Portable Radiation Imager Power Mode Switching via Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable radiation image capturing apparatuses face challenges with high power consumption, leading to battery depletion and the need for frequent charging, and complex control configurations due to the requirement for interfaces between radiation generation devices and image capturing apparatuses, which can result in incorrect image data transmission and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A portable radiation image capturing apparatus with an electric current detection unit that switches the power consumption mode of the reading circuit from a waiting mode to a power supply mode upon detecting radiation irradiation, allowing for efficient power usage and eliminating the need for an interface with the radiation generation device, while a console controls multiple apparatuses to ensure only the active unit transmits image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reading circuit is kept in the power supply mode to ensure continuous operation, then the reliability of image capturing is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading circuit dynamically switches between power supply mode and waiting mode based on operational state. The control unit activates the reading circuit to power supply mode when radiation image capturing is required and switches to waiting mode when not in use, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the reading circuit between two distinct states: power supply mode for active operation and waiting mode for power saving. This parameter switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and extend battery life.
2Extent of automation
If an interface is added between the radiation generation device and image capturing apparatus to enable communication, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing apparatus autonomously detects radiation irradiation through its own electric current detection unit and automatically switches its power consumption mode accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external interface communication while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function and replaces it with an independent detection capability built into the image capturing apparatus. By removing the interface requirement and implementing self-detection, the system reduces device complexity while preserving automation.
3Speed
If the reading circuit remains in power supply mode to quickly respond to radiation irradiation, then the speed of image capturing is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit prepares the reading circuit by switching it to power supply mode in advance when radiation irradiation is detected, ensuring rapid response capability. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain speed performance while minimizing the duration of high power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading circuit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active power supply mode during radiation detection and low-power waiting mode during intervals. This periodic operation maintains the ability to respond quickly when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
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 reduces power consumption during radiation image capturing, prevents battery depletion, and ensures accurate detection of radiation irradiation without the need for complex control interfaces, allowing for efficient and correct image data transmission from the active apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The direct-type radiation image capturing apparatus is a type that generates electric charge by a detection device according to the amount of radiation such as x-ray which is irradiated and converts the generated electric charge to electric signal
Implementation Method 2
The indirect-type radiation image capturing apparatus is a type that converts the irradiated radiation to electromagnetic wave of other wave length such as visible light by a scintillator or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A portable radiation image capturing apparatus is described. In the portable radiation image capturing apparatus multiple image capturing elements are two-dimensionally arranged, the apparatus is provided with a current detecting means for detecting a current flowing in the apparatus, a read-out circuit having a power supply mode in which the charge generated in each image capturing element can be read out and converted into an electric signal and a stand-by mode in which charge is not read out and power is consumed less than in the power supply mode, and a control means for causing the read-out circuit to change from the stand-by mode to the power supply mode when detecting start of irradiation with radiation on the basis of an increase in the current value detected by the current detecting means while the read-out circuit is in the stand-by mode.