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US6586743B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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X-ray detector having sensors and evaluation units
Assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
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Filing: 2000-09-20
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Granted: 2003-07-01
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Expires: 2020-09-20
Abstract
Abstract An X-ray detector includes an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses. The X-ray detector also includes an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses. In order to form an X-ray detector which exhibits a high degree of linearity over a large dynamic range in conjunction with a higher maximum count rate and in order to avoid falsification of the calculated image by multiple counting of X-ray quanta, the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto. The electric charge pulses from the conversion element are applied to the input of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Overdick
- 👤 Josef Lauter
- 👤 Walter Rütten
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/17
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An X-ray detector comprising an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses and an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses, wherein the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto, the electric charge pulses being applied from the conversion element to the output of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An X-ray detector comprising an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses and an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses, wherein the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto, the electric charge pulses being applied from the conversion element to the output of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a directly converting conversion element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a conversion element consisting of a scintillator in conjunction with a photodiode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein the current/frequency converter and/or the counter includes a reset input.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein the electronic counter is constructed as a feedback shift register.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
An X ray detector as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein a plurality of conversion elements and associated evaluation units form part of at least one integrated circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein an additional adjustable current source is connected to the input of each current/frequency converter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The use of an X-ray detector as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3 in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, notably a computed tomography apparatus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the electronic counter is constructed as a feedback shift register.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4 , wherein a plurality of conversion elements and associated evaluation units form part of at least one integrated circuit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An X-ray detector, as claimed in claim 4 , wherein an additional adjustable current source is connected to the input of each current/frequency converter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The use of an X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4 in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, notably a computer tomography apparatus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 5 , wherein a plurality of conversion elements and associated evaluation units form part of at least one integrated circuit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 5 , wherein an additional adjustable current source is connected to the input of each current/frequency converter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The use of an X-ray detector as claimed in claim 5 in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, notably a computer tomography apparatus.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
An X-ray detector as claimed in claim 6 , wherein an additional adjustable current source is connected to the input of each current/frequency converter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The use of an X-ray detector as claimed in claim 6 in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, notably a computer tomography apparatus.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The use of an X-ray detector as claimed in claim 7 in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, notably a computer tomography apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-12-30 | 2007-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-30 | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |