X-ray Detector System Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging devices, such as x-ray computed tomography (CT) systems, are limited in the types of imaging operations they can perform and lack advanced features for improving spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in x-ray images.
Innovation Solution
The development of an x-ray imaging system with a detector system comprising a detector chassis, thermally-conductive supports, and a two-dimensional array of x-ray sensitive detector elements, along with a processing device that uses super-resolution techniques to enhance image quality by moving the detector relative to the x-ray source and rotating both around the patient to follow sinusoidal or reverse helical scan trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional x-ray CT imaging devices are used, then basic imaging operations can be performed, but spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is made movable relative to the x-ray source, enabling dynamic scanning trajectories (sinusoidal or reverse helical paths) that allow the detector to capture images from multiple positions. This dynamic configuration enables super-resolution image reconstruction by combining multiple lower-resolution images into a single high-resolution image, thereby improving spatial resolution without requiring smaller pixel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple copies of the same object are captured from different positions along the scanning trajectory. Each detector position captures a copy of the x-ray transmission data, and these multiple copies are processed through super-resolution algorithms to reconstruct a single image with higher spatial resolution and improved signal-to-noise ratio than any individual capture.
2Measurement precision
If detector array is moved relative to x-ray source by distance less than pixel spacing, then super resolution images can be generated, but requires precise positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through encoded trajectories that precisely define the movement path of the detector relative to the x-ray source. The sinusoidal or reverse helical scan paths are pre-calculated and controlled with high precision, allowing the system to maintain accurate positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. This feedback-controlled approach enables super-resolution imaging while managing device complexity.
3Productivity
If continuous exposure is used, then imaging efficiency increases, but radiation dose management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic scanning trajectories (sinusoidal or reverse helical paths) that allow the detector to systematically revisit different angular positions around the patient. This periodic motion enables continuous data acquisition over multiple rotation cycles, improving imaging efficiency while allowing for controlled radiation dose distribution across different angular views, thereby managing the harmful radiation effects.
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 improves the spatial resolution and SNR of x-ray images, enabling more detailed and accurate imaging without the need for smaller pixel sizes, while maintaining or reducing radiation dose, and allows for continuous exposure, increasing the efficiency and quality of imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally-conductive support mounted to the detector chassis
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray source located within the housing of the gantry
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of x-ray sensitive detector elements defining a contiguous detector area
Data Source
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AI summary
A detector system for an x-ray imaging device includes a detector chassis, a plurality of sub-assemblies mounted to the detector chassis and within an interior housing of the chassis, the sub-assemblies defining a detector surface, where each sub-assembly includes a thermally-conductive support mounted to the detector chassis, a detector module having an array of x-ray sensitive detector elements mounted to a first surface of the support, an electronics board mounted to a second surface of the support opposite the first surface, at least one electrical connector that connects the detector module to the electronics board, where the electronics board provides power to the detector module and receives digital x-ray image data from the detector module via the at least one electrical connector. Further embodiments include x-ray imaging systems, external beam radiation treatment systems having an integrated x-ray imaging system, and methods therefor.