Tileable CT Detector Sub-Modules for Cardiac Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT detector systems face challenges in manufacturing, cost, testability, and performance when increasing detector size beyond 64 slices to accommodate cardiac imaging, which requires a larger coverage area, such as 256 slices, due to the complexity of long scintillating and photodiode arrays.
Innovation Solution
A CT detector system with a modular design featuring tileable sub-modules aligned along the Z-axis, each comprising a scintillator array, photodiodes, and an ASIC electronics package for analog-to-digital conversion, connected via a digital flex circuit to an electronics board, allowing for scalable and efficient data acquisition with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the detector array size is increased beyond 64 slices to accommodate cardiac imaging, then the coverage area and slice acquisition capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity, cost, and testability deteriorate due to the complexity of long scintillating and photodiode arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independent sub-arrays, each with its own scintillator and photodiode components. These modular sub-arrays can be manufactured separately and then assembled to form the complete detector system, reducing the complexity of manufacturing long continuous arrays while maintaining the required coverage area for cardiac imaging
2Area of stationary object
If the detector array size is increased beyond 64 slices to accommodate cardiac imaging, then the coverage area and slice acquisition capability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the complexity of long scintillating and photodiode arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple sub-arrays that can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes and then assembled. This modular approach avoids the need to manufacture extremely long continuous arrays, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the required coverage area for cardiac imaging
3Area of stationary object
If the detector array size is increased beyond 64 slices to accommodate cardiac imaging, then the coverage area and slice acquisition capability are improved, but the testability deteriorates due to the complexity of long scintillating and photodiode arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into independent sub-arrays that can be tested individually during manufacturing and assembly. This modular structure significantly improves testability compared to testing a single long continuous array, as defects can be localized to specific sub-arrays and tested in isolation
4Area of stationary object
If traditional long scintillating and photodiode arrays are used to increase coverage beyond 64 slices, then the detector coverage is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to the inherent noise in long arrays
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the detector into separate sub-arrays, each with its own signal processing electronics, the patent reduces the cumulative noise that would be present in a single long array. Each sub-array can be optimized independently, improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the required coverage area for cardiac imaging
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 modular design enhances detector performance, scalability, and manufacturability, enabling detailed cardiac imaging within a single rotation while reducing noise and costs by direct conversion of x-rays to digital signals, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional detector arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator for converting x-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator
Implementation Method 2
photodiodes for receiving the light energy from the adjacent scintillator and producing electrical signals therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A CT system is disclosed that includes detector modules positioned on a rotatable gantry configured to receive x-rays attenuated by an object. Each detector module includes a module frame, a plurality of tileable sub-modules on the module frame aligned along a Z-axis thereof to receive the x-rays attenuated by the object and convert the x-rays to digital signals, and an electronics board connected to the plurality of sub-modules to receive the digital signals. Each sub-module further includes an array of detector elements to receive x-rays attenuated through the object and convert the x-rays into analog electrical signals, an ASIC electronics package coupled to the array of detector elements to receive the analog electrical signals and convert the analog electrical signals to digital signals, and a flex circuit connected to the ASIC electronics package to receive the digital signals and transfer the digital signals to the electronics board.