Detector Tile Dose Compensation for CT Imaging Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computed tomography (CT) scanners, the varying response of detector tiles to radiation exposure leads to artifacts in image data due to changes in operational parameters such as gain and thermal coefficients over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dose determiner within the detector tile's electronics to sense radiation exposure and generate a signal for correcting parameters like gain and thermal coefficients, thereby compensating for changes caused by deposited dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detector tiles are used to detect radiation in CT scanners, then image data can be obtained, but operational parameters such as gain and thermal coefficients vary over time due to radiation exposure, leading to image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the deposited dose is continuously monitored and used to adjust operational parameters of the detector tile. The dose determiner measures the radiation dose accumulated by the detector tile, and this information is fed back to correct parameters such as gain and thermal coefficients, ensuring consistent detector response and eliminating image artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters of the detector tile based on the measured deposited dose. By adjusting parameters such as gain and thermal coefficients as a function of accumulated radiation dose, the system compensates for parameter drift and maintains measurement precision throughout the detector's operational lifetime.
2Reliability
If operational parameters of detector tiles are corrected based on deposited dose, then image artifacts are reduced, but additional electronics including a dose determiner are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dose determination functionality with the existing detector tile electronics. The dose determiner is integrated into the detector tile structure, merging the radiation detection and dose measurement functions into a single unified component, thereby minimizing additional complexity while enabling parameter correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector tile electronics are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting radiation signals, determining deposited dose, and correcting operational parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 effectively reduces image artifacts by accurately correcting operational parameters and predicting when detector tiles need replacement, maintaining image quality and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A detector tile has included a scintillator optically coupled to a two-dimensional photosensor array, which is electrically coupled to electronics
Implementation Method 2
a dose determiner that determines a deposited dose for the detector tile and generates a signal indicative thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A detector tile (116) of an imaging system (100) includes a photosensor array (204) and electronics (208) electrically coupled to the photosensor array (204), wherein the electronics includes a dose determiner (402) that determines a deposited dose for the detector tile (116) and generates a signal indicative thereof. In one non-limiting instance, this signal is utilized to correct parameters such as gain and thermal coefficients, which may vary with radiation dose.