Photon-Counting Sensor Correction for Radiographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic imaging apparatuses with photon-counting sensors face image degradation due to variations in sensitivity between pixels, leading to poor image quality, especially when radiation intensity is not uniform across the sensor panel.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus that includes a sensor panel with pixels equipped with conversion elements for detecting radiation, where a processor generates correction signals based on a correction coefficient to adjust signal outputs from each pixel to correspond to the energy value of incident radiation photons, thereby generating an image that accounts for the number of correction signals from pixels that detected radiation photons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensitivity correction is performed using count value obtained by counting incident radiation photons, then sensitivity variation between pixels is corrected, but correction accuracy decreases when radiation intensity is not uniform across the FPD
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction coefficient that mediates between the raw signal output and the final corrected signal. This correction coefficient is determined based on the relationship between signal output values and known radiation photon energy values, serving as a bridge to achieve accurate sensitivity correction without directly relying on count values that may be affected by non-uniform radiation intensity distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for correction from count value (number of photons) to a correction coefficient derived from signal output value characteristics. By using the correction coefficient that reflects the relationship between signal output and radiation energy, the system achieves parameter transformation that makes the correction process independent of radiation intensity uniformity
2Measurement precision
If photon-counting sensor is used to measure number of incident radiation photons, then radiation detection capability is improved, but image degradation occurs due to sensitivity variation between pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal output from each pixel is used to determine a correction coefficient specific to that pixel. This correction coefficient is then applied to adjust subsequent measurements, creating a closed-loop system that continuously compensates for sensitivity variations and maintains image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality correction by determining individual correction coefficients for each pixel based on its specific signal output characteristics. This localized approach ensures that each pixel is corrected according to its unique sensitivity profile, thereby eliminating image degradation caused by pixel-to-pixel sensitivity variations
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 effectively suppresses image degradation by ensuring uniform sensitivity across pixels, resulting in improved image quality even when radiation intensity varies across the sensor panel.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel including a conversion element for detecting radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor panel in which pixels are provided and a processor that generates an image that corresponds to the number of radiation photons incident on each of the pixels. In an imaging mode in which an image formed by radiation that has passed through a subject is generated, the processor generates a correction signal by correcting a value of a signal output from the conversion element of each of the pixels according to a correction coefficient for converting the value of the signal output from the conversion element on which a radiation photon was incident to a value that corresponds to an energy value of the radiation photon, and generates an image based on the number of correction signals of pixels on which a radiation photon was incident from among the correction signals of the pixels.