Photon Counting Apparatus Gray Code Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon-counting type radiation detectors are prone to malfunction due to electrical noise generated by the simultaneous occurrence of photons and counter operation, affecting the analog amplifier.
Innovation Solution
A photon counting method and apparatus that utilize a Gray code for counting radiation photons, converting charge signals to voltage signals, comparing them with reference voltages, and generating feedback control signals to minimize noise, thereby stabilizing the power source and reducing data-change frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional digital counter is used to count radiation photons, then the counting function is achieved, but electrical noise is generated that affects the analog amplifier and causes malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the counting function into a dedicated counting unit that operates independently from the analog amplification path. The counter extracts only the necessary counting function while isolating the analog amplifier from electrical noise generated during counting operations, thus eliminating the harmful interaction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching unit as an intermediary between the counting unit and the analog amplifier. This switching unit controls the timing and connection between these components, allowing the system to alternate between counting operations and amplification operations, thereby preventing electrical noise from the counter from directly affecting the amplifier.
2Speed
If multiple bits are changed simultaneously during counting operations, then the counting speed is improved, but the data-change frequency increases causing more electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the counting method from conventional binary counting to Gray code counting. This parameter change in the counting system ensures that only one bit changes state during each counting transition, thereby maintaining counting speed while significantly reducing the frequency of data changes and the associated electrical noise generation.
3Productivity
If the counter operates simultaneously with photon incidence, then the real-time counting capability is achieved, but electrical noise affects the analog amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation where the switching unit alternates between connecting the counting unit for photon counting and connecting the analog amplifier for signal processing. This periodic action ensures real-time counting capability is maintained while preventing simultaneous operation that would generate electrical noise interference.
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 minimizes electrical power noise, stabilizes the power source, and enhances the noise characteristic, leading to improved performance and reduced malfunctions in radiographic imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion material unit configured to convert input X-ray photons into electric charges
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are photon counting apparatuses and methods, and radiographic imaging apparatuses configured to receive charge signals corresponding to incident radiation photons, and to count the incident radiation photons by using a plurality of counting bits, such that the counting changes only one counting bit from among the plurality of counting bits when the count value is increased by one. By using the photon counting methods, a data-change frequency of photon counting data corresponding to radiation photons is minimized while counting the radiation photons based on charge signals corresponding to input radiation photons.