Radiation Imaging Pixel Array Scanning Control for Partial Region Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face challenges in improving frame rate while minimizing artifacts when a partial region of the detector is used as a readout target, and simply advancing radiation irradiation does not sufficiently address this issue.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging system that includes a flat panel detector with a driving circuit scanning the pixel array in a manner that allows for efficient readout of a partial region of interest while overlapping scanning for the next frame, thereby improving frame rate and reducing artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pixel rows including the readout target region are sequentially scanned while other pixel rows are collectively scanned, then the frame rate is improved, but artifacts occur in the generated image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel array is divided into a readout target region and other regions, with different scanning methods applied to each segment. The readout target region uses sequential scanning while other regions use collective scanning, allowing optimized frame rate without compromising image quality in the region of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary scanning of pixel rows before they are needed for image generation. By anticipating the need for specific pixel rows and scanning them in advance, the system maintains high frame rates while ensuring data readiness, preventing artifacts from premature or incomplete scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If radiation irradiation is advanced during scanning of another region, then the frame rate is improved, but the frame rate cannot be sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidtime for sufficient frame rate improvement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the radiation irradiation timing with the scanning process. Irradiation for the next frame is started during the scanning of other regions, ensuring that scanning and irradiation proceed continuously without idle time, maximizing frame rate improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing of radiation irradiation based on the scanning progress. By flexibly scheduling irradiation to occur during non-critical scanning periods, the system optimizes the overlap between irradiation and scanning, achieving sufficient frame rate improvement that static timing cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the readout target region is enlarged, then more comprehensive imaging is achieved, but artifacts occur in the generated image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadout target region sizeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different scanning strategies are applied to different regions based on their importance. The readout target region receives sequential scanning with optimized timing, while other regions use collective scanning. This local differentiation allows the system to handle enlarged readout regions without introducing artifacts, as each region is processed according to its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The system effectively enhances frame rate and suppresses artifact occurrence by synchronizing the scanning and irradiation processes, allowing for quick transitions and improved image generation when switching between different readout target regions.

Implementation Method 1

a flat panel detector with a pixel array... output image data corresponding to the pixel signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3633976B1Radiation imaging apparatus, control method for the same, and radiation imaging system
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 CANON KK
  • EP3633976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3633976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation imaging apparatus (100) includes a pixel array including n pixel rows, where n ≥ 3, and a driving circuit (102) configured to scan the pixel array from a first row toward an nth row, counting from one end of the pixel array. In a case where a region of interest is included in a partial region (101A) composed of pixel rows from an ith row to a jth row, where 1 < i ≤ j < n, the driving circuit starts scanning of the pixel array from the first row, and starts scanning of the pixel array from the first row again during scanning of pixel rows from a (j + 1)th row to the nth row.