Photon-Counting X-Ray Detector Circuit for Local Coincidence Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon counting X-ray detectors in computed tomography systems face issues with increased power requirements and crosstalk between coincidence lines due to parasitic capacitances, leading to image errors from overlapping coincidence events.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit is introduced that selectively disconnects coincidence identification between detector pixels using switching units, reducing parasitic capacitance and crosstalk, allowing for individual control over the detector pixels, thereby reducing the power requirement and improving signal-to-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coincidence identification is performed between all detector pixels, then image errors from coincidence events are reduced, but power consumption increases and crosstalk occurs due to parasitic capacitances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detector pixel array into multiple groups, where coincidence identification is performed only within each group rather than across all pixels. This segmentation reduces the number of coincidence lines and parasitic capacitances while maintaining image quality by locally identifying coincidence events that cause image errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies coincidence identification selectively to specific local regions (groups of detector pixels) rather than uniformly across the entire detector array. This local approach reduces overall power consumption and crosstalk while still correcting coincidence events in regions where they occur, balancing image quality with energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If coincidence identification is performed between all detector pixels, then image errors from coincidence events are reduced, but crosstalk between lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detector pixel array into multiple groups with limited coincidence identification within each group, the patent reduces the number of coincidence lines and their interactions. This segmentation minimizes parasitic capacitances and crosstalk between lines while still identifying and correcting coincidence events locally, thereby maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes the coincidence identification function from the global level and applies it only at the local group level. This extraction eliminates unnecessary coincidence lines that would contribute to crosstalk, reducing harmful electromagnetic interactions while preserving the essential coincidence correction capability where needed.
3Measurement precision
If more coincidence lines are installed between detector pixels, then coincidence event identification accuracy is improved, but parasitic capacitances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector pixel array into multiple groups, limiting coincidence identification to within each group rather than across all pixels. This segmentation reduces the number of coincidence lines and associated parasitic capacitances while maintaining sufficient identification accuracy for local coincidence events, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
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 solution reduces power consumption and minimizes image errors by selectively identifying and disconnecting coincidence events, enhancing signal-to-noise ratios and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
photon counting X-ray detectors convert the X-ray photon on the active surface directly into an electrical signal (direct conversion)
Implementation Method 2
incident X-ray photons are firstly converted into optical photons (scintillation) in conventional detectors for computed tomography systems
Implementation Method 3
Positive and negative electrical charges, which are generated by incident X-ray photons, are separated by electrical fields
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit for capturing coincidence events includes a detector pixel array, the circuit including a first capturing unit which is configured to provide a first impingement event signal. For each further detector pixel of at least one further detector pixel of the detector pixel array, the electronic circuit includes a further capturing unit configured to provide a further impingement event signal. The electronic circuit includes a logic circuit which compares the first impingement event signal with the at least one further impingement event signal and provides a coincidence signal based on a result of the comparison. A coincidence counter of the electronic circuit increments a coincidence count of the coincidence counter based on the coincidence signal. For each further detector pixel of the at least one further detector pixel, the electronic circuit includes a switching unit configured to disconnect the respective further impingement event signal.