Data Acquisition Device Waveform Comparison for X-ray CT Pile-up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon-counting X-ray CT systems face challenges in maintaining image quality due to pile-up effects at high doses, where the inability to discriminate individual X-ray photons leads to data loss and incorrect voltage pulse values, especially when using indirect-conversion type detectors with low response speed and high absorption efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data acquisition device with processing circuitry that compares the reference waveform of signals from detectors with the actual detection signals to estimate radiation energy, correcting for pile-up by dividing multiple peaks and using the previous peak's waveform to correct subsequent peaks, thereby improving image quality and reducing pile-up effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect-conversion type detectors are used to achieve high absorption efficiency, then detection sensitivity is improved, but response speed deteriorates causing pile-up effects at high doses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference waveforms in advance before actual measurement. By pre-storing the characteristic waveforms of the detector, the system can quickly compare incoming signals against these references without waiting for waveform generation, thereby compensating for the slow response speed of indirect-conversion detectors and reducing pile-up effects at high doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from time-domain sampling to waveform shape comparison. Instead of measuring signal amplitude at specific time points (which requires fast response), the system compares the overall waveform shape against stored references, enabling accurate energy measurement despite the slow response characteristics of indirect-conversion detectors.
2Productivity
If conventional photon counting is used at high doses, then data acquisition speed is maintained, but pile-up effects cause data loss and incorrect voltage pulse values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/electronic counting method with a waveform pattern recognition approach. Instead of relying on fast electronic counters to distinguish individual photons, the system uses stored reference waveforms as templates to identify and measure photon energy through shape matching, maintaining reliability at high doses without sacrificing acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the ideal detector response waveform and stores them as references. By comparing actual detector outputs against these copied reference patterns, the system can accurately measure photon energy even when multiple photons arrive close together, preventing data loss and incorrect values that would occur with conventional counting methods.
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 solution enhances image quality by accurately estimating radiation energy and reducing pile-up, even at high doses, while maintaining the high absorption efficiency and stability of indirect-conversion type detectors.
Implementation Method 1
photon counting is conducted on X-rays, transmitted through the subject, or gamma rays based on an isotope or labeled compound
Implementation Method 2
indirect-conversion type detectors of a scintillator
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition device according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to compare the reference waveform of a signal, which is output from a detector that detects radiation, with the waveform of a detection signal based on the radiation, which enters the detector through the subject and which is detected by the detector. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate the information about the radiation, which enters the detector through the subject, in accordance with a comparison result.