Radiation Imaging Power Control for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging apparatuses with flat panel detectors face challenges of high power consumption and short battery life, leading to frequent charging needs and increased radiation exposure when power runs out during imaging.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that strategically manages power supply to the drive unit and image processing unit, turning off power to the image processing unit during standby and accumulation periods to reduce overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If power is supplied to all components continuously, then imaging function is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the power supply unit to alternately supply and stop power to the image processing unit based on operational phases. During radiation accumulation, power is stopped to the image processing unit; during readout and imaging, power is supplied. This periodic power control reduces overall power consumption while ensuring the unit is powered only when needed for its function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is stopped to image processing unit during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but imaging capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state of the image processing unit dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the power supply in real-time based on the operational phase: stopping power during standby and accumulation, then activating power during readout and imaging. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the power supply state in advance of the imaging operation. The control unit anticipates the need for power by supplying it to the image processing unit before the readout phase begins, ensuring the unit is ready to process images immediately when radiation imaging occurs, while having stopped power during the preceding accumulation phase.
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 significantly extends battery life and reduces radiation exposure by minimizing power usage during non-operational periods, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of radiation imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel configured to generate a charge based on radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel configured to generate a charge based on radiation, a readout circuit that reads out the charge from the pixel, a drive unit that drives the readout circuit, and an image processing unit that reads out the charge from the readout circuit and generates an image, and performs first control to supply power to the drive unit and the image processing unit and second control to supply power to the drive unit and not to the image processing unit.