Method and apparatus for improving image quality in positron emission tomography

An apparatus as defined in claim I fiber comprising:

• (a) an amplifier/integrator for generating an amplified/integrated signal from the photomultiplier tube signal;
• (b) an analog to digital converter for generating a digitized signal from the amplified/integrated signal;
• and
• (c) a series of pull up resistors for generating a code signal identifying the photomultiplier tube.

A method for improving the image produced by a scintillation camera comprising an array of photomultiplier tubes, comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating a photomultiplier tube signal after an event;
• (b) generating a code signal identifying the photomultiplier tube;
• (c) generating a clock signal providing a time stamp for the photomultiplier tube;
• (d) generating an encoded signal comprising the photomultiplier tube signal followed by the code sign and the time stamp;
• (e) determining whether the event is a true event;
• (e) calculating the position of the event;
• (f) generating an image from a plurality of encoded signals;
• and
• (g) displaying the image.

An apparatus for improving the image produced a scintillation camera comprising an array of photomultiplier tubes, comprising:

• (a) means for generating a photomultiplier tube signal after an event;
• (b) means for generating a code signal identifying the photomultiplier tube;
• (c) means for generating a clock signal providing a time stamp for the photomultiplier tube;
• (d) means for generating an encoded signal comprising the photomultiplier tube signal followed by the code signal and the time stamp;
• (e) means for determining whether the event is a true event;
• (e) means for calculating the position of the event;
• (f) means for generating an image from a plurality of encoded signals;
• and
• (g) means for displaying the image.