Radiation Imaging Sensor Array Phase Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging at high speeds in small fields of view often results in insufficient irradiation doses, leading to poor image quality and potential misdiagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a sensor array and a control unit that adjusts the phase of a timing control signal in relation to a synchronization signal to optimize charge storage and readout operations, ensuring sufficient irradiation doses during high-speed imaging in small fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If imaging is performed at high speed in a small field of view, then imaging speed is improved, but irradiation dose becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a storing operation before the readout operation. Charge generated by radiation exposure is stored in the sensor array for a predetermined period before being read out. This allows the radiation exposure time to be extended beyond the readout time, ensuring sufficient irradiation dose is accumulated even during high-speed imaging sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic fluoroscopy imaging where the imaging process repeats in cycles. Each cycle includes a radiation exposure period followed by a readout period. By structuring the imaging as periodic cycles with appropriate timing, the system maintains high-speed imaging capability while ensuring each frame receives sufficient radiation dose through the periodic accumulation of charge.
2Productivity
If radiation emission time period is shortened to increase frame rate, then imaging speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to insufficient dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by implementing a storing operation that accumulates charge in the sensor array before readout. This preliminary charge accumulation during the radiation exposure period ensures that even when the overall cycle time is reduced for high frame rates, sufficient radiation dose is captured in each exposure window, maintaining image quality despite increased productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timing control flexible and adjustable. The control unit dynamically adjusts the timing of readout operations relative to the radiation exposure timing based on the desired frame rate. This dynamic timing control allows the system to optimize between frame rate and image quality by adjusting the duration and timing of exposure and readout periods to match the specific imaging requirements.
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 ensures a sufficient irradiation dose during high-speed imaging in small fields of view, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and alleviating stress on image display, while also potentially lowering system costs by not relying on radiation source capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
pixels configured by conversion elements for converting radiation into signal charges (electrical signals)
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus, which comprises a sensor array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form, cyclically perform a storing operation that stores charge in the pixels and a reading out operation that reads out the charge stored in the pixels, based on a synchronization signal comprised of a cyclical pulse train and a timing control signal synchronized to the synchronization signal. The radiation imaging apparatus changes a phase of the timing control signal in relation to the synchronization signal in accordance with a range of a partial region for trimming in a region of the sensor array in which read out is possible.