X-ray CT Detector Array Signal Processing Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses experience artifacts due to uneven signal processing characteristics across the data acquisition system, which is challenging to address without equalizing signal processing characteristics, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus is designed with a matrix arrangement of X-ray detection elements, where each element is independently connected to a QV amplifier and AD converter, ensuring non-identical signal processing characteristics for adjacent elements, thereby reducing the uneven distribution of signal processing characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple X-ray detection elements share common QV amplifiers and AD converters, then device complexity is reduced, but signal processing characteristics become uneven across the array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the X-ray detection element array into multiple groups, where each group is assigned to a dedicated QV amplifier and AD converter combination. This segmentation ensures that signal processing characteristics are consistent within each group while reducing the overall complexity of the data acquisition system by avoiding complete sharing of components across all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by ensuring that adjacent X-ray detection elements have different signal processing characteristics through dedicated amplifier and converter assignments. This creates localized uniformity within groups while maintaining overall diversity across the array, preventing artifacts caused by identical processing characteristics in neighboring elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If signal processing characteristics are equalized across all X-ray detection elements, then artifacts are reduced, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equalizing signal processing characteristics across all elements, the patent applies local quality by ensuring adjacent elements have different characteristics through dedicated amplifier and converter assignments. This approach reduces artifacts caused by identical processing while avoiding the high cost and complexity of complete equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection array into groups with consistent processing characteristics, where each group is handled by dedicated hardware. This segmentation reduces artifacts within groups while maintaining overall system simplicity, avoiding the need for complex equalization across the entire array.
3Ease of manufacture
If adjacent X-ray detection elements have identical signal processing characteristics, then manufacturing is simplified, but image artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that adjacent X-ray detection elements have different signal processing characteristics by assigning dedicated QV amplifiers and AD converters to specific groups. This creates local diversity in processing characteristics, reducing image artifacts while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through systematic assignment patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection element array into multiple groups, with each group assigned to specific amplifiers and converters. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by creating repeatable assignment patterns while ensuring adjacent elements have different characteristics, thereby reducing artifacts.
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 configuration effectively reduces artifacts caused by signal processing variations without the need for equalizing signal processing characteristics, enhancing image quality and reducing costs by maintaining distinct signal processing characteristics across the X-ray detection element array.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray detection element 9X detects a transmitted X-ray transmitted through the object and outputs an electrical signal reflecting an intensity of the transmitted X-ray
Implementation Method 2
Each QV amplifier converts the electrical signal to a voltage signal and amplifies the voltage signal
Implementation Method 3
Each AD converter converts the voltage signal generated by a corresponding QV amplifier, to a digital signal
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus has: a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a matrix form; a QV amplifier unit having a plurality of QV amplifiers; a first connection unit connecting the plurality of X-ray detection elements and the QV amplifier unit; an AD converter unit having a plurality of AD converters; and a second connection unit connecting the QV amplifier unit and the AD converter unit. The plurality of X-ray detection elements and the QV amplifier unit are connected and the QV amplifier unit and the AD converter unit are connected so as to make different at least one of a signal processing characteristic of the QV amplifier unit and signal a processing characteristic of the AD converter unit for each X-ray detection element of the plurality of X-ray detection elements or for each of an adjacent plurality of X-ray detection elements.