Imager Bump Detection via Accelerometer Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imagers face issues with false triggering and low-quality image generation due to microscopic flexing caused by external bumps, which are indistinguishable from true X-ray detection signals, leading to obtrusive physical connections and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a high-speed accelerometer to detect external bumps and generate an acceleration signal, preventing false triggers by establishing a disturbance threshold, allowing for increased sensitivity and reduced X-ray dosage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the X-ray imager actively detects incoming X-rays to determine generator activation, then the physical wire connection is eliminated, but false triggers occur due to microscopic flexing from external bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device that mediates between the physical bump (disturbance) and the X-ray detection system. The accelerometer detects mechanical disturbances and generates interrupt signals that prevent false triggering of the X-ray imaging system, thus resolving the contradiction between eliminating physical connections and maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the auto-trigger circuit sensitivity is increased to detect lower X-ray doses, then the minimum X-ray dose requirement is reduced, but false triggers from microscopic flexing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the accelerometer to detect potential disturbances before they can cause false triggers. The system proactively generates interrupt signals in response to detected bumps, preventing the auto-trigger circuit from misinterpreting vibration-induced signals as genuine X-ray detections, thus allowing higher sensitivity without increasing false triggers.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the X-ray imager operates in battery-powered mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to external bumps and false triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the battery-powered portable X-ray imager to autonomously detect and respond to external bumps using the integrated accelerometer. The system automatically generates interrupt signals to prevent false triggering without requiring external intervention or additional power-intensive protective mechanisms, thus maintaining reliability while preserving energy efficiency.
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 enhances the sensitivity of the auto-trigger circuit, reduces the minimum X-ray dose needed for reliable images, and decreases the number of distorted images caused by physical bumps, while also reducing power consumption and prolonging battery life.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer may be configured to generate an acceleration signal indicative of external forces applied to the imager
Data Source
AI summary
An example imaging device for generating an image is disclosed. The device may include an imaging detector array configured to collect charges during a radiation exposure at the imaging detector array. The device may include a signal generator coupled with the imaging detector array. The signal generator may be configured to generate a detection signal based on the charges collected by the imaging detector array. The device may include an accelerometer configured to generate an acceleration signal indicative of external forces applied to the imaging device. The device may further include a signal processor coupled with the signal generator and the accelerometer. In response to a determination that the acceleration signal is below a predetermined disturbance threshold and the detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the signal processor may be configured to generate the image based on the detection signal.