Large-Area Flat Panel Detector Assembly with Patterned Pixel Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large area flat panel image sensors for X-ray imaging and radiation detection are limited by sequential row-by-row readout methods, which do not allow for selective or patterned readouts, leading to inefficiencies and image stitching requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor unit with individually addressable pixels, controlled by row and column control circuitry and a unit controller, enabling selective readout of specific pixel patterns, and a method for constructing a large area flat panel image sensor using modular units with memory for storing readout patterns and signal amplification, allowing for flexible and efficient data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential row-by-row readout method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is worsened due to inability to perform selective or patterned readouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the readout process by dividing the pixel array into multiple independently controllable banks or regions. Each bank can be read out separately and simultaneously, enabling parallel readout operations that improve productivity without requiring complete redesign of the readout architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding column-select lines to the traditional row-by-row readout architecture. This enables selective readout of specific column regions alongside row selection, creating a two-dimensional addressing scheme that allows patterned and region-of-interest readouts while maintaining compatibility with existing readout circuitry.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensor units are combined to form large area detector, then area of stationary object is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to stitching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image sensor units into a single large-area detector array where adjacent units are positioned with their active regions overlapping or abutting. The control circuitry treats the combined array as a single addressable unit, eliminating the need for mechanical stitching or software composite operations while achieving large imaging area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the control circuitry to universally address pixels across multiple sensor units using a unified coordinate system. The same row and column select lines can address pixels in any unit, allowing the system to function as either a single large array or multiple smaller arrays depending on configuration needs, thereby simplifying the assembly interface.
3Area of stationary object
If offset arrangement of image chips is used, then area of stationary object is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to sliding or rotating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of image sensor units where units are arranged in a fixed non-uniform pattern with specific units positioned at different offsets. This asymmetric arrangement allows the control circuitry to directly address any pixel in the combined array without requiring mechanical sliding or rotating operations, as each unit's pixel coordinates are uniquely mappable to the global coordinate system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor unit is disclosed that includes an array of image sensing pixels, arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein each pixel is individually addressable. Each row of pixels is controlled via a row control in communication with the row of pixels in the array via a row addressing line, and capable of selectively addressing one or more of the plurality of rows. Each column of pixels is controlled by a column control in communication with each column of pixels in the array via a column addressing line, and capable of selectively addressing one or more of the plurality of columns. A unit controller is configured to specify selective readout of one or more pixel readout signals by instructing the row and column control to address one or more specific rows and columns of the array. A flat panel image sensor may include image sensor chips mounted on a substrate, the substrate may include a plurality of openings, and each of the plurality of openings enables access to at least one image sensor unit of the image sensor units. Each image sensor chip may include at least one chip contact array where at least one contact of each image sensor unit is accessible through at least one opening. The flat panel image sensor also may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”) attached to the substrate, which includes PCB contact arrays and each PCB contact array may be in alignment with and in electrical connection with a corresponding chip contact array using electrically adhesive paste. The substrate and the PCB may be aligned so that each ball of electrically conductive adhesive paste is in contact with one electrical contact pad to form an image sensor assembly.