Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes determining a position of a subject in a scanning bay and tailoring x-ray attenuation such that the specific position of the subject is taken into consideration. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in a scanning bay, comparing a center of mass of the subject to a reference point, and repositioning the subject in the scanning bay to reduce a difference in position between the center of mass of the subject and the reference point. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a non-pixelated scintillator array for a CT detector as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing same. The scintillator array is comprised of a number of ceramic fibers or single crystal fibers that are aligned in parallel with respect to one another. As a result, the pack has very high dose efficiency. Furthermore, each fiber is designed to direct light out to a photodiode with very low scattering loss. The fiber size (cross-sectional diameter) may be controlled such that smaller fibers may be fabricated for higher resolution applications. Moreover, because the fiber size can be controlled to be consistent throughout the scintillator may and the fibers are aligned in parallel with one another, the scintillator array, as a whole, also is uniform. Therefore, precise alignment with the photodiode array or the collimator assembly is not necessary.

Abstract: A computed tomographic (CT) imaging system for performing a CT scan includes a detector array including a plurality of detector cells and a processor operationally coupled to the detector array. The processor is configured to receive first data regarding a first x-ray spectral range from a first detector cell, receive second data regarding a second x-ray spectral range different from the first x-ray spectral range from a second detector cell different from the first detector cell, and determine spectral information from the first data and the second data.

Abstract: An imaging assembly is provided including an x-ray source and a controller in communication with the x-ray source. A detector assembly is in communication with the controller, and includes a photodetector array in communication with the controller. A scintillator assembly is positioned between the photodetector array and the x-ray source. A collimator assembly is positioned in between the scintillator assembly and the x-ray source. An electroluminescent panel is positioned between the collimator assembly and the scintillator assembly. The electroluminescent panel is in communication with the controller and has an active condition where the electroluminescent panel generates radiation eliciting a response from the detector array.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for CT data acquisition using a rotatable pre-subject filter having more than one filtering profile to control radiation exposure to a subject. The filter has one profile used to filter radiation when the radiation source is positioned above a subject and another profile that is used to filter radiation when the radiation source is positioned at a side of the subject.

Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collimator assembly defined by a series of multi-piece collimator elements or plates that extend along at least one dimension of a scintillator pack. Each collimator element has a collimating component and a shielding component that are structurally independent from one another. The collimating components may be connected to the shielding components or separated by a small air gap. The shielding components are wider than the collimating components but the collimating components have a greater height. With this construction, the collimator assembly optimizes collimation and shielding with lower material requirements and reduced overall size.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in an imaging device, performing at least one scout scan, and marking a user-defined region-of-interest. An attenuation characteristic of an attenuation filter is then automatically adjusted based on the user-defined region-of-interest. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for CT data acquisition using a rotatable pre-subject filter having more than one filtering profile to control radiation exposure to a subject. The filter is caused to rotate by a motor and bearing assembly and has one profile used to filter radiation when the radiation source is positioned above a subject and another profile that is used to filter radiation when the radiation source is positioned at a side of the subject.

Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scintillator array having an integrated air gap. By integrating an air gap within the reflector, light collection efficiency is improved while simultaneously lowering cross-talk between scintillators. That is, implementing a reflector without chromium oxide (Cr2O3) increases light reflectivity and an air gap lowers cross talk through the reflector. To further improve the reflectivity, the base reflector material may be coated with a low index material and a reflective material such as silver.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collimator assembly defined by a series of multi-piece collimator elements or plates that extend along at least one dimension of a scintillator pack. Each collimator element has a collimating component and a shielding component that are structurally independent from one another. The collimating components may be connected to the shielding components or separated by a small air gap. The shielding components are wider than the collimating components but the collimating components have a greater height. With this construction, the collimator assembly optimizes collimation and shielding with lower material requirements and reduced overall size.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the efficiency of an imaging system. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The detector is placed within a housing, which is then transferred to the location of use. The present technique provides a mechanism for protecting the housing and the detector from corruptive elements such as moisture. Particularly, the present technique involves the sealing of the detector after manufacture and sealing of the housing after assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved CT detector scintillator to photodiode optical coupling. The CT detector utilizes a controlled air gap between the photodiode array and the scintillator array together with an anti-reflective layer on the scintillator array. To improve the absorption of light at the photodiode array, the photodiode array includes a textured light reception surface. By incorporating a textured layer with the photodiode array, the light collection efficiency of the photodiodes is improved. The textured layer may extend along an x- and/or z-axis and the texturing may be in different forms. For example, the textured layer may include a series of pyramidally-shaped protrusions.

Abstract: A method for making a detector array comprising a photosensor and scintillators, including placing a thermoplastically encased reflective film between scintillators of a scintillator array and optically coupling the scintillators with the photosensor.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method for imaging an organ of a patient that includes steps of: scanning a volume of a patient's body including an organ of the patient with a computed tomographic (CT) imaging system having a radiation source and detector coupled to a rotating gantry, the detector array having a z-direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the gantry and an x-direction transverse to the z-direction; acquiring attenuation data from a plurality of staggered half detector segments of the detector array; and reconstructing an image including the patient's organ using the acquired attenuation data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a CT detector array having uniform cross-talk. Discontinuities in cross-talk between adjacent CT detectors of a CT detector array are minimized by increasing the cross-talk at the boundaries of adjacent CT detectors. Discontinuities throughout a CT detector contribute to artifact presence in a final reconstructed image, therefore, it is preferred that cross-talk throughout the CT detector array be relatively uniform. Reducing the width of reflector material between adjacent CT detectors increases the cross-talk between the CT detectors. This increase in cross-talk offsets the reduced cross-talk that typically occurs between scintillators, optical epoxy layers, and photodiodes at the CT detector interface. Cross-talk may also be increased by reducing the amount of chrome deposited in the reflector between CT detectors or reducing the levels of titanium oxide typically used in reflector layers.