Imaging Detector Ghosting Reduction via Pixel Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses using flat panel detectors face image quality degradation due to ghosting effects caused by changes in irradiation areas, which are difficult to correct without complex image processing and stable data management.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and system that includes a detector with pixels converting radiation into electric charges and a controlling unit that performs initializing operations between different irradiation fields, allowing for seamless switching between fields without complex image processing, thereby reducing ghosting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing correction is applied to correct ghosting effects, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initializing operation on the conversion elements before switching from a first irradiation field to a second irradiation field. This initialization clears residual charges from pixels that were exposed in the first field but will now be exposed in the second field, preventing ghosting effects without requiring complex post-processing correction algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and addresses the root cause of ghosting (residual charges in conversion elements) by implementing a dedicated initializing operation that removes these residual charges before field switching. This targeted approach eliminates the need for complex global image processing correction methods
2Measurement precision
If complex image processing is used to correct ghosting, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically executing the initializing operation on conversion elements when irradiation fields are switched. This automated approach eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex operational procedures to acquire correction data and manage stable image quality, as the system self-corrects the ghosting issue through the initializing operation
3Measurement precision
If initializing operation is performed between irradiation fields, then ghosting is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing the initializing operation at regular intervals - specifically, whenever the irradiation field is switched from a first field to a second field. This periodic initialization ensures ghosting is prevented at each field transition without requiring continuous or excessive initialization operations, optimizing the balance between image quality and time loss
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
The solution effectively reduces ghosting and prevents significant image quality degradation by initializing the conversion elements during field changes, ensuring consistent image quality without the need for intricate image processing.
Implementation Method 1
the pixel includes a conversion element for converting a radiation or a light into an electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging operation includes a first imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector with radiation or light in an irradiation field A corresponding to a part of the plurality of pixels, and a second imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector 104 with radiation or light in an irradiation field B wider than the irradiation field A, wherein, responsive to a changing from irradiation in the irradiation field A to irradiation in the irradiation field B, an operation of the detector is controlled so that the detector performs an initializing operation for initializing conversion elements during a period between the first and second imaging operations.