Network-Capable X-Ray Detectors for Synchronized Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computed tomography systems, synchronizing the measurement time of multiple x-ray detectors is challenging due to the complexity of data transfer from many detectors to a central arithmetic unit, often requiring lengthy measurement times and intricate cabling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network protocol for data transfer between x-ray detectors and an arithmetic unit, utilizing network-capable x-ray detectors with switching units and a clock synchronization mechanism to facilitate synchronized data transmission and reduce cabling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data from many x-ray detectors is routed to a central data interface via traditional cabling systems, then data can be collected from all detectors, but the cabling becomes intricate and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with an optical communication system using light guides. Each x-ray detector module has its own light guide that directs light to a corresponding photodetector array, eliminating the need for complex electrical cabling while maintaining data transmission capabilities from multiple detectors to the central interface.
2Loss of time
If measurement time is reduced to 100-500 μs for synchronous detection, then measurement speed increases, but synchronizing multiple detectors becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing all x-ray detector modules to a common clock signal before the measurement process begins. Each detector module is equipped with synchronization circuitry that aligns its operation to the master clock, ensuring that all detectors are ready to capture data simultaneously at the start of each measurement cycle, thus enabling rapid 100-500 μs measurements without synchronization challenges.
3Ease of operation
If individual x-ray detectors are equipped with network units for data transfer, then data communication becomes simpler and troubleshooting is easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating a network unit into each x-ray detector module that serves multiple functions: data transmission from the detector, synchronization signal reception, and diagnostic communication. This multi-functional network unit simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for separate dedicated cabling and control lines, while the standardized interface makes troubleshooting easier through available network tools.
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 approach simplifies data integration and communication within the detector apparatus, allows for quicker troubleshooting, and reduces susceptibility to errors by using commercially available network components and protocols like TCP/IP, enabling precise synchronization of x-ray detectors to fractions of microseconds.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray radiation or the photons can be converted in direct-conversion x-ray detectors by a suitable converter material into electric pulses
Implementation Method 2
The x-ray radiation or the photons can be converted in indirect-conversion x-ray detectors by a suitable converter material into light and via photodiodes into electric pulses
Implementation Method 3
The light excited by luminescence is then converted in a second stage by a first photodiode, which is optically coupled to the scintillator element, into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detector apparatus for use as part of a data network includes a plurality of x-ray detectors, each of the plurality of x-ray detectors including a network-capable network interface, and a switch or router, connected to each of the network-capable network interfaces of the plurality of x-ray detectors, each of the plurality of x-ray detectors including a distinct IP address such that the data network is adjustable to take a change in a number of the plurality of x-ray detectors into account. The plurality of x-ray detectors are configured to detect x-rays generated from a single x-ray source.