X-ray detector temperature stabilization using model predictive control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature stabilization methods for X-ray detectors in CT systems suffer from thermal inertia, leading to delayed response times and temperature instability, especially during sudden changes in radiation intensity, resulting in image artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a Model Predictive Control system to maintain constant total electrical power in detector elements by adjusting a heat-generating circuit arrangement, coupled with variably adjustable heating elements, to compensate for changing radiation intensity and heat input, thereby stabilizing temperature without significant delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature control is implemented using conventional feedback control with temperature sensors, then temperature stabilization is achieved, but response time is delayed due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using feed-forward control to anticipate and compensate for temperature changes before they occur. The system monitors radiation intensity and proactively adjusts heating/cooling elements to prevent temperature deviations, rather than reacting after temperature changes are detected. This eliminates the delay caused by thermal inertia in conventional feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines feed-forward control with feedback control mechanisms. The system continuously monitors both radiation intensity (for feed-forward compensation) and actual temperature (for feedback correction), integrating both approaches to achieve rapid response while maintaining temperature stabilization.
2Temperature
If heating and cooling units are added to stabilize temperature, then temperature stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both heating and cooling capabilities into a single temperature control system. The same control circuitry manages both thermal compensation directions, allowing the system to adapt to varying radiation intensity conditions without requiring separate independent heating and cooling systems. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of heating and cooling elements based on real-time monitoring of radiation intensity and temperature. The control system can activate heating elements when radiation intensity decreases (causing temperature drop) and cooling elements when radiation intensity increases (causing temperature rise), providing adaptive temperature control that responds to changing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If temperature control intervenes after temperature rise is recorded, then control system responds to changes, but temperature deviation occurs during response time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by monitoring radiation intensity changes and proactively adjusting temperature control before actual temperature deviations occur. When radiation intensity changes are detected, the system immediately compensates by activating appropriate heating or cooling elements, preventing temperature rise or drop rather than correcting it after occurrence. This eliminates the temperature deviation that would otherwise occur during the response time delay of conventional feedback control.
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 ensures rapid and precise temperature stabilization, minimizing signal drift and maintaining image quality by keeping the thermal output constant, reducing temperature fluctuations to less than 1 Kelvin and preventing excessive heating or cooling.
Implementation Method 1
detector elements use a sensor material which converts incident photons of radiation directly into free charge
Implementation Method 2
a Peltier element, acts as an actuator
Implementation Method 3
Either a heating and a cooling unit or a combined heating and cooling unit acts as an actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray detector with photon-counting directly converting detector elements and a method for the temperature stabilization of at least one detector element of an X-ray detector of a CT system are disclosed, wherein the detector elements use a sensor material which converts incident photons of radiation directly into free-moving charge in the sensor material and wherein with the aid of a circuit arrangement (e.g. an ASIC), the number of incident photons in relation to predefined energy ranges (e.g., to imaging) is determined, wherein the total electrical power of at least one detector element is kept constant regardless of the incident intensity of radiation.