Radiation Imaging Burn-In Estimation and Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation imaging systems face challenges with 'burn-in' artifacts due to scintillator characteristics, making it difficult to accurately correct radiographic images, especially for thick objects like piping, where high X-ray doses are required.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging apparatus with a burn-in estimating unit that predicts the probability of burn-in based on image signals, allowing for timely stopping of the radiation source or displaying warnings to prevent burn-in, thereby reducing its occurrence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large amount of X-ray is irradiated to inspect thick objects, then the imaging quality is improved, but burn-in occurs in the scintillator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidburn-in

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The burn-in estimating unit performs preliminary estimation of burn-in probability before the actual imaging process completes. By calculating the accumulated radiation dose and comparing it against thresholds, the system proactively identifies when burn-in is likely to occur, allowing preventive action to be taken before the burn-in artifact degrades image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the image signal during radiation imaging and feeds this information back to the burn-in estimating unit. The estimation result is then fed back to control the radiation generating apparatus, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts radiation exposure based on real-time burn-in risk assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Strength

If radiation imaging is performed for thick objects, then the penetration capability is improved, but the burn-in recovery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration capabilityVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of burn-in probability during the imaging process itself, rather than waiting for burn-in to occur and then attempting recovery. This allows the system to take preventive action before the scintillator requires recovery time, eliminating the need for extended recovery periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The burn-in estimating unit applies preliminary anti-action by predicting burn-in occurrence and triggering preventive measures (stopping radiation or issuing warnings) before the harmful burn-in effect fully develops. This prevents the need for subsequent recovery actions that would cause time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of manufacture

If burn-in correction is performed using existing methods, then the correction process is simplified, but the correction accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection process simplicityVSAvoidcorrection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attempting to correct burn-in after it has occurred, the system performs preliminary estimation and prevention. By stopping radiation or warning the operator before burn-in fully develops, the system eliminates the need for complex correction algorithms and maintains high image quality without post-processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful burn-in effect into a beneficial early warning signal. By monitoring for early signs of burn-in through the burn-in estimating unit, the system uses the burn-in phenomenon itself as an indicator to trigger preventive action, turning a harmful effect into a useful control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system effectively reduces burn-in artifacts by accurately estimating and mitigating the risk of scintillator burn-in, improving the quality and speed of radiographic image recovery.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation detecting panel configured to convert radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus into an image signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection and signal conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Some scintillators have characteristics that change in response to irradiation with radiation, and such a phenomenon is also referred to as 'burn-in (bright burn)'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBurn-in phenomenon: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentUS20240168180A1Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 CANON KK

AI summary

A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detecting panel configured to convert radiation into an image signal, and a burn-in estimating unit configured to estimate, from the image signal, burn-in of the radiation detecting panel due to the radiation. When the burn-in estimating unit estimates that burn-in occurs, the burn-in estimating unit outputs information regarding stop of emission of the radiation to an external apparatus.