Image Sensor Temperature Control for Radiation Imaging Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiation image sensing apparatuses capable of continuous image sensing, changes in frame rate lead to fluctuations in power consumption and noise levels, resulting in degradation of image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a controller that manages the image sensor to perform a temperature controlling operation, generating additional heat when the frame rate is lower than a predetermined rate, to stabilize the sensor's temperature and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frame rate is changed in a radiation image sensing apparatus, then the power consumption changes and the image sensing speed adapts, but the temperature of the image sensor fluctuates causing noise changes and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary heating of the image sensor before actual image sensing begins. By pre-heating the sensor to a target temperature using a heating unit, the system ensures that when image sensing starts, the sensor is already at the desired temperature, preventing temperature fluctuations and noise changes during the sensing process even when frame rate changes occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating temperature parameter of the image sensor by controlling the heating unit to maintain a substantially constant temperature. The control unit adjusts heating power based on detected temperature and target temperature, ensuring the sensor operates at a stable temperature regardless of frame rate variations, thereby preventing noise changes and maintaining image quality
2Use of energy by moving object
If the frame rate is lowered to reduce power consumption, then energy usage decreases, but the temperature stability of the image sensor deteriorates leading to increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit continues to operate during periods when no image sensing is performed (between frames at lower frame rates), maintaining continuous heating action. This ensures the sensor temperature remains stable even during idle periods, preventing temperature drops that would cause noise increases, while allowing the system to operate at lower power consumption frame rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own heating capability to self-regulate the sensor temperature. The control unit monitors the sensor temperature and activates the heating unit when temperature drops below the target, enabling the system to maintain its own thermal stability without requiring external temperature control mechanisms
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 maintains image quality by minimizing temperature fluctuations and noise changes associated with frame rate adjustments, thereby reducing image degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the controller causes the image sensor to perform a temperature controlling operation of generating additional heat other than heat generated by an image sensing operation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation image sensing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to sense a plurality of radiation images at a frame rate according to a synchronization signal, and a controller configured to control the image sensor. In a case in which the frame rate is lower than a predetermined frame rate, the controller causes the image sensor to perform a temperature controlling operation of generating additional heat other than heat generated by an image sensing operation in addition to the image sensing operation so as to reduce a change in a temperature of the image sensor.