CT Detection Device Segmented Detector Array Cost Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CT systems for hazardous article identification are costly due to the high number of detectors and data acquisition units required for high-speed scan and high-resolution three-dimensional dual-energy imaging, which is necessary for accurate safety inspection.

Innovation Solution

A CT system with a surface-array arrangement of low-energy detectors and a sparse arrangement of high-energy detectors, where the high-energy detectors are positioned in rows along the transfer direction with a filter between them, and a transfer mechanism that moves the object to align with each row of high-energy detectors as the gantry rotates, reducing the number of detectors and data acquisition units needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a surface-array arrangement is adopted in both high-energy detector and low-energy detector to achieve high-speed scan and high-resolution three-dimensional dual-energy image, then the scanning speed and image resolution are improved, but the number of detectors and data acquisition units required becomes enormous, resulting in too high manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidnumber of detectors and data acquisition units

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into two functional parts: a surface-array low-energy detector assembly for high-speed data acquisition, and a sparse high-energy detector arrangement with fewer detectors. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing the total number of detectors while maintaining scanning speed and enabling dual-energy imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different detector arrangements are applied to different energy levels: surface-array configuration is used for low-energy detectors to maximize scanning speed, while a sparse arrangement is used for high-energy detectors since fewer are needed. This local quality differentiation optimizes the system by applying the appropriate detector density for each energy level's specific requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a surface-array arrangement is adopted in both high-energy detector and low-energy detector to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional dual-energy image, then the image resolution is improved, but the number of detectors and data acquisition units required becomes enormous, resulting in too high manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidnumber of detectors and data acquisition units

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into two functional parts: a surface-array low-energy detector assembly for high-speed data acquisition, and a sparse high-energy detector arrangement with fewer detectors. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing the total number of detectors while maintaining scanning speed and enabling dual-energy imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different detector arrangements are applied to different energy levels: surface-array configuration is used for low-energy detectors to maximize scanning speed, while a sparse arrangement is used for high-energy detectors since fewer are needed. This local quality differentiation optimizes the system by applying the appropriate detector density for each energy level's specific requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the number of detectors and data acquisition units is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the scanning speed and image resolution may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of detectors and data acquisition unitsVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into two functional parts: a surface-array low-energy detector assembly for high-speed data acquisition, and a sparse high-energy detector arrangement with fewer detectors. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing the total number of detectors while maintaining scanning speed and enabling dual-energy imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for high-resolution three-dimensional dual-energy CT imaging while significantly reducing manufacturing costs, achieving high-accuracy hazardous article identification and alarm functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a filter disposed between the low-energy detector assembly and the high-energy detector assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2749873B1CT system and detection device for CT system

Publication Date: 2018.02.21 NUCTECH CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5

AI summary

A detection device for a CT system comprises a low-energy detector assembly; and a high-energy detector assembly disposed under the low-energy detector assembly. The high-energy detector assembly comprises: a plurality of rows of high-energy detectors arranged at predetermined intervals. With the detection device, detectors and data acquisition units are greatly reduced. A high-resolution three-dimensional CT image is acquired while high-accuracy hazardous article alarm is achieved. The cost of manufacture of the system is greatly decreased while high system performance is ensured.