Modular CT X-Ray Detector Wireless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT systems face challenges in transmitting high data volumes from rotating parts to stationary parts due to limitations in slip ring systems, which are insufficient for advanced detector technologies with finer pixelation and multiple energy thresholds, and radio transmission systems do not yet meet the required data rates.

Innovation Solution

Integration of wireless data transmission systems with radio units and antennas in detector modules and the stationary part, allowing for direct and decentralized transmission of detector data, and using antenna arrays and frequency management to achieve higher data transmission rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slip ring systems are used for data transmission, then mechanical connection is established between rotating and stationary parts, but data transmission rate is limited to several 100 Mbit/s which is insufficient for counting detectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a wireless transmission system consisting of a transmitter in the rotating detector module and a receiver in the stationary gantry. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact limitations and enables data transmission rates sufficient for counting detectors with fine pixelation and multiple energy thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If radio transmission paths are used instead of slip ring systems, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but required data rates cannot be achieved on their own

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical complexityVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detector into multiple independent detector modules, each with its own integrated transmitter. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission from multiple modules simultaneously, achieving the required aggregate data rate while maintaining low mechanical complexity. Each module transmits its data independently through wireless radio paths to the stationary receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If detector modules have finer pixelation and multiple energy thresholds, then measurement precision is improved, but data quantity to be transmitted increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy resolution precisionVSAvoiddata quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless transmission to handle the increased data volume generated by high-precision counting detectors. By replacing the bandwidth-limited mechanical slip ring system with a high-capacity wireless system, the patent enables the detector to achieve fine pixelation and multiple energy thresholds without being constrained by transmission bandwidth limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables higher data transmission rates than slip ring systems, simplifies data processing, reduces component complexity, and provides a cost-effective solution with improved scalability and reduced space and climatic complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless data transmission system, to transmit at least detector information relating to a measured x-ray radiation from the rotatable part to the stationary part, the wireless data transmission system including at least one radio unit with a transmitter/receiver and at least one radio antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9943283B2CT system having a modular x-ray detector and data transmission system for transmitting detector data

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A CT system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the CT system includes a stationary part, including a stationary part, including a plurality of non-rotating components; a rotatable part configured to rotate about a system axis during operation, including at least one x-ray detector, the at least one x-ray detector being modular in design and including a plurality of detector modules, the detector modules each including a plurality of detector pixels; a wireless data transmission system, to transmit at least detector information relating to a measured x-ray radiation from the rotatable part to the stationary part, the wireless data transmission system including at least one radio unit with a transmitter/receiver and at least one radio antenna, integrated in a plurality of the detector modules, to transmit at least the detector information; and at least one radio unit including a radio antenna and a receiver/transmitter, arranged on the stationary part.