Systems and procedures for an X-ray computed tomography scanner with a reconfigurable field of view

Abstract

Gantry arrangement (108) for use with an imaging system (100), the gantry arrangement (108) comprising: an X-ray source (112); and a modular detector arrangement (123) comprising a plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122), wherein the plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122) comprises: a first detector module, which is arranged at a first distance from the X-ray source (112), and a second detector module, which is arranged at a second distance from the X-ray source (112), wherein the first distance differs from the second distance, and wherein the gantry arrangement (108) has a reconfigurable viewport (706, 710) and is configured to image objects using a first viewport (706) and a second viewport (710) that is larger than the first viewport (706), wherein at least one detector module of the plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122) is configured to be removed from the modular detector arrangement (123) in order to switch from imaging objects using the second field of view (710) to imaging objects using the first field of view (706), or wherein the gantry arrangement (108) is configured to add an additional detector module to the plurality of removable detector modules in order to switch from imaging objects using the first field of view (706) to imaging objects using the second field of view (710).

Description

background

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate generally to imaging systems, and more specifically to imaging systems with a reconfigurable field of view.

[0002] At least some well-known computed tomography (CT) imaging systems have a predetermined field of view (FOV), which is generally chosen to be as small as possible while still meeting the requirements of the specific imaging application. Since the field of view directly influences the required detector array, as well as the design and construction of a gantry or portal, its selection is crucial for the overall dimensions of the imaging system. Consequently, the field of view significantly impacts the cost of the imaging system, as the number of detectors required to achieve a given field of view generally increases proportionally with the diameter of the field of view. All else being equal, a system with a larger field of view will therefore be more expensive than an equivalent system with a smaller field of view.

[0003] In cases involving explosives detection or non-destructive testing, the problem is further complicated by the integration of the imaging system into the infrastructure of a manufacturing or transportation facility. For example, the installation of an explosives detection system at an airport might be implemented with a specific, intended field of view. However, changes in airport operations may later necessitate an expansion of this field of view. Existing solutions require a complete replacement of the original system with a larger one that offers a wider field of view. Consequently, at least some known imaging systems are designed with a fixed field of view, as the cost of modifying a field of view is substantial.However, if the requirements for a field of view change, at least some well-known imaging systems are not able to be easily reconfigured to obtain a larger field of view.

[0004] Furthermore, US 7,433,443 B1 relates to a CT imaging system comprising a rotatable gantry with an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, a first X-ray emission source attached to the rotatable gantry and configured to emit X-rays toward the object, and a second X-ray emission source attached to the rotatable gantry and configured to emit X-rays toward the object. A first detector is configured to receive X-rays emitted by the first X-ray emission source, and a second detector is configured to receive X-rays emitted by the second X-ray emission source. A first portion of the first detector is configured to operate in an integration mode, and a first portion of the second detector is configured to operate in at least one photon counting mode.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2014 / 0 010 343 A1 relates to an imaging system comprising a rotating gantry. An X-ray source is mounted on the gantry. The system also includes several interchangeable X-ray detector modules mounted on the gantry opposite the X-ray source. The multiple interchangeable detector modules comprise a first detector module mounted at a first distance from the X-ray source and a second detector module mounted at a second distance from the X-ray source. The first distance differs from the second distance.

[0006] US 2014 / 0 314 200 A1 concerns a CT security inspection system for baggage. Brief summary

[0007] The invention is described in independent claims 1, 6 and 10. Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

[0008] In one aspect, a gantry arrangement is provided for use with an imaging system. The gantry arrangement includes an X-ray source and a modular detector array with a plurality of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module of the plurality is positioned at a first distance from the X-ray source, and a second detector module of the plurality is positioned at a second distance from the X-ray source. The first distance differs from the second distance. The gantry arrangement is configured to image objects using a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first.

[0009] In another aspect, an imaging system is provided. The imaging system comprises a gantry assembly with an X-ray source and a modular detector assembly. The modular detector assembly includes a variety of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module is positioned at a first distance from the X-ray source, and a second detector module is positioned at a second distance. The first distance differs from the second. A conveyor extends through a tunnel formed by the gantry assembly. The imaging system is configured to image objects using a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first.

[0010] In a further aspect, a method for imaging an object is provided. The method is performed using a gantry arrangement with an X-ray source and a modular detector. The modular detector has a plurality of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module from the plurality is positioned at a first distance from the X-ray source, and a second detector module from the plurality is positioned at a second distance. The first distance differs from the second distance. The method involves changing a number of detector modules in the modular detector so that the field of view of the gantry arrangement changes from a first size to a second size, and imaging the object using the field of view that has the second size. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary imaging system. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary gantry arrangement, which is shown in Figure 2. Fig. The imaging system shown in 1 can be used. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 2 gantry arrangement shown. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary gantry frame, which is equipped with the in Fig. The gantry arrangement shown in section 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an exemplary field of detector modules, which is connected to the one in Fig. The gantry arrangement shown in section 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the paths of X-rays emitted from a radiation source to the point in Fig. 5 detector module shown. Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. Figure 14 are schematic diagrams comparing different fields of view in a gantry using a non-compact geometry and in a gantry with a compact geometry. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary imaging system that can be reconfigured for multiple fields of view. Detailed description

[0011] The embodiments described herein provide a CT imaging system that is designed to be reconfigured to operate with different fields of view. By employing a modular detector array with a compact geometry, the field of view can be quickly reconfigured. This makes it possible to adjust the field of view in a factory or on-site, thereby reducing costs compared to at least some known imaging systems. Furthermore, an insert can be used to enable or facilitate the positioning of an object within the current field of view.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary imaging system 100. The imaging system 100 is an X-ray CT imaging system and can, for example, be a baggage scanning system for viewing items in luggage moving through the imaging system 100. The imaging system 100 can be used, for example, to detect contraband (such as explosives, drugs, weapons, and so on) contained in the luggage. The imaging system 100 includes a tunnel 106 and a conveyor system 104 that extends through the tunnel 106.

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary gantry arrangement 108, which is equipped with the imaging system 100 (in Fig. (1 shown). A radiation source 112, which emits X-rays, is attached to a gantry frame 114 by means of an X-ray mount 110. In the exemplary embodiment, the gantry frame 114 is a bolted steel structure with a bore of approximately 85 cm in diameter. The inner surface of the gantry frame 114 is lined with lead. In this embodiment, the X-ray mount 110 is made of cast steel with a lead-cast window. The X-ray mount 110 is configured to allow positional adjustment along an axis parallel to a length of the tunnel 106 (the Z-axis).

[0014] On the first side 107 of the gantry assembly 108 there is a bearing 128 and a slip ring 130, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the bearing 128 enables the gantry assembly 108 to rotate around an object to be imaged. In the exemplary embodiment, the gantry assembly 108 is configured to rotate continuously at approximately 150 revolutions per minute. The slip ring 130 allows data signals and power to be transmitted between the gantry assembly 108 and a portion of the imaging system 100, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. A plenum 120, which acts as a heat sink, is mounted on a second side 109 of the gantry frame 114, opposite the first side 107. Attached to the plenum 120 are global BACKPLANES 126, which contain electronics and circuits for the proper operation of the gantry assembly 108, a power management converter 124 for supplying power to the components of the gantry assembly 108, and fans 118 for removing heat away from the gantry assembly 108.

[0015] A plurality of detector modules 122 are arranged in a field 123 within the gantry frame 114. The detector modules 122 receive X-rays emitted by the radiation source 112 and convert the X-rays into electrical signals representing image data. The detector modules 122 are positioned in the gantry assembly 108 with an axis of symmetry extending from the radiation source 112 to the center of the central detector module 122. In alternative embodiments, there is an even number of detector modules, and an axis of symmetry extends from the radiation source to a point between two central detector modules. As described below, the detector modules 122 are arranged such that the inner diameter of the gantry assembly 108 is larger relative to the outer diameter of the gantry assembly 108 compared to conventional CT imaging systems.The advantage is that the imaging system 100 has a smaller footprint, while the size of objects, such as luggage, that can be scanned is maintained or increased. Accordingly, the imaging system 100 can be described as having a "compact geometry". Additional detector modules 122 can be selectively removed to adjust the field of view (FOV) of the imaging system 100, as described herein.

[0016] Fig. Figure 3 is another perspective view of the gantry assembly 108. An opening 132 in the gantry frame 114 allows X-rays from the radiation source 112 to be emitted into the gantry assembly 108. The X-rays are emitted in a conical beam that crosses the entire tunnel 106. An X-ray shield with a precollimator 164 made of X-ray-attenuating material is arranged between the radiation source 112 and the opening 132. As shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the slip ring 130 mounted on one side of the gantry assembly 108 opposite the plenum 120, and two global back planes 126 are attached to the plenum 120. A power management converter 124 is connected to the global back planes 126. Fans 118, attached to the plenum 118, help to dissipate heat from the plenum 120 and the gantry assembly 108 in general. The detector modules 122 are positioned to minimize resolution loss during reclassification or rebinning from cone to parallel. As shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows some detector modules 122 removed to expose part of the underlying gantry frame 114. In the following discussion Fig. Figure 4 shows the Gantry frame 114 without any other attached components.

[0017] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the gantry frame 114. The opening 132 allows the radiation source 112 to emit X-rays into the gantry assembly 108 in a conical beam. Guide rails 138 are located on opposite inner sides of the gantry frame 114, providing a mounting point for each detector module 122 in the gantry assembly 108. Cooling holes 134 are provided along opposite sides of the gantry frame 114, facilitating the dissipation of heat from the frame. Torsional stiffeners 136 are also incorporated into the gantry frame 114, providing structural support.

[0018] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an array 123 of detector modules 122. The detector modules 122 are positioned along the guide rails 138. In this exemplary embodiment, 17 detector modules are contained in the array 123. The array 123 includes a first end 194 and an opposite, second end 196. Furthermore, the array 123 is divided into a first half 195, extending from a center 198 of the array 123 to the first end 194, and a second half 197, extending from the center 198 of the array 123 to the second end 196. Other embodiments may include fewer or more detector modules, and the total number of detector modules may be odd or even. In the exemplary embodiment, one detector module 122 is located at the center 198, so that it is directly opposite the radiation source 112. Mirror-image pairs of identical detector modules 122 extend outwards on both sides.The detector modules 122 are arranged with columns to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in the gantry arrangement 108.

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing X-rays 166 emitted from the radiation source 112 towards the detector modules 122. As can be seen, each detector module 122 is positioned such that the center of its collimator is perpendicular to the incident radiation that bisects the detector module 122. Adjacent edges of neighboring detector modules 122 are angularly spaced from each other. The angular spacing of the center lines of the rays 166 that bisect neighboring detector modules 122 decreases from the ends 194 and 196 of the field 123 of detector modules 122 towards the center 198.

[0020] Starting with detector module 122 in the middle 198, in Fig. Figure 6 shows that, moving outwards, each detector module 122 is located at a different distance from the radiation source 112. That is, the detector module 122 in the middle 198 is furthest from the radiation source 112, and the detector modules 122 along the first half 195 are closer to the radiation source 112. Starting from the middle 198 towards the first end 194, each successive detector module 122 is closer to the radiation source 112 than the preceding detector module 122. Each detector module 122 along the first half 195 has a corresponding detector module 122 on the second half 197, which is located at the same distance from the radiation source 112. That is, each detector module 122, with the exception of the detector module 122 located in the middle 198, is part of a mirror-image pair.The result of this arrangement is a smaller outer diameter of the gantry assembly 108 compared to CT imaging systems that have a constant source-to-detector distance (SDD). As a result of this arrangement of separate detector modules 122, the inner diameter of the gantry assembly 108 is maximized relative to its outer diameter.

[0021] The ones relating to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. The compact geometry described in section 6 can be implemented in an X-ray CT imaging system with a reconfigurable field of view (FOV), as described herein. Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 are schematic diagrams comparing different fields of view of a gantry using a non-compact geometry and a gantry using a compact geometry in accordance with the systems and procedures described herein.

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a gantry 700, which includes detector modules 702 arranged at a constant distance from an X-ray source 704. The design of the gantry 700 is based on two parameters: the distance between the X-ray source 704 and an isocenter of the gantry 700, and the distance between the X-ray source 704 and the detector modules 702. If these two parameters and a desired first field of view 706 are specified, the geometry of the gantry 700 is essentially determined.

[0023] If an attempt is made to reconfigure the gantry 700 to make the first field of view 706 larger or smaller, the distance between the X-ray source 704 and the isocenter should remain fixed, as it is relatively impractical or even impossible to change this distance. Even if the X-ray source 704 can be moved relative to the isocenter, the shape of the rest of the gantry 700 (i.e., the position of the detector modules 702) will remain unchanged, resulting in inadequate illumination of the detector modules 702.

[0024] Now, with reference to the Fig. 8. Assume that an attempt is made to modify the Gantry 700 to accommodate a second field of view 710, which is 30% larger than the first field of view 706, using the same gantry design. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in order to create space for the second viewing area 710, the detector modules 702 must be moved away from the X-ray source 704, since the detector arc intersects the second viewing area 710.

[0025] Fig. Figure 9 shows updated detector modules 712, which have been moved further away from the X-ray source 704 to make room for the second viewing field 710. This has a relatively significant impact on the geometry of the gantry 700. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, relocating the detector modules 702 results in the updated detector modules 712 intersecting a path 714 of the X-ray source 704. The path 714 has a significant influence on the physical outer diameter of the gantry 700. Since the size and weight of the gantry 700 will depend approximately quadratically on the radius of the path 714, it is important to minimize the radius of the path 714. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the updated detector modules 712 cross path 714, and accordingly, the gantry 700 must be made larger, since the outer corners of the updated detector modules 712 are farther from the isocenter than the X-ray source 704.

[0026] The situation will worsen if, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the updated detector modules 712 are extended to form an extended detector array 720 capable of covering the entire second field of view 710. Here, the detector arc is significantly larger than the path 714. As a result, the outer diameter of the gantry 700 must be substantially increased to accommodate the second field of view 710. Consequently, the only solution is to build a single system with the second field of view 710 and use only a subset of the extended detector array 720 to achieve the first field of view 706. Due to the use of a traditional (i.e., non-compact) geometry, this results in a gantry that is significantly larger, heavier, and more expensive than a gantry specifically designed for the first field of view 706.

[0027] In contrast, the Fig. 12 a gantry 1200, which has detector modules 1202 arranged in a compact geometry. Here, as described in detail above, the distance between an X-ray source 1204 and the detector modules 1202 decreases when moving away from a central beam 1206. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the Gantry 1200 provides space for the second viewing area 710. Since the X-ray source 1204 is the dominant feature for the outer diameter of the Gantry 1200, the geometry of the Gantry 1200 depends only weakly on the desired viewing area.

[0028] Fig. Figure 13 shows the Gantry 1200 with the first viewport 706 and the second viewport 710. It should be noted that the first viewport 706 can be accommodated by excluding the two outer detector modules 1202. Further, the Fig. 14. Path 714 compared to the geometry of the Gantry 1200. As can be noted, the Gantry 1200, when compared to the Gantry 700, offers multiple fields of view from a single geometry, without significant changes to the external dimensions of the Gantry 1200.

[0029] Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary imaging system 1500, which can be reconfigured for multiple fields of view. As in Fig. Figure 15 shows that the imaging system 1500 includes an imaging device 1502 with a gantry arrangement 1504. The imaging device 1502 includes a conveying device 1506, which extends through a tunnel 1508, for imaging objects using the gantry arrangement 1504.

[0030] As in Fig.Figure 15 shows that the gantry arrangement 1504 includes detector modules 1510 of a detector array 1512, arranged in a compact geometry as described in detail above. To enable imaging at multiple fields of view, in the exemplary embodiment, detector modules 1510 can be selectively removed from and inserted into the gantry arrangement 1504. Accordingly, for imaging at smaller fields of view, at least some of the detector modules 1510 (i.e., outer detector modules) may be removed from the gantry arrangement 1504. Similarly, for imaging at larger fields of view, detector modules 1510 may be added to the gantry arrangement 1504. Removing detector modules 1510 reduces the arc length of the detector array 1512, and adding detector modules 1510 increases the arc length of the detector array 1512.In some embodiments, to make the detector array 1512 reconfigurable, the gantry assembly 1504 can have a detector housing containing positions where detector modules 1510 can be selectively attached. For a system with a smaller field of view, selected positions can be left unoccupied or fitted with mechanical "fillers" that fill the gaps left by the missing detector modules. Alternatively, the detector housing itself could be replaced with one containing a different number of positions. When the detector housing is attached to the gantry assembly 1504, changing the detector housing to accommodate different fields of view can be achieved relatively easily at both the manufacturing and operational locations. The determination of which modules are included is driven by the field of view.For example, detector modules 1510, for which the corresponding X-ray fan beams are outside the field of view, offer no benefit to the image to be reconstructed and can be removed.

[0031] The imaging system 1500 further includes an insert 1520, which can be positioned within the tunnel 1508. The insert 1520 guides objects to be scanned so that they are positioned within the corresponding field of view. That is, for different fields of view, the position of the conveying device 1506 is the same, but the position of the field of view changes. For example, for smaller fields of view, it may be necessary to raise objects (for example, 1 to 5 inches or 2.5 to 12.5 cm) over the conveying device 1506 so that they lie entirely within the field of view. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the imaging system 1500 can include several different inserts 1520, each insert corresponding to a different field of view. In the exemplary embodiment, the insert 1520 is a substantially cylindrical sheet metal tube.Alternatively, the insert 1520 can be made of a material and / or have a shape that allows the imaging system 1500 to operate as described herein. In some embodiments, the tube of the insert 1520 can, for example, have a faceted, rectangular, square, or circular cross-section.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the imaging system 1500 includes a computer 1530, which is communicatively coupled to the detector modules 1510. The computer 1530 includes a processor 1532, which is communicatively coupled to a memory 1534 and a display 1536. The memory 1534 stores data received from the detector modules 1510 and instructions for generating images of objects passing through the imaging device 1502. The processor 1532 is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1534, and generated images can be displayed on the display 1536. The computer 1530 can be physically separate from or integrated into the imaging device 1502.

[0033] It should be understood that a processor, as used herein, means one or more processing units (for example, in a multi-core architecture). The term processing unit, as used herein, refers to microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or device configured to execute instructions to perform the functions described herein.

[0034] It should be understood that references to memory refer to one or more devices that enable the storage and / or retrieval of information, such as instructions or data executable by a processor. Memory can include one or more computer-readable media, such as, but not limited to, hard disk storage, optical disks / disk storage, removable disk storage, flash memory, non-volatile memory, ROM, EEPROM, random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that communicatively coupled components can be connected by being integrated on the same circuit board and / or via a bus, shared memory, a wired or wireless communication network, or other data communication means. It should also be understood that data communication networks referred to herein may be implemented using the Transport Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), or similar protocols, and the underlying connections may include wired connections and corresponding protocols, for example, IEEE 802.3, and / or wireless connections and corresponding protocols, for example, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, and / or IEEE 802.16.

[0036] The systems and procedures described herein can be used to detect contraband. As used herein, the term "contraband" refers to illegal substances, explosives, narcotics, weapons, special nuclear materials, dirty bombs, materials of nuclear threat, any object that poses a threat, and / or any other material that a person is not permitted to possess in a restricted or controlled area, such as an airport. Contraband may be concealed within a subject (for example, in a subject's body orifice) and / or attached to a subject (for example, under a subject's clothing). Contraband may also include objects that may be carried in exempted or licensed quantities intended for use outside the area of ​​safe operation, such as in the construction of dispersive radiation devices.

[0037] The foregoing describes exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for mapping an object in detail. The methods and systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components of the systems and / or steps of the methods can be used independently and separately from other components and / or methods described herein. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and used in conjunction with many applications not specifically described herein.

[0038] Even if certain features of different embodiments of the invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is solely for convenience. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of one drawing can be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0039] The present description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode of use, and also to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, including manufacturing and using any devices and systems, and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that might occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are deemed to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal meaning of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the literal meaning of the claims.

Claims

[1] Gantry arrangement (108) for use with an imaging system (100), the gantry arrangement (108) comprising: an X-ray source (112); and a modular detector arrangement (123) comprising a plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122), wherein the plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122) comprises: a first detector module, which is arranged at a first distance from the X-ray source (112), and a second detector module, which is arranged at a second distance from the X-ray source (112), wherein the first distance differs from the second distance, and wherein the gantry arrangement (108) has a reconfigurable viewport (706, 710) and is configured to image objects using a first viewport (706) and a second viewport (710) that is larger than the first viewport (706), wherein at least one detector module of the plurality of selectively removable detector modules (122) is configured to be removed from the modular detector arrangement (123) in order to switch from imaging objects using the second field of view (710) to imaging objects using the first field of view (706), or wherein the gantry arrangement (108) is configured to add an additional detector module to the plurality of removable detector modules in order to switch from imaging objects using the first field of view (706) to imaging objects using the second field of view (710). [2] Gantry arrangement (108) according to claim 1, further comprising an insert (1520) configured to position an object within the first field of view (706). [3] Gantry arrangement (108) according to claim 2, wherein the insert (1520) is a tube. [4] Gantry arrangement (108) according to claim 3, wherein the tube comprises at least one of a faceted, a rectangular, a square and a circular cross-section. [5] Gantry arrangement (108) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the X-ray source (112) is configured to move along a circular path when objects are imaged using the first field of view (706), and is configured to move along the same circular path when objects are imaged using the second field of view (710). [6] Image system comprising (100): a gantry arrangement (108) according to any of the preceding claims; and a conveying device (1506) extending through a tunnel defined by the gantry arrangement (108), wherein the imaging system (100) is configured to image objects using the first field of view (706) and the second field of view (710). [7] Imaging system (100) according to claim 6, further comprising an insert (1520) configured to position an object within the first field of view (706). [8] Imaging system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the insert (1520) is a tube configured to be arranged between the object and the conveying device (1506). [9] Imaging system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a computer (1530) that is communicatively coupled with the plurality of detector modules (122), wherein the computer (1530) is configured to generate an image of an object based on data acquired by the plurality of detector modules (122). [10] Method for imaging an object using a gantry arrangement (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method comprises: Changing the number of detector modules (122) in the modular detector arrangement (123) such that the field of view (706, 710) of the gantry arrangement (108) changes from the first size to the second size or from the second size to the first size; and Image of the object using the field of view (706, 710). [11] Method according to claim 10, further comprising positioning the object within the gantry arrangement (108) using an insert (1520). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein positioning the object comprises positioning the object using the insert (1520), which is a tube. [13] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein changing the number of detector modules (122) comprises removing detector modules (122). [14] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein changing the number of detector modules (122) comprises adding detector modules (122).

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