Radiation Detector Trigger Signal Generator Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detectors face challenges in synchronizing with external circuits during special imaging modes like continuous exposure or high-speed exposure, as the signal specifying the start and end of exposure time is difficult to detect due to varying exposure times.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector with a trigger signal generator that produces a trigger-out signal independent of exposure or readout signals, using High and Low intervals defined for each frame, allowing synchronization with external circuits by setting these intervals at the rising or falling edges of exposure or readout times, and switching between counters for continuous exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the signal specifying the start and end of exposure time is used as the synchronization signal, then the radiation detector can be synchronized with the external device, but the synchronization becomes difficult with external devices in continuous exposure or high-speed exposure modes where the exposure time is too short to detect the signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the exposure and readout process into distinct time intervals (High interval for exposure, Low interval for readout) within each frame. This segmentation allows the trigger signal to clearly mark the boundaries of each interval, making synchronization detectable even in high-speed modes where the total frame time is very short.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a trigger signal as an intermediary between the exposure control signal and the external device. This trigger signal explicitly marks the High and Low intervals, serving as a detectable mediator that enables synchronization without requiring the external device to directly detect the exposure time boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If continuous exposure is performed by switching between multiple counters, then the duty ratio is improved, but the synchronization signal detection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduty ratioVSAvoidcounter switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic switching between multiple counters in a regular cycle (e.g., Counter 0 for even frames, Counter 1 for odd frames). This periodic action allows continuous exposure with high duty ratio while maintaining a predictable pattern that simplifies synchronization, as the trigger signal follows a regular High-Low-High-Low sequence corresponding to each frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

Enables high-accuracy and efficient synchronization with external circuits, even during continuous or high-speed exposure, by generating a trigger-out signal that defines High and Low intervals for each frame, improving duty ratio and frame rate.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor for generating pulses when radiation particles are detected by exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4421537A1Radiation detector, trigger signal generator, and radiation analyzing system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 RIGAKU CORP
  • EP4421537A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4421537A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4421537A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation detector, a trigger signal generator, and a radiation analyzing system capable of synchronizing an external circuit are provided. A sensor 110 for generating pulses when radiation particles are detected by exposure, a counter 140 provided so that the pulse can be counted for each frame, a readout circuit 150 for reading out a count value generated by the counter 140, a control circuit 160 for controlling the exposure and the reading by a signal, and a trigger signal generating circuit 170 for generating a trigger-out signal, when one or a series of predetermined number of frames in which a High or Low interval is set is represented as one unit frame, for specifying the set High and Low intervals, are comprised.