ADC Power State Switching for Radiographic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic image detection devices experience high power consumption during irradiation start detection operations, particularly in battery-powered portable devices, leading to reduced imaging efficiency due to frequent battery charging.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image detection device with a signal processing circuit that shares AD conversion processes among multiple signal lines and a control unit that switches the power supply state of AD converters between two power states, reducing the number of converters in the higher power state during irradiation start detection, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all AD converters are kept in the first power state during irradiation start detection operation, then the detection accuracy and speed are maintained, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state of AD converters adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically switches AD converters between the first power state (higher power, full functionality) and the second power state (lower power, reduced functionality) based on the operational phase. During irradiation start detection, some converters are kept in the first state to ensure detection accuracy, while others are switched to the second state to reduce overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by not keeping all AD converters in the first power state during irradiation start detection operation. Instead, only a subset of converters necessary for accurate detection remain in the first state, while the rest are placed in the second power state. This partial activation maintains sufficient detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to keeping all converters active.
2Speed
If multiple AD converters operate simultaneously in the first power state, then the image reading speed is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching AD converters between power states based on the operational phase. During image reading operation, converters are periodically activated in the first power state to maintain high reading speed, while during irradiation start detection, they are switched to the second power state to conserve battery life. This periodic switching between operational modes optimizes the balance between speed and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active AD converters based on the current operation type. The control unit determines whether the system is performing image reading or irradiation start detection, and accordingly switches converters between power states. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high performance when needed while conserving energy during standby or detection phases.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of AD converters in the first power state is reduced during irradiation start detection, then the power consumption is reduced, but the detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by maintaining a minimal subset of AD converters in the first power state during irradiation start detection operation. This subset is sufficient to ensure reliable detection of irradiation start, while the remaining converters are switched to the second power state. The control unit carefully manages which converters remain active to maintain detection reliability while achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified operational mode during irradiation start detection where not all converters operate at full capacity. Instead, a representative subset of converters in the first power state performs the detection function, which is then used to determine irradiation start. This copying approach maintains detection reliability while reducing the number of converters that need to be fully operational.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces power consumption during irradiation start detection operations, extending battery life and improving imaging efficiency by periodically switching the power supply state of AD converters, allowing for longer device operation without frequent recharging.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of AD converters that are included in the signal processing circuit, perform an AD conversion process of converting the analog voltage signal into a digital signal corresponding to a voltage value
Implementation Method 2
pixels that are sensitive to radiation which has been emitted from a radiation generation apparatus and transmitted through a subject and accumulate charge
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit of an electronic cassette has a function of switching a power supply state to an ADC between an operating state corresponding to a first state in which first power is supplied and a non-operating state corresponding to a second state in which second power that is lower than the first power per unit time is supplied. The control unit reduces the number of ADCs in the operating state per unit time T in an AED operation for detecting the start of the emission of X-rays to be less than that in an image reading operation for outputting an X-ray image provided for diagnosis.