X-ray Detector Module Inter-Module Optical Communication Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray CT devices, photon counting detectors face issues with voltage breakdowns between modules, leading to potential electric discharges and system downtime, as high voltage units can drop to zero, causing adjacent modules to malfunction and potentially leading to widespread breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inter-module communication control function and module-system control function, where adjacent modules monitor voltage anomalies and interrupt high voltage supply quickly to prevent further discharges, using optical communication between first and second light emitting/receiving units to convey anomaly signals and control voltage application circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high voltage is applied to detector modules to enable photon counting detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but risk of electric discharge and voltage breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having each detector module monitor its own high voltage supply status and adjacent modules' voltage states before electric discharge occurs. The control circuit detects voltage drops or anomalies in advance and preemptively interrupts power supply to prevent breakdown, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the high voltage needed for sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through inter-module communication where each detector module continuously monitors voltage levels in itself and adjacent modules. When voltage anomalies are detected, the system provides feedback to the control circuit, which then adjusts power supply accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents voltage breakdown while maintaining stable high voltage operation for sensitive photon counting.
2Area of stationary object
If detector modules are arranged in series to improve coverage, then detection area is increased, but propagation of voltage breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detector into multiple independent detector modules, each with its own control circuit and power supply monitoring capability. This modular segmentation allows isolated monitoring and control of each module's voltage state, preventing breakdown propagation across the entire detection area while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control circuit in each detector module that acts as a mediator between the power supply and the detection elements. This intermediary monitors voltage levels and can independently interrupt power supply to prevent breakdown propagation, thereby protecting the overall system while maintaining large detection area through series arrangement.
3Reliability
If rapid voltage interruption is implemented to prevent electric discharge, then system reliability is improved, but detection continuity is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each detector module to autonomously monitor its own voltage status and adjacent modules, and to independently interrupt power supply when anomalies are detected. This self-service capability allows rapid response to prevent electric discharge without requiring external intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing impact on detection continuity through localized actions.
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 effectively prevents electric discharges and reduces system downtime by quickly identifying and addressing voltage anomalies, allowing for targeted maintenance and minimizing the impact of module breakdowns, thus ensuring safety and efficiency in X-ray CT operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting unit 13d-1 and a second light emitting unit 13d-2, each configured to emit light based on power obtained by voltage-converting the high voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first light receiving unit 13e-1 and a second light receiving unit 13e-2, each configured to receive light transmitted from the other detector module
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray detector according to an embodiment is an X-ray detector configured by arranging a plurality of detector modules, and includes a first detector module, a second detector module, a voltage application circuit, a first transmission circuit, and a first reception circuit. The second detector module is adjacent to the first detector module among the detector modules. The voltage application circuit is disposed in each of the detector modules, and applies a voltage to a plurality of detection elements included in each of the detector modules. The first transmission circuit is disposed in the first detector module, and transmits a signal based on the voltage from the voltage application circuit of the first detector module. The first reception circuit is disposed in the second detector module, and receives a signal transmitted from the first transmission circuit.