CT Detector Module Segmentation for Wiring Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
CT detector modules with small pixels face a contradiction between high spatial resolution and limited space size, leading to overly dense wiring and difficulty in flexible splicing, which restricts clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
A detector module design that includes a detection unit, analog-to-digital conversion units, and a signal transmission unit with multiple circuit boards, where the signal transmission unit distributes analog signals to reduce wiring density and complexity, allowing for the use of high-density detector units while maintaining flexible splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-density detector unit with small pixels is used to improve CT spatial resolution, then the ability to recognize smallest volume of lesions is enhanced, but the wiring density becomes excessively dense and the space size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal transmission path into multiple stages using hierarchical circuit board structures. First circuit boards are connected to detector units and group multiple detector channels, then second circuit boards connect to analog-to-digital conversion units. This segmentation distributes the wiring load across multiple levels rather than requiring all connections on a single plane, thereby reducing wiring density while maintaining high detector pixel density for improved spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional wiring layout to a three-dimensional hierarchical structure by stacking circuit boards in multiple layers. The first circuit boards are arranged in a first direction while second circuit boards are arranged in a second direction, creating vertical and horizontal distribution of connections. This dimensional change allows high-density detector arrays to be connected without excessive wiring density on any single board.
2Measurement precision
If a high-density detector unit is used to enhance spatial resolution, then more pixels are packed in the same space, but the detector module space size becomes too large for flexible splicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector system into modular detector units, each containing a subset of pixels and their associated first circuit board. These standardized modules can be spliced together in different configurations to create larger detector arrays while maintaining manageable individual module sizes. This segmentation allows high pixel density within each module without requiring the entire high-resolution array to occupy excessive space, enabling flexible clinical deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where detector pixels are grouped into detector units, which are connected to first circuit boards that are in turn connected to second circuit boards. This nested organization allows compact packaging of high-density pixels within modular units that can be efficiently arranged and spliced, reducing the overall space requirement compared to a flat, non-hierarchical layout.
3Quantity of substance
If more analog-to-digital conversion units are provided to handle increased pixel count, then high-density detection is enabled, but the wiring complexity and difficulty of splicing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple detector pixel channels into subsets, with each subset connected to a dedicated first circuit board. These first circuit boards are then connected to second circuit boards that interface with analog-to-digital conversion units. This segmentation creates standardized, modular connection interfaces that simplify manufacturing and splicing operations, as each module follows the same connection pattern regardless of the total number of pixels in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces first circuit boards as intermediary components between detector units and second circuit boards. These first circuit boards act as buffer and aggregation points, collecting signals from multiple detector channels before forwarding them to the second circuit board level. This intermediary structure reduces the direct wiring complexity between detectors and ADC units, making the system easier to manufacture and splice while supporting high pixel counts.
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
The solution effectively reduces wiring density and complexity, enabling enhanced spatial resolution and improved clinical application flexibility of CT detector modules.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to convert an optical signal into an analog signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a detector module, a detector, and a medical imaging apparatus. The detector module includes a detection unit, analog-to-digital conversion units, and a signal transmission unit. The detection module is configured to convert an optical signal into an analog signal. The analog-to-digital conversion units each configured to convert an analog signal into a digital signal. The signal transmission unit is disposed at a side of the detection unit in a first direction and includes at least one first circuit board and second circuit boards. Each of the at least one first circuit board is connected to the detection unit and a plurality of the second circuit boards. Each of the second circuit boards is connected to at least one of the analog-to-digital conversion units.