Radiation Detector Threshold Setting for AEC Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation imaging systems face challenges in accurately transferring automatic exposure control (AEC) parameters from an AEC sensor to a radiation detector, requiring complex work and affecting the precision of AEC in radiation imaging.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging apparatus with a pixel array that detects radiation and a notifying unit to set threshold values based on pixel values from initial radiation imaging, allowing for precise automatic exposure control in subsequent imaging sessions, enabling accurate reflection of AEC sensor control by the radiation detector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If AEC parameters are transferred from AEC sensor to radiation detector, then automatic exposure control accuracy is improved, but the complexity of parameter transfer and system integration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAEC accuracyVSAvoidparameter transfer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pixel values from the radiation detector as a copy of the AEC sensor data to determine threshold values. Instead of directly transferring complex AEC parameters from the AEC sensor, the system captures equivalent information through the radiation detector's pixel array, simplifying the integration process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation detector acts as an intermediary between the AEC sensor and the control system. By using the radiation detector's pixel values to infer threshold values, the system avoids direct complex parameter transfers and uses the detector as a mediating element to achieve accurate AEC control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If threshold values are set based on pixel values from initial radiation imaging, then automatic exposure control precision is improved, but the time required for initial calibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold value accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary radiation imaging to capture pixel values that will be used for determining threshold values in subsequent imaging. This preliminary action establishes the basis for accurate AEC control while allowing the actual imaging to proceed efficiently using the pre-determined thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a single initial radiation imaging to obtain pixel values for threshold determination, rather than requiring multiple calibration shots. This partial action approach achieves sufficient accuracy without excessive time investment, balancing calibration thoroughness with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 solution ensures high-accuracy automatic exposure control by setting threshold values based on pixel values, allowing for precise control of radiation exposure, even when manufacturers of radiation generating and imaging apparatuses differ, thereby improving the overall precision and ease of integration of AEC systems.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation detector (for example, a sensor panel) that detects radiation, such as X-ray, as an electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4124297B1Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging system and control method of radiation imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 CANON KK
  • EP4124297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4124297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4124297B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The radiation imaging apparatus is provided that includes a radiation detector including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels being capable of detecting radiation as electric signals are arranged, the radiation transmitted through an AEC sensor used for performing automatic exposure control of radiation irradicated from a radiation generating apparatus, a notifying unit for performing threshold value reached notification to the radiation generating apparatus, if a dose value of the radiation incident on the pixel array reaches a threshold value, and a threshold value setting unit for setting the threshold value in second radiation imaging in which automatic exposure control of the radiation by the radiation detector is performed after first radiation imaging in which the automatic exposure control of the radiation by the AEC sensor is performed, based on pixel values related to the electric signals detected by the plurality of pixels in the first radiation imaging.