Segmented X-ray Detector for Tomosynthesis Scan Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-slit X-ray scanning systems face challenges in performing large angle tomosynthesis scans and projection mammography simultaneously, with pre-collimators hindering biopsy installations and requiring high tube power, while lacking energy-resolving photon counting detectors of sufficient size.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray system with a segmented X-ray detector and moving mechanisms allows for acquiring partial images from various tomographic angles without a pre-collimator, enabling energy-resolved imaging and integrating a biopsy unit, with the X-ray source and detector moving in synchronization to ensure optimal beam alignment and reduce scatter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pre-collimator is used in multi-slit scanning systems, then scatter radiation is reduced, but biopsy unit installation is hindered and tube power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-collimator is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a pre-collimator to define the X-ray beam, the patent uses a multi-slit detector without any pre-collimation, allowing the full X-ray flux to reach the detector while maintaining image quality through the multi-slit detection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to perform multiple functions (projection mammography, tomosynthesis, and biopsy support) without requiring a pre-collimator. The multi-slit detector configuration enables both imaging modes and accommodates biopsy unit installation in the natural position between the X-ray source and detector.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pre-collimator is used in multi-slit scanning systems, then scatter radiation is reduced, but tube power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-collimator is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a pre-collimator to define the X-ray beam, the patent uses a multi-slit detector without any pre-collimation, allowing the full X-ray flux to reach the detector while maintaining image quality through the multi-slit detection geometry.
3Measurement precision
If photon counting detectors of sufficient size are used, then energy resolving capability is achieved, but such detectors are currently unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent detector strips or slits that can be individually manufactured and then combined. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the functionality of a large-area energy-resolving photon counting detector by assembling multiple smaller, commercially available detector elements into a multi-slit configuration.
4Measurement precision
If large angle tomosynthesis scan is performed, then depth resolution is improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data acquisition during the tomosynthesis scan by using a multi-slit detector that captures information from multiple angles simultaneously. The detector strips are arranged to receive X-rays from different tomographic angles at the same time, allowing continuous recording of the tomosynthesis data throughout the scan range without interruption or repeated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector configuration adds a spatial dimension to the detection geometry by arranging multiple detector strips at different positions and orientations. This multi-slit arrangement in space allows the system to capture tomographic information from multiple angles simultaneously, converting a time-consuming sequential acquisition process into a parallel spatial measurement.
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 significantly reduces scan time, enhances X-ray flux usage, and allows for high-quality three-dimensional image reconstruction with improved detector efficiency and integration of a biopsy unit, overcoming limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a collimator, an X-ray source moving mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a collimator adapted for directing the X-ray beams towards the detector segments
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray detector segmented into a plurality of neighboring detector tiles
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
An X-ray system (2) for acquiring an image of an object has an X-ray detector (8), which is segmented into a plurality of neighboring detector tiles. In particular, the image can be a two-dimensional projection image but also a three-dimensional volume of the object reconstructed from a tomosynthesis acquisition. An X-ray detector moving mechanism (18) is adapted for moving the X-ray detector (8) at least between a first X-ray detector position and a second X-ray detector position during operation of the X-ray system. An X-ray source (4), a collimator (22) and the X-ray detector (8) of the X-ray system (2) are adapted for acquiring a plurality of partial X-ray images through the adjacent detector tiles while irradiating the object with X-ray beams from a plurality of tomographic angles a. The processing unit is adapted for generating a two-dimension image of the object and/or for reconstructing a three-dimensional volume of the object from the acquired partial images.