Full-Angle Brain PET Detector Module Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PET detectors for the brain have insufficient wrapping ability and sensitivity, particularly failing to capture dynamic information from the entire head, with existing designs unable to achieve clear, one-time PET imaging or dynamic imaging of the head due to limited coverage and uneven sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A full-angle coincidence brain PET detector with a detection cavity formed by multiple PET detection modules, each comprising PET crystals, a photoelectric sensor array, and a light guide, arranged to cover the head from top to bottom with a spherical or ellipsoidal shape, ensuring at least 75%-80% detection of true coincidence events and featuring a circular ring-shaped shielding plate for radiation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a detector ring with increased length/depth is designed, then the axial field of view is extended, but the sensitivity becomes non-uniform with rapid drop-off at the ends
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple detection modules arranged in a ring, with each module covering a specific angular sector. This segmentation allows each module to maintain optimal detection geometry while collectively covering the full 360-degree field of view, preventing the sensitivity drop-off that occurs in continuous extended detector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear/axial extension approach to a radial/angular distribution approach. Instead of extending the detector along the axial direction, the detection modules are distributed around the perimeter in a ring, utilizing the angular dimension to achieve uniform 360-degree coverage while maintaining compact axial depth.
2Area of stationary object
If a large aperture PET apparatus is used, then the field of view is increased, but the sensitivity becomes too low requiring several minutes scanning time
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection module is positioned and oriented to provide optimal local detection coverage. The modules are arranged such that each one captures gamma rays from its specific angular sector with maximum efficiency, ensuring that every region of the field of view maintains high sensitivity despite the compact overall size.
3Length of stationary object
If the detector ring is made smaller for brain detection, then the spatial resolution improves, but the wrapping ability and overall sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection modules are arranged in a circular ring configuration that conforms to the curvature of the head/brain. This spherical/curved geometry allows the compact detector to wrap around the scanned object, providing 360-degree coverage and maintaining high sensitivity throughout the entire field of view, thereby achieving both small size and excellent wrapping ability.
4Measurement precision
If traditional coincidence detection is used, then the imaging specificity is maintained, but the dynamic information from the entire head cannot be obtained simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The ring of detection modules provides continuous 360-degree coverage, allowing simultaneous detection of coincidence events from all angular directions. This continuous geometric coverage enables the system to capture dynamic information from the entire head in a single scanning operation, eliminating the need for multiple sequential scans required by traditional methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A full-angle coincidence brain PET detector and apparatus, including a plurality of PET detection modules, each of which includes PET detection crystals, a photoelectric sensor array and light guides, all the detection crystals being arranged towards a cavity. The detection modules form a chamber having an opening, each dimension of the cavity is no greater than 35-50 cm, the opening is located at a lower side of the chamber. A cross-sectional area at the opening is greater than a maximum cross-sectional area of a head in a horizontal direction. Except for the opening, all the detection modules are non-detachably connected together. All cross-sectional areas of gaps between the detection modules are less than ½ to ⅓ of the area of the smallest one of the detection crystals. At least 75% to 80% of a coincidence event occurring at a center of the chamber is detected by the detection modules.