Helical CT Detector Array Segmentation for Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT systems require contiguous two-dimensional detector arrays for high throughput helical scanning, which is costly due to the need for increased detector area and channel count, necessitating a method to enhance throughput without increasing detector elements.
Innovation Solution
A detector array comprising discrete detector blocks arranged in a two-dimensional grid with gaps between them, allowing for increased surface area without additional detector elements, while maintaining image quality through appropriate image reconstruction algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the detector area and channel count are increased to achieve high throughput for helical scanning, then the throughput is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independent detector modules arranged in a two-dimensional configuration. Each module contains a subset of detector elements, and the modules are positioned at different angular orientations around the imaging plane. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high throughput through multi-angle sampling without requiring a single large contiguous detector array, thereby reducing the overall detector area and channel count needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane two-dimensional detector array to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple detector modules at different angular positions. By adding the angular dimension to the detector configuration, the system can capture projections from multiple angles simultaneously, effectively increasing throughput without proportionally increasing the detector area in the imaging plane.
2Productivity
If the detector area is increased to process more articles per hour, then the throughput is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple modular units that can be independently positioned at different angles. This allows the effective detection area to be distributed across multiple smaller modules rather than requiring one large contiguous detector, thereby achieving high processing throughput without proportionally increasing the total detector area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector module is designed to be multi-functional, capable of detecting x-rays from multiple angular perspectives. This universality allows a smaller total detector area to perform the work that would otherwise require a much larger single detector, as each module contributes to multiple projection angles during rotation.
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 configuration increases CT scanner throughput without adding detector elements, reducing operational costs by utilizing gaps between detector blocks effectively and enabling efficient image reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The intensity of the attenuated radiation beam received at the detector array is dependent upon the attenuation of the x-ray beam by the object
Data Source
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AI summary
A helical CT scanner for imaging an object is provided. The helical CT scanner includes an X-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams towards the object, and a detector array positioned opposite the X-ray emitter, the detector array including a plurality of discrete detector blocks arranged in a two-dimensional grid, each detector block. including a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one first gap is defined between adjacent detector blocks in a first direction, and where in at least one second gap is defined between adjacent detector blocks in a second direction. The helical CT scanner further includes a processing device communicatively coupled to said detector array, said processing device configured to reconstruct an image of the object based on image data acquired using said detector array.