Local Memory Buffering for CT Detector Data Bandwidth Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
CT imaging systems face challenges in efficiently processing and transferring large amounts of data generated by small pixel sizes and multiple energy bins, leading to potential bottlenecks and increased costs due to bandwidth limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a detector element circuit with a local memory storage component clocked at a different rate than other components, allowing for buffering and output of photon count data at rates compatible with the system's bandwidth and processing speed, utilizing an ASIC for digitization and an FPGA for additional signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the data collection and processing rate of radiation detectors is increased to handle small pixel sizes and multiple energy bins, then the data output rate must also be increased, but this exceeds bandwidth limitations and causes bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data handling system into separate components: a first electronic component (ASIC) for photon counting and data generation, a second electronic component (FPGA) for signal processing, and a local memory storage for buffering. This segmentation allows each component to operate at optimized rates, with the local memory acting as a buffer between the high-rate data collection and the lower-rate data output, thus resolving the bandwidth limitation issue while maintaining high productivity.
2Ease of operation
If the clock rate of local memory storage is synchronized with other components, then data transfer is simplified, but data output cannot be adjusted to match system bandwidth capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock rate control where the local memory storage can be clocked at a different rate than the first and second electronic components. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the data output rate to match bandwidth limitations and processing capabilities of downstream systems, while maintaining ease of operation through independent clocking control.
3Loss of time
If data is transferred immediately from detectors to external systems, then real-time processing is achieved, but bandwidth limitations cause bottlenecks and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering action by introducing local memory storage in each detector element circuit before data leaves the detector module. This buffer stores photon count data temporarily, allowing data to be collected at high rates and then transferred to external systems at a sustainable rate, preventing data loss while minimizing delay through efficient buffer management.
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 approach enables near-real-time data transfer and reduces bottlenecks by adjusting the data output rate to match the system's capabilities, ensuring efficient data handling and processing without exceeding bandwidth limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radiation sensors for detecting photons attenuated by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A detector element circuit for a CT imaging system may include a plurality of sensors for detecting photons passing through an object and a first electronic component configured to determine an energy of photons detected by the plurality of sensors and generate photon count data, which may be a count of detected photons in one or more energy bins. The detector element circuit may further include a second electronic component configured to receive the photon count data from the first electronic component and is clocked at a first clock rate; a local memory storage configured to receive the photon count data from the second electronic component at the first clock rate and to output the photon count data at a second clock rate.