Single Detector Ring PET Scanner Using TOF for Simultaneous Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation tomographs require additional detector rings or external imaging devices for transmission data acquisition, increasing manufacturing costs and subject burden, while simultaneously acquiring transmission and annihilation radiation pair data is challenging with a single detector ring.
Innovation Solution
A radiation tomograph with a single detector ring that uses time-of-flight (TOF) technology to specify annihilation radiation occurrence positions, computes absorption characteristic distribution data from annihilation radiation pairs, and generates images with absorption correction, eliminating the need for separate transmission data imaging by utilizing the radioactive drug's distribution as a radiation source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second detector ring is added to acquire transmission data, then transmission data can be measured simultaneously with annihilation radiation pair data, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector ring performs dual functions: detecting annihilation radiation pairs from the subject and acquiring transmission data by detecting radiation from the radioactive source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate detector ring, reducing device complexity while maintaining both measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmission data acquisition function with the annihilation radiation detection function into a single detector ring. By combining these two previously separate functions, the system reduces the number of components while achieving simultaneous measurement of both data types.
2Measurement precision
If a CT apparatus and MRI apparatus are added to acquire transmission data, then transmission data can be obtained, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector ring is designed to serve multiple purposes: it detects annihilation radiation pairs from the subject and simultaneously acquires transmission data through the subject using radiation from the radioactive source. This eliminates the need for separate CT or MRI apparatus, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the radioactive drug itself as the radiation source for transmission data acquisition, eliminating the need for external radiation sources or separate imaging devices. The radioactive drug serves dual purposes: as the tracer for PET imaging and as the source for transmission data acquisition.
3Device complexity
If transmission data is acquired separately from annihilation radiation pair data, then a single detector ring can be used, but imaging time increases and subject burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously acquires both annihilation radiation pair data and transmission data simultaneously during the same imaging session. This continuous dual acquisition eliminates the need for separate imaging steps, reducing total imaging time and subject burden while using a single detector ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The radioactive source is positioned and activated in advance to provide radiation for transmission data acquisition during the same imaging session. This preliminary preparation enables simultaneous acquisition of transmission and emission data without requiring separate imaging steps.
4Productivity
If transmission data is acquired using a radioactive source inside the detector ring, then simultaneous acquisition is possible, but the radioactive source may interfere with annihilation radiation pair detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detector ring is segmented into different detection regions or channels: one region detects annihilation radiation pairs from the subject while another region detects radiation from the radioactive source for transmission data. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous detection of both data types without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the detector ring are optimized for different detection functions: some detectors are optimized for detecting annihilation radiation pairs while others are optimized for detecting radiation from the radioactive source. This local optimization ensures accurate detection of both data types simultaneously.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and subject burden by enabling simultaneous acquisition of transmission and annihilation radiation pair data, providing more accurate absorption correction and eliminating the need for additional imaging, thus improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
uses time-of-flight (TOF) technology to specify annihilation radiation occurrence positions
Implementation Method 2
detects a pair of radiation rays (an annihilation radiation pair) in opposite directions irradiated from a radioactive drug in a subject
Implementation Method 3
The head has a characteristic of absorbing radiation to some extent. This absorption characteristic differs depending on the part of the head
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation tomograph whereby the acquisition of transmission data and the measurement of annihilation radiation pairs are simultaneously performed by a single detector ring so as to realize both reduction of the manufacturing cost of a PET device and reduction of a burden to a subject. The transmission data, which shows the distribution of annihilation radiation absorption characteristics within a subject, is computed from data relating to annihilation radiation pairs in the vicinity of a surface of the subject. The transmission data can be acquired by detecting a radioactive drug derived from the subject, which makes imaging exclusively for transmission data unnecessary.