Multi-Energy Radiation Imaging Detector Array Estimation

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-energy imaging modalities are costly and complex due to the need for additional hardware to detect multiple radiation energy spectra, making them less practical for applications like airport security where distinguishing between objects based on density and atomic number is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a detector array with two sets of detector cells configured to detect different radiation energy spectra, where partial data sets are generated and completed by estimating the excluded data from each set, allowing for the reconstruction of complete data sets indicative of both energy spectra using a single detector array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multi-energy imaging modalities use multiple distinct radiation photon energy spectra to reconstruct images, then measurement precision for physical properties (density, atomic number) is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple radiation energy spectrum detections into a single detector array by assigning different detector cells to different energy spectra. Instead of using separate detectors for each energy spectrum, the system merges the detection functions into one integrated array, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining multi-energy measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector array is designed to perform multiple functions by having different detector cells detect different radiation energy spectra simultaneously. This universal detector can handle both first and second energy spectra measurements without requiring separate specialized hardware for each energy range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multi-energy imaging modalities use multiple distinct radiation photon energy spectra to reconstruct images, then measurement precision for physical properties (density, atomic number) is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple radiation energy spectrum detections into a single detector array by assigning different detector cells to different energy spectra. Instead of using separate detectors for each energy spectrum, the system merges the detection functions into one integrated array, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining multi-energy measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single detector array is used to detect both first and second radiation energy spectra, then device complexity is reduced, but data completeness for each energy spectrum becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddata completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates complete data sets for both energy spectra by copying and estimating missing information. When the first detector cell detects the first energy spectrum, the system estimates what the first detector cell would have detected for the second energy spectrum by referencing the second detector cell's measurements, effectively creating a complete data set through informational copying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses estimation algorithms as intermediaries to transfer information between different energy spectrum measurements. The system uses data from one energy spectrum and detector cells as intermediary information to reconstruct and complete the data sets for both energy spectra, bridging the information gap without requiring additional physical hardware.

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

Enables cost-effective measurement of both radiation energy spectra, improving detection capabilities by allowing differentiation between objects with similar densities but different atomic numbers without the need for extensive additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

a first set of detector cells configured to detect a first radiation energy spectrum of emitted radiation and a second set of detector cells configured to detect a second radiation energy spectrum of emitted radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9619730B2Estimating multi-energy data in a radiation imaging modality

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 ANALOGIC CORP

AI summary

Multi-energy imaging is afforded with a single detector array by generating a first data set, indicative of a first radiation energy spectrum, using a first set of cells of the array, and by generating a second data set, indicative of a second radiation energy spectrum, using a second set of cells of the array (e.g., where substantially more cells are in the first set than the second). The first data set is comprised of measured data from the first set of cells and estimated data that would have been yielded from the second set of cells had the second set been configured to detect the first energy spectrum. The second data set is comprised of measured data yielded from the second set of cells and estimated data that would have been yielded from the first set of cells had the first set been configured to detect the second energy spectrum.