Stationary CT Imaging with Annular Photon-Counting Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT imaging systems face challenges such as low x-ray utilization, long scan times, poor image quality, motion artifacts, and increased radiation exposure due to mechanical rotation, which limits their efficiency and accuracy, especially in high-speed applications like full heart imaging.
Innovation Solution
A stationary real-time CT imaging system utilizing an annular scanning x-ray source and an annular photon-counting detector, which emits narrow beams sequentially and collects exposure information in parallel, allowing for high-speed data acquisition without mechanical rotation, reducing scattering interference and enabling low-dose high-performance imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical rotation is used in CT imaging systems, then scan speed is improved, but motion artifacts and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a stationary x-ray source and detector array. Instead of rotating components, the system uses electronic control to sequentially activate multiple x-ray sources and corresponding detectors around the annular path, achieving rapid scanning without mechanical motion and eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining high scan speed.
2Loss of time
If fan beam CT imaging system is used, then scan time is reduced, but x-ray scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous fan beam into multiple discrete narrow pencil beams, each emitted by a separate x-ray source in the annular array. This segmentation allows each beam to be independently controlled and directed at specific angles, reducing scattered x-ray interference while maintaining efficient parallel data acquisition for rapid scanning.
3Speed
If high speed rotation is used for fast imaging, then scan speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the high-speed mechanical rotation system entirely, replacing it with a stationary annular array of x-ray sources and detectors. The rapid scanning capability is achieved through electronic sequencing of multiple sources rather than mechanical rotation, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high imaging speed.
4Measurement precision
If narrow beam x-ray is used, then image quality is improved, but x-ray utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple narrow-beam x-ray sources in an annular configuration with corresponding detectors, allowing continuous coverage around the patient as each source sequentially activates. This continuous action ensures that narrow beams maintain high image quality while the overall system efficiently utilizes x-rays through parallel acquisition from multiple sources, preventing gaps and maximizing information capture.
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 system significantly enhances scan speed, accuracy, and image quality, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio, enabling safer and more precise diagnostics with real-time three-dimensional reconstruction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
using x-ray beam and x-ray detector of high sensitivity
Implementation Method 2
the x-ray penetrating the slice of the person is received by scintillator in the x-ray detector, after being converted to visible light, is converted to electric signals by photoelectric conversion device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a stationary real-time CT imaging system, comprising an annular photon counting detector, an annular scanning x-ray source, and a scanning sequence controller. Under the control of the scanning sequence controller, the annular scanning x-ray source emits x-ray, and the x-ray penetrates the object being tested and projects onto the corresponding annular photon counting detector. The annular photon counting detector delivers the corresponding exposure information through the main scanning machine and the main controlling unit to a CT main machine and a human-machine interface unit. The image reconstruction is completed in the CT main machine and the human-machine interface unit. By electronically controlling and switching x-ray projection positions in order, the scanning speed is enhanced by tens of times, thereby obtaining dynamic 3D images. The use of the photon counting detector enables the access to absorption data and energy data, thereby allows for real-time data reconstruction.