Variable code gamma ray imaging system
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional tomographic image of a gamma-ray source comprising:
- a detector array, producing an array of detector signals, for determining the position of each photon received from the source;
an aperture array positioned between the source and the detector array;
means for modulating the transmission of each of the apertures in the aperture array with an array of separable coding signals;
means for decoding the array of detector signals using an array of decoding signals which correspond to the separable coding signals to provide an array of projection signals representing the intensity of a projected image of the source through each aperture;
means for choosing the coding and decoding signals based on the intensity distribution of the source; and
means for utilizing the projection signals to produce a three-dimensional tomographic image of the source.
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Abstract
A gamma-ray source distribution in the body is imaged onto a detector using an array of apertures. The transmission of each aperture is modulated using a code such that the individual views of the source through each aperture can be decoded and separated. The codes are chosen to maximize the signal to noise ratio for each source distribution. These codes determine the photon collection efficiency of the aperture array. Planar arrays are used for volumetric reconstructions and circular arrays for cross-sectional reconstructions.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional tomographic image of a gamma-ray source comprising:
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a detector array, producing an array of detector signals, for determining the position of each photon received from the source; an aperture array positioned between the source and the detector array; means for modulating the transmission of each of the apertures in the aperture array with an array of separable coding signals; means for decoding the array of detector signals using an array of decoding signals which correspond to the separable coding signals to provide an array of projection signals representing the intensity of a projected image of the source through each aperture; means for choosing the coding and decoding signals based on the intensity distribution of the source; and means for utilizing the projection signals to produce a three-dimensional tomographic image of the source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. In a method for producing a three-dimensional tomographic image of a gamma-ray source the steps of:
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imaging the source onto a detector array through an array of apertures to produce an array of detector signals; modulating each of the apertures with an array of coding signals; decoding the detector signals with an array of decoding signals corresponding to the coding signals to produce an array of projection signals representing the intensity of each element of a projected image of the source through each aperture; selecting a set of coding and decoding signals based on the distribution of the source; and reconstructing a three-dimensional tomographic view of the source using the projection signals. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification