Radiation Imaging Pixel Reset Timing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging apparatuses face data deficiency issues due to charge leakage during the detection of radiation irradiation start, leading to line defects and artifacts in images, as existing solutions struggle to accurately correct line defects caused by data deficiency and profile changes in pixel values.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a pixel portion divided into groups, where each group is reset at different timings, and a processing unit corrects signal deficiencies using signals from adjacent groups, allowing for accurate charge accumulation and output, thereby reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reset operation is performed periodically to discharge accumulated charge in the sensor, then charge due to dark current will not be accumulated, but if radiation irradiation occurs during the reset operation, data deficiency occurs and line defects are generated in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel rows are divided into multiple groups, and the reset operation is performed on each group at different timings rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows the radiation imaging apparatus to continue performing reset operations on subsequent groups even when radiation irradiation is detected, thereby reducing the impact of data deficiency to only affected groups while maintaining operation continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation imaging apparatus detects radiation irradiation in advance and adjusts the reset operation timing accordingly. When radiation irradiation is detected, the apparatus stops the reset operation only for the currently processed group while continuing with subsequent groups, preventing data deficiency in the affected groups while maintaining overall system operation
2Manufacturing precision
If the line defect is corrected by analyzing the profile of each pixel value in the column direction, then some line defects can be restored, but artifacts may be generated when the line defect and actual profile changes cannot be discriminated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing pixel rows into multiple groups with different reset timings, the invention segments the image data so that only groups affected by radiation irradiation during reset operations require correction. This segmentation makes it easier to distinguish between actual line defects and normal profile variations, as unaffected groups serve as reference data
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit uses pixel values from unaffected pixel groups as feedback to identify and correct line defects in affected groups. By comparing profiles between groups with different reset timings, the system can accurately distinguish between actual line defects and normal variations, preventing artifact generation during correction
3Reliability
If the radiation imaging apparatus is physically connected to the radiation generation apparatus for synchronization, then the imaging and radiation generation can be synchronized, but the installation location and location of use are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging apparatus performs self-service by autonomously detecting the start and end of radiation irradiation using its own radiation detection capability. This eliminates the need for physical connection to the radiation generation apparatus for synchronization, allowing the imaging apparatus to be installed in various locations while maintaining accurate imaging synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation imaging apparatus combines both radiation detection and image capture functions in a single device. This multi-functionality allows it to operate independently without requiring physical connection to external radiation generation apparatus, providing installation flexibility while maintaining imaging reliability
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 effectively reduces artifacts in images by accurately correcting line defects and data deficiencies, ensuring reliable image capture without the need for physical connection to a radiation control apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion element configured to convert radiation into charge and to accumulate the charge
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel portion in which a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a conversion element configured to convert radiation into charge, are arranged in a matrix, a driving circuit configured to drive a plurality of driving lines and a processing unit configured to process a signal from the pixel portion. The driving circuit performs a reset operation in which the conversion elements of the plurality of pixels are repetitively reset. The pixel portion includes rows in which the pixels have been divided into a plurality of groups. The conversion elements of the plurality of groups are reset at different timings in the reset operation, and the processing unit corrects, by using a signal of a pixel of another group, a signal of a pixel of a group with data deficiency caused by the reset operation.