PET Detector Ring Position Visualization for CT Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in efficiently moving and positioning multiple PET detector rings in PET-CT apparatuses, particularly when scanning the whole body or specific regions, due to challenges in determining the correct positions of these rings.
Innovation Solution
A PET-CT apparatus with processing circuitry that obtains position information of PET detector rings, generates display information representing their positions, and displays this information on a user interface, allowing for intuitive adjustment and movement of the rings to match desired scanning ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PET detector rings are made freely movable in the body axis direction to accommodate different scanning ranges, then the adaptability of the PET apparatus is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot efficiently determine and position the individual rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy representation of the PET detector rings on a display device. This copy shows the spatial relationship and positions of multiple rings, allowing users to understand and manipulate the ring configuration without physically handling each ring. The display acts as an intermediary that replicates the physical arrangement in a user-friendly format.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves as an intermediary between the user and the physical PET detector rings. It translates the complex physical positioning task into a simplified visual interaction, where users can select and adjust ring positions on the display, which then corresponds to actual ring movements in the physical system.
2Device complexity
If PET detector rings are positioned manually without visual feedback, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to inefficient ring positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the positions of PET detector rings on a screen. This feedback loop allows users to see the current ring configuration and adjust positions accordingly, significantly reducing the time needed to achieve correct positioning compared to manual adjustment without visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display shows the spatial relationships and positions of rings before actual positioning operations are performed. Users can plan and prepare the ring arrangement in advance by viewing the visual representation, which streamlines the subsequent physical positioning process and reduces overall time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A positron emission tomography (PET) apparatus includes a plurality of PET detector rings and processing circuitry. The PET detector rings are movable relative to a table top on which a subject is to be laid, in an axial direction of a bore into which the table top is to be inserted. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain position information of each of the plurality of PET detector rings in the axial direction, generate display information representing positions of the plurality of PET detector rings, based on the position information, and display the display information on a display.