Multi-faceted CT Detector Module for Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT detector systems face image data degradation and parallax artifacts when increasing slice coverage beyond 64 slices, particularly in cardiac imaging, due to the angle at which x-rays are received by pixels, leading to crosstalk, spectral non-linearity, and modulation transfer function deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A multi-faceted CT detector module with sub-modules positioned at varying angles relative to the x-ray source focal spot, minimizing image data degradation by optimizing the angle of each facet based on its position along the Z-axis to reduce parallax effects, allowing for up to 256 simultaneous slices with improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the detector array size is increased to accommodate 256 slices for cardiac imaging, then the coverage area and scanning efficiency are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to parallax effects, crosstalk, and MTF deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independent detector modules, each with its own angled facets. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific angular ranges while maintaining overall large coverage area, thereby reducing parallax effects and crosstalk between adjacent detectors
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector module incorporates facets with different angles optimized for their specific position and function. The angulation of facets is locally optimized to minimize parallax effects and maintain uniform MTF across the entire detector array, ensuring high image quality in different regions
2Productivity
If the number of slices is increased beyond 64 to achieve 256 slices, then the productivity and scanning speed are improved, but image data degradation occurs due to angle-dependent performance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules are designed with adjustable angulation capabilities, allowing the system to dynamically optimize detector angles based on the specific imaging task. This enables maintaining high image quality reliability while achieving fast scanning speeds for cardiac imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The angulation parameters of detector facets are optimized to change based on position within the array. By varying the angle parameters across different modules, the system maintains consistent image quality across all 256 slices while enabling high-speed scanning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detector width in Z-axis is increased to cover full heart organ, then the versatility for cardiac imaging is improved, but parallax artifacts increase leading to image reconstruction errors
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules are designed with asymmetric angulation patterns rather than uniform symmetry. Each module's facets are angled differently based on their specific position and function, which reduces parallax artifacts while maintaining the large Z-axis coverage needed for cardiac imaging versatility
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 solution enables high-quality image reconstruction of the cardiac region with minimal image data degradation, allowing for efficient scanning of a greater volume in a single rotation, effectively addressing the limitations of existing CT systems in cardiac imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator for converting x-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator
Implementation Method 2
photodiodes for receiving the light energy from the adjacent scintillator and producing electrical signals therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system and method for CT image acquisition with increased slice acquisition and minimal image data degradation is provided. The system (10) includes an x-ray projection source (14) positioned that projects a cone beam of x-rays (16) from a focal spot (15) of the x-ray projection source (14) toward an object (22) and a plurality of detector modules (20) positioned on the rotatable gantry (12) to receive x-rays attenuated by the object (22). Each of the detector modules (20) includes a module frame (52) having a top surface (56) that includes a plurality of facets (58) formed thereon constructed so as to be oriented at differing angles relative to the focal spot (15) and a plurality of sub-modules (60) positioned on the plurality of facets (58) to receive the x-rays attenuated by the object (22) and to convert the x-rays (16) to electrical signals, with each sub-module (60) being oriented at an angle relative to the focal spot (15) based on a respective facet (58) on which the sub-module (60) is mounted.