Radiation Detection Unit Dynamic Range Adjustment for Gridless Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radiation imaging without a grid, scattered rays can lead to signal saturation in the detection unit, reducing image quality and requiring higher radiation doses to compensate, which can exceed the detection range.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging apparatus with a detection unit that determines whether a grid for scattered ray reduction is installed and adjusts its radiation detection range accordingly, either by changing the integration capacitance, input/output range of the A/D conversion unit, or the saturation dose, to prevent signal saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If imaging is performed without using a grid, then the operational burden on the user is reduced and imaging is simplified, but the scattered ray signal increases causing signal saturation in the detection unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational burdenVSAvoidsignal saturation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit dynamically adjusts its detection range based on whether a grid is present. The control unit determines grid presence and automatically modifies the detection unit's parameters (integration time, gain, detection range) to accommodate the scattered ray signal, preventing saturation while maintaining ease of operation without grid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters of the detection unit based on grid presence. When no grid is used, the detection range is increased to accommodate higher scattered ray signals. This parameter adjustment prevents signal saturation while allowing operation without grid, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and signal reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If imaging is performed without using a grid, then the scattered ray signal is increased, but this requires higher radiation doses to compensate which can exceed the detection range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging flexibilityVSAvoidradiation dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit's detection range parameters are changed based on grid presence. When imaging without grid, the detection range is expanded to accommodate higher scattered ray signals from higher radiation doses, allowing the system to handle the increased quantity of radiation without saturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a grid is used for scattered ray reduction, then the contrast of the radiation image is improved, but the user must attach/detach the grid which is an operational burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage contrastVSAvoidgrid attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting grid presence and adjusting detection parameters accordingly. The control unit determines whether a grid is installed and automatically modifies the detection unit's operation, eliminating the need for manual grid attachment/detachment while maintaining optimal image contrast

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system dynamically adapts its parameters based on grid presence. When a grid is detected, the detection range is optimized for grid-based imaging to maintain high contrast. This dynamic adjustment eliminates manual grid handling while preserving image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the detection range is increased to accommodate scattered rays, then signal saturation is prevented, but the measurement precision of primary radiation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal saturation preventionVSAvoidprimary radiation detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection range is dynamically adjusted based on grid presence. When a grid is present, the detection range is optimized for high precision primary radiation detection. When no grid is present, the detection range is expanded to prevent saturation from scattered rays. This dynamic adjustment maintains measurement precision while preventing saturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for high-contrast imaging without a grid by adjusting the detection unit's settings to accommodate increased scattered radiation, preventing signal saturation and maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

an intensity (dose) of radiation that passes through an object is converted into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10641908B2Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging method, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 CANON KK
  • US10641908B2 patent drawing
  • US10641908B2 patent drawing
  • US10641908B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiation imaging apparatus that has a detection unit that detects radiation and outputs image data determines whether or not a grid for scattered ray reduction is installed on the detection unit, and changes a radiation detection range of the detection unit based on the determination result.