Radiation Imaging Sensor Array Initialization and Signal Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality due to signal loss during initialization operations, leading to power consumption issues and artifacts in acquired images, especially in portable cassette-type devices.

Innovation Solution

The radiation imaging apparatus performs periodic initialization of sensors until radiation detection, then reads out signals, using a correction coefficient to compensate for signal degradation caused by initialization, thereby improving image quality and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the readout circuit and processing unit are maintained in an active state during initialization operation, then signal reading and processing can be performed, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reading capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The readout circuit and processing unit are activated periodically only when needed - specifically during initialization operation and when radiation is detected - rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic activation reduces power consumption while maintaining the necessary functionality for signal reading and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a radiation detection unit to automatically detect whether radiation is present, and based on this detection, the control unit selectively activates the readout circuit and processing unit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and activation, reducing power consumption while ensuring readiness when radiation is detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If initialization operation is performed during radiation irradiation, then sensor charges are initialized, but signal components are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor initializationVSAvoidsignal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs initialization operation repeatedly before radiation imaging starts, ensuring sensors are properly initialized. The control unit monitors radiation detection and only performs initialization when no radiation is detected, preventing signal loss while maintaining sensor readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation detection unit provides feedback about the presence of radiation to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit selectively performs initialization operation only when radiation is not detected, and selectively activates the readout circuit when radiation is detected, thereby preventing signal loss while maintaining initialization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the initializing operation is performed repeatedly before radiation imaging, then sensor charges are cleared, but power is consumed even before imaging starts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor charge clearingVSAvoidpre-imaging power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The initialization operation is performed periodically and selectively based on radiation detection feedback, rather than continuously. The control unit activates the initialization operation only when the radiation detection unit indicates no radiation is present, reducing pre-imaging power consumption while maintaining sensor readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation detection unit automatically monitors for radiation and provides feedback to the control unit, which then selectively activates initialization operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous initialization, reducing power consumption while ensuring sensors are properly cleared before imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2704425B1Radiation imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, and control program
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 CANON KK
  • EP2704425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2704425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2704425B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation imaging apparatus (I1), comprising a sensor array (112) in which a plurality of sensors (S) configured to output signals corresponding to irradiated radiation, a detection unit (205) configured to detect radiation, a driving unit (204) configured to drive the sensor array, so as to initialize the plurality of sensors for each row repeatedly at least until the detection unit detects irradiation with radiation and to read out signals from the plurality of sensors for each row sequentially, and a processing unit (206) configured to process signals from the sensor array, so as to correct a signal from the sensor on a row, of the plurality of sensors, which has been initialized during the irradiation of radiation, based on a timing of the initialization.