X-ray CT Detector Parallel Data Acquisition for Ring Artifact Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray computed tomography apparatuses experience artifacts due to variance in characteristics between X-ray detection elements and data-acquisition modules near the channel center, leading to ring artifacts that are difficult to uniformize.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a configuration where multiple data-acquisition circuits and output modules are disposed in parallel per X-ray detection element in the channel center vicinity, allowing for averaging of digital data to reduce variance and prevent artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single data-acquisition module is connected to each X-ray detection element, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variance in characteristics between modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the data-acquisition system configuration between the channel center vicinity and other regions. In the channel center vicinity where artifacts are most problematic, multiple data-acquisition circuits are connected in parallel to each detection element. In other regions, a single data-acquisition module per element suffices. This localized differentiation optimizes artifact suppression where needed while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into multiple data-acquisition circuits that are distributed across different chips. By dividing the data-acquisition function into multiple independent circuits connected in parallel, the patent enables averaging of their outputs to suppress artifacts caused by characteristic variations in any single circuit or chip.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple data-acquisition circuits are disposed in parallel per detection element, then manufacturing precision improves by reducing artifacts, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data-acquisition circuits are deployed in parallel only in the channel center vicinity where artifact suppression is most critical. This localized application of redundancy achieves the necessary manufacturing precision improvement while limiting the increase in device complexity to only the regions where it provides the greatest benefit.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision is maintained for all data-acquisition modules, then manufacturing precision improves, but the required precision burden increases uniformly across the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that the channel center vicinity requires higher precision due to the artifact problem, while other regions are more tolerant of characteristic variations. By concentrating multiple data-acquisition circuits in the channel center vicinity, the system achieves high effective precision where needed without uniformly increasing precision requirements across the entire detector array.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple data-acquisition circuits are merged in parallel for each detection element in the channel center vicinity. This merging allows the system to achieve high effective precision through averaging, reducing the burden on any single circuit while maintaining overall high precision in the critical region.
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 configuration effectively suppresses artifacts caused by variations in characteristics, improving image quality by averaging systematic errors and reducing the required precision in the channel center vicinity.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator configured to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a grid shape... detect the X-rays that have been generated from the X-ray generator and have passed through a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray detector, a data-acquisition module and a reconstruction module. In the X-ray detector, a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in a channel direction and a column direction. The data-acquisition module includes a plurality of data-acquisition circuits and a plurality of output modules. A plurality of systems of at least the data-acquisition circuits among the X-ray detection elements and the data-acquisition circuits are disposed in parallel per element of the X-ray detection elements in a center vicinity. Each of the output modules outputs digital data obtained via the data-acquisition circuits. The reconstruction module reconstructs a medical image, based on the output digital data.