Breast CT System with Photon-Counting Detector for Compression-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computed tomography systems for breast imaging face challenges in accurately detecting X-ray photons across a wide energy range without the need for breast compression, while maintaining consistent resolution and minimizing tissue overlap effects.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography system featuring an X-ray detector with a plurality of pixels, each equipped with an X-ray absorption layer and a capacitor module, utilizing voltage comparators and counters to register and digitize X-ray photon energies, allowing for efficient photon counting and energy spectrum compilation without a scintillator, and capable of operating in parallel to handle high X-ray flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied to reduce tissue overlap, then tissue overlap is reduced, but patient discomfort and motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of breast imaging from 2D projection (mammography) to 3D volumetric imaging (CT). By using a cone-shaped X-ray beam with large divergence in both directions and a two-dimensional array of detector modules, the system achieves consistent slice sensitivity across different breast diameters without requiring compression, thereby eliminating patient discomfort and motion artifacts while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar fan-shaped beams to volumetric cone-shaped beams, adding a third dimension to the imaging process. This dimensional change allows the system to capture three-dimensional breast anatomy without compression, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image resolution and avoiding patient discomfort
2Measurement precision
If fan-shaped X-ray beam with small divergence is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and imaging time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating X-ray source that emits cone-shaped beams while the source and detector rotate around the breast. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain consistent slice sensitivity across different breast diameters without requiring complex static detector configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If voltage reset timing is delayed to capture full X-ray photon energy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using voltage comparators that monitor the voltage across the capacitor in real-time. When the voltage reaches a predetermined threshold indicating sufficient charge accumulation from X-ray photons, the system triggers the readout process. This feedback-based timing ensures accurate photon energy detection while minimizing delays, thereby maintaining high imaging speed and productivity
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 system provides enhanced X-ray photon detection and energy spectrum analysis, ensuring consistent resolution across various breast diameters without compression, improving image quality and handling capacity for high X-ray flux.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray absorption layer comprising an electric contact
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a voltage that is changed with time by using an input photon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A computed tomography system(10), comprising: a table(11) with a hole(12) therein, wherein the table(12) is configured to support a person lying face down thereon, with at least one of the person's breasts(99) projecting through the hole(12); an X-ray source(13); an X-ray detector(14,100) comprising a plurality of pixels(150); wherein the X-ray source(13) is configured to rotate around the at least one of the person's breasts(99).