Dual-Line X-Ray Camera Amplification Control for Image Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation image acquisition technologies face challenges in achieving a clear radiation image, particularly in contamination inspections, where the image definition can be improved.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an image acquisition device that uses a dual-line X-ray camera with scintillators and line scan cameras, where the amplification factor is set based on specific imaging conditions, such as luminance variations, to generate clear X-ray transmission images by averaging or adding signals from two lines, thereby enhancing image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the amplification factor is increased to improve image clarity, then the image definition is improved, but the noise level also increases and the lifespan of components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage definitionVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image acquisition into two separate lines (first line and second line), each acquiring images with different amplification factors. This segmentation allows the system to process images with optimal amplification settings for different regions, avoiding the need to use high amplification for the entire image, thereby reducing noise and component stress while maintaining image definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different amplification factors to different lines based on local image requirements. The first line uses a first amplification factor for regions requiring higher definition, while the second line uses a second amplification factor for other regions. This local quality approach ensures that amplification is applied only where necessary, improving image definition without universally increasing noise and component wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a single line scan camera is used to acquire images, then the device complexity is low, but the image clarity and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddual-line camera system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the outputs of two line scan cameras (first and second lines) to generate the final radiation image. By merging the image data from both lines, the system achieves an improved signal-to-noise ratio through signal averaging or combination, while distributing the imaging load across two cameras rather than requiring a single complex high-performance camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-line camera system performs multiple functions: the first line captures images with one amplification factor optimized for certain conditions, while the second line captures images with a different amplification factor optimized for other conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle varying image quality requirements within a single imaging process, improving overall signal-to-noise ratio without requiring separate imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for the acquisition of clear X-ray transmission images with improved signal-to-noise ratio, reducing the need for increased X-ray output and extending the lifespan of the X-ray irradiator and detection camera components.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation image of a conveyed object is acquired using a line scan camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentEP3136087B1Image acquisition device and image acquisition method
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3136087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3136087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image acquisition device is an image acquisition device that acquires an X-ray transmission image of an object conveyed in a conveyance direction, and the image acquisition device includes an X-ray irradiator that outputs an X-ray, a belt conveyor that conveys the object in the conveyance direction, an X-ray detection camera having a scintillator that converts an X-ray penetrating the object into scintillation light, a line scan camera that detects the scintillation light and outputs a detection signal, and an amplifier that amplifies the detection signal at a predetermined set amplification factor and outputs a amplified signal, a controller that generates an X-ray transmission image based on the amplified signal, and an amplifier controller that sets one of a first amplification factor or a second amplification factor corresponding to an amplification factor lower than the first amplification factor as the set amplification factor based on a predetermined imaging condition.