Radiation Imaging Sensor Readout Control for Signal Loss and Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face issues with power consumption and signal loss due to the need to maintain circuits in an active state and incorrect detection of radiation irradiation timing, leading to incomplete or improper radiation images, especially during prolonged weak radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a sensor array, a driving unit, a detecting unit, a control unit, and a processing unit that performs first and second readouts, with the control unit controlling the driving unit to read out signals from the sensor array after irradiation has ended and the processing unit correcting initial readout signals using data from the second readout to ensure complete signal acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signals are periodically read out from the sensor array to form radiation images, then synchronization with irradiation timing is not required, but power consumption increases and large-capacity memory is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing multiple readout operations (first readout, second readout, third readout) at different time points. The sensor array is read out periodically at initialization, during irradiation, and after irradiation ends, allowing the system to capture radiation signals without continuous active monitoring while reducing power consumption compared to always-maintained active circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary readout operations before irradiation ends. The first readout is performed during irradiation, and the second readout is performed after irradiation ends to capture any remaining signals. This preliminary action ensures complete signal acquisition without requiring continuous high-power active circuit operation
2Productivity
If readout operation starts during irradiation of radiation, then imaging can proceed without waiting for complete irradiation, but signal loss occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the readout operation into multiple distinct phases: first readout performed during irradiation to capture initial signals, second readout performed after irradiation ends to capture remaining signals, and third readout as backup. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity while preventing information loss by ensuring complete signal acquisition across multiple readout operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a detecting unit to monitor irradiation status and a control unit to adjust readout operations based on detected radiation levels. The control unit determines whether to perform additional readout operations based on the irradiation state, ensuring complete signal capture while optimizing imaging speed
3Use of energy by stationary object
If radiation detection is performed to automatically start readout operation, then power consumption is reduced compared to periodic readout, but signal acquisition may be incomplete if irradiation timing is misdetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by performing multiple readout operations as backup measures. The first readout starts when irradiation is detected, and additional second and third readouts are performed to compensate for any potential detection errors or timeout issues. This cushioning approach ensures signal acquisition completeness while maintaining low power consumption by only activating readout operations when needed
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 allows for the acquisition of accurate radiation images by compensating for signal losses during irradiation and reducing power consumption by optimizing readout operations, improving image quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array configured to output a signal in accordance with irradiated radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor array configured to output a signal in accordance with irradiated radiation, a driving unit configured to output a signal from the sensor array by driving the sensor array, a detecting unit configured to detect irradiated radiation, a control unit configured to control the driving unit to perform first readout to read out a signal corresponding to charge accumulated in the sensor array from the sensor array and perform second readout to further read out a signal from the sensor array at least in a case where the first readout has started during irradiation of radiation, and a processing unit configured to correct the signal obtained by the first readout based on the signal obtained by the second readout.