Target density imaging using discrete photon counting to produce high-resolution radiographic images
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for imaging a target comprising:
- a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target;
a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detector having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors, the two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors includes;
a plurality of scintillators configured to receive radiation from the radiation source and convert the radiation to light;
at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT) configured to receive the light from the scintillators; and
at least one light guide configured to guide the light from the plurality of scintillators to the at least one PMT, the at least one PMT is configured to detect light from all of the plurality of scintillators in the block detector; and
a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and so generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a system and method for using discrete photon counting to produce transmission radiographic images of a target object with improved spatial resolution and high system sensitivity. The system comprises a radiation source for directing photons at a target object and a detector array for receiving photons passing through the target in order to provide an image of the target density. The detector array is configured to enhance spatial resolution and maintain high system sensitivity. To correct the parallax effect that may be induced by such configuration of the detector array, a process can be computer implemented or program coded to parallax correction.
88 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A system for imaging a target comprising:
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a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target; a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detector having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors, the two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors includes; a plurality of scintillators configured to receive radiation from the radiation source and convert the radiation to light; at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT) configured to receive the light from the scintillators; and at least one light guide configured to guide the light from the plurality of scintillators to the at least one PMT, the at least one PMT is configured to detect light from all of the plurality of scintillators in the block detector; and a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and so generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for imaging a target comprising:
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directing radiation at a target; detecting at least a portion of the radiation that passes through the target, the at least a portion of the radiation is detected by a detector array having at least one block detector, the at least one block detector includes a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors; receiving data relating to the radiation detected by the detector array; adjusting for a parallax effect in the density image of the target that results from a configuration of the detector array; and providing a look-up table to identify a location of each of the discrete detectors that detect the radiation. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A system for imaging a target comprising:
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a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target; a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detector having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors; a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and to generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect; and a plurality of scintillators configured to receive radiation from tire radiation source and convert the radiation to light, at least one of the plurality of scintillators has a width of approximately 4 to 8 mm.
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27. A system for imaging a target comprising:
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a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target; a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detector having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors; a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and to generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect; and a plurality of scintillators configured to receive radiation from the radiation source and convert the radiation to light, at least one of the plurality of scintillators has a width of approximately 6 mm.
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28. A system for imaging a target comprising:
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a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target; a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detector having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors; a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect; and a look-up table for identifying a location of each of the discrete detectors that detect the radiation from the radiation source.
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29. A system for imaging a target comprising:
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a radiation source configured to direct radiation at the target; a detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that passes through the target, the detector array includes at least one block detect or having a two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors, the two-dimensional sub-array of discrete detectors includes; a plurality of scintillators configured to receive radiation from the radiation source and convert the radiation to light; at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT) configured to receive the light from the scintillators; and at least one light guide configured to guide the light from the plurality of scintillators to the at least one PMT, the at least one PMT includes four (4) PMTs, and the at least one light guide includes four (4) light guides; and a first controller configured to receive data relating to the detected radiation and to generate a density image of the target that is corrected for a parallax effect.
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Specification