CT Detector Sensor Layout for Focal Spot Tracking and Scatter Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of collimator plates relative to sensors in CT detectors leads to degradation of image quality due to scattering of radiation, resulting in reduced imaging fidelity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-imaging sensors within the detector array to measure collimator plate alignment and focal motion, allowing for signal correction and enhancement of image quality by adjusting output signals from imaging sensors based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If collimator plates are positioned relative to sensors in CT detectors, then radiation scattering is reduced, but image quality degradation occurs due to charge sharing between adjacent imaging sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using non-imaging sensors to detect the actual position of collimator plates and focal spot, then using this information to correct the output signals from imaging sensors. This closed-loop approach compensates for misalignment and charge sharing effects, resolving the contradiction between reducing radiation scattering and maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-imaging sensors as intermediary elements that measure collimator plate alignment and focal spot position. These sensors act as mediators between the collimator system and the imaging sensors, providing correction data that eliminates the harmful effects of charge sharing while preserving the benefits of reduced radiation scattering.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-imaging sensors are added to measure collimator alignment and focal motion, then image quality is enhanced through signal correction, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing non-imaging sensors that serve dual purposes: they monitor collimator plate alignment and focal spot position, and their output signals are used to correct imaging sensor data. This universal approach allows a single additional sensor type to address multiple sources of image degradation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the detector array's own non-imaging sensors to detect and correct alignment issues and focal motion. The system self-diagnoses and self-corrects without requiring external calibration equipment or manual adjustment, thereby enhancing image quality while keeping the increase in device complexity manageable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If output signals from imaging sensors are corrected using non-imaging sensor data, then cross-talk and charge sharing are reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having non-imaging sensors continuously measure collimator plate alignment and focal spot position before imaging data is acquired. This advance measurement allows the system to pre-calculate correction factors that are applied to imaging sensor outputs, thereby reducing cross-talk and charge sharing effects while managing measurement precision requirements through proactive calibration.
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
Enhances image quality by correcting for focal spot tracking and collimator plate alignment, thereby improving the accuracy and fidelity of medical images generated by CT systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of non-imaging sensors located in the detector array and extending parallel from the bottom edge of and aligned with plurality of collimator plates
Implementation Method 2
the positioning of collimator plates relative to the plurality of sensors may result in degradation of images and reduced image quality due to scattering of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for a sensor design in a computed tomography (CT) detector of a medical imaging system. In one embodiment, a detector array may include a post-patient collimator assembly arranged between a detector array and an x-ray source, the collimator assembly having a plurality of collimator plates aligned substantially parallel with a radial direction of an imaging system, a plurality of imaging sensors located in the detector array, and a plurality of non-imaging sensors located in the detector array. In another embodiment, a method may include correcting an imaging sensor signal based on a signal output from a non-imaging sensor.