Radiation Detector Stabilization During Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation image capturing apparatuses using flat panel detectors face artifacts when switching between image capturing operations with different parameters, such as frame rate, gain, or number of pixels, leading to reduced image quality and complexity in processing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a detector with a pixel array, a driving circuit, and a readout circuit, controlled by a unit that manages changes in accumulation and output operations to stabilize the detector between different image capturing modes, using a combination of accumulation, initialization, and amplification operations to minimize artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image capturing operation is switched between different parameters (frame rate, gain, number of pixels), then the adaptability to various use cases is improved, but artifacts occur in the acquired images and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a warm-up operation before switching to a new image capturing mode. The control unit executes an accumulation operation with the new parameters (frame rate, gain, number of pixels) for a predetermined number of times before actual image capture. This preliminary action stabilizes the detector's response to the new parameters, preventing artifacts and ensuring image quality when the mode switch occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting multiple parameters (frame rate, gain, number of pixels to be added) of the image capturing operation based on the selected mode. The control unit changes these parameters between radiography mode, fluorography mode, and other modes, while the warm-up operation ensures smooth transitions without artifacts. This allows the system to adapt to various use cases while maintaining reliable image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capturing operations with different parameters are implemented, then the versatility for different use cases is improved, but the device complexity increases due to difficulty in individual processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing complexity by performing parameter stabilization operations (warm-up) before actual image capture. This preliminary action pre-adjusts the detector's response to the selected parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time correction processing during image capture. The control unit simply executes the accumulation operation a predetermined number of times, which is computationally simple yet effective in stabilizing multiple parameters simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the accumulation time period is changed between operations, then the adaptability to different imaging needs is improved, but artifacts occur due to the parameter difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses accumulation time changes by incorporating them into the warm-up operation. When switching between modes with different accumulation time periods, the control unit performs the accumulation operation with the new time period for a predetermined number of times before actual capture. This preliminary adaptation to the new accumulation time stabilizes the detector's temporal response, preventing artifacts while maintaining adaptability to different imaging needs.
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 reduces artifacts and simplifies image processing by stabilizing the detector during parameter changes, maintaining image quality without requiring complex processing.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel including a conversion element for converting radiation or light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit controls a detector including a pixel array arranged in a matrix, a driving circuit that drives the pixel array by a changeable number of pixels, and a readout circuit that outputs an electrical signal from the pixel array. The control unit controls, with a change from a first image capturing operation for repeating a set of a first accumulation operation and a first image output operation a plurality of times at a first frame rate to a second image capturing operation for repeating a set of a second accumulation operation and a second image output operation a plurality of times at a second frame rate, so that the detector continuously repeats a set of the second accumulation operation and an initialization operation a plurality of times at the second frame rate in a period between the first image capturing operation and the second image capturing operation.