Detector Temperature Estimation Using Adjacent Thermal Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems face inaccuracies in temperature measurement due to lag in temperature readings from thermal probes, leading to unstable temperature control and incorrect data correction, affecting detector performance in PET and PCCT systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a thermal probe adjacent to radiation sensors to measure temperature, with processing circuitry estimating the sensor's temperature through signal processing, applying impulse response functions and filters to compensate for location differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermal probe is placed adjacent to the radiation sensor to measure temperature, then the temperature measurement is easier to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to heat transfer lag and location differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal model that acts as a mediator between the thermal probe measurement and the actual detector temperature. The model includes thermal resistance and capacitance parameters that represent the heat transfer path from the detector to the probe location. This intermediary model allows the system to use the easily obtainable probe temperature reading while compensating for the heat transfer lag and location differences through calculated thermal parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of measurement and measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thermal probe is positioned away from the detector element, then the probe placement is simpler and less intrusive, but the temperature reading becomes inaccurate due to thermal gradients and heat transfer time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal model serves as an intermediary that bridges the spatial gap between the probe and detector. By modeling the heat transfer path with thermal resistance and capacitance, the system can accurately infer the detector temperature from the probe temperature even when they are spatially separated. This approach maintains the ease of probe placement while compensating for the thermal gradients and time delays through the mathematical model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the thermal path between the detector and probe during system setup or calibration. Thermal parameters such as resistance and capacitance are determined in advance through measurement or simulation. This preliminary action allows the system to have accurate temperature compensation ready before actual operation, eliminating the need for the probe to be positioned exactly at the detector location while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Provides accurate real-time temperature estimation for temperature-sensitive components, improving detector stability and data correction in PET and PCCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal probe to measure a temperature at a particular location adjacent to a radiation sensor
Implementation Method 2
applying signal processing techniques such as impulse response functions to account for heat transfer differences between locations
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method in which image scanning circuitry acquires imaging information of an object, and thermal detection circuitry is disposed in close proximity to the image scanning circuitry. The thermal detection circuitry estimates a temperature of the image scanning circuitry by calculating a thermal transfer of heat passing from the image scanning circuitry to the thermal detection circuitry.