Dual Scintillator X-ray Sensor for Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual energy x-ray radiography techniques face issues with motion blur due to x-ray source or body movement, and image blurring from heartbeats, which existing x-ray image sensing devices are unable to effectively resolve.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray image sensing device with two scintillator layers and photodiodes that absorb and emit light of different wavelengths, allowing simultaneous capture of high and low energy x-ray images with a single irradiation, using overlapping scintillator layers and photodiodes to maximize light absorption and minimize motion blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual energy x-ray radiography is performed by sequential irradiation, then different image contrast can be obtained, but motion blur occurs due to x-ray source or body movement between irradiations
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator layer is segmented into multiple layers with different thicknesses and material compositions, where each layer absorbs specific energy ranges of x-rays. The first scintillator layer (thinner) absorbs low energy x-rays while the second scintillator layer (thicker) absorbs high energy x-rays, enabling simultaneous dual-energy imaging without sequential irradiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential temporal irradiation to spatial parallel detection by adding a depth dimension. Multiple scintillator layers are positioned at different depths with varying thicknesses, allowing simultaneous detection of different energy x-rays in a single irradiation event, thereby eliminating motion blur between sequential images
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential x-ray irradiation is used for dual energy imaging, then bone and soft tissue images can be processed separately, but image blurring occurs due to heart beating during the irradiation sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple scintillator layers are pre-configured with specific thicknesses and material compositions optimized for absorbing different energy x-rays. The first scintillator layer is designed with thinner thickness and specific material to preferentially absorb low energy x-rays, while the second layer is designed accordingly for high energy x-rays, enabling immediate dual-energy detection from the first irradiation event
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous simultaneous detection of both low and high energy x-rays within a single irradiation event, eliminating interruptions caused by sequential irradiation. The heart beat occurs during a single continuous exposure rather than across multiple separate exposures, maintaining image quality stability
3Device complexity
If a single scintillator layer and photodiode are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resolve motion blur in dual energy x-ray imaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single scintillator layer is segmented into multiple layers with different thicknesses and material compositions. Each layer is optimized for absorbing specific energy ranges, enabling the system to distinguish between low and high energy x-rays simultaneously in a single irradiation event
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scintillator layers are nested within the same sensing device structure, with the first scintillator layer positioned closer to the x-ray source and the second scintillator layer positioned deeper. This nested arrangement allows both layers to function within the same device footprint, managing complexity while achieving dual-energy capability
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
Enables the simultaneous capture of high and low energy x-ray images with a single x-ray irradiation, effectively addressing the motion blur issue and improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a first scintillator layer and a second scintillator layer overlapping with each other and having different energy absorptions of an incident light emitted from an x-ray source such that a first scintillator light and a second scintillator light are emitted from the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer
Implementation Method 2
The emitted scintillator light is then absorbed by the photodiode and transformed to digital signals
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray image sensing device is provided which includes: a first scintillator layer and a second scintillator layer overlapping with each other and having different energy absorptions of an incident light emitted from an x-ray source such that a first scintillator light and a second scintillator light are emitted from the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer, respectively, wherein the first scintillator light and the second scintillator light have different wavelengths; a first photodiode disposed at a side of the first and the second scintillator layers opposite to the X-ray source; and a second photodiode disposed at the side of the first and the second scintillator layers opposite to the X-ray source, wherein the first photodiode and the second photodiode are capable of sensing the first scintillator light and the second scintillator light.