Photomultiplier Tube Self-Calibration via Stored Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral imaging systems require extensive calibration processes and equipment, increasing manufacturing costs and time, with a need for a 'plug and play' solution that eliminates or reduces calibration requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) with a memory storing parameters, such as anode blue sensitivity index and gain, within an imaging plate scanner, allows for automatic determination of optimal supply voltage and operation, enabling self-calibration and reducing the need for external calibration equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional imaging plate scanners are manufactured, then they can capture and process light from imaging plates, but they require extensive calibration processes and equipment which increase manufacturing costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the photomultiplier tube during manufacturing and storing the calibration parameters (anode blue sensitivity index and gain) in memory. This allows the scanner to automatically determine optimal supply voltage without requiring external calibration equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs while maintaining image quality
2Measurement precision
If external calibration equipment is used to calibrate photomultiplier tubes, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the photomultiplier tube to perform its own calibration through automatic determination of supply voltage based on stored parameters (anode blue sensitivity index and gain). The system reads these parameters from memory and autonomously adjusts operating conditions without requiring external calibration equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy
3Reliability
If photomultiplier tubes are calibrated using traditional methods, then operational accuracy is ensured, but the calibration process adds to manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration data storage function directly into the photomultiplier tube assembly by incorporating memory that stores the anode blue sensitivity index and gain parameters. This integration eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment and processes, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring operational accuracy through automatic parameter retrieval and application
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 enables imaging plate scanners to function immediately after manufacturing without calibration, reducing costs and time, while maintaining image quality by adjusting supply voltage based on stored parameters and real-time output current monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The PMT 120 applies the external photoelectric effect to output a current signal
Implementation Method 2
An imaging plate includes a phosphor layer that stores x-ray energy and emits light when irradiated
Data Source
AI summary
A photomultiplier tube for use in an imaging plate scanner. In one embodiment, the photomultiplier tube includes a housing having a window; a focusing electrode located in the housing; an electron multiplier dynode located in the housing; an anode; a cathode and a memory storing parameters. Another embodiment provides An imaging plate scanner including a photomultiplier tube having a window, an anode, and a cathode; a light source positioned to radiate light on the anode or cathode; and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the light source and configured to generate a supply voltage value for the photomultiplier tube, activate the light source and determine an output current of the anode or of the cathode, and generate an error message if the output current deviates from an expected current range. A power supply is electrically connected to the electronic processor and configured to generate the supply voltage.