X-Ray Detector Module Overlap Layout for Full CT Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT apparatuses face challenges with high-cost detector modules due to the need to read signals from the back surface in 4-side tileable detectors and require costly dummy scintillators to compensate for insensitive areas in 3-side tileable detectors, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of X-ray detectors using 3-side tileable detector modules, where adjacent modules' sensitive and insensitive portions overlap, reducing the insensitive area and eliminating the need for dummy scintillators, thereby lowering costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a 3-side tileable detector module is used to enable signal reading from the same side as the plane of incidence, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but an insensitive area is generated requiring dummy scintillators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensitive portion of one detector module with the insensitive portion of another detector module by arranging them adjacent to each other. This combination allows the insensitive area of one module to be compensated by the sensitive area of its neighbor, eliminating the need for dummy scintillators while maintaining cost-effective 3-side tileable architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The insensitive portion of a detector module serves dual purposes: it provides signal reading access from the same side as the plane of incidence, and simultaneously acts as a compensatory region that can be covered by the sensitive portion of adjacent modules. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and detection coverage.
2Reliability
If a 4-side tileable detector module is used to achieve full sensitive coverage on all sides, then detection coverage is improved, but signal reading must be performed from the back surface increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 3-side tileable detector modules in adjacent arrangements where the insensitive portion of one module is compensated by the sensitive portion of another. This merging strategy achieves full effective coverage without requiring the expensive 4-side tileable architecture with back-surface signal reading.
3Reliability
If dummy scintillators are added to compensate for insensitive areas, then detection coverage is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the sensitive portions of detector modules automatically compensate for the insensitive portions of adjacent modules. This eliminates the need for external dummy scintillators, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining detection coverage.
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 reduces the insensitive area, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves the efficiency of X-ray detection by allowing signal reading from the same side as the plane of incidence, enhancing the imaging quality and reducing the need for costly compensatory processes.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator that converts incident X-rays into light
Implementation Method 2
a photodiode that converts the light into an analog signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector according to embodiments includes a first detector module and a second detector module. The first detector module includes, on a surface facing a radiation generation source, a sensitive portion that outputs an analog signal corresponding to incident radiation and an insensitive portion provided with at least a portion of a transmission path of the analog signal output from the sensitive portion. The second detector module is a detector module different from the first detector module, and includes, on a surface facing the radiation source, a sensitive portion that outputs an analog signal corresponding to the incident radiation and an insensitive portion provided with at least a portion of a transmission path of the analog signal output from the sensitive portion. The sensitive portion of the first detector module and the insensitive portion of the second detector module are arranged so as to overlap each other.