Radiation Control Apparatus for Non-Linear Detector Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors in digital imaging devices, such as X-ray detectors, exhibit uneven sensitivity due to non-linear input-output characteristics, leading to inaccurate radiation images, especially at high dose values where pixels become saturated, resulting in low accuracy of approximation for non-linear characteristics compared to linear ones.
Innovation Solution
A radiation control apparatus that determines optimal dose values for acquiring correction images, using a dose determination unit to establish radiation intensity levels that increase at small values in low dose ranges and decrease at high dose ranges, allowing for precise measurement and control of input-output relationships, and generates correction data through inverse functions to correct for sensitivity unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dose values of multiple exposures increase at the same amount, then the correction image acquisition process is simple, but the accuracy of approximation of non-linear input-output characteristics is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the dose values in a non-uniform manner across multiple exposures. Specifically, the dose values are determined based on the inverse function of the input-output characteristics, creating a sequence where dose increments are not constant but rather optimized to capture non-linear responses. This allows the system to accurately approximate non-linear characteristics while maintaining a systematic acquisition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured input-output characteristics to determine the next dose values. The determination unit calculates dose values based on the inverse function of the measured characteristics, creating a closed-loop system where the correction image acquisition process adapts to the actual detector response. This feedback mechanism enables high accuracy in approximating non-linear characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple correction images are acquired with equal dose increments, then the calibration process is straightforward, but the correction accuracy in high dose ranges is insufficient due to pixel saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of dose value distribution from uniform to non-uniform. By determining dose values based on the inverse function of measured input-output characteristics, the system automatically adjusts dose increments to account for pixel saturation effects in high dose ranges. This ensures that correction images are acquired at dose levels that provide optimal information for characterizing non-linear responses without wasting exposures on saturated regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the optimal dose value sequence before acquiring correction images. The determination unit calculates the dose values based on the inverse function, establishing a planned acquisition sequence that anticipates and prevents pixel saturation issues. This preliminary planning ensures that the calibration process remains straightforward while achieving high correction accuracy.
3Productivity
If dose values are increased uniformly across all exposures, then the acquisition time is minimized, but the approximation accuracy of non-linear characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dose value parameters from uniform increments to a sequence determined by the inverse function of measured input-output characteristics. This allows the system to acquire correction images at optimized dose levels that capture non-linear responses efficiently. The determination unit calculates dose values that provide maximum information content, balancing acquisition speed with approximation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from measured input-output characteristics to dynamically determine optimal dose values for subsequent exposures. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt the dose sequence to the actual detector response, ensuring that correction images are acquired at the right moments to capture non-linear characteristics accurately while maintaining efficient acquisition timing.
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 more accurate correction of sensitivity unevenness in radiation detectors, improving the quality of radiation images by precisely accounting for non-linear input-output characteristics, especially in high dose ranges where pixels tend to saturate, thereby enhancing image accuracy and reducing artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
digital X-ray detectors are converting X-rays to electrical signals for imaging inside subjects
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation control apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine dose values of exposures to a radiation detector for acquiring correction images, corresponding to measured input-output characteristics of the radiation detector, and a acquisition unit configured to acquire correction data for the input-output characteristics of the radiation detector, based on the correction images acquired from the detector exposed at the determined dose values.