Radiation Detector Electrode Switching for CT Misalignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation detectors and X-ray CT apparatuses face challenges in reducing the influence of misalignment between detector modules and collimators, which affects image quality and detection efficiency, especially with increasing precision requirements for higher spatial resolution.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radiation detector configuration with plural electrodes, electronic circuitry, and switch control circuitry that adjusts the connection patterns of electrodes based on the positional relation with the collimator to minimize misalignment, ensuring optimal detection even when misalignment occurs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the precision of detector module alignment with collimator is increased to achieve higher spatial resolution, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of alignment and positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrode connection configuration adaptable rather than fixed. The control circuitry dynamically selects which electrodes to connect based on the detected misalignment amount, allowing the system to adjust its operational parameters in response to alignment variations. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high measurement precision without requiring perfect static alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of electrode connection configuration based on misalignment detection. By varying which electrodes are connected to the readout circuitry depending on the measured displacement, the system compensates for alignment errors. This parameter change approach allows the detector to maintain optimal performance across a range of alignment conditions, reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If misalignment between detector module and collimator occurs, then detection efficiency decreases and unwanted radiation exposure increases, but correcting signals according to misalignment amount adds processing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidsignal correction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-arranging multiple electrode connections and their corresponding misalignment correction configurations. Rather than calculating corrections in real-time during operation, the system has pre-defined connection patterns that correspond to different misalignment amounts. The control circuitry simply selects the appropriate pre-configured pattern based on detected misalignment, reducing real-time processing complexity while maintaining detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode connection patterns are implemented to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability to alignment variations improves, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to misalignmentVSAvoidelectrode connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode array into multiple separable connection groups, where each group can be independently connected to the readout circuitry. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the relevant electrode segments that correspond to the detected misalignment condition, rather than requiring a completely reconfigurable complex structure. The segmented approach provides adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through modular electrode connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively reduces the impact of misalignment, maintaining detection efficiency and reducing unwanted radiation exposure, thereby enhancing image quality and precision in X-ray CT imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to be formed of plural electrodes and detect radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11207037B2Radiation detector and X-ray CT apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US11207037B2 patent drawing
  • US11207037B2 patent drawing
  • US11207037B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiation detector according to an embodiment includes a sensor, an electronic circuitry, a switch, and a control circuitry. The sensor configured to be formed of plural electrodes and detect radiation. Based on signals output from the electrodes, the electronic circuitry configured to output digital data. The switch configured to be provided between each of the electrodes and the electronic circuitry. The control circuitry configured to control the switch, based on a positional relation between the plural electrodes and an anti-scatter grid.