Nuclear Medicine Detector Positioning for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of segmented scintillators for nuclear medicine imaging is challenging, leading to high costs and reduced accuracy in upsampling pixel sizes due to predicted values rather than actual measurements, which affects the quality of nuclear medicine images.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus that controls the relative position of gamma ray detectors and the subject to collect data at multiple positions, allowing for the generation of high-definition images without the need for segmented scintillators, by moving the detector or table to positions where the distance between data collection points is smaller than the scintillator size, thereby increasing data density and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If segmented scintillators are used to reduce pixel size, then image resolution is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single scintillator to create multiple pixel measurements by copying the measurement process at different detector positions. Instead of using multiple physical scintillator segments, the system collects data from the same scintillator at different relative positions to generate multiple pixel values that are then combined to achieve high-resolution imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement between the nuclear medicine detector and the subject during data collection. By controlling relative movement to positions where distance changes are smaller than the scintillator size, the system dynamically captures multiple measurements that enable high-resolution image reconstruction without requiring physically segmented scintillators.
2Measurement precision
If upsampling is performed by AI computation to reduce pixel size, then image resolution is improved, but image accuracy decreases due to predicted values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data collection at multiple relative positions before image reconstruction. By collecting actual measurement data from different positions in advance, the system prepares sufficient information that enables accurate high-resolution image reconstruction without relying on AI prediction algorithms, thus maintaining image accuracy while achieving reduced pixel size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses collected data from multiple relative positions as feedback to reconstruct high-resolution images. The system processes actual measurement data from different positions through image processing algorithms to generate accurate high-resolution images, avoiding the need for AI-based prediction that compromises accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If data is collected at multiple relative positions to increase data density, then image quality is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting data at multiple relative positions only within a specific range where distance changes are smaller than the scintillator size. This partial sampling approach achieves sufficient data density for high-resolution imaging without requiring exhaustive measurements at all possible positions, thereby reducing examination time while maintaining image quality.
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 accurate upsampling and reduces pixel size effectively, improving image quality and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for segmented scintillators, thus enhancing the throughput of nuclear medicine examinations.
Implementation Method 1
a nuclear medicine detector that includes a plurality of detection devices Sc that detect gamma rays
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a nuclear medicine detector and processing circuitry. The nuclear medicine detector includes a plurality of detection devices that detect gamma rays. The processing circuitry controls a change from a first relative position of the nuclear medicine detector and a subject to a second relative position that is separate from the first relative position by a distance smaller than a device size of the detection device, collects first data in the first relative position, collects second data in the second relative position, and reconstructs a nuclear medicine image based on the first data and the second data.