Radiation detector array with solar cell

A detector array (118) for a radiation system includes first and second detector cells (202, 250). The first detector cell (202) includes a first scintillator (220) that converts a radiation photon (226) impinging the first scintillator (220) into first light energy (230), and a first solar cell (212) that converts the first light energy (230) into first electrical energy. The second detector cell (250) includes a second scintillator (270) that converts a radiation photon (276) impinging the second scintillator (270) into second light energy (280). The first scintillator (220) includes a first detection surface (224) through which the radiation photon (226) impinging the first scintillator (220) enters the first scintillator (220). The second scintillator (270) includes a second detection surface (274) through which the radiation photon (276) impinging the second scintillator (270) enters the second scintillator (270). The second detection surface (274) is substantially parallel to the first detection surface (224) and the second detection surface (274) is not coplanar with the first detection surface (224).

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to an indirect conversion detector array of a radiation system. It finds particular application in medical, security, and/or industrial fields, where radiation imaging systems are used to identify/view interior aspects of an object under examination.

Today, radiation systems such as computed tomography (CT) systems, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, digital projection systems, and/or line-scan systems, for example, are useful to provide information, or images, of interior aspects of an object under examination. The object is exposed to rays of radiation photons (e.g., x-ray photons, gamma ray photons, etc.) and radiation photons traversing the object are detected by a detector array positioned substantially diametrically opposite a radiation source relative to the object. A degree to which the radiation photons are attenuated by the object (e.g., absorbed, scattered, etc.) is measured to determine one or more properties of the object, or rather aspects of the object. For example, highly dense aspects of the object typically attenuate more radiation than less dense aspects, and thus an aspect having a higher density, such as a bone or metal, for example, may be apparent when surrounded by less dense aspects, such as tissue or clothing.

Detector arrays comprise a plurality of detector cells, respectively configured to detect radiation impinging a pre-defined portion of the detector array. The detector cells are configured to directly or indirectly convert radiation photons into electrical charge. Direct conversion detector cells are configured to convert the radiation photons directly into electrical charge using a photoconductor (e.g., amorphous selenium). Indirect conversion detector cell are configured to convert the radiation photons into light using a scintillator and to convert the light into electrical charge using a photodetector, such as a photodiode. In a detector array comprising indirect conversion detector cells, conventional detector cells include one or more scintillators. The one or more scintillators are arranged such that the radiation photons impinge a detection surface of the detector cells at a perpendicular angle. In this way, a thickness of the one or more scintillators should be sufficient to allow for optical photons to exit the scintillator while not being so thick to mitigate excessive cross-talk between adjacent detector cells.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present application address the above matters, and others. According to an aspect, a detector array for a radiation system comprises a first detector cell comprising a first scintillator configured to convert a radiation photon impinging the first scintillator into first light energy. The first detector cell comprises a first solar cell configured to convert the first light energy into first electrical energy.

According to another aspect, a detector array for a radiation system comprises a first detector cell comprising a first scintillator configured to convert a radiation photon impinging the first scintillator into first light energy. The first scintillator comprises a first detection surface through which the radiation photon impinging the first scintillator enters the first scintillator. The first scintillator comprises a first solar cell configured to convert the first light energy into first electrical energy. The detector array comprises a second detector cell comprising a second scintillator configured to convert a radiation photon impinging the second scintillator into second light energy. The second scintillator comprises a second detection surface through which the radiation photon impinging the second scintillator enters the second scintillator. The second detection surface is substantially parallel to the first detection surface and the second detection surface is not coplanar with the first detection surface.

According to another aspect, a radiation system comprises a radiation source configured to emit a radiation photon. The radiation system comprises a first detector cell comprising a first scintillator configured to convert the radiation photon impinging the first scintillator into first light energy. The first scintillator comprises a first detection surface through which the radiation photon impinging the first scintillator enters the first scintillator and a first light emission surface through which the first light energy exits the first scintillator. The first detection surface extends along a first detection surface plane that forms a first incidence angle with respect to a first radiation photon axis along which the radiation photon impinging the first scintillator travels. The first incidence angle is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate still other aspects of the present application upon reading and understanding the appended description.

DESCRIPTION

According to some embodiments, a detector array is provided. The detector array comprises a first detector cell comprising a first scintillator. The first scintillator comprises a first detection surface through which a radiation photon impinging the first scintillator enters the first scintillator. The first detector cell includes a first solar cell that converts first light energy into first electrical energy. The detector array comprises a second detector cell comprising a second scintillator. The second scintillator comprises a second detection surface through which a radiation photon impinging the second scintillator enters the second scintillator. The second detector cell includes a second solar cell that converts second light energy into second electrical energy. In an example, the second detection surface is substantially parallel to the first detection surface and the second detection surface is not coplanar with the first detection surface. As such, an effective scintillator thickness, defined as a distance that the radiation photon travels through the first scintillator or the second scintillator, can be longer than the scintillator thickness.

FIG. 1illustrates a radiation system100where the techniques and/or systems described herein may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation system100is a computed tomography (CT) system, although the systems and/or techniques described herein may find applicability to other radiation imaging systems such as line-scan systems, mammography systems, and/or diffraction systems, for example. The radiation system100thus merely provides an example arrangement and is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as necessarily specifying the location, inclusion, and/or relative position of the components depicted therein. By way of example, in some embodiments, a data acquisition component122is part of a detector array118and/or is located on a rotating gantry106of an examination unit102.

In the example radiation system100, the examination unit102is configured to examine objects104(e.g., suitcases, cargo, patients, etc.). The examination unit102comprises the rotating gantry106and a (stationary) support structure108(e.g., which may encase and/or surround at least a portion of the rotating gantry106(e.g., as illustrated with an outer, stationary ring, surrounding an outside edge of an inner, rotating ring)). During an examination of an object104, the object104is placed on a support article110, such as a bed or conveyor belt, for example, and positioned within an examination region112(e.g., a hollow bore in the rotating gantry106), where the object104is exposed to radiation120.

The rotating gantry106may surround a portion of the examination region112and may comprise a radiation source116(e.g., an ionizing radiation source such as an x-ray source and/or gamma-ray source) and the detector array118. The detector array118is typically mounted on a substantially diametrically opposite side of the rotating gantry106relative to the radiation source116, and during an examination of the object104, the rotating gantry106(e.g., including the radiation source116and detector array118) is rotated about the object104. Typically, a plane in which the rotating gantry106is rotated is defined as an x,y plane and a direction in which the object is translated into and out of the examination region112is referred to as the z-direction. Because the radiation source116and the detector array118are mounted to a same rotating gantry106, a relative position between the detector array118and the radiation source116is substantially maintained during the rotation of the rotating gantry106.

During the examination of the object104, the radiation source116emits cone-beam and/or fan-beam radiation configurations from a focal spot of the radiation source116(e.g., a region within the radiation source116from which radiation120emanates) into the examination region112. Such radiation120may be emitted substantially continuously and/or may be emitted intermittently (e.g., a brief pulse of radiation120is emitted followed by a resting period during which the radiation source116is not activated). Further, the radiation120may be emitted at a single energy spectrum or multiple energy spectrums depending upon, among other things, whether the radiation system100is configured as a single-energy system or a multi-energy (e.g., dual-energy) system.

As the emitted radiation120traverses the object104, the radiation120may be attenuated differently by different aspects of the object104. Because different aspects attenuate different percentages of the radiation120, the number of photons and/or energy levels of respective photons detected by detector cells of the detector array118may vary. For example, more dense aspects of the object(s)104, such as a bone, may attenuate more of the radiation120(e.g., causing fewer photons to impinge upon a region of the detector array118shadowed by the more dense aspects) than less dense aspects, such as tissue.

The detector array118comprises a plurality of detector cells respectively configured to convert radiation photons impinging the detector cell into electrical charge to produce analog signals. In some embodiments, the detector array118is a one-dimensional array, where the detector array118comprises a plurality of columns of detector cells (e.g., extending in the x,y plane) and a single row of detector cells (e.g., extending in the z-direction, which goes into the page inFIG. 1). In other embodiments, the detector array118is a two-dimensional array, where the detector array118comprises a plurality of columns of detector cells and a plurality of rows of detector cells.

The detector cells respectively comprise a scintillator configured to generate light energy (e.g., luminescent photons within a visible light wavelength spectrum) responsive to a radiation photon interacting with the scintillator. A solar cell can convert the light energy into electrical energy based upon light detected by the solar cell.

The analog signals that are generated by respective detector cells of the detector array118can be transmitted from the detector array118to the data acquisition component122operably coupled to the detector array118. The analog signal(s) may carry information indicative of the radiation detected by the detector array118(e.g., such as an amount of charge measured over a sampling period and/or an energy level of detected radiation).

The data acquisition component122is configured to convert the analog signals output by the detector array118into digital signals and/or to compile signals that were transmitted within a predetermined time interval, or measurement interval, using various techniques (e.g., integration, photon counting, etc.). The compiled signals are typically in projection space and are, at times, referred to as projections. A projection may be representative of the information collected or measurements acquired by respective detector cells of the detector array118during an interval of time or a view, where a view corresponds to data collected while the radiation source116was at a particular view-angle or within a particular angular range relative to the object104.

Data (e.g., the digital signals and/or the projections) generated by the data acquisition component122may be transmitted to an image generation component124operably coupled to the data acquisition component122. The image generation component124is configured to convert at least some of the data from projection space to image space using suitable analytical, iterative, and/or other reconstruction techniques (e.g., tomosynthesis reconstruction, back-projection, iterative reconstruction, etc.). The images generated by the image generation component124may be in two-dimensional space and/or three-dimensional space and may be representative of the degree of attenuation through various aspects of the object104for a given view, may be representative of the density of various aspects of the object104, and/or may be representative of the z-effective of various aspects of the object104, for example.

The example radiation system100further comprises a terminal126, or workstation (e.g., a computer), that may be configured to receive images output by the image generation component124, which may be displayed on a monitor128to a user130(e.g., security personnel, medical personnel, etc.). In this way, the user130can inspect the image(s) to identify areas of interest within the object104, for example. The terminal126can also be configured to receive user input which can direct operations of the examination unit102(e.g., a speed to rotate, a speed and direction of the support article110, etc.), for example.

In the example radiation system100, a controller132is operably coupled to the terminal126. The controller132may be configured to control operations of the examination unit102, for example. By way of example, in one embodiment, the controller132may be configured to receive information from the terminal126and to issue instructions to the examination unit102indicative of the received information (e.g., change the position of the support article relative to the radiation source116, etc.).

FIG. 2Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example indirect conversion detector array118. The detector array118can include one or more circuit components200. The circuit component(s)200include any number of structures, components, parts, etc., including, but not limited to, printed circuit boards (PCB) or other components that can support and electrically connect electronic components. In this example, the detector array118is illustrated as including a single circuit component200, though, in other examples, may include a plurality of circuit components200.

The circuit component200can include a first detector cell202supported on a first surface204of the circuit component200. According to some examples, the first detector cell202is electrically connected to the circuit component200. The first detector cell202can include a first support structure206that is supported on the first surface204. In the illustrated example, the first support structure206has a generally triangular shape (e.g., right triangle). The first support structure206includes a first base surface208and a first support surface210. The first base surface208can be attached to, supported by, etc. the first surface204of the circuit component200. The first support surface210, which may define the hypotenuse of the first support structure206, can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200. The first support structure206includes any number of materials that have at least some degree of rigidity/inflexibility so as to support structures, components, etc. thereupon. For example, the first support structure206may include a ceramic material, composite materials, plastics, etc.

The first detector cell202can include a first solar cell212. The first solar cell212can include a solar base surface214and a solar attachment surface216. The solar attachment surface216can face in a direction towards the first surface204of the circuit component200. In this example, the solar attachment surface216can be attached to and/or supported by the first support surface210of the first support structure206. The first solar cell212can be attached in any number of ways to the first support structure206, such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, locking structures, or the like. The solar attachment surface216can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200.

The first solar cell212is an electrical device that can convert light energy into electricity, such as by the photovoltaic effect. The first solar cell212includes any number of different types of solar cells, including photovoltaic cells, photoelectric cells, or the like. In general, the first solar cell212has a p-n junction218, which is a boundary/interface between two types of semiconductor materials (e.g., p-type and n-type materials). In an example, the first solar cell212can operate with a non-reverse bias, such as with a zero bias, for example.

The first detector cell202can include a first scintillator220. The first scintillator220comprises a first light emission surface222and a first detection surface224. The first light emission surface222can face in a direction towards the first solar cell212and the first support structure206. The first light emission surface222can be attached to, supported by, etc. the solar attachment surface216of the first solar cell212.

The first solar cell212is positioned proximate the first light emission surface222of the first scintillator220. By being proximate, the first scintillator220and the first solar cell212can be in contact (as illustrated) or, in other examples, the first scintillator220and the first solar cell212may be spaced a distance apart from the first scintillator220such that the first light emission surface222and the solar attachment surface216are not in contact.

In an example, the first detection surface224defines a generally planar surface and extends along a first detection surface plane225. According to some examples, the first surface204of the circuit component200faces the first scintillator220. In an example, the first surface204of the circuit component200is not parallel to the first detection surface224of the first scintillator220.

The first scintillator220includes any number of materials. For example, the first scintillator220can include a crystalline material (e.g., Cadmium Tungstate (CWO), Zinc Tungstate, etc.), a ceramic material (e.g., Gadolinium Oxysulfide (GOS)), and/or other scintillating material(s) known to those skilled in the art. In this example, the first scintillator220may include an optically translucent material to reduce lateral scattering of radiation photons226. According to some examples, the first scintillator220can convert the radiation photon(s)226that impinges the first scintillator220into first light energy230. In some examples, this first light energy230includes luminescent photons in the visible spectral range, from about 400 nm to about 600 nm. However, it will be appreciated that the scope of the instant disclosure and/or the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to such a range.

In operation, the first scintillator220includes the first detection surface224through which the radiation photon226impinging the first scintillator220enters the first scintillator220. With the radiation photon226entering the first scintillator220, the first scintillator220can convert the radiation photon226into the first light energy230. In some examples, the first scintillator220can include a reflective material (e.g., around a perimeter of the first scintillator220) that can reflect the first light energy230back into the first scintillator220. As such, most, if not all, of the first light energy230can remain trapped within the first detector cell202and may be detected by the first solar cell212. The first solar cell212can then convert the first light energy230into first electrical energy.

The circuit component200can include a second detector cell250supported on the first surface204of the circuit component200. According to some examples, the second detector cell250is electrically connected to the circuit component200. The second detector cell250can be generally identical to the first detector cell202. For example, the second detector cell250can include a second support structure256that is supported on the first surface204. In the illustrated example, the second support structure256has a generally triangular shape (e.g., right triangle). The second support structure256includes a second base surface258and a second support surface260. The second base surface258can be attached to, supported by, etc. the first surface204of the circuit component200. The second support surface260, which may define the hypotenuse of the second support structure256, can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200. The second support structure256includes any number of materials that have at least some degree of rigidity/inflexibility so as to support structures, components, etc. thereupon. For example, the second support structure256may include a ceramic material, composite materials, plastics, etc.

The second detector cell250can include a second solar cell262. The second solar cell262can include a solar base surface264and a solar attachment surface266. The solar attachment surface266can face in a direction towards the first surface204of the circuit component200. In this example, the solar attachment surface266can be attached to and/or supported by the second support surface260of the second support structure256. The second solar cell262can be attached in any number of ways to the second support structure256, such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, locking structures, or the like. The solar attachment surface266can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200.

The second solar cell262is an electrical device that can convert light energy into electricity, such as by the photovoltaic effect. The second solar cell262includes any number of different types of solar cells, including photovoltaic cells, photoelectric cells, or the like. In general, the second solar cell262has a p-n junction268, which is a boundary/interface between two types of semiconductor materials (e.g., p-type and n-type materials). In an example, the second solar cell262can operate with a non-reverse bias, such as with a zero bias, for example.

The second detector cell250can include a second scintillator270. The second scintillator270comprises a second light emission surface272and a second detection surface274. The second light emission surface272can face in a direction towards the second solar cell262and the second support structure256. The second light emission surface272can be attached to, supported by, etc. the solar attachment surface266of the second solar cell262.

The second solar cell262is positioned proximate the second light emission surface272of the second scintillator270. By being proximate, the second scintillator270and the second solar cell262can be in contact (as illustrated) or, in other examples, the second scintillator270and the second solar cell262may be spaced a distance apart from the second scintillator270such that the second light emission surface272and the solar attachment surface266are not in contact.

In an example, the second detection surface274defines a generally planar surface and extends along a second detection surface plane275. According to some examples, the second surface254of the circuit component200faces the second scintillator270. The first surface204of the circuit component200is not parallel to the second detection surface274of the second scintillator270. In this example, the second detection surface274may be substantially parallel to the first detection surface224. The second detection surface274may not be coplanar with the first detection surface224. Rather, the first detection surface224extends along a plane (e.g., the first detection surface plane225) that is parallel to but not coplanar with a plane (e.g., the second detection surface plane275) along which the second detection surface274extends.

The second scintillator270includes any number of materials. For example, the second scintillator270can include a crystalline material (e.g., Cadmium Tungstate (CWO), Zinc Tungstate, etc.), a ceramic material (e.g., Gadolinium Oxysulfide (GOS)), and/or other scintillating material(s) known to those skilled in the art. In this example, the second scintillator270may include an optically translucent material to reduce lateral scattering of radiation photons276. According to some examples, the second scintillator270can convert the radiation photon(s)276that impinges the second scintillator270into second light energy280. In some examples, this second light energy280includes luminescent photons in the visible spectral range, from about 400 nm to about 600 nm. However, it will be appreciated that the scope of the instant disclosure and/or the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to such a range.

In operation, the second scintillator270includes the second detection surface274through which the radiation photon276impinging the second scintillator270enters the second scintillator270. With the radiation photon276entering the second scintillator270, the second scintillator270can convert the radiation photon276into the second light energy280. In some examples, the second scintillator270can include a reflective material (e.g., around a perimeter of the second scintillator270) that can reflect the second light energy280back into the second scintillator270. As such, most, if not all, of the second light energy280can remain trapped within the second detector cell250and may be detected by the second solar cell262. The second solar cell262can then convert the second light energy280into second electrical energy.

While the example detector array118ofFIG. 2Ais illustrated as including two detectors cells (e.g., the first detector cell202and the second detector cell250), the detector array118is not so limited. Rather, the detector array118can include any number of detector cells (e.g., one or more) that may be arranged in rows and/or columns.

Turning toFIG. 2B, a portion of the first detector cell202is illustrated. In this example, the first detection surface224, which extends along the first detection surface plane225, can form a first incidence angle286with respect to a first radiation photon axis288along which the radiation photon226impinging the first scintillator220travels. In some examples, the first incidence angle286is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In another example, the first incidence angle286is between about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. In an example, the first incidence angle286is about 14 degrees.

The first scintillator220has a scintillator thickness290. The scintillator thickness290can be between about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm. In an example, the scintillator thickness290is about 0.5 mm. The first scintillator220can be applied in any number of ways to the first solar cell212, such as by spraying, deposition, or the like. In some embodiments, the radiation photon226impinges the first scintillator220at the first incidence angle286. An effective scintillator thickness292can be defined as a distance that the radiation photon226travels through the first scintillator220before impinging the first solar cell212. In this example, the first scintillator220can have a longer effective scintillator thickness292than the scintillator thickness290. For example, the effective scintillator thickness292can be at least 1 mm.

Referring now to the second detector cell250inFIG. 2A, the second detection surface274, which extends along the second detection surface plane275, can form a second incidence angle294with respect to a second radiation photon axis295along which the radiation photon276impinging the second scintillator270travels. In some examples, the second incidence angle294is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In another example, the second incidence angle294is between about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. In an example, the second incidence angle294is about 14 degrees.

The second scintillator270has a scintillator thickness296. The scintillator thickness296can be between about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm. In an example, the scintillator thickness296is about 0.5 mm. The second scintillator270can be applied in any number of ways to the second solar cell262, such as by spraying, deposition, or the like. In some embodiments, the radiation photon276impinges the second scintillator270at the second incidence angle294. An effective scintillator thickness298can be defined as a distance that the radiation photon226travels through the second scintillator270before impinging the second solar cell262. In this example, the second scintillator270can have a longer effective scintillator thickness298than the scintillator thickness296. For example, the effective scintillator thickness298can be at least 1 mm.

Turning toFIG. 3, a second example of the detector array118is illustrated. In this example, the detector array118can include a first detector cell300. The first detector cell300can include a first support structure306that is supported on the first surface204of the circuit component200. In the illustrated example, the first support structure306has a generally triangular shape. While any number of shapes are envisioned, in this example, the triangular shape of the first support structure306includes an isosceles triangle having two equal sides. The first support structure306is not so limited, and, in other examples, may include an equilateral triangle, or the like.

The first support structure306can include a first base surface308. The first base surface308can be attached to, supported by, etc., the first surface204of the circuit component200. The first support structure306can include a first support surface310and a second support surface312. The first support surface310and the second support surface312can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200. In this example, the first support surface310and the second support surface312can have generally identical lengths, and may form generally identical angles with respect to the first base surface308. The first support structure306includes any number of materials that have at least some degree of rigidity/inflexibility so as to support structures, components, etc. thereupon. For example, the first support structure306may include a ceramic material, composite materials, plastics, etc.

The first detector cell300can include a plurality of first solar cells212. In this example, the first solar cells212can be attached to and/or supported by the first support surface310and the second support surface312. As such, the first solar cells212can face in generally opposite directions. The first detector cell300can include a plurality of first scintillators220that are attached to the first solar cells212. In an embodiment, the detection surfaces (e.g., the first detection surfaces224) of the first solar cells212are mirror images relative to each other. That is, the detection surfaces (e.g., the first detection surfaces224) of the first solar cells212can be axially symmetric with respect to each other.

The detector array118can include a second detector cell350. The second detector cell350can include a second support structure356that is supported on the first surface204of the circuit component200. In the illustrated example, the second support structure356has a generally triangular shape. While any number of shapes are envisioned, in this example, the triangular shape of the second support structure356includes an isosceles triangle having two equal sides. The second support structure356is not so limited, and, in other examples, may include an equilateral triangle, or the like.

The second support structure356can include a second base surface358. The second base surface358can be attached to, supported by, etc., the first surface204of the circuit component200. The second support structure356can include a third support surface360and a fourth support surface362. The third support surface360and the fourth support surface362can face in a direction away from the first surface204of the circuit component200. In this example, the third support surface360and the fourth support surface362can have generally identical lengths, and may form generally identical angles with respect to the second base surface358. The second support structure356includes any number of materials that have at least some degree of rigidity/inflexibility so as to support structures, components, etc. thereupon. For example, the second support structure356may include a ceramic material, composite materials, plastics, etc.

The second detector cell350can include a plurality of second solar cells262. In this example, the second solar cells262can be attached to and/or supported by the third support surface360and the fourth support surface362. As such, the second solar cells262can face in generally opposite directions. The second detector cell350can include a plurality of second scintillators270that are attached to the second solar cells262. In an embodiment, the detection surfaces (e.g., the second detection surfaces274) of the second solar cells262are mirror images relative to each other. That is, the detection surfaces (e.g., the second detection surfaces274) of the second solar cells262can be axially symmetric with respect to each other.

Still another embodiment involves a computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions configured to implement one or more of the techniques presented herein. An example computer-readable medium that may be devised in these ways is illustrated inFIG. 4, wherein the implementation400comprises a computer-readable medium402(e.g., a flash drive, CD-R, DVD-R, or a platter of a hard disk drive), on which is encoded computer-readable data404. This computer-readable data404in turn comprises a set of processor-executable instructions406configured to operate according to one or more of the principles set forth herein. In one such embodiment of implementation400, the processor-executable instructions406may be configured to perform a method408when the processor-executable instructions406are executed by a processing unit. In another such embodiment, the processor-executable instructions406may be configured to implement a system, such as at least some of the exemplary radiation system100ofFIG. 1, for example. Many such computer-readable media may be devised by those of ordinary skill in the art that are configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the techniques presented herein.

Further, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first channel and a second channel generally corresponds to channel A and channel B or two different or two identical channels or the same channel.