Multi-layer flat panel X-ray detector for dual-energy mammography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital subtraction mammography methods require multiple x-ray exposures, leading to misalignment issues due to patient movement and the need for dual energy beam exposures, which increases radiation dose and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer flat panel x-ray detector design where two conversion layers are stacked to capture low-energy and high-energy information from a single x-ray source, reducing misalignment and the need for multiple exposures by using a single energy beam exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual energy subtraction method is used to acquire low-energy and high-energy images, then image quality for visualizing contrast agent is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases due to two separate x-ray exposures
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple layers, with each layer detecting a specific energy range. The first conversion layer detects low-energy x-rays while the second conversion layer detects high-energy x-rays. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of dual-energy images from a single x-ray exposure, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from temporal separation (two separate exposures at different times) to spatial separation (multiple detector layers detecting different energies simultaneously). By adding the dimensional aspect of energy discrimination across multiple layers, the system achieves dual-energy imaging in a single exposure.
2Measurement precision
If temporal subtraction method is used requiring two separate images at different times, then contrast enhancement is achieved, but misalignment issues occur due to patient movement between exposures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the acquisition of low-energy and high-energy images into a single simultaneous exposure event. Both conversion layers detect their respective energy ranges at the same time, eliminating the temporal gap that causes misalignment due to patient movement. The merged acquisition ensures perfect spatial correspondence between the images.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is pre-configured with multiple conversion layers tuned to different energy ranges before the x-ray exposure. This preliminary setup allows the system to capture both energy spectra simultaneously during a single exposure, preventing misalignment issues that would arise from sequential imaging.
3Reliability
If multiple conversion layers are stacked to capture different energy information simultaneously, then misalignment issues are reduced and radiation dose is lowered, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector structure employs a nested configuration where conversion layers are stacked one on top of another. Each conversion layer is positioned within the same detector housing and shares common structural support, readout electronics, and processing systems. This nesting approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-energy detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked conversion layers share common infrastructure including readout electronics, data processing systems, and structural support. This multi-functionality approach allows the detector to perform multiple energy measurements simultaneously while utilizing a single integrated system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 allows for accurate digital subtraction mammography with reduced misalignment effects and lower patient radiation exposure, as it captures necessary image information with a single x-ray dose, enhancing image quality and simplifying the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a first conversion layer and a second conversion layer. The first conversion layer is located between a high frequency electromagnetic energy source and the second conversion layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a multi-layer flat panel detector comprising a first conversion layer, a second conversion layer, at least one printed circuit board for receiving signals generated by the first or second direct conversion layers, and a processor for processing the signals to produce an image being generated.