X-ray Detection Device Incomplete Cycle Estimation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT image acquisition methods face errors in signal quantification due to X-ray tube discontinuities, such as changes in spectrum or shut-off periods, which are not effectively addressed by existing readout architectures.

Innovation Solution

A detection device comprising a sensor, electronics board with a capacitor integrator, capacitor discharge analyzer, counter, and processor unit that estimates incomplete cycles caused by radiation discontinuities, allowing for correction and improved image acquisition by modifying gain and eliminating crosstalk across frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If X-ray tube is shut off for short period or spectrum changes (discontinuity), then spectral information can be acquired, but signal quantification error occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral information acquisitionVSAvoidsignal quantification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing the last valid signal value before a discontinuity occurs. When a discontinuity is detected (X-ray shut-off or spectrum change), this stored preliminary value is used to compensate for the incomplete integration cycle, thereby maintaining signal quantification accuracy despite the interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the integration signal and detecting discontinuities in real-time. When a discontinuity is detected, the system activates a compensation mechanism that uses the stored last valid signal to correct the affected measurement, ensuring accurate spectral information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If integration period is varied to accommodate discontinuities, then signal accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidreadout architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and separates the compensation function from the main integration circuitry. By isolating the discontinuity detection and compensation logic as a distinct mechanism that operates on stored signal values, the solution maintains signal accuracy without significantly increasing the complexity of the core readout architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If standard readout architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spectral separation and quantum-to-noise ratio deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadout architecture simplicityVSAvoidspectral separation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing the last valid signal value before a discontinuity occurs. When a discontinuity is detected (X-ray shut-off or spectrum change), this stored preliminary value is used to compensate for the incomplete integration cycle, thereby maintaining signal quantification accuracy despite the interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the integration signal and detecting discontinuities in real-time. When a discontinuity is detected, the system activates a compensation mechanism that uses the stored last valid signal to correct the affected measurement, ensuring accurate spectral information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables accurate estimation and correction of incomplete cycles, enhancing spectral separation and quantum-to-noise ratio, reducing errors and the need for varying integration periods, thus improving CT image quality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor adapted to provide a current in response to electromagnetic radiation exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3761877B1Improved image acquisition
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3761877B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3761877B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3761877B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a detection device for X-rays, an imaging system and a method for detecting electromagnetic radiation using a detection device for X- rays, wherein an estimate of an incomplete measurement is acquired prior to a discontinuity of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the discontinuity is a change or interruption in a beam or in an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation.