X-ray CT Detector Segmentation for Resolution Focal Point Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT systems, particularly the uniform, hybrid, and non-uniform types of X-ray detectors, fail to efficiently utilize small detector size elements for achieving high resolution imaging, as the focal point size and detection element sizes do not always correspond, leading to suboptimal utilization of detection elements.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus incorporates a control unit that selects between small and large detection ranges for the X-ray detector, allowing the small detection range to correspond to the focal point of small focal point size for high resolution imaging and the large detection range to correspond to the focal point of large focal point size for low resolution imaging, thereby optimizing the use of detection elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray detection elements of small detector size are arrayed in the center in the rostrocaudal direction (hybrid type), then high resolution imaging is possible, but the small detector size elements and the focal point of small focal point size do not always correspond, making it impossible to fully utilize the small detector size elements
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray detector is divided into multiple detection element rows, where specific rows contain small detector size elements and others contain large detector size elements. This segmentation allows selective use of small detector size elements when high resolution is needed, while large elements handle broader imaging needs, ensuring optimal correspondence between detector elements and focal point sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which detection element rows to use based on the focal point size being employed. When small focal point size is used for high resolution imaging, the control unit activates only the rows with small detector size elements, ensuring they correspond to the focal point. This dynamic adaptation resolves the mismatch problem in hybrid type detectors.
2Device complexity
If X-ray detection elements of uniform size are arrayed throughout the detector (uniform type), then the detector structure is simple, but it is not efficient to use small detector size elements for all elements to achieve high resolution imaging
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the X-ray detector have different detector element sizes optimized for different purposes. Small detector size elements are placed in specific rows where high resolution is needed, while large detector size elements are placed in other rows for broader coverage. This local differentiation allows each element to serve its optimal function, improving overall imaging efficiency without requiring uniform small elements throughout.
3Stability of the object's composition
If X-ray detection elements of small detector size are arrayed symmetrically in front and back (non-uniform type), then the detector has balanced structure, but the small detector size elements cannot be fully utilized similar to hybrid type
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically selects which detection element rows to activate based on the imaging requirements and focal point size. When small focal point size is used, only rows containing small detector size elements are activated, regardless of their symmetric positioning. This dynamic selection ensures full utilization of small detector size elements while maintaining the symmetric structure for stability.
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 efficient high resolution imaging by fully utilizing small detector size elements and allows for wide-range low resolution imaging, improving the overall performance of the X-ray CT system by aligning detection ranges with focal point sizes.
Implementation Method 1
detect X-rays radiated from an X-ray tube to a subject and transmitted through the subject with an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
X-ray detection elements... for detecting the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and a control unit. The X-ray detector includes at least two divided ranges. One range includes a small detection range in which X-ray detection elements of a small size for detecting the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube are arrayed. The other range includes a large detection range in which the X-ray detection elements of a large size for detecting the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube are arrayed. The control unit is configured to select the small detection range or the large detection range. The X-ray CT apparatus can efficiently achieve high resolution upon imaging and, further, is capable of fully utilizing X-ray detection elements of a small detector size.