Adjustable Photon Detection System for CT Scattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-slice X-ray CT systems face challenges in efficiently aligning anti-scatter plates with X-ray source positions, leading to interference in reconstructed images due to long cables carrying small electric charges, and the design of detector modules is not adaptable across different focusing distances.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Adjustable Photon Detection System (APDS) that allows anti-scatter plates to be aligned to a position different from the detector modules' focal point, enabling flexible alignment with various X-ray source positions and reducing interference by calculating effective detector positions and correcting projection data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If anti-scatter plates are aligned to the same position as detector modules focus, then alignment is simple, but scattered photons interfere with image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the alignment positions of anti-scatter plates and detector modules into two independent parameters: the detector modules focus on a first position while anti-scatter plates are aligned to a second position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, enabling the anti-scatter plates to effectively block scattered photons without compromising detector alignment.
2Measurement precision
If detector modules are designed for a specific focusing distance, then detection precision is optimized, but adaptability to different X-ray source positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detector module design that can be used across multiple X-ray CT systems with different focusing distances. By decoupling the detector module's focal point from the anti-scatter plate alignment position, the same detector module design can be adapted to different X-ray source positions simply by adjusting the anti-scatter plate alignment, eliminating the need for custom-designed detector modules for each system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing anti-scatter plates to be aligned to different positions independently of the detector module's fixed focal point. This dynamic separation enables the system to adapt to various X-ray source positions and focusing distances while maintaining optimal detection precision through software-based effective position calculations.
3Device complexity
If long cables are used to connect detectors to processing electronics, then device complexity is reduced, but electric charge interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for long physical cable connections with a computational approach. By calculating effective detector positions based on the geometric relationship between the X-ray source, detector modules, and anti-scatter plates, the system can process signals accurately without requiring long cables, thus reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining system functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution improves image quality by minimizing artifacts from scattered photons and allows for a single design to be adaptable across different X-ray source positions, reducing costs and complexity in multi-slice CT systems.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator for converting x-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator
Implementation Method 2
a photodiode for receiving the light energy from the coupled scintillator and producing electric charges therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
An Adjustable Photon Detection System (APDS) for multi-slice X-ray CT systems and a multi-slice X-ray CT system using the APDS are disclosed; wherein the APDS can be adjusted to be aligned to different X-ray source positions; wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT system comprises one or more X-ray sources, and one or more APDS; wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT system may also include a detector position calculator for calculating effective detector positions and a detector position corrector for correcting projection data using calculated effective detector positions.