Programmable Memory for PET Scanner Detector Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and managing information associated with PET scanner detectors are time-consuming and prone to human errors, requiring efficient solutions for detector identification, location, and performance monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmable memory system for each detector module in a PET scanner, allowing for local or remote access and display of information such as serial numbers, model descriptors, and manufacturing dates, with a graphical user interface for querying and displaying detector module data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hand inspection or bar code readers are used to track detector information, then the system complexity is low, but the time consumption and human error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector module includes an integrated memory device that automatically stores its own identification and location information. The system performs self-tracking without requiring manual inspection or external bar code scanning, eliminating the time-consuming human processes while maintaining simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods (hand inspection, bar code readers) with an electronic memory-based system. The memory devices electronically store and provide detector information, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated electronic one that is faster and more accurate.
2Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used for detector location and identification, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of information tracking deteriorates due to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules autonomously maintain their own identification and location data in integrated memory devices. This self-service approach eliminates human error in data entry and tracking, ensuring reliable and accurate information storage without requiring complex external tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates electronic copies of detector information within memory devices attached to each detector module. These digital copies permanently store identification, location, and performance data, providing reliable records that are immune to human error unlike manual tracking methods.
3Reliability
If detailed detector tracking and monitoring is implemented, then the reliability and monitoring capability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into discrete, modular components by attaching individual memory devices to each detector module. This segmentation allows detailed tracking of each detector independently without requiring a complex centralized system, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector module autonomously stores and manages its own performance and identification data in its dedicated memory device. This distributed self-service approach enables comprehensive monitoring without requiring complex external management systems, as each component independently maintains its own record.
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 accurate, efficient tracking and retrieval of detector information, reducing human error and allowing for real-time monitoring and recall of detectors, as well as enabling functionality control based on model or serial number.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillation crystal, with which the photons interact to produce flashes of light or 'events'
Implementation Method 2
Events are detected by an array of photodetectors, such as photomultiplier tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable memory is provided in each of a plurality of detector modules arrayed in a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. Each detector module memory stores data associated with its respective detector module. Each memory may be coupled to a processor via a transmission bus. A display device may be coupled to the processor for displaying information relating to information obtained from the detector module memories.