Portable head CT scanner

A portable CT scanner may include a rotatable frame with separable portions. An x-ray source may be coupled to one portion of the rotatable frame, and an x-ray detector may be coupled to another portion of the rotatable frame. During storage and transportation, one portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a first enclosure, and another portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a second enclosure. When operation of the scanner is desired, the two enclosures may be connected, and/or the rotatable frame portions may be connected with the enclosures abutting one another, to allow for rotation of the rotatable frame about an aperture formed by the enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to x-ray imaging scanners, and more particularly to portable computer tomography (CT) scanners.

CT scanners are commonly used in healthcare applications, generally for diagnostic purposes. CT scanners usually include an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are generally positioned on a rotatable frame such that the x-ray source and the x-ray detector are generally on, or centered on, opposite sides of an aperture. In use, a patient is positioned at least partially in the aperture, and rotation of the frame allows for multiple images of the portion of the patient within the aperture. In some instances, the patient may also be moved through the aperture, allowing for what may be termed a helical scan. In any event, image information, for example from measurement at varying angles, from the detector using measurements at varying angles is generally computationally operated on to form cross-sectional two-dimensional images of the patient.

In many instances CT scanners are limited to hospital or clinical settings. Although the diagnostic information provided by CT scanners may be useful outside of such settings, there are difficulties in use of CT scanners elsewhere. CT scanners are often relatively heavy, decreasing mobility of the scanners and some scanners may need to be mounted to solid foundations. CT scanners generally require a sufficiently large aperture to allow for passage of a human body, or significant parts thereof, resulting in a size requirement that may be unsuitable for use in, or transport through, compact spaces and for transport through conventional doors. Electrical power requirements for generating x-rays from an x-ray source are often significant, thereby often requiring access to utility line power sources. CT scanners may also require controlled environments for use or storage, for example with regard to temperature. In short, a variety of factors, for example weight, aperture size requirements, electrical power requirements, and storage and usage environment requirements impede the use of CT scanners outside of hospital and clinical settings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide for a portable CT scanner and for various parts useful for a portable CT scanner. One aspect of the invention provides a portable scanning device for use in x-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning, comprising: a first enclosure containing a first portion of a rotatable frame, and an x-ray source fixedly coupled to the first portion of the rotatable frame; and a second enclosure containing a second portion of the rotatable frame, the second portion of the rotatable frame not coupled to the first portion of the rotatable frame when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are separated, and an x-ray detector fixedly coupled to the second portion of the rotatable frame.

In some aspects each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure include a wall defining a portion of an annular cavity, with the walls defining an annular cavity when the first enclosure and second enclosure are connected. In some aspects each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure have an arch-like shape. In some aspects the first enclosure and the second enclosure are couplable to form a structure with an aperture therethrough, with the rotatable frame rotatable, within the structure, about the aperture. In some aspects one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure includes a motor for rotating the rotatable frame. In some aspects one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure includes a battery for powering the motor. In some aspects the first portion of the rotatable frame includes a battery for powering the x-ray source and in some aspects, the detector. In some aspects the x-ray source is a tribocharging x-ray source. In some aspects the first portion of the rotatable frame and the second portion of the rotatable frame, when coupled, form an annular shape. In some aspects the first enclosure includes a pair of first enclosure openings normally covered by first enclosure opening covers, with the first portion of the rotatable frame rotatable so as to extend from either of the first enclosure openings. In some aspects the second enclosure includes a pair of second enclosure openings normally covered by second enclosure opening covers, with the second portion of the rotatable frame rotatable so as to extend from either of the second enclosure openings. In some aspects the first enclosure opening covers and the second enclosure opening covers are rotatable with the first portion of the rotatable frame and the second portion of the rotatable frame when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are connected. In some aspects the first enclosure opening covers are rotatable through the second enclosure openings when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are connected, and the second enclosure opening covers are rotatable through the first enclosure openings when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are connected. In some aspects the first enclosure opening covers are coupled to opposing ends of the first portion of the rotatable frame, and the second enclosure opening covers are coupled to opposing ends of the second portion of the rotatable frame. In some aspects the portable scanning device further comprises a first casing to cover the first enclosure and a second casing to cover the second enclosure, wherein the first casing is latchably connectable to the first enclosure and the second casing is latchably connectable to the second enclosure. In some aspects the first casing and the second casing each include a human holdable handle. In some aspects at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure includes a base for supporting the first enclosure, and the second enclosure when connected to the first enclosure, on a surface. In some aspects at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure has an upper surface abutments on opposing sides of a central portion providing a semi-circular cutout, with the upper surface being on an opposing side of at least one of the first and second enclosure than the base, with the upper surface and the base connected by side walls. In some aspects the first enclosure, the second enclosure, and contents of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, together weigh less than 54.43 kilograms or 120 pounds. In some aspects the rotatable frame is hand-rotatable.

In some aspects the invention provides a portable device for use in computed tomography (CT) scanning, comprising: a first enclosure containing a first portion of a rotatable frame, the first portion of the rotatable frame having a semicircular shape, with first opening covers mounted to ends of the semicircular shape, the first opening covers dimensioned so as to fill openings in the first enclosure through which the first portion of the rotatable frame may extend during rotation; a second enclosure containing a second portion of the rotatable frame, the second portion of the rotatable frame having a semicircular shape, with second opening covers mounted to ends of the semicircular shape, the second opening covers dimensioned so as to fill openings in the second enclosure through which the second portion of the rotatable frame may extend during rotation; a high energy radiation source fixedly coupled to the rotatable frame; and a high energy radiation detector fixedly coupled to the rotatable frame.

In some aspects the invention provides a portable device for use in computed tomography (CT) scanning, comprising: a first enclosure having a first pair of openings; a first portion of a rotatable frame within the first enclosure; a pair of first opening covers, each fixedly coupled to opposing ends of the first portion of the rotatable frame, and each dimensioned to substantially fill at least one of the openings in the first enclosure; a high energy radiation source fixedly coupled to the first portion of the rotatable frame; a second enclosure having a second pair of openings; a second portion of the rotatable frame within the second enclosure; a pair of second opening covers, each fixedly coupled to opposing ends of the second portion of the rotatable frame, and each dimensioned to substantially fill at least one of the openings in the second enclosure; and a high energy radiation detector coupled to the second portion of the rotatable frame.

In some aspects the invention provides a portable head CT scanner that is light enough and small enough to be transported in two or more containers, for example each about the size of large suitcase. In some aspects components are mounted on a rotatable frame that can be split into multiple sections, a plurality of which include components, and stored in the containers for transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a CT scanner in accordance with aspects of the invention. The CT scanner ofFIG. 1includes a first enclosure111and a second enclosure113. Although two enclosures are shown inFIG. 1, in various embodiments the CT scanner may be comprised of more than two enclosures. An aperture extends through the CT scanner, with the aperture defined by arches115aand115bin each of the first enclosure111and second enclosure113. In operation, a rotatable frame including a high energy radiation source and a high energy radiation detector rotates about the aperture within the first enclosure111and second enclosure113. In same embodiment the high energy radiation source is an x-ray source, and the high energy radiation detector is an x-ray detector. In some embodiments the high energy radiation source is a gamma ray source.

FIG. 1Ashows the CT scanner ofFIG. 1with the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113separated from one another. As may be seen inFIG. 1A, each of the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113has arches115aand115b, semicircular in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, which together define the aperture.FIG. 2illustrates the first enclosure111ofFIG. 1. An exterior view of the second enclosure113is, in various embodiments the same as or similar to that of the first enclosure111. The first enclosure111may be considered to have an arch-like shape, with the arch-like shape generally vertically inverted. The first enclosure111has an upper surface featuring opposing side abutments211aand211bconnected by an arch115adefining a portion of the aperture. Sidewalls, shown generally as215, extend downward to a substantially flat base219. The substantially flat base219may support the first enclosure111on a surface, for example the ground in an outdoor setting, or a floor of some available structure.

Tops of the opposing side abutments211aand211beach include an enclosure opening cover217aand217b, respectively. The enclosure opening covers217aand217bconveniently cover openings in walls of the first enclosure111through which a portion of a rotatable frame within the first enclosure111may project during operation. In some embodiments the enclosure opening covers217aand217bcover the openings by being dimensioned so as to substantially fill the openings.

FIG. 3is a front view of a rotatable frame and other components of a CT scanner in accordance with aspects of the invention. In various embodiments the rotatable frame and other components may be part of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1, and may be housed within the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1.

The rotatable fame is substantially annular, with the rotatable frame formed of a first portion311aand a second portion311b. The first portion311aand the second portion311bmay be separated when the CT scanner is not in use, with for example the first portion311aseparately housed in the first enclosure111of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1and the second portion311bseparately housed in the second enclosure113of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1. Both the first portion311aand the second portion311bare semi-annular in shape, so as to form, when combined as shown inFIG. 3, the substantially annular rotatable frame. In various embodiments an inner circumference of the rotatable frame is greater than circumference of an aperture of a CT scanner, of which the rotatable frame forms a part, to allow for rotation of the rotatable frame, and components mounted to the inner circumference, about the aperture.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, an x-ray source313is fixedly coupled to the inner circumference of the first portion311aof the rotatable frame, and an x-ray detector315is fixedly coupled to the inner circumference of the second portion311bof the rotatable frame. The x-ray detector315is approximately centered on the inner circumference of the second portion311bof the rotatable frame. The x-ray source313is, in some embodiments, an x-ray tube and a high voltage power supply. In other embodiments, the x-ray source313may be a tribocharging x-ray source, for example as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/523,551 (published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0336460), entitled “Friction Driven X-Ray Source,” filed Jun. 14, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In many embodiments, a tribocharging x-ray source operates through application of frictional contact between tribocharging materials within a low fluid pressure environment, with the frictional contact preferably occurring proximate a target material such as a metal. In some embodiments the X-ray source is directly activated by mechanical motion that can be provided by any suitable source such as an electric motor or a hand crank.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first portion311aof the rotatable frame and the second portion311bof the rotatable frame are coupled by way of covers for enclosure openings, for example enclosure opening covers217aand217bfor the first enclosure111, as discussed with respect toFIG. 2, and corresponding enclosure opening covers327aand327bfor the second enclosure113. Use of the enclosure opening covers217aand217bin coupling the first portion311aand the second portion311bis convenient as doing so allows for coupling of the first portion311aand the second portion311band operation of the CT scanner without exposing interior portions of the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113to the outside environment. Also the enclosure opening covers217a,217b,327a, and327b(and the enclosure openings covered by those covers) are sufficiently large that the first portion311aand the second portion311bof the rotatable frame, and items affixed thereto, may project through the enclosure openings during rotation of the rotatable frame.

Rotation of the rotatable frame about the aperture may be driven by one or more drive motors. In the embodiment atFIG. 3, a drive motor317is used to rotate the rotatable frame. The drive motor317, generally with appropriate gearing as well, may be fixed in position within one of the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113, about an exterior circumference of the rotatable frame. The drive motor317may be powered by a motor battery319, which may be conveniently positioned in the same enclosure (e.g., the first enclosure111and/or the second enclosure113) as the drive motor317. In some embodiments, however, rotatable frame rotation may be hand-activated, for example by way of a handle, for example if a crank housing a spindle extending through a well of the enclosure, and gearing, or alternatively by direct access to the rotatable frame by way of an access way door in the enclosure.

A rotatable frame mounted battery325may be used to power the x-ray source313. The rotatable frame mounted battery325may also power the x-ray detector315, with for example the covers, or one pair of the covers, including electrical contacts to pass electrical power from one portion of the rotatable frame to the other. An electronics battery323may also be used to power CT scanner electronics321, with the electronics battery323and the CT scanner electronics321mounted within one or the other of the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113. In many embodiments the CT scanner electronics321may include control circuitry for controlling operation of the drive motor317, x-ray source313, and x-ray detector315, and circuitry for receiving and/or processing x-ray detector information. In many embodiments the CT scanner electronics321includes wireless communication circuitry for communicating with the drive motor317, x-ray source313, and/or x-ray detector315, and/or external devices in communication with the CT scanner, for example external command interfaces and/or image processing circuitry. In some embodiments the CT scanner electronics321may, in whole or in part, be instead or in addition be mounted on one or both parts of the rotatable frame.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the rotatable frame ofFIG. 3, with the rotatable frame formed of the separable first portion311aand second portion311b. In the embodiment shown, an outer circumference413is geared, for example by way of ridges and valleys formed in the outer circumference. The ridges and valleys allow for greater correspondence between motor rotation and rotation of the rotatable frame, as well as serve to reduce slippage of position of the frame both during and between rotation.

The rotatable frame is shown inFIG. 4with the x-ray detector cover removed. The x-ray detector cover is generally transparent to x-rays, with the x-ray detector cover normally covering an x-ray detector411. The x-ray detector411, in the embodiment ofFIG. 4, substantially circumferentially extends across the second portion311bof the rotatable frame. As such, the x-ray detector411may be considered as being centered approximately opposite the x-ray source.

Also visible inFIG. 4is a roller415. The roller is mounted within the enclosure about, and in most embodiments, in contact with the outer circumference of the second portion311bof the rotatable frame. The roller415serves to maintain position of the rotatable frame during rotation of the rotatable frame.

FIG. 5is a front view of the rotatable frame and other components of a CT scanner, with a portion of the rotatable frame shown as transparent. As with other views, the rotatable frame includes a first portion311aand a second portion311b, with the first portion311aand the second portion311bseparable. As may be seen inFIG. 5, part of the rotatable frame about the x-ray source is radially thickened, to allow for a cavity within the rotatable frame to hold the rotatable frame mounted battery325.

FIG. 6is a front view of a CT scanner having features of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1and the rotatable frame and other components ofFIG. 3, with portions of an enclosure, which may be formed of the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113, of the CT scanner shown as transparent. With the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113shown as transparent, the rotatable frame, formed of the first portion311aand the second portion311b, may be seen within the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113. Additionally the roller415, serving to maintain rotatable position of the rotatable frame within the first enclosure111and the second enclosure113, may also be seen, along with similar rollers611and613, which serve similar functions.

FIG. 7is a further perspective view of the first enclosure111of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1. The view ofFIG. 7, which is similar to that ofFIG. 2, shows an access door725, which provides access to the rotatable frame mounted battery325inserted into a cavity of the rotatable frame. Also visible inFIG. 7are the enclosure opening covers217aand317b, with for example cover217bflush with the top surface of abutment211b. The enclosure opening covers217aand217bare inset from edges of the abutment211aand211b, with for example an inner edge portion711of the abutment211bseparating enclosure opening cover217bfrom an edge of the cut-out portion of the upper surface of the first enclosure111.

The enclosure opening covers217aand217binclude a mechanical coupling feature, shown as item713for the enclosure opening cover217b, to provide for coupling of the enclosure opening covers217aand217bwith corresponding enclosure opening covers327aand327bof the second enclosure113. The coupling feature713may, in some embodiments, include an electrical coupling feature, for example electrical contacts, for passing electrical power between the covers, provided for example by one portion of the rotatable frame and received by the other portion of the rotatable frame.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the CT scanner ofFIG. 1, with a patient813partially within an aperture811of the CT scanner. A head of the patient813may rest on the cutout of the upper surface of the first enclosure111, with a corresponding cutout of the second enclosure113above the patient's head. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the aperture811is dimensioned so as to receive the patient's head, but is generally too small for receiving the patient's torso.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the first enclosure111ofFIG. 1with an optional carrying casing911. The carrying casing911covers an upper portion of the first enclosure111, and extends towards the base of the first enclosure111. Another carrying casing, the same as or similar to the carrying casing911ofFIG. 9, may be used for the second enclosure113. A latching feature may be used to couple the carrying casing911to the first enclosure111. With a latching feature used to couple the carrying casing911to the first enclosure111, the carrying casing911may be considered latchably coupled to the first enclosure111. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9, the carrying casing includes a handle913for use in carrying the first enclosure111. The handle913is preferably one that may be gripped by hand, with the handle913therefore being hand holdable.

Although the invention has been discussed with respect to various embodiments, it should be recognized that the invention comprises the novel and non-obvious claims supported by this disclosure.