Image Pickup Apparatus Voltage Control for Pixel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radiation image-pickup apparatuses face degradation of pixel characteristics due to long-time voltage application and fluctuations in the read circuit when transitioning to standby or stopped states, as existing power management strategies do not effectively manage voltage supply to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that performs specific voltage supply management processes, stopping voltage to the detecting unit while maintaining it for the drive and read circuits, and then driving the detecting unit using the power supply unit, followed by stopping voltage to the drive and read circuits, thereby reducing voltage applied to transducers and switching elements, and ensuring normal operation of the read circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If voltage is continuously supplied to the detecting unit in standby mode, then the device can quickly resume operation, but the pixel characteristics degrade due to long-time voltage application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage supply control where the voltage state to the detecting unit changes based on operational mode. In standby mode, voltage is stopped to preserve pixel characteristics; in operation mode, voltage is supplied to enable full functionality. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the voltage supply state to the current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by stopping voltage supply to the detecting unit before entering standby mode, and restoring voltage supply when operation is needed. This preliminary control of voltage states prevents degradation while maintaining the ability to quickly resume operations when needed.
2Reliability
If voltage is stopped to the detecting unit in standby mode, then pixel characteristics are preserved, but the device cannot quickly resume operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage supply based on operational state. The control unit monitors the operational mode and switches voltage supply accordingly, allowing the system to optimize between preserving pixel characteristics during standby and enabling quick resumption when operation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage supply to the detecting unit is controlled periodically based on the operational mode transitions. The control unit enables voltage supply when operation is needed and stops it during standby, creating a periodic pattern that balances pixel preservation with operational readiness.
3Reliability
If voltage is supplied to the entire apparatus in stopped state, then all components remain functional, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply control into different parts of the system. The control unit independently controls voltage supply to the detecting unit versus the drive circuit and read circuit. This segmentation allows the detecting unit to have voltage stopped during standby (reducing power consumption) while the drive and read circuits maintain voltage supply to preserve their functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system receive different voltage supply treatments based on their specific requirements. The detecting unit receives stopped voltage during standby to save power, while the drive circuit and read circuit continue to receive voltage to maintain operational readiness. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between power savings and component functionality.
4Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is stopped to the drive circuit and read circuit in standby mode, then power consumption decreases, but the read circuit characteristics fluctuate due to excessive electrical charge
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage supply control is segmented such that the drive circuit and read circuit continue to receive voltage during standby mode while the detecting unit has voltage stopped. This segmentation allows power savings from stopping voltage to the detecting unit while maintaining voltage supply to the drive and read circuits to prevent characteristic fluctuations and excessive electrical charge accumulation.
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 reduces the risk of pixel and read circuit degradation by applying a lower reference voltage during standby or stopped states, allowing for quicker natural discharge and minimizing voltage-induced damage, while maintaining normal read circuit operation.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer that converts radiation or light to electrical charge
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a detecting unit having pixels that converts radiation or light to electric signals; a drive circuit that drives the detecting unit; a read circuit that outputs the electric signals as image signals; a power supply unit that supplies voltages to the detecting unit, the drive circuit, and the read circuit; and a control unit that controls at least the drive circuit and the power supply unit. The control unit performs a first process of stopping the voltage supply operation to the detecting unit, with the voltage supply operations to the drive circuit and the read circuit maintained; a second process of driving the detecting unit; and a third process of stopping the voltage supply operations to the drive circuit and the read circuit.