Radiation Detector Orientation Control for Low-Power Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic apparatuses face increased power consumption in orientation measurement units due to reduced sampling periods for accuracy, leading to shortened battery life in battery-powered systems, which affects work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the sampling period of orientation measurement units based on trigger signals indicating the stopping of a visiting cart and completion of positioning, allowing for accurate orientation calculation while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sampling period of the orientation measurement unit is reduced to improve measurement accuracy, then the orientation calculation precision is improved, but the power consumption of the orientation measurement unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling period variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the sampling period based on the operational state of the visiting cart - using a first (longer) sampling period when the cart is moving and a second (shorter) sampling period when the cart is stationary. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy when needed while reducing power consumption during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sampling period based on operational conditions. By switching between different sampling period values (first sampling period vs. second sampling period) depending on whether the visiting cart is in motion or at rest, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and power consumption. This parameter change is triggered by detecting the movement state of the visiting cart.
2Measurement precision
If the sampling period is reduced continuously to maintain accuracy during movement, then orientation measurement accuracy is maintained, but battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using different sampling frequencies for different operational phases. During movement, the system uses a lower sampling frequency (longer period), and during stationary positioning, it switches to a higher sampling frequency (shorter period). This periodic variation in sampling intensity maintains measurement accuracy during critical positioning phases while conserving battery energy during transport phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the sampling period to match the operational requirements. When the visiting cart is moving, accurate orientation measurement is less critical, so a longer sampling period is used. When the cart stops and positioning is required, the system switches to a shorter sampling period to ensure measurement accuracy. This dynamic adaptation extends battery life while maintaining functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the orientation measurement unit operates at high sampling rate for accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but work efficiency is reduced due to frequent battery charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter (sampling period) based on the operational context. By using a longer first sampling period during transport and a shorter second sampling period during positioning operations, the system ensures accurate positioning measurements only when actually needed, rather than continuously. This reduces overall power consumption and eliminates frequent battery charging interruptions, thereby improving work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action with variable intensity - low-intensity sampling during transport phases and high-intensity sampling during positioning phases. This periodic variation aligned with operational needs maintains positioning accuracy during critical moments while reducing energy consumption during non-critical moments, thus preventing work interruptions for battery charging and improving overall productivity.
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 enables accurate orientation calculation of radiation generation and detection apparatuses with reduced power consumption, enhancing battery life and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation generation apparatus and the radiation detector are each configured to include an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor. The orientation is calculated from acceleration that is the output value of the acceleration sensor
Implementation Method 2
If a gyro sensor is used, orientation is calculated by adding up (integrating) angular velocities measured in minute times using the gyro sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation detector configured to perform radiographic imaging, an orientation measurement unit configured to perform measurement of orientation of the radiation detector, a signal output unit configured to output a trigger signal between reception of a stop signal indicating that a visiting cart carrying the radiation detector is at rest or stops and reception of a completion signal indicating completion of positioning of the radiation detector taken out of the visiting cart and a radiation generation apparatus for the radiographic imaging, the visiting cart being configured to carry the radiation generation apparatus and the radiation detector, and a control unit configured to control the orientation measurement unit to reduce a sampling period of the measurement based on reception of the trigger signal.