Radiation Imaging Pixel With Shared Detection Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors require a dedicated signal line for each detection region, limiting layout flexibility and preventing arbitrary timing detection of radiation irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with pixels that include a conversion element, a storage capacitor, and a second switch connecting the storage capacitor to a detection signal line, allowing for arbitrary position and timing detection of radiation without signal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated signal line is provided for each detection region, then radiation irradiation can be detected individually for each region, but the layout is restricted and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection signal line is designed to serve multiple detection regions simultaneously. By using a single shared detection signal line for multiple pixels, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated signal lines for each detection region, thereby improving layout flexibility while maintaining the capability to individually detect radiation irradiation in each region through selective switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection function into segments by using switching elements that can selectively connect different pixels to the shared detection signal line. This segmentation allows individual detection regions to be accessed independently through time-multiplexed switching, maintaining detection precision while reducing the number of physical signal lines required.
2Reliability
If radiation irradiation amount data is read out via storage capacitor, then image data is not attenuated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image signal line and detection signal line functions into a single shared signal line. By time-multiplexing the use of this line—using it for image data readout at one time and detection signal readout at another time—the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining signal integrity through the storage capacitor mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage capacitor is used to preliminarily store the charge generated by radiation irradiation before readout. This preliminary storage action allows the system to capture and preserve the irradiation amount data without losing image data, ensuring signal integrity by preventing attenuation while the switching mechanism manages the readout timing to avoid conflicts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection regions are monitored simultaneously, then comprehensive radiation monitoring is achieved, but the number of signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through time-multiplexed switching, where the shared detection signal line is sequentially connected to different pixels at different time periods. This allows comprehensive monitoring of multiple detection regions to be achieved by cycling through each region in sequence, maintaining full detection coverage while using only a single physical signal line instead of multiple simultaneous lines.
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
Enables flexible layout and accurate detection of radiation irradiation at arbitrary positions and timings without signal attenuation, improving dose control and exposure management.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a plurality of pixels configured to output image signals corresponding to radiation; an image signal line configured to output the image signals; and a detection signal line configured to output a detection signal for detection of irradiation of the radiation, in which at least one of the plurality of pixels includes: a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge; a first switch configured to output the image signal corresponding to the charge via the image signal line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first electrode is electrically connected to the conversion element to store the charge; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the second electrode and the detection signal line.