Multiplexing Detector Block Position Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
As detector size decreases in radiation detection systems, there is a need to redesign and operate detectors more efficiently to remove or reduce associated circuitry, while maintaining or improving image resolution in applications like PET and SPECT imaging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a detector with a first and second photodetector array, each with a mini-block circuit and summation circuit, calculating energy and position coordinates of radiation signals, and processing these signals to determine radiation parameters, allowing for efficient detection and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of detectors is increased to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector blocks share common ADC channels through signal multiplexing. The patent combines signals from multiple photodetector arrays and processes them through shared readout circuits, reducing the total number of ADC channels needed while maintaining the ability to detect signals from all detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single ADC channel serves multiple detector blocks by time-multiplexed signal acquisition. The readout circuit is designed to universally handle signals from different detector blocks sequentially, making one ADC channel perform the function of multiple channels.
2Measurement precision
If the size of individual detectors is decreased to increase detector count, then image resolution is improved, but the associated circuitry becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is divided into multiple independent detector blocks, each with its own photodetector array but sharing common readout resources. This segmentation allows small detector elements to be grouped into larger functional units that can share circuitry, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detector blocks are combined into a unified readout system where signals from multiple small detectors are multiplexed and processed through shared ADC channels and summation circuits, simplifying the circuitry required for each individual detector.
3Productivity
If more ADC channels are used to handle increased detector count, then detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector blocks are merged into a single readout system that uses time-division multiplexing to share ADC channels. Instead of having dedicated ADC channels for each detector block, the system combines signals and processes them through shared resources, reducing the total number of ADC channels needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout system uses periodic time-multiplexed acquisition to sequentially sample signals from different detector blocks. ADC channels are periodically assigned to different detector blocks in a time-division scheme, allowing the same hardware resources to serve multiple detectors over time.
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 approach enables increased detector count with reduced size, improves dynamic range, and reduces the number of ADC channels needed, lowering system costs and enhancing image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
receiving radiation at least a second sensor of a detector having a first sensor and the second sensor; generating a signal in response to the received radiation at the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein too is an apparatus for measuring radiation, comprising an array of photodetectors for receiving the radiation; for each photodetector of the array of photodetectors, an anode buffer for generating an electronic signal indicative of receiving the radiation at the photodetector; and a mini-block corresponding to the photodetector array, the mini-block including a summation circuit for calculating an energy of the received radiation from the electronic signals corresponding to each photodetector of the array of photodetectors, and a position circuit for calculating a coordinate of the energy received at the array of photodetectors.