Image Sensor Dose Select Line Connecting Unit for Stitching Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray sensors, especially larger ones with multiple stitching blocks, there is a challenge in efficiently and quickly determining the incident X-ray dose due to the lack of synchronization between the X-ray source and sensor, leading to inefficiencies in image capturing and potential excess patient exposure.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor is designed with a matrix of photosensitive pixels arranged in stitching blocks, featuring dose select lines and a pixel select controller that allows simultaneous selection of second pixels across different rows and blocks, preventing multiple second pixels from being selected in the same column, and utilizing a dose select line connecting unit to manage signal distribution across stitching blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If dose sensing pixels are distributed over the entire matrix to enable simultaneous readout, then dose sensing speed is improved, but the risk of selecting multiple second pixels in the same column increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor matrix is divided into multiple stitching blocks arranged in the column direction. Each stitching block contains its own dose sensing pixels and readout circuitry. This segmentation allows simultaneous dose sensing across blocks while maintaining column selection integrity within each block, resolving the conflict between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dose select line connecting unit is introduced as an intermediary component between stitching blocks. This unit connects corresponding dose select lines from adjacent stitching blocks, ensuring that dose select signals are properly coordinated across block boundaries. The intermediary prevents incorrect simultaneous selection of second pixels in the same column while maintaining fast simultaneous readout capability.
2Productivity
If the reading out time for the entire pixel matrix is reduced to match the X-ray emission period, then X-ray usage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the readout control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel matrix is segmented into multiple stitching blocks that can be read out in parallel. Each stitching block has its own pixel select controller that can independently control row selection within that block. This segmentation enables the entire matrix to be read out faster by processing multiple blocks simultaneously, matching the X-ray emission period without requiring a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel select controller is designed to dynamically switch between different operational modes: simultaneously selecting second pixels across different rows for dose sensing, or selecting pixels row by row for full image readout. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize readout speed for different operational requirements while maintaining manageable control complexity through standardized control logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dose sensing is implemented without synchronization to the X-ray source, then system adaptability is improved, but the accuracy of dose measurement and timing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the pixel select controller that monitors the state of dose sensing pixels and automatically triggers the full image readout process when sufficient dose is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate dose measurement by confirming that the triggering condition is met, while maintaining system adaptability by allowing the sensor to operate independently of strict X-ray source synchronization.
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 configuration enables efficient and fast dose sensing in larger sensors, reducing X-ray dose loss and allowing for precise timing of image capturing, thereby optimizing X-ray usage and minimizing patient exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The matrix is covered with a scintillator layer that converts incoming X-ray photons into visible light photons that can be detected by the matrix of photosensitive pixels
Implementation Method 2
A typical X-ray sensor configured for detecting X-rays comprises a matrix of rows and columns of photosensitive pixels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an image sensor. More in particular, the present invention relates to an image sensor that comprises dose sensing pixels to sense an incident dose of photons. Such dose sensing can be used to trigger an image capturing process. A dose sensing pixel will act as a dose sensing pixel in a dose sensing mode of the sensor in dependence of a signal on a dose select line. The invention proposes a dose select line connecting unit for connecting dose select lines of a first stitching block among adjacent stitching blocks to a respective dose select line of a second stitching block among adjacent stitching blocks to prevent multiple dose sensing pixels in the same column of the matrix of pixels from being selected in the dose sensing mode.