AEC Sensor Array Alignment in X-Ray Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray detectors face challenges in accurately aligning the X-ray source, patient, and AEC sensor due to the lack of precise alignment methods, leading to potential X-ray over-radiation and suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray detector with an AEC sensor array that adjusts AEC sensing areas based on a 1D image, identifying a symmetric point to ensure symmetrical alignment and prevent X-ray over-radiation by correcting the AEC sensing areas relative to this point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automatic exposure control (AEC) sensor is added to detect the exit X-ray beam, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AEC sensor is integrated within the existing X-ray detector structure, specifically positioned in the support arm between the collision course of the rotating anode and target. This nesting approach allows the AEC functionality to be embedded without requiring separate external components, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the rotating anode, positions the target, and simultaneously houses the AEC sensor for beam detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, resolving the contradiction between improved operational convenience and increased device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the AEC sensor is positioned in the support arm, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision may be affected by space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The AEC sensor is positioned at a specific location in the support arm where it can effectively detect the exit beam while maintaining adequate spacing from the rotating anode and target. This localized positioning ensures that the sensor receives sufficient beam intensity for accurate detection without being too close to the collision course, thereby maintaining measurement precision within the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
The AEC sensor is pre-positioned in the support arm during device assembly, ensuring optimal placement for beam detection before operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the sensor to be correctly oriented and spaced to achieve accurate measurements without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
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 ensures accurate alignment, prevents X-ray over-radiation, and maintains high-quality X-ray images by automatically adjusting AEC sensing areas, reducing the need for retakes and minimizing the average X-ray dose.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source for generating X-ray beams
Implementation Method 2
an AEC sensor for detecting the exit beam
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an X-ray detector automatically correcting an automatic exposure control (AEC) sensing area, based on an image obtained using an AEC sensor array, and a method of operating the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector may detect, by using an AEC sensor array, X-rays that have passed through an object, obtain a one-dimensional (1D) image by quantifying a dose of the detected X-rays into a signal value, identify a symmetric point from the 1D image, based on a signal value for each pixel of the 1D image, and adjust respective locations of a plurality of AEC sensing areas so that the plurality of AEC sensing areas are symmetrical to each other with respect to the identified symmetric point.