Flexible X-ray Detector with Selectable ROI Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face difficulties in properly orienting the x-ray source relative to the object or patient, especially when the region of interest is large, requiring laborious and slow processes involving movement of the object, patient, or detector, and are inadequate for critical conditions where movement is not possible.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a larger, flexible detector array and a control mechanism that allows the x-ray source to be positioned relative to the object without moving the detector or patient, enabling x-ray image acquisition from multiple angles by determining the aligned detector elements and operating them independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the detector size is increased to encompass large regions of interest, then the imaging coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independently controllable detector elements or regions. The control mechanism can selectively activate only the detector elements that are aligned with the x-ray source and region of interest, effectively segmenting the large detector into functional zones. This reduces the active complexity while maintaining large coverage area capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically determines which detector elements to operate based on the position of the x-ray source and the defined region of interest. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt the active detector area to match the imaging requirements, optimizing performance while managing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the object or patient is moved to properly orient the x-ray source relative to the region of interest, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the object or patient to achieve proper orientation, the system inverts the approach by moving the x-ray source relative to the stationary object and using control mechanisms to select the appropriate detector elements. This eliminates the need to move the patient while maintaining imaging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical movement of the patient or object is replaced with electronic control of the x-ray source position and detector element selection. The control mechanism computationally determines the aligned detector elements based on geometric relationships, substituting mechanical repositioning with electronic control and calculation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the x-ray source and detector are moved to obtain images from multiple angles, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of which detector elements are aligned with the x-ray source and region of interest before actual image acquisition. This pre-calculation of detector element selection enables rapid switching between different imaging angles and configurations without the delay of mechanical repositioning, improving both versatility and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically adjusts which detector elements are active based on the desired imaging angle and x-ray source position. This dynamic element selection allows the system to quickly adapt to different imaging geometries without physical movement of the entire detector assembly, maintaining versatility while improving imaging speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the detector elements are made independently operable, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements, with each element capable of being activated or deactivated based on imaging requirements. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different regions of interest and imaging geometries while the modular nature manages the complexity through standardized element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The independently operable detector elements provide universal functionality, where each element can serve multiple imaging purposes depending on its activation status. This multi-functionality at the element level allows the detector to adapt to various imaging scenarios without requiring separate specialized components, balancing versatility with complexity management.
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
Enables efficient and high-quality x-ray image acquisition of large regions of interest without moving the detector or patient, improving imaging speed and accessibility for critical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The detector elements 202 produce an electrical signal representative of the intensity of the impinging x-ray beams 112
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.