Integrated Detector Systems for Multi-Modality Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems, such as SPECT-PET and CT-SPECT, face performance compromises and high costs due to separate detectors and imaging spaces, leading to inefficiencies in medical and small animal imaging.

Innovation Solution

Development of high-speed detector electronics and various detector materials for integrated detector systems that combine Compton-PET, CT-PET, and other imaging modalities, enabling cost-effective and multipurpose imaging solutions with enhanced radiation detection capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate detectors and imaging spaces are used for different imaging modalities (SPECT-PET, CT-SPECT), then each modality can be optimized independently, but system costs increase and imaging efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (CT, SPECT, PET) into a single integrated detector system that shares a common imaging space. The detector array is designed to accommodate different imaging techniques simultaneously, allowing multiple modalities to operate together without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector system is designed with universal functionality to support multiple imaging modalities including CT, SPECT, and PET. The same detector array can be configured for different imaging techniques, and the system can perform single or combined modalities as needed, providing multi-functional capability that eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate detectors and imaging spaces are used for different imaging modalities, then each modality can be optimized independently, but scan time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidscan time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (CT, SPECT, PET) into a single integrated detector system that shares a common imaging space. The detector array is designed to accommodate different imaging techniques simultaneously, allowing multiple modalities to operate together without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated detector system enables continuous acquisition of multiple imaging modalities without requiring the object to be moved or repositioned between different scanners. The system can perform CT, SPECT, and PET imaging in a continuous sequence or simultaneously within the same imaging session, eliminating idle time and improving overall scan efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If separate detectors and imaging spaces are used for different imaging modalities, then each modality can be optimized independently, but registration error increases and measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidregistration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (CT, SPECT, PET) into a single integrated detector system that shares a common imaging space. The detector array is designed to accommodate different imaging techniques simultaneously, allowing multiple modalities to operate together without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated detector system serves as a common reference frame for all imaging modalities. By acquiring CT, SPECT, and PET images within the same physical detector array and imaging space, the system eliminates the need for complex image registration between separately acquired modalities, thereby improving measurement precision and reducing registration errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The integrated detector systems provide improved spatial, temporal, and energy resolution, reducing costs and enhancing imaging performance by sharing detectors and imaging spaces, thus overcoming the limitations of separate systems.

Implementation Method 1

a photodetector coupled to a scintillator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a scintillator configured to be struck by incident radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentUS12019194B2Structured detectors and detector systems for radiation imaging

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 MINNESOTA IMAGING & ENGINEERING LLC

AI summary

Detector module designs for radiographic imaging include first and second layers of scintillator rods or pixel arrays oriented in first and second directions. The first and second directions are transversely oriented to define a light sharing region between the first and second layers. Encoding features may be disposed in, on or between the first and second layers, and configured to modulate propagation of optical signals therealong or therebetween.