Hybrid X-ray Optical Detector Pixel Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid X-ray and optical detectors have limited optical functionalities and complex interconnections, leading to imaging inaccuracies and artefacts due to differences in acquisition time and patient movement in dual-imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid X-ray and optical detector design featuring a common photosensitive sensor with pixelated or continuous X-ray scintillators and optical components, such as microlenses and light guides, allowing for flexible distribution and optimization of X-ray and optical pixels to capture both types of imaging data simultaneously without special lighting or shutter requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical and X-ray image acquisition channels are mechanically combined in a gantry, then dual-imaging functionality is achieved, but imaging inaccuracies and artefacts occur due to differences in acquisition time and patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical and X-ray detection capabilities into a single hybrid detector unit with a common sensor substrate. Optical sensors and X-ray scintillators are integrated on the same detector chip, enabling simultaneous capture of both imaging modalities without mechanical combination of separate gantries, thereby eliminating misregistration artefacts
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid detector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both optical photons and X-ray radiation using a unified sensor platform. The detector performs dual-modality imaging (optical and X-ray) in a single device, eliminating the need for separate acquisition systems and improving coordination between imaging channels
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous optical sensor segments are interleaved in a common imaging area, then hybrid imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to complex interconnections between sensor segments
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into distinct optical sensor regions and X-ray scintillator regions on a common substrate. Each sensor type has dedicated pixel areas, but both are integrated on the same chip with independent readout circuits, allowing functional segmentation without complex interconnections between segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from interleaving sensor segments in the same plane to stacking different sensor types in different layers or regions on the same substrate. Optical sensors and X-ray scintillators are positioned in distinct areas of the detector chip, eliminating the need for complex interconnections while maintaining hybrid imaging capability
3Device complexity
If a common photosensitive sensor is used for both optical and X-ray detection, then device complexity is reduced, but optical functionalities may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the common sensor substrate are optimized for different detection functions. Optical sensor pixels are positioned in regions optimized for optical photon detection, while X-ray scintillator regions are positioned in areas optimized for X-ray conversion. Each region has tailored properties (sensor material, structure, optics) suited to its specific detection function, enabling diverse optical and X-ray functionalities within a single unified detector
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 design enhances optical imaging capabilities, simplifies the detector structure, and reduces crosstalk between X-ray and optical images, enabling accurate and efficient simultaneous capture of high-quality dual-imaging data.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray scintillator is configured to convert energy of incident X-ray radiation into optical photons
Implementation Method 2
The sensor pixels comprise X-ray pixels coupled with the X-ray scintillator to receive the converted optical photons
Implementation Method 3
Each optical component arrangement comprises at least one optical component configured for directing incident optical radiation towards the photosensitive sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an imaging detector. In order to provide a hybrid X-ray and optical detector with enhanced optical imaging capabilities and a simple design, an imaging detector is provided for capturing optical imaging data and X-ray imaging data. The imaging detector comprises a substrate, a photosensitive sensor, an X-ray scintillator, and an array of optical component arrangements. The photosensitive sensor comprises sensor pixels distributed across the imaging detector. The X-ray scintillator is configured to convert energy of incident X-ray radiation into optical photons. Each optical component arrangement comprises at least one optical component configured for directing incident optical radiation towards the photosensitive sensor. The sensor pixels comprise optical pixels, each coupled with a respective optical component arrangement to receive the incident optical radiation, thereby generating the optical imaging data. The sensor pixels comprise X-ray pixels coupled with the X-ray scintillator to receive the converted optical photons, thereby generating the X-ray imaging data.