Virtual X-ray Detector via Multi-Module Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray examination arrangements face challenges in achieving larger active detector areas without compromising readout speed and resolution, leading to costly and complex production of high-resolution detectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a virtual x-ray detector by combining at least two x-ray detectors, where a control device calculates a projection onto a virtual detector plane based on radiographs captured by the detectors and their spatial poses relative to the x-ray source, creating a combined radiograph that covers a larger solid angle with unchanging resolution and readout speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the active detector area of the x-ray detector is increased to capture a larger solid angle, then the coverage area improves, but the readout speed decreases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a large detector area into multiple smaller detector modules, each with its own readout electronics. This segmentation allows each module to be read out independently and quickly, while collectively covering a large solid angle, thus resolving the contradiction between large area and fast readout speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane detector to a multi-plane or multi-angle detector arrangement. By positioning multiple detectors at different spatial locations and orientations, the system captures a larger solid angle without requiring each individual detector to have a prohibitively large area, thereby maintaining readout speed while improving coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the active detector area is increased to improve coverage, then the solid angle captured increases, but the production cost and complexity increase due to more complex readout electronics
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detector into multiple independent modules, each with simplified readout electronics, the invention avoids the need for extremely complex electronics that would be required for a single large detector. Each module's electronics can be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving large effective detector area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple detector modules to create a virtual large-area detector. By merging the data from multiple simpler detector units, the system achieves the functionality of a large detector without the production complexity and cost associated with building a single large-scale detector with high-resolution fast readout capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If a single x-ray detector with large active area and high resolution is produced, then the detector performance improves, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention produces multiple smaller detector modules with standard resolution and readout capabilities, which are then arranged and combined to achieve the equivalent performance of a single large high-resolution detector. This approach leverages economies of scale in manufacturing smaller, simpler components rather than producing one complex large detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple copies of identical or similar detector modules instead of producing a single unique large detector. This copying approach simplifies manufacturing by standardizing the production process for each module, reducing tooling costs and enabling parallel production, thereby lowering overall production cost while maintaining high resolution through the array of modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray examination arrangement includes an x-ray radiation source arranged at a source position, at least two x-ray detectors having active detector areas and being arranged such that the active detector areas capture different solid angle ranges with respect to x-ray radiation produced by the x-ray radiation source and emanating from the source position, and a control device configured to calculate a projection onto a virtual detector plane based on radiographs respectively captured by the at least two x-ray detectors and spatial poses of the at least two x-ray detectors relative to the source position, and provide a combined radiograph for the virtual detector plane based on the projection. In addition, a method for operating the x-ray examination arrangement and a computed tomography device are provided.