Parallel Readout Circuit for X-ray Sensor Pixel Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray image sensors lack a parallel readout capability for pixel arrays, which is essential for efficient energy-resolved photon counting and material differentiation in medical imaging, despite advancements in digital X-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for parallel readout in X-ray image sensor modules, involving a two-dimensional pixel array with sensors, amplifiers, comparators, counters, and shift registers that generate and shift pixel data between columns, enabling parallel data transmission and reducing radiation dose without compromising video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial readout is used for pixel array data, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is insufficient for real-time imaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple independent columns, each with its own serial-to-parallel conversion circuit. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of data from multiple columns, achieving parallel readout while keeping each individual column's circuit relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional serial readout to two-dimensional parallel readout by adding the column dimension to the processing architecture. Multiple columns are read out simultaneously through independent conversion circuits, effectively utilizing spatial parallelism to improve productivity.
2Productivity
If parallel readout circuitry is added to achieve high-speed data transmission, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel readout functionality is achieved by dividing the pixel array into multiple columns, each handled by independent serial-to-parallel conversion circuits. This modular approach enables high-speed data transmission through parallel processing while avoiding the need for a single complex centralized readout circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
Serial-to-parallel conversion circuits are introduced as intermediary components between the pixel sensors and the output interface. These conversion circuits enable efficient data transmission by transforming serial data streams into parallel formats, acting as mediators that bridge the gap between simple sensing elements and high-speed output requirements.
3Measurement precision
If energy-resolved photon counting is implemented, then measurement precision is improved for material differentiation, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The photon counting process is segmented into distinct stages: photon detection, energy resolution measurement, and digital processing. Each stage is handled by dedicated circuit components, allowing precise energy-resolved measurement while distributing complexity across multiple specialized modules rather than requiring a single complex processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex analog signal processing with digital processing for energy resolution and photon counting. By using digital techniques to analyze photon energy spectra, the system achieves high measurement precision for material differentiation while simplifying the overall processing architecture through standardized digital circuitry.
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
Enables high-speed parallel data transmission, reducing radiation exposure to patients while maintaining video quality by allowing real-time viewing of X-ray images through energy-resolved photon counting and material differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel within the pixel array comprises a sensor configured to capture an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for parallel readout for an X-ray image sensor module having a pixel array. Specifically, among other things, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented infrastructure comprising: generating a pixel data for each pixel within a respective pixel row of the pixel array based on a photon count; receiving a first serial pixel data, wherein the first serial pixel data comprises pixel data from a plurality of pixels of a first column; receiving a second serial pixel data, wherein the second serial pixel data comprises pixel data from a plurality of pixels of a second column; and shifting the first serial pixel data from the first column register to the second column register.