Hybrid Spectral Non-Spectral Detector Array for CT Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT scanners either lack spectral information in non-spectral imaging or are expensive due to the use of energy-resolving detector arrays, which are costly compared to conventional detectors.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid detector array combining both spectral and non-spectral detectors, with spectral detectors in the center region and non-spectral detectors in outer regions, allowing for the reconstruction of spectral and non-spectral volumetric image data, and employing algorithms for material decomposition and reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a spectral CT scanner with energy-resolving detector array is used, then spectral characteristics are captured, but the system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral informationVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detector array is segmented into multiple regions with different functions: spectral detector regions for capturing energy-dependent attenuation characteristics and non-spectral detector regions for standard imaging. This segmentation allows the system to obtain spectral information only where needed, reducing overall system cost while maintaining spectral capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the detector array are assigned different qualities: spectral detectors with energy-resolving capabilities are placed in specific regions, while conventional non-spectral detectors are used in other regions. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between spectral information acquisition and system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a dual-layer spectral detector with multiple photosensors is used, then photon energy separation is achieved, but the detector module becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoton energy separationVSAvoiddetector cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detector array is divided into spectral and non-spectral regions, with spectral detectors using multiple photosensors only where energy separation is required. This reduces the total number of expensive photosensor components while maintaining spectral measurement precision in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conventional non-spectral detectors are used in regions where full spectral capability is not needed, replacing expensive spectral detector modules with more cost-effective conventional detectors, thereby reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If only non-spectral detectors are used, then system cost is reduced, but spectral information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidspectral characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The detector array is segmented to include both spectral and non-spectral detector regions. The spectral detector regions capture energy-dependent attenuation characteristics while non-spectral regions provide standard imaging, ensuring spectral information is preserved where needed without incurring costs across the entire array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid detector array serves multiple functions: spectral imaging in designated regions and conventional imaging in other regions, allowing a single system to perform both spectral and non-spectral imaging tasks without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces system costs while providing spectral capabilities, enabling the generation of accurate spectral and non-spectral image data for basis materials, improving imaging efficiency and reducing expenses.

Implementation Method 1

each scintillator layer produces optical photons in response to detecting incident x-ray radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

The photosensor sense the optical photons and generates signals indicative thereof and hence indicative of the detected photons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The x-ray tube is configured to emit radiation that traverses the examination region and is detected by the detector array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9980686B2Hybrid (spectral/non-spectral) imaging detector array and corresponding processing electronics

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An imaging system (100) includes a detector array (110) that detects radiation traversing an examination region. The detector array includes at least a set of non-spectral detectors (112) that detects a first sub-portion of the radiation traversing the examination region and generates first signals indicative thereof. The detector array further includes at least a set of spectral detectors (114) that detects a second sub-portion of the radiation traversing the examination region and generates second signals indicative thereof. The imaging system further includes a reconstructor (120) that processes the first and second signals, generating volumetric image data.