X-ray CT Detector Read Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing X-ray CT apparatuses face issues with image quality due to time differences in signal accumulation across detection devices, leading to errors in charge reading and subsequent image degradation.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus employs a read control unit to synchronize the reading of signals from detection devices with different sizes by adjusting the timing, ensuring that signals from corresponding positions in the slice direction are read simultaneously, thereby reducing the accumulation time discrepancy and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection devices with different sizes are used in the same detection region, then spatial resolution is improved, but time difference in signal accumulation occurs leading to reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The read control unit performs preliminary timing adjustment by calculating and applying different read timings for detection devices of different sizes before signal accumulation completes. This preliminary action ensures that signals from all detection devices are read at their optimal moments, preventing time difference errors and maintaining both high spatial resolution and reading accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If read timing is synchronized for all detection devices, then reading operation is simplified, but time difference in accumulation causes image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different read timings to different detection devices based on their specific characteristics (size and position). Instead of a uniform read timing for all devices, the read control unit adjusts the timing locally for each detection device region, ensuring optimal signal reading while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection devices are arranged to cover the same detection region, then detector utilization is improved, but time difference in signal accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The read control unit calculates and applies different read timings before signal accumulation completes for detection devices arranged in overlapping regions. This preliminary timing adjustment ensures that signals from all detection devices, regardless of their spatial arrangement, are read at their optimal moments, maintaining high detector utilization while preventing reading errors.
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 synchronization of signal reading across detection devices with varying sizes at the same slice position enhances the image quality by minimizing errors caused by time differences in charge accumulation, resulting in improved image fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube that rotates about a body axis of a subject, and generates X-rays
Implementation Method 2
detects X-ray signals that have passed through the subject with an X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computer-tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray detector, a reading unit, and a read control unit. The X-ray detector has a first region and a second region at least a part of which is aligned with the first region along a channel direction, the first region in which a plurality of first detection devices that detect X-rays are arranged, the second region in which a plurality of second detection devices having a width smaller in a slice direction than that of the first detection device are arranged. The reading unit reads a signal of the X-rays detected. The read control unit adjusts timing of reading signals from the first detection device and the second detection device according to difference between the size of the first and the second detection device in such a manner that time difference in the reading signals in the slice direction decreases.