Systems and methods for x-ray CT scanner with reconfigurable field of view
Inventors
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Publication Number
US-10010296-B2
Publication Date
2018-07-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A gantry assembly for use with an imaging system is provided. The gantry assembly includes an x-ray source and a modular detector assembly that includes a plurality of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source. The first distance is different from the second distance. The gantry assembly is configured to image objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a CT x-ray imaging system having a gantry assembly with an x-ray source and a modular detector assembly. The modular detector assembly includes a plurality of selectively removable detector modules in which a first detector module is mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module is mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source. By selectively removing and/or adding detector modules to reconfigure the detector array geometry, the gantry assembly is configured to image objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
A central problem addressed is that fixed field of view CT scanners create cost and engineering burdens when attempting to support multiple fields of view. The invention describes reconfigurability by changing an effective detector arc length through a compact detector geometry approach, while maintaining minimal impact on gantry outer dimensions. This supports imaging with a larger second field of view without requiring a completely separate scanner configuration.
To support consistent object placement across different field of view configurations, the invention describes a tube and/or object positioning insert configured to position an object within the first field of view. The disclosed system layout includes imaging with cone-beam illumination, and an imaging system computer configured to generate images from detector data. The described use context includes a tunnel and conveyor, with an optional insert or tube positioned in the tunnel to position objects within the current smaller or larger field of view.
Claims Coverage
The document lists three independent claims that collectively cover a gantry assembly, an imaging system, and a method. Across these claims, the central inventive features include a modular detector assembly with selectively removable detector modules mounted at different distances, field-of-view changing between a first field of view and a larger second field of view, and positioning of the object with a tube in relation to the field of view; the imaging system claim further includes a tunnel with a conveyor.
Field-of-view changing modular detector at different source distances
A modular detector assembly comprising a plurality of selectively removable detector modules in which a first detector module is mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module is mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance, and the gantry assembly images objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
Tube configured to position an object within the first field of view
A tube configured to position an object within the first field of view.
Tunnel with conveyor for imaging using first and larger second fields of view
A conveyor extending through a tunnel defined through the gantry assembly, wherein the imaging system is configured to image objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
Tube positioned between an object and the conveyor to place the object in the first field of view
A tube configured to be positioned between an object and the conveyor, the tube configured to position the object within the first field of view.
Altering the number of detector modules to change field of view size and imaging using the second size
Altering a number of detector modules in the modular detector by one of adding and removing detector modules such that a field of view of the gantry assembly changes from a first size to a second size, and imaging the object using the field of view having the second size.
Claim coverage is centered on reconfiguring a modular detector assembly with selectively removable detector modules mounted at different distances from the x-ray source to switch between a first field of view and a second, larger field of view. Object placement is addressed by a tube configured to position the object within the first field of view, and the method claim focuses on adding and removing detector modules to change field of view size followed by imaging using the second size.
Stated Advantages
Enables imaging with both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
Addresses the cost and engineering problem of fixed field of view CT scanners by providing reconfigurability through selective detector module configuration with minimal impact on gantry outer dimensions.
Documented Applications
Contraband detection.
Baggage scanning.
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