Low Resolution Scintillating Array for CT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging systems face challenges in reducing costs while providing full and limited field-of-view (FOV) imaging capabilities, as existing systems with full FOV are costly and result in truncation artifacts when imaging objects larger than the ROI, requiring additional information outside the FOV for accurate reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A CT system utilizing a detector array with a first array of pixels for low resolution imaging outside a FOV and a second array for high resolution imaging within the FOV, allowing for efficient data acquisition and image reconstruction using a computer program to process data from both arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a full FOV detector array is used to provide imaging capability over the entire 50 cm field of view, then imaging information for both limited FOV and full FOV applications is obtained, but the cost of the CT system becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple regions with different resolutions. The first region provides high-resolution imaging for limited FOV applications while the second region provides lower-resolution imaging for full FOV coverage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility for both application types while reducing overall system cost by not requiring full high-resolution coverage across the entire detector array.
2Ease of manufacture
If a limited FOV detector array is used to reduce cost, then cost is reduced, but truncation artifacts occur when imaging objects larger than the ROI
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the detector array are assigned different resolution qualities based on their functional requirements. The first region (for limited FOV) uses high-resolution detectors to ensure image quality and avoid truncation artifacts, while the second region (for full FOV) uses lower-resolution detectors sufficient for peripheral coverage. This local quality differentiation maintains reliability for the primary imaging task while reducing overall cost.
3Measurement precision
If a high-resolution detector array is used for the entire FOV, then image resolution is maximized, but the cost and complexity of the system increases unnecessarily for applications where full FOV high resolution is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array implements local quality variation where only the first region (corresponding to limited FOV) uses high-resolution detectors, while the second region (full FOV) uses lower-resolution detectors. This ensures maximum image resolution is provided only where clinically necessary, reducing device complexity and cost without compromising the quality of the primary imaging task.
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 reduces the cost of CT systems by using low-resolution detector modules for peripheral imaging, minimizing truncation errors, and enabling accurate image reconstruction over both limited and full FOVs, thereby enhancing imaging capabilities without the need for expensive full FOV scanners.
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 includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object, and a detector array configured to detect x-rays passing through the object. The detector array includes a first array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays that pass to the detector array outside a first field-of-view (FOV) to a second FOV, the first array of pixels providing a first resolution, and a second array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays passing through the first FOV, the second array of pixels providing a second resolution that is different from the first resolution. The system includes a data acquisition system (DAS) configured to receive outputs from the detector array, and a computer programmed to acquire projections of imaging data of the object, and generate an image of the object using the imaging data.