Hybrid Detector CT Imaging for High-Resolution ROI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT systems face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution for targeted regions of interest (ROI) within a smaller field of view, leading to image blurring and artifacts, especially when imaging small features like coronary plaques, due to high flux and low flux regions being proximal and rapidly encountered, which complicates clinical diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring preliminary image data at a first resolution using a hybrid detector system with both energy integrating and discriminating detector elements, identifying the target ROI, and reconfiguring the imaging system to acquire target image data at a higher resolution using a hybrid detector, reducing radiation dose and mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional CT systems use high flux radiation sources to improve imaging speed and signal-to-noise ratio, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to image blurring and artifacts in targeted ROI
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into two distinct types: energy integrating (EI) detectors for capturing high flux radiation at high speed, and energy discriminating (ED) detectors for capturing spectral information at high resolution. This segmentation allows each detector type to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between imaging speed and image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array are assigned different detector types based on local imaging requirements. The EI detectors are positioned to capture high flux regions for overall imaging speed, while ED detectors are positioned for targeted ROI regions requiring high resolution. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve high productivity in general areas and high manufacturing precision in critical areas
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive detector configurations and heavy high power tubes are used to improve image quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid detector array provides multiple functions within a single system: EI detectors handle high flux radiation for speed, while ED detectors provide spectral information for resolution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging systems or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the radiation source and detector based on the imaging task. For high-speed general imaging, high flux parameters are used with EI detectors. For high-resolution ROI imaging, the system switches to lower flux parameters with ED detectors. This parameter switching allows high image quality without requiring permanently high-power (and thus heavy and complex) radiation sources
3Productivity
If fast gantry spinning is used to reduce imaging time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and mechanical restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of fast gantry spinning with an electronic/detector-based solution. Instead of mechanically rotating the gantry faster (which increases mechanical complexity and restrictions), the system uses the hybrid detector array to achieve rapid data acquisition. The EI detectors capture high flux radiation quickly, and the ED detectors capture spectral information simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical speed increases
4Manufacturing precision
If additional imaging time and radiation dosage are used to improve image resolution of small features, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ED detectors are specifically positioned and configured to target regions of interest (ROI) where high resolution is needed for small features. By concentrating the high-resolution capability only where necessary rather than across the entire field of view, the system achieves high manufacturing precision for small features without requiring additional imaging time or radiation dosage across the whole image
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 allows for high-resolution imaging of targeted regions with reduced radiation dose and minimal artifacts, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for conditions like cardiac vulnerable plaque and lung diseases while maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the detector array in a CT system employs one or more elements for converting X-ray photon energy into current signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media for imaging are presented. Preliminary image data corresponding to a first FOV of a subject at a first resolution is acquired using an imaging system including one or more radiation sources and at least one hybrid detector, specifically using at least one section of the hybrid detector having the first resolution. The target ROI is identified using the preliminary image data. Further, the subject is positioned to align the target ROI along a designated axis. Additionally, parameters associated with the sources, the hybrid detector and/or an imaging system gantry are configured for acquiring target image data at a second resolution greater than the first resolution using at least one section of the hybrid detector having the second resolution. Further, one or more images corresponding to at least the target ROI are reconstructed using the target and/or the preliminary image data.