Photon-Counting X-Ray Detector with Reconfigurable Digital Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photon-counting X-ray detectors lack flexibility in signal processing and are limited by fixed pixel-by-pixel processing, which restricts their adaptability to different imaging applications and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A photon-counting X-ray detector with a stacked structure featuring pixel-by-pixel analog signal processing and a configurable digital processing stage using a switching matrix, allowing adaptable and flexible digital signal processing for each pixel group, enabling reconfiguration for various applications and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pixel-by-pixel processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different imaging applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable digital signal processing stage where the processing architecture can be adapted in real-time based on imaging requirements. The system switches between different processing modes (pixel-by-pixel, region-of-interest, spectral processing) to optimize performance for specific applications without requiring multiple fixed detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector design incorporates a universal processing architecture that can perform multiple functions: standard photon counting, spectral analysis, region-of-interest processing, and adaptive filtering. This single system replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized detectors for different imaging applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configurable digital processing stage is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital signal processing stage is divided into modular functional blocks that can be independently configured and combined. Each module performs a specific function (amplification, filtering, counting, spectral analysis) and can be activated or deactivated based on the imaging application, managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures processing parameters and processing chains based on the selected imaging application before actual data acquisition. This preliminary setup optimizes the processing architecture for the specific task, reducing runtime complexity and enabling rapid adaptation to different applications.
3Measurement precision
If signal processing is optimized for specific applications, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time for reconfiguration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The processing architecture enables dynamic reconfiguration during operation, allowing the system to switch between different processing modes and optimize parameters for specific applications in real-time. This minimizes reconfiguration time while maintaining high measurement precision for the current imaging task.
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
The solution provides a highly flexible and resource-efficient X-ray detector with adaptable signal processing, enabling high spatial and spectral resolution, reduced power consumption, and efficient use of evaluation units across different imaging scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
incoming X-rays or photons can be converted into electrical pulses using a suitable converter material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray detector comprising a converter element for converting X-rays into electrical signals and a plurality of pixel elements, wherein a. each pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements has a first signal processing stage for processing the electrical signals, each with at least one signal amplifier and at least one comparator for providing a digital pixel signal at a respective signal output of the first signal processing stage of a pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements, b. the signal outputs of the first signal processing stage of at least one group of pixel elements of the plurality of pixel elements are signal-technically coupled to a common second signal processing stage, which has a plurality of digital logic elements for digitally processing the provided digital pixel signals, c.The common second signal processing stage has a configurable switching matrix for the signal-technical interconnection of at least a subset of the majority of digital logic elements with the respective signal outputs of the first signal processing stage of the group of pixel elements of the multitude of pixel elements, i.e., such that after a configuration of the switching matrix, a processing chain for the digital processing of the provided digital pixel signals can be provided for each signal output of the first signal processing stage of the group of pixel elements of the multitude of pixel elements.