Radiation Imaging Signal Sampling Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging apparatuses face challenges in obtaining high-quality energy subtraction images, especially for fast-moving objects, due to noise differences in high-energy and low-energy images, which are not adequately addressed by existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a control unit that synchronizes the sampling and holding of image signals from both high-energy and low-energy radiations to minimize noise differences, using sample/hold circuits to optimize the timing of signal acquisition based on pre-set radiation conditions, thereby reducing noise in energy subtraction images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation imaging is performed with different energy components to obtain energy subtraction images, then image quality improvement is possible, but noise differences between high-energy and low-energy images worsen the overall image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameter of signal sampling to optimize noise characteristics. By controlling when signals are sampled during radiation exposure, the system balances noise levels between different energy images, improving overall image quality while maintaining the benefits of energy subtraction imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using noise level information to adjust sampling timing. The system monitors noise characteristics in real-time and modifies sampling parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that optimizes image quality by balancing noise across different energy components
2Measurement precision
If the time interval between multiple radiation images is extended to allow for signal processing, then image processing accuracy is improved, but object movement during this interval causes artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous signal accumulation during the imaging process, eliminating gaps between exposure and processing. By continuously integrating the useful signal while the object is in motion, the system achieves accurate processing without requiring the object to remain stationary, thus resolving the contradiction between processing accuracy and object stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal accumulation and integration during the exposure period itself, rather than waiting until after exposure. This preliminary action ensures that the full signal is captured before any processing occurs, allowing accurate image processing even when the object moves during the interval
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation exposure dose is increased to reduce noise in images, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but patient radiation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing and duration parameters of signal sampling to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio without increasing radiation dose. By adjusting when and how long signals are sampled, the system extracts maximum useful information from the available radiation exposure, improving signal quality while maintaining safe dose levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the imaging system to self-optimize signal quality through intelligent sampling strategies. The system automatically adjusts sampling parameters to maximize signal extraction efficiency, achieving improved signal-to-noise ratios through optimized signal processing rather than increased radiation exposure
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 improves the image quality of energy subtraction images by reducing noise, enabling clearer images of fast-moving objects without increasing exposure doses, and simplifies system construction by relying on existing radiation irradiation condition tables.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels includes a conversion unit configured to generate an image signal corresponding to incident radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an imaging unit including pixels and a control unit. Each of the pixels includes a conversion unit and a sample/hold circuit. The control unit causes the imaging unit to perform first imaging and second imaging after the first imaging to generate one energy subtraction image, and controls a timing of causing the sample/hold circuit in the first imaging to sample a first image signal obtained by the first imaging and a timing of causing the sample/hold circuit in the second imaging to sample a second image signal obtained by the second imaging in accordance with radiation irradiation conditions set in advance so as to reduce a difference between an amount of noise contained in the first image signal and an amount of noise contained in the second image signal.