3D Heterogeneous PET Detector Layout for Cost-Resolution Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PET systems face challenges in balancing high spatial resolution and cost, particularly in imaging different body parts with varying resolution requirements, as using high-performance crystal strips increases costs while using ordinary strips compromises resolution.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensionally heterogeneous PET system with detector modules composed of crystal strips of different performance levels, arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, allowing flexible adjustment based on organ-specific imaging needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional two-dimensional well logs are used, then the logging process is simple and fast, but the measurement precision and reliability of formation evaluation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation evaluation precisionVSAvoidlogging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional well logs to three-dimensional imaging logging by adding spatial dimensionality. The imaging logging device captures formation images in multiple directions (azimuthal and radial) to create three-dimensional representations of the borehole and formation, thereby improving measurement precision and formation evaluation reliability while accepting increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If imaging logging device is deployed, then formation images can be obtained, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation information completenessVSAvoidlogging operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging logging device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various logging tasks within a single system. It can perform electrical imaging, acoustic imaging, and other formation characterization functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying operational procedures despite the advanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces processing systems and software intermediaries that automatically process raw imaging data, correct distortions, and generate interpretable formation models. These intermediary processing layers reduce the operational burden on users by automating complex data processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If three-dimensional imaging logging is implemented, then formation characterization is improved, but the data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation evaluation reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data processing system is segmented into multiple specialized modules: image acquisition modules, distortion correction modules, formation interpretation modules, and integration modules. Each module handles specific aspects of the three-dimensional data processing, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while preserving formation evaluation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3488784B1Three-dimensional heterogeneous pet system
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 RAYCAN TECH CO LTD SU ZHOU
  • EP3488784B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3488784B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3488784B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The application provides a three-dimensionally heterogeneous PET system comprising at least two heterogeneous detector modules, each comprising at least two kinds of crystal strips closely arranged to form different detection performances levels for different kinds of crystal strips and same detection performances levels for same kind of crystal strips. Parameters of detection performances of crystal strips comprise energy resolution, density, size and light output, wherein different detection performances levels for crystal strips comprise one or more of parameters of detection performances of crystal strips being in different levels. Compared with a high spatial resolution PET system, the application effectively reduces manufacturing costs of a PET system without significantly reducing spatial resolution thereof. Compared with an ordinary spatial resolution PET system, it improves spatial resolution of a PET system by slightly increasing its cost, and can also provide imaging field of view with high spatial resolution in radial direction.