Digital Radiographic Detector Mode Synchronization via Signal Pulse Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital radiographic detectors face challenges in supporting high frame rate image capture modes with flexibility in user timing and x-ray exposure cycles, while also needing to correct for non-uniform performance and defective pixels, and require efficient image processing and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A digital radiographic detector method that determines operating modes based on signal characteristics such as pulse width, rising edges, and digital codes, allowing for optimized image capture and processing, including programmable 'warm-up' times, flexible x-ray exposure, and on-board offset corrections to minimize latency and optimize image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture modes are supported with flexible user timing and x-ray exposure cycles, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal line is designed to carry multiple types of information (mode selection, timing control, frame triggering) through a single communication channel. The detector incorporates a mode determination module that can identify and process multiple operating modes (streaming, tomosynthesis, fluoroscopy, scout image) through the same hardware interface, eliminating the need for separate control lines for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable parameters within the synchronization signal (pulse width, number of rising edges, digital code, voltage level) to encode different operating modes and control settings. By changing these signal parameters rather than requiring different signal lines, the system achieves multi-mode operation with a fixed, simple hardware interface.
2Manufacturing precision
If on-board offset corrections are performed to correct non-uniform performance and defective pixels, then image quality is improved, but processing time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Offset corrections and calibration data (gain maps, defective pixel maps, offset maps) are acquired and stored in the detector's memory during manufacturing or at intervals during field use. This preliminary preparation allows the detector to apply corrections on-board during image capture without requiring time-consuming post-processing, thus maintaining high frame rates while improving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector performs offset corrections and image processing autonomously using its own onboard resources (memory, processing circuitry, calibration data). This self-service capability eliminates the need for external processing equipment and reduces latency by handling corrections within the detector itself, maintaining high frame capture rates while improving image quality.
3Productivity
If high frame rate image capture is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential synchronization information from the synchronization signal (mode determination, frame triggering) while filtering out unnecessary data. This selective extraction approach allows high frame rate operation by transmitting only critical control information over the synchronization line, reducing data transmission complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Measurement precision
If precise mode determination based on signal characteristics is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode determination process is segmented into distinct, independent checks for different signal characteristics (pulse width comparison, rising edge counting, digital code detection, voltage level thresholding). The detector evaluates each characteristic separately and combines the results to determine the operating mode. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by systematically analyzing each signal feature while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A digital radiographic detector detects a first mode signal and dispositions a received digital image according to a procedure associated with the first mode signal. A second mode signal results in dispositioning a second received digital image according to a second image disposition procedure. The detector determines the first mode or second mode based on the signal's pulse width, a number and timing of rising edges (peaks), a digital code, a voltage level, or a combination thereof.