WO2025073100A1

WO2025073100A1 - Cabinet x-ray system with sample removal alert and corresponding operation method

Info

Publication number: WO2025073100A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/123128
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaowei Liu; Bin Lu
Original assignee: Shenzhen Xpectvision Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Xpectvision Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-07
Filing date: 2023-10-07
Publication date: 2025-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-07
Also published as: CN120418645A

Abstract

A cabinet x-ray system (100) has a chamber (110), an X-ray source (120) configured to direct an X-ray beam (122) into the chamber (110), an X-ray detector (130), a tray (140) configured to support a sample (190) on the tray (140) in the chamber (110), a light source (150) configured to send first light photons into the chamber (110), a light sensor (160) configured to measure second light photons resulting from the first light photons, and a controller (170). The X-ray detector (130) is configured to capture an image of the sample (190) based on an interaction between the X-ray beam (122) and the sample (190). The controller (170) is configured to issue a warning if an operation reading of the light sensor (160) is different from each of one or more base readings. The one or more base readings are respectively readings of the light sensor (160) while the tray (140) without any sample (190) thereon is at respectively multiple positions relative to the chamber (110).

Description

CABINET X-RAY SYSTEM WITH SAMPLE REMOVAL ALERT AND CORRESPONDING OPERATION METHOD

Background

A cabinet X-ray system can include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector within a shielded chamber. The chamber can be made of a material, usually lead, that blocks X-rays from leaving the chamber. The cabinet X-ray system can also include a tray positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector for holding a sample to be imaged in the chamber. The X-ray detector can capture an X-ray image of the sample based on the interaction between X-rays from the X-ray source and the sample.

Summary

Disclosed herein is a system including: a chamber; an X-ray source configured to direct an X-ray beam into the chamber; an X-ray detector; a tray configured to support a sample on the tray in the chamber; a light source configured to send first light photons into the chamber; a light sensor configured to measure second light photons resulting from the first light photons; and a controller. The X-ray detector is configured to capture an image of the sample based on an interaction between the X-ray beam and the sample. The controller is configured to issue a warning if an operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of M base readings, with M being a positive integer. The M base readings are respectively M readings of the light sensor while the tray without any sample thereon is at respectively M positions relative to the chamber.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to: set a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event; keep comparing operation readings of the light sensor and the M base readings throughout the time period; cancel the timer during the time period in response to an operation reading of the light sensor being the same as any one of the M base readings; and issue the warning at an end of the time period if the timer is not yet canceled.

In an aspect, the triggering event is an operation reading of the light sensor being different from each of the M base readings.

In an aspect, the triggering event is a door of the chamber being closed.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to: set a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event; compare an operation reading of the light sensor and the M base readings at an end of the time period; and issue the warning if the operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.

In an aspect, the light source is a visible light source.

In an aspect, the light source is an infrared light source.

In an aspect, the light sensor is a camera.

In an aspect, the X-ray beam does not hit the light sensor.

In an aspect, one of the M positions is the tray being outside the chamber.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) summing all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first sum, (B) summing all picture elements of said each base reading resulting in a second sum, and (C) comparing the first sum and the second sum.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) averaging all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first average, (B) averaging all picture elements of said each base reading resulting in a second average, and (C) comparing the first average and the second average.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) determining a first histogram for the operation reading, (B) determining a second histogram for said each base reading, and (C) comparing the first histogram and the second histogram.

In an aspect, the light source and the light sensor are on the same side of the tray.

In an aspect, the light source and the sample are on the same side of the tray.

In an aspect, the light source and the light sensor are on 2 opposite sides of the tray.

In an aspect, at least a portion of the tray is not opaque to the first light photons.

Also disclosed herein is a method of using the system above. The method includes issuing with the controller the warning if an operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.

In an aspect, said issuing the warning comprises: setting a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event; keeping comparing operation readings of the light sensor and the M base readings throughout the time period; canceling the timer during the time period in response to an operation reading of the light sensor being the same as any one of the M base readings; and issuing the warning at an end of the time period if the timer is not yet canceled.

In an aspect, said issuing the warning comprises: setting a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event; comparing an operation reading of the light sensor and the M base readings at an end of the time period; and issuing the warning if the operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.

Brief Description of Figures

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a cabinet X-ray system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a flowchart generalizing the operation of the cabinet X-ray system, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

CABINET X-RAY SYSTEM

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a cabinet X-ray system 100, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the cabinet X-ray system 100 may include a chamber 110, an X-ray source 120, an X-ray detector 130, a tray 140, a light source 150, a light sensor 160, and a controller 170.

CHAMBER

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the chamber 110 may prevent X-rays from the X-ray source 120 from leaving the chamber 110. The chamber 110 may be made of a material that blocks X-rays (e.g., lead) . The chamber 110 may have a chamber door (not shown) .

X-RAY SOURCE

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the X-ray source 120 may send an X-ray beam 122 into the chamber 110. In an embodiment, the X-ray source 120 may be inside the chamber 110. In an embodiment, the X-ray source 120 may be a point source. The X-ray beam 122 may be a divergent beam (e.g., a pyramid beam or a cone beam) .

TRAY

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the tray 140 may support a sample 190 (e.g., a human tissue) which is to be imaged by the X-ray subsystem 120+130 including the X-ray source 120 and the X-ray detector 130. The tray 140 may be positioned between the X-ray source 120 and the X-ray detector 130 inside the chamber 110 (as shown) .

X-RAY DETECTOR

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the X-ray detector 130 may capture an X-ray image of the sample 190 based on the interaction between the X-ray beam 122 and the sample 190.

The interaction between the X-ray beam 122 and the sample 190 may include scenarios such as: (A) some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 122 that are incident on the sample 190 are blocked by the sample 190, and (B) some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 122 that are incident on the sample 190 travel through the sample 190 without changing their directions.

In an embodiment, the X-ray detector 130 may be inside the chamber 110.

LIGHT SOURCE

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the light source 150 may send light photons into the chamber 110. In an embodiment, the light source 150 may be a visible light source (i.e., capable of sending out visible light) . Alternatively, the light source 150 may be an infrared light source (i.e., capable of sending out infrared light) .

LIGHT SENSOR

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the light sensor 160 may detect light photons incident on it. The light photons detected by the light sensor 160 may result from the light photons from the light source 150. For example, the light photons detected by the light sensor 160 may be the light photons coming directly from the light source 150. As another example, the light photons detected by the light sensor 160 may be the light photons that originated from the light source 150 and were then reflected by the tray 140 before hitting the light sensor 160.

In an embodiment, the light sensor 160 may be inside the chamber 110.

In an embodiment, the light sensor 160 may be a camera.

In an embodiment, the X-ray beam 122 may not hit the light sensor 160.

In an embodiment, the light source 150 and the light sensor 160 may be on the same side of the tray 140 (both are above the tray 140, as shown in Fig. 1) . In an embodiment, the light source 150, the light sensor 160, and the sample 190 may be on the same side of the tray 140 (i.e., they are all above the tray 140, as shown in Fig. 1) .

CONTROLLER

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the controller 170 may receive and process data (e.g., image data) from the X-ray detector 130. In an embodiment, the controller 170 may receive and process data (e.g., image data, readings) from the light sensor 160.

OPERATION OF CABINET X-RAY SYSTEM

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the operation of the cabinet X-ray system 100 may be as follows. In an embodiment, the tray 140 may have one or more possible positions (e.g., 3 positions) relative to the chamber 110.

CALIBRATION FOR FIRST POSITION INSIDE CHAMBER

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the chamber door of the chamber 110 may be opened, then the tray 140 without any sample thereon may be placed at a first position inside the chamber 110 (as shown in Fig. 1) , and then the chamber door may be closed.

Note that the words “first” , “second” , and other ordinal numerals in the present patent application (including the claims) are used only for easy reference and do not imply any chronological order.

Next, in an embodiment, with the chamber door closed, the tray 140 (still without any sample thereon) at the first position, and the light source 150 sending light photons into the chamber 110, the controller 170 may (A) cause the light sensor 160 to register a first base reading and (B) receive the first base reading from the light sensor 160.

CALIBRATION FOR SECOND POSITION INSIDE CHAMBER

Next, in an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the chamber door of the chamber 110 may be opened, then the tray 140 (still without any sample thereon) may be placed at a second position (not shown) inside the chamber 110, and then the chamber door may be closed.

Next, in an embodiment, with the chamber door closed, the tray 140 (still without any sample thereon) at the second position, and the light source 150 sending light photons into the chamber 110, the controller 170 may (A) cause the light sensor 160 to register a second base reading and (B) receive the second base reading from the light sensor 160.

CALIBRATION FOR THIRD POSITION OUTSIDE CHAMBER

Next, in an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the chamber door of the chamber 110 may be opened, then the tray 140 (still without any sample thereon) may be placed at a third position outside the chamber 110 (i.e., the tray 140 is removed from the chamber 110) , and then the chamber door may be closed.

Next, in an embodiment, with the chamber door closed, the tray 140 not in the chamber 110, and the light source 150 sending light photons into the chamber 110, the controller 170 may (A) cause the light sensor 160 to register a third base reading and (B) receive the third base reading from the light sensor 160.

X-RAY IMAGING

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, after the controller 170 receives the third base reading, the chamber door may be opened, then the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon may be placed inside the chamber 110 (at either the first position or the second position) , then the chamber door may be closed, and then the X-ray detector 130 may capture an X-ray image of the sample 190 based on the interaction between the X-ray beam 122 and the sample 190.

TIMER FOR SAMPLE REMOVAL ALERTS

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the closing of the chamber door after the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon is placed inside the chamber 110 as described above may be used as a triggering event for setting (i.e., starting) a timer (not shown) for a time period (e.g., 10 minutes) . In an embodiment, the timer may be implemented in software by the controller 170.

SAMPLE REMOVAL ALERTS

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, at the end of the 10 minute time period (i.e., when the timer expires) , with the light source 150 sending light photons into the chamber 110, the controller 170 may (A) cause the light sensor 160 to register an operation reading, (B) receive the operation reading from the light sensor 160, and (C) compare the operation reading and each of the first, second, and third base readings.

Note that “operation reading” and “base reading” are both readings of the light sensor 160. The words “operation” and “base” are there mainly for easy reference.

In an embodiment, if the controller 170 finds that the operation reading is different from each of the first, second, and third base readings, then the controller 170 may issue a warning. For example, the warning may indicate to the user of the cabinet X-ray system 100 that the sample 190 is still on the tray 140 inside the cabinet X-ray system 100 and should be removed from the tray 140 and the cabinet X-ray system 100 to avoid contamination of the cabinet X-ray system 100.

In an embodiment, if the controller 170 finds that the operation reading is the same as any one of the first, second, and third base readings, then the controller 170 may not issue the warning. For example, if the user takes the tray 140 (with the sample 190 thereon) out of the chamber 110 right after the X-ray imaging is performed, and forgets to put the tray 140 back into the chamber 110, then the operation reading should be the same as the third base reading, and as a result, the controller 170 does not issue the warning when the timer expires.

FLOWCHART GENERALIZING OPERATION OF CABINET X-RAY SYSTEM

Fig. 2 shows a flowchart 200 generalizing the operation of the cabinet X-ray system 100, according to an embodiment.

In step 210, the operation may include issuing with the controller the warning if an operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings. For example, in the embodiments described above with reference to Fig. 1, the controller 170 issues the warning if the operation reading is different from each of the first, second, and third base readings.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

COMPARISON OF READINGS

In an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the controller 170 may compare an operation reading and a base reading by (A) summing all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first sum, (B) summing all picture elements of the base reading resulting in a second sum, and (C) comparing the first sum and the second sum.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 170 may compare an operation reading and a base reading by (A) averaging all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first average, (B) averaging all picture elements of the base reading resulting in a second average, and (C) comparing the first average and the second average.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the controller 170 may compare an operation reading and a base reading by (A) determining a first histogram for the operation reading, (B) determining a second histogram for the base reading, and (C) comparing the first histogram and the second histogram. In an embodiment, in the first and second histograms, the horizontal axis may show the intensity and the vertical axis may show the number of pixels with that intensity.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

MONITORING READINGS OF LIGHT SENSOR

In the embodiments described above, with reference to Fig. 1, after the timer starts to run, the controller 170 collects data (operation readings) from the light sensor 160 only at the expiration of the timer (i.e., at the end of the 10-minute time period) . In an alternative embodiment, after the timer starts to run, the controller 170 may keep collecting and comparing readings of the light sensor 160.

Specifically, in an embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, assuming that the tray 140 has 3 possible positions (the first, second, and third positions) relative to chamber 110 as described above, then the controller 170 may collect the first, second, and third base readings in turn (as described above) .

Next, in an embodiment, the chamber door may be opened, then the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon may be placed inside the chamber 110 (at either the first position or the second position) , then the chamber door may be closed, and then the X-ray detector 130 may capture an X-ray image of the sample 190 based on the interaction between the X-ray beam 122 and the sample 190.

In an embodiment, the opening of the chamber door (so that the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon can be placed inside the chamber 110 for X-ray imaging) may cause the controller 170 to start monitoring (i.e., collecting and comparing) the readings of the light sensor 160.

In an embodiment, the closing of the chamber door after the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon is placed inside the chamber 110 for X-ray imaging may be the triggering event for setting the timer.

In an embodiment, during the 10 minute time period (i.e., while the timer is running) , if the controller 170 finds that an operation reading of the light sensor 160 as received by the controller 170 is the same as any one of all the base readings (indicating the sample 190 is removed from the cabinet X-ray system 100) , the controller 170 may cancel the timer, and as a result, the controller 170 would not issue the warning.

In an embodiment, the controller 170 may issue the warning at the end of the 10-minute time period (i.e., at the expiration of the timer) if the timer is not yet canceled.

Note that the triggering event above for setting the timer is the closing of the chamber door after the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon is placed inside the chamber 110. Alternatively, the triggering event for setting the timer may be the presence of the tray 140 with the sample 190 thereon inside the chamber 110. In other words, the triggering event is an operation reading of the light sensor 160 as received by the controller 170 being different from each of all the base readings.

LIGHT SOURCE AND LIGHT SENSOR ON 2 OPPOSITE SIDES OF TRAY

In the embodiments described above, with reference to Fig. 1, the light source 150 and the light sensor 160 are on the same side of the tray 140 (both are above the tray 140 as shown in Fig. 1) . Alternatively, the light source 150 and the light sensor 160 may be on 2 opposite sides of the tray 140. For example, the light source 150 may be located below the tray 140 (e.g., at the position marked X in Fig. 1) , whereas the light sensor 160 may be located above the tray 140 (as shown in Fig. 1) . In an embodiment, at least a portion of the tray 140 may not be opaque to the light photons from the light source 150.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

A system, comprising:

a chamber;

an X-ray source configured to direct an X-ray beam into the chamber;

an X-ray detector;

a tray configured to support a sample on the tray in the chamber;

a light source configured to send first light photons into the chamber;

a light sensor configured to measure second light photons resulting from the first light photons; and

a controller,

wherein the X-ray detector is configured to capture an image of the sample based on an interaction between the X-ray beam and the sample,

wherein the controller is configured to issue a warning if an operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of M base readings, with M being a positive integer, and

wherein the M base readings are respectively M readings of the light sensor while the tray without any sample thereon is at respectively M positions relative to the chamber.
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

set a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event;

keep comparing operation readings of the light sensor and the M base readings throughout the time period;

cancel the timer during the time period in response to an operation reading of the light sensor being the same as any one of the M base readings; and

issue the warning at an end of the time period if the timer is not yet canceled.
The system of claim 2, wherein the triggering event is an operation reading of the light sensor being different from each of the M base readings.
The system of claim 2, wherein the triggering event is a door of the chamber being closed.
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

set a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event;

compare an operation reading of the light sensor and the M base readings at an end of the time period; and

issue the warning if the operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.
The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is a visible light source.
The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is an infrared light source.
The system of claim 1, wherein the light sensor is a camera.
The system of claim 1, wherein the X-ray beam does not hit the light sensor.
The system of claim 1, wherein one of the M positions is the tray being outside the chamber.
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) summing all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first sum, (B) summing all picture elements of said each base reading resulting in a second sum, and (C) comparing the first sum and the second sum.
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) averaging all picture elements of the operation reading resulting in a first average, (B) averaging all picture elements of said each base reading resulting in a second average, and (C) comparing the first average and the second average.
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to compare an operation reading of the light sensor and each base reading of the M base readings by (A) determining a first histogram for the operation reading, (B) determining a second histogram for said each base reading, and (C) comparing the first histogram and the second histogram.
The system of claim 1, wherein the light source and the light sensor are on a same side of the tray.
The system of claim 14, wherein the light source and the sample are on a same side of the tray.
The system of claim 1, wherein the light source and the light sensor are on 2 opposite sides of the tray.
The system of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the tray is not opaque to the first light photons.
A method of using the system of any one of claims 1-17, the method comprising issuing with the controller the warning if an operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.
The method of claim 18, wherein said issuing the warning comprises:

setting a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event;

keeping comparing operation readings of the light sensor and the M base readings throughout the time period;

canceling the timer during the time period in response to an operation reading of the light sensor being the same as any one of the M base readings; and

issuing the warning at an end of the time period if the timer is not yet canceled.
The method of claim 18, wherein said issuing the warning comprises:

setting a timer for a time period in response to a triggering event;

comparing an operation reading of the light sensor and the M base readings at an end of the time period; and

issuing the warning if the operation reading of the light sensor is different from each of the M base readings.