Method and apparatus for improving pet detectors

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system, method and software program product for implementing an efficient, low-radiation 3-D Complete-Body-Screening (3D-CBS) medical imaging device which combines the benefits of the functional imaging capability of PET with those of the anatomical imaging capability of CT. The present invention enables a different detector assembly, and together they enable execution of more complex algorithms measuring more accurately the information obtained from the collision of the photon with the detector. The present invention overcomes input and coincidence bottlenecks inherent in the prior art by implementing a massively parallel, layered architecture with processor separate stacks for handling each channel. The prior art coincidence bottleneck is overcome by limiting coincidence comparisons to those with a time stamp occurring within a predefined time window. The increased efficiency provides the bandwidth necessary for increasing the throughput even more by extending the FOV to over one meter in length and the execution of even more complex algorithms.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is related to and claims priority from the co-pending U.S. provisional patent application entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING PET DETECTORS” having application No. 60 / 424,933 filed on Nov. 9, 2002 and is incorporated by reference herein by reference in its entirety. [0002] The present application is also related to the following patent applications: [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,202 filed Feb. 15, 1996 entitled “High-Speed, Parallel, Processor Architecture for Front-End Electronics, Based on a Single Type of ASIC, and Method Use Thereof,” (hereinafter U.S. patent '202). [0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 506,207 filed Feb. 15, 2000 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Extending Processing Time in One Pipeline Stage,” (hereinafter U.S. application '207), which claims priority from: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 120,194 filed Feb. 16, 1999; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 112,13...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system achieves over 400 times the efficiency of prior art PET devices, reducing radiation dosage by 90%, scan time by 55 minutes, and examination costs by 90%, while improving image resolution and reducing erroneous readings.

Problems solved by technology

While particle detection in high energy physics and medical imaging have some common ground, differences between the disciplines are sticking.

However, although the price and performance of the systems from the different manufacturers are comparable, one manufacturer's system (Siemens) uses nearly ideal crystal detectors, while contrastingly, the other manufacturer's system (General Electric) uses cheaper, lower quality crystal detectors with slower decay time.

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