Radiation Imaging Synchronization via Adaptive Communication Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging systems face challenges in achieving accurate synchronization between radiation detector operations and irradiation timing, particularly when capturing high frame rate moving images, leading to degraded image quality and increased power consumption during still image capturing.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging system that employs a synchronous communication method to control radiation irradiation timing based on the imaging mode, using either time synchronization or sequential synchronization, to ensure precise timing alignment between the radiation generating apparatus and the radiation imaging apparatus, reducing unnecessary communication and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If constant time inquiry communication is performed to maintain synchronization between radiation generating apparatus and imaging apparatus, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases excessively during still image capturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication frequency adaptive rather than fixed. The control apparatus dynamically adjusts the time inquiry communication frequency based on the imaging mode: using frequent communication for moving images requiring high frame rates, and reducing communication frequency for still images where less frequent synchronization suffices. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible to match actual operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter (time inquiry frequency) based on imaging conditions. By detecting whether still image or moving image capture is being performed, the system adjusts the communication interval parameter accordingly. This parameter adaptation allows maintaining adequate synchronization accuracy while minimizing unnecessary communication and power consumption during still image capturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet communication is performed sequentially between radiation imaging apparatus and generating apparatus for each imaging operation, then communication flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy degrades due to arbitrary packet order and retransmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the imaging apparatus transmit a time inquiry signal in advance before the actual imaging operation. The generating apparatus responds with its current time information, allowing the imaging apparatus to pre-calculate and set its internal timer accordingly. This preliminary time synchronization ensures that when imaging begins, both apparatus are already synchronized, eliminating delays caused by arbitrary packet ordering during the actual capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time information as an intermediary element that mediates between the two apparatus. Instead of directly coordinating complex imaging operations through sequential packet exchange, the system uses time stamps and time inquiry responses as intermediaries to establish a common time reference. This intermediary mechanism simplifies synchronization while maintaining communication flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used for time inquiry communication to maintain synchronization, then communication capability is improved, but communication reliability degrades in cases where information transmission is determined to be difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the generating apparatus respond to time inquiry signals with its current time information. The imaging apparatus receives this feedback, verifies the time stamp, and adjusts its internal timer accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that synchronization information is confirmed and acknowledged, improving reliability by ensuring that both apparatus have consistent time references before proceeding with imaging operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation imaging system is provided. The radiation imaging system comprises an irradiation control apparatus configured to control a timing of radiation irradiation by a radiation generating apparatus and a radiation imaging apparatus configured to communicate by at least one synchronous communication method to synchronize with the radiation irradiation. The irradiation control apparatus comprises a determination unit configured to determine an imaging mode that has been set and a synchronous communication method which can be supported by the radiation imaging apparatus, and a control unit configured to control, based on the determination result, the timing of the radiation irradiation by a synchronous communication method corresponding to the imaging mode.