherals. By order power supply(3) unit starts up the store the energy, and store up for to pass the electricity to the x-ray tube(4). This command generally contains the energy level and exposure time.

In necessary times system could provide continuous energy pulses at different energy levels depending on the commands coming from the central control unit (10.2) to the power supply (3)

After this first command central control system (10.2) sends a command to collimator(5) to set up necessary diaphragm interval.

Central control unit (10.2) also send position command for mechanical system (8), and set up the position depending on the object position, protocol necessities (vertical or horizontal, detector - source distance, source object distance eg... )

To start exposure system needs an on switch (9) for security and safety reasons. So that exposure can be started via user control. Exposure starts via exposure switch (9) combined to the central control unit (10.2) system send a start signal to the power source (3), which directs the energy to the x-ray tube. X-Ray tube (4) converts the energy to the x-ray photons, and these photons goes through the object and reached out photons to the detector generates a signal inside the detector(6). There could be some filtration (ie: grid) on the detector, so that distorted photons could be filtered.

Automatic exposure control (7) counts the photons and energy value coming through the detector (6) and these information goes through the central control unit (10) in real time. If the pre set up energy level has been passed, central control unit sends stop signal to the power source (3) and end up the exposure system automatically.

Photons created by the X-Ray tube (4), and passed through the object and goes to the detector (6) are made up the raw image of the object. After that process; raw image directs to the image processing unit (10.3) and images are processed to show to be optimal for user visualization. Images show to user via a workstation (2). X-ray system may be use a cooling system (11) to cool up the power source (3) and X-ray Tube (4) . So that system could provide longer X-ray photons with a more uniform spread.

Central control unit (10.2) also may be monitor the system temperature, working environment, and control the cooling and ventilation system (12) depending on the conditions and work flow. So that ionized air on the environment is keep low, and x-ray energy levels keeps steady.

Invention also includes any other peripherals depending on the technology , seconder security, and movement mechanism control systems(13), protocols, keys, any monitoring tools and sensors depending on the x-ray systems (1) such as temperature, x-ray dose, radiation, time intervals, user name, user population, energy consumption, movement coordinates and any other monitoring and measurement systems. These systems could be monitor or measure either a part inside the system, or all system if necessary.

Central control unit (10.2) inside the invention (10) is able to monitor, control, and detect any collision, error, or emergency situation depending on the object/technician/device malfunction, and able to interfere and control the process. Invention also able to detect the malfunctioning probability depending on the system monitoring; and able to detect errors of the system, before malfunctioning or breakdown occurs. All these system control is process through the invention (10) so that better images could be process, system works more reliable, malfunctioning probability is decreased, and system could work with lower radiation to get better image quality. For example if x-ray tube (3) is not able to provide sufficient photon number at desired energy level invention (10) will detect it and warn the user for to call service, or if a mechanical process needs more mechanical energy for a rotation invention will detect the gear location, and inform the service about it. Error monitoring and detection algorithm works as follows;

-Creating a error detection algorithm inside the workstation (2) ,

Storing of these protocols inside the storage unit (10.1) as a stack

Asking the main processor about the main protocols are in use or not - If there is a main protocol in use, central control system informs the peripherals (power supply (3), detector (4) cooling system (11) etc. for the necessary tasks.

Creating and controlling of synchronization signals by the central control system (10.2)

- Asking for error signals and process the information for any error /malfunctioning

If not pass the image data through the image processing unit (10.3).

If system is idle central control unit (10.2) monitors each peripheral, and environment. Error detection system creates tasks inside the invention depending on either creating new tasks from the workstation (2), and send through the protocol storage unit (10.1) or can be use the predefined algorithms stored in storage unit (10.5).

Central control unit controls the protocol storage unit for any tasks. Depending on the query result control unit either waits for a task to come in or start the progress depending on the priority of the protocols. For these protocols to be start at given time intervals, central control unit send status control signal to the peripheral units. For these protocols to be work in order with peripherals and given protocols invention creates synchronization signals.

If any error message occurs inside the system depending on the emergency level central control unit (10.2) sends a stop signal to the power source (10.3), controls the mechanical system to the safe position, and control any other peripherals. So that any excessive radiation and mechanical collusion malfunctioning prevented.

Claims

What claimed is,

A workstation to enter parameters by the user which has an interface (2),

A power source which is able to create a high frequency energy (3),

A X-Ray tube to convert the energy coming from the power source (3) to

X-Ray photons (4),

At least one collimator (5),

Detector(6) that captures the x-ray photons coming from the X-Ray tube (4) passing through the object,

Automatic exposure control (7) that measures the radiation coming through the detector (6),

At least one positioning mechanism (8) to set up the object and system position,

And

At least one unified central control system (10),

At least one storage unit (10.1) to store up the protocols coming up through the workstation inside the central control unit (10),

At least one central control unit (10.2) to control stored protocols(10,l) peripheral devices and synchronization

At least on image processing unit (10.3) inside the control unit (10) to process the raw data image.

Defined a x-ray control device

- At least a memory unit (10.5) to store embedded system information about the hardware control system inside the central control unit (10),

2. Isolation circuit (10,4) to protect system through electrical interface, and data isolation inside the central control unit (10) defined X-Ray control system as defined in claim 1

3. Claimed a central control unit (10.2) which has Isolation circuit (10.4) on data buses as claimed in 2.

4. A storage unit (10.5) that has all drivers and software for the peripherals inside the control unit (10) as claimed in 1.

5. A control unit (10) with non-volatile storage unit (10.5) claimed as in 4.

6. An X-Ray device which has I/O ports (1) claimed in 1, to communicate with several peripheral device.

7. A control device (1) with an X-ray exposure switch (9) that has claimed in 1 to start and stop the exposure via user.

8. A control device (1) with a cooling system (11) that reduce the system temperature as in claimed in (1).

9. A control device (1) that has monitors and controls the ventilation (12) as claimed in 1.

10. A control device (1) that monitors and detects malfunctions and errors on each peripheral inside an x-ray system inside the combined control unit (10) as claimed in 1.

11. A control device (1) that is able to create synchronization signals for controlling the control unit (10), and peripherals work in harmony and in order as claimed in 1.

12. Detecting, monitoring of the errors in x-ray device with simple explanation of:

Creating a error detection algorithm inside the workstation (2) ,

Storing of these protocols inside the storage unit (10.1) as a stack

Asking the main processor about the main protocols are in use or not If there is a main protocol in use, central control system informs the peripherals (power supply (3), detector (4) cooling system (11) etc. for the necessary tasks.

Asking for error signals and process the information for any error /malfunctioning

If not pass the image data through the image processing unit (10.3).

If system is idle central control unit (10.2) monitors each peripheral, and environment.

13. A method for checking up the protocol storage quarry (10.1) and if the storage is empty waiting for new protocol to come to storage unit (10.1) as in 12.

14. A method for error listening as defined in 12 for security measurement for to stop the peripheral's working, or take necessary action to the peripherals defined as in 12.