X-ray Detector Collimator Merging for Multi-slice CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT apparatuses face increased manufacturing man-hours when the X-ray detector is multi-sliced in the body axis direction, due to the need for aligning collimators corresponding to tiling modules.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus is configured with detector modules arranged in the channel direction, where each sub-detector module is associated with one collimator, reducing the number of collimators required and thus lowering manufacturing man-hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components in which a collimator that removes scattered rays and a tiling module that converts X-rays into an electric signal are in one-to-one correspondence and are arranged in the body axis direction of the subject, then the X-ray detector can be multi-sliced in the body axis direction, but the number of collimators must be aligned with the number of tiling modules, which increases the manufacturing man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tiling modules under a single collimator, allowing one collimator to serve multiple tiling modules simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total number of collimators needed and eliminates the one-to-one alignment requirement, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and man-hours while preserving multi-slicing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is designed to serve multiple functions by being shared across multiple tiling modules. Instead of each collimator being dedicated to a single tiling module, one collimator performs the scattered ray removal function for multiple tiling modules, increasing system efficiency and reducing component count.
2Reliability
If the number of collimators is increased to match the number of tiling modules for proper alignment, then scattered ray removal effectiveness is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tiling modules are combined under a single collimator, reducing the total number of collimators required. This merging maintains scattered ray removal effectiveness because the collimator serves multiple modules simultaneously, while significantly reducing manufacturing time and 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 configuration allows for reduced manufacturing man-hours while maintaining effective X-ray detection and image generation, enhancing the efficiency of the X-ray CT apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
one collimator that removes scattered rays
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of tiling modules that convert the X-rays into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an X-ray CT apparatus capable of reducing manufacturing man-hours of an X-ray detector that is multi-sliced in a body axis direction of a subject.An X-ray CT apparatus includes: an X-ray source that irradiates a subject with X-rays; an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject; a signal processing unit that obtains a plurality of projection data based on an electric signal output from the X-ray detector; and an image generation unit that generates a tomographic image by using the projection data, in which the X-ray detector includes a plurality of detector modules that are arranged in a channel direction, the detector module includes sub-detector modules that are arranged in a body axis direction of the subject, and the sub-detector module is configured such that a plurality of tiling modules that convert the X-rays into an electric signal are associated with one collimator that removes scattered rays.