Abstract: A method to be used during a product development procedure wherein the procedure includes a series of consecutive development phases and the product includes at least two critical to quality characteristics (CTQs). The method is for generating a confidence matrix which can be used to increase a product sigma through product design. A user initially provides product limits and thereafter provides additional development information during each consecutive development phase. During at least two of the development phases and for each CTQ, development information is used to determine a quality factor which is indicative of the probability that the product will be within the specified limits. Also, for each CTQ, a confidence factor is identified which is indicative of the probability that the quality factor is accurate. Then, quality factors, CTQs and confidence factors are arranged such that the CTQs and factors are correlated.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one aspect, an imaging system having a detector that has multiple detector cells extending along a z-axis, the detector being configured to collect multiple slices of data; and a scalable data acquisition system configured to convert signals from the detector to digital form, the scalable data acquisition system having a plurality of converter boards each with a plurality of channels, the channels and detector cells having an interweaved coupling to reduce susceptibility to band artifact.

Abstract: A scalable data acquisition system (SDAS) that may be used in connection with both single slice and multislice imaging systems is described. Generally, the SDAS in configured for use in a computed tomography system and converts the low level electrical current signal from the x-ray detector to digital values for image reconstruction, display and archive. The SDAS also includes an anti-alias filter for each cell prior to analog to digital conversion (ADC). More specifically, the analog current signals from the detector are supplied to the SDAS input channels via shielded ribbon or flex cables. The cables are connected to the SDAS at the SDAS backplane. The SDAS Converter boards are also plugged into the SDAS backplane. This interconnection provides several advantages. For example, the backplane enables ganging the detector cells on the outside edges of the fan beam. The backplane also allows a redistribution of the detector cells to appropriate converter boards.

Abstract: A PET scanner contains a positron emission event qualifier which prevents noise from being misinterpreted as such an event. A radiation detector signal indicates the intensity and duration of sensed gamma radiation. A comparator produces an intermediate signal when the radiation detector signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. A delay line delays the intermediate signal by an interval of time and blocks any pulses in the intermediate signal which are shorter than this interval. Typical noise in the intermediate signal is shorter in duration than this interval of time.