Imaging Detector Self-Diagnostic Circuitry for CT Scanner Health Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging detector systems, particularly in CT scanners, face challenges in monitoring and addressing radiation-induced degradation, which can lead to performance issues and noise problems, especially in low-dose protocols, where software corrections are limited in effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating self-diagnosing circuitry within detector modules that monitor predetermined parameters such as bias current, dark current, gain, sensitivity, homogeneity, crosstalk, and temperature, generating service-related information to facilitate timely maintenance, calibration, or replacement, and conveying this information to a console for visual notification and scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based corrections are used to compensate for defective detector pixels, then image quality can be maintained to some extent, but the system cannot detect early signs of radiation damage or predict when service will be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring detector module parameters (bias current, dark current, gain, sensitivity, homogeneity, crosstalk, temperature) and comparing them against baseline values to detect deviations indicating radiation damage or performance degradation, enabling proactive service scheduling before image quality is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The detector module performs self-diagnosis by internally monitoring its own operational parameters and generating service indication signals without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to autonomously identify when calibration or replacement is needed
2Reliability
If routine calibration is performed periodically to compensate for drift, then image artifacts can be corrected, but the system cannot predict when detector modules will fail or require service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring detector health parameters continuously and generating early warnings of performance degradation before it affects image quality, allowing service to be scheduled in advance during planned downtime rather than causing unexpected interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts service scheduling based on actual detector module condition rather than following a fixed calendar schedule, prioritizing modules showing signs of degradation while allowing modules in good condition to operate longer, thereby optimizing uptime
3Quantity of substance
If edge detector modules are used to maximize detector array coverage, then more radiation can be detected, but these modules experience higher radiation damage and require more frequent service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by monitoring and managing each detector module independently according to its specific radiation exposure level and health state, allowing differentiated service scheduling where high-radiation edge modules receive more frequent attention while low-radiation center modules operate longer between services
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging detector module (112) of an imaging system includes at least one detector pixel (114) and self-diagnosing circuitry (116). The self-diagnosing circuitry includes a microprocessor (202) and at least measurement device (210). The microprocessor controls the at least measurement device to measure at least one parameter of the at least one detector pixel, wherein a value of the at least one parameter is indicative of a health state of the imaging system. A method includes employing self-diagnosing circuitry embedded in an imaging detector module to measure at least one parameter of at least one detector pixel of the imaging detector module. A value of the at least one parameter is indicative of a health state of the imaging detector. The method further includes generating, with the self- diagnosing circuitry, a signal indicating a health state of the imaging detector module based on the measured at least one parameter.