Radiation Detector Dual Memory Parallel Read Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation detectors have limitations in frame rate due to memory reading and transferring performance, which hinders the ability to capture transitional phenomena effectively, especially at synchrotron radiation facilities.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector with two independent memories allows simultaneous reading and transferring of data, reducing the time required for exposure, reading, and transferring operations, thereby improving the frame rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If only one memory is used for reading and transferring count values, then the device complexity is reduced, but the frame rate is limited due to sequential reading and transferring operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidmemory configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single memory into two independent memory units (memory 1 and memory 2) that operate in parallel. This segmentation allows simultaneous reading from one memory while transferring data from the other memory, thereby doubling the effective data processing throughput and improving frame rate without requiring a completely different architectural approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the data processing by implementing alternating read-transfer cycles between two memory units. While one memory unit is being read, the other is being transferred to the external apparatus, creating a pipelined operation that effectively utilizes time resources and increases overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If memory reading and transferring are performed sequentially, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for exposure, reading, and transferring operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation cycle timeVSAvoidmemory configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading count values into one memory unit while simultaneously reading and transferring data from the other memory unit. This overlapping of operations ensures that data is ready for transfer before the previous transfer is complete, minimizing idle time and reducing the total operation cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that while one memory unit is being read, the other is being transferred, and vice versa. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle periods and maximizes the utilization of both memory units, thereby reducing the overall time required for the complete exposure-read-transfer cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 faster data processing and higher frame rates, allowing for more accurate and efficient detection of radiation, particularly in applications like synchrotron radiation facilities where transitional phenomena need to be captured.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel within the pixel array comprises a sensor configured to capture an electrical signal representing a photon detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoton detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3706408B1Radiation detector and radiation detection method
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 RIGAKU CORP
  • EP3706408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706408B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3706408B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided is a radiation detector capable of shortening time for a series of counting, reading and transferring operations, and of improving a frame rate; and provided is a radiation detection method thereof. Provided is a radiation detector 100 that detects radiation to transfer detection data to an external apparatus for each frame, comprising a sensor 110 that generates pulses when radiation particles are detected; a plurality of counters 140a and 140b that count the generated pulses; a plurality of memories 150a and 150b that read and store count values generated by the plurality of counters 140a and 140b; and a control circuit 170 that transfers the stored count values to the external apparatus using the memories, wherein the control circuit performs reading and transferring of the count values in an parallel processing time period, using different memories among the plurality of memories 150a and 150b.