Radiographic Image Detection Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic image detection devices experience high power consumption during irradiation start detection operations, particularly in battery-powered electronic cassettes, leading to reduced imaging efficiency due to frequent battery charging.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image detection device with a signal processing circuit that includes a control unit to selectively output analog voltage signals from a detection charge amplifier, reduce clock signal pulses, and operate charge amplifiers in a low power state during irradiation start detection, while periodically switching the power supply state of ADC blocks to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal processing circuit operates all charge amplifiers and ADCs continuously during irradiation start detection, then the detection accuracy and response speed are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing circuit into multiple independent blocks, each containing a charge amplifier and an ADC. During irradiation start detection, only one block is activated at a time while others are in low-power state. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of all blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between different signal processing blocks during irradiation start detection. Instead of continuous operation, the system activates blocks in a time-multiplexed manner, periodically switching between them. This periodic action maintains the ability to detect irradiation start while reducing average power consumption by ensuring that not all blocks are active simultaneously.
2Productivity
If all ADCs operate simultaneously at full speed during image reading, then the image acquisition speed is improved, but the power consumption during standby and detection phases increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management for the signal processing blocks based on operational requirements. During image reading, all blocks can operate simultaneously at full speed to maximize productivity. During standby and irradiation start detection phases, the system dynamically switches to a low-power mode where blocks are activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. This dynamic adjustment of operational state resolves the contradiction between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the signal processing blocks depending on the task phase. During image reading, parameters are set for high-speed operation with all blocks active. During irradiation start detection and standby, parameters are changed to reduce clock frequencies and activate blocks sequentially, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform required functions.
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
The solution reduces power consumption of the signal processing circuit during irradiation start detection, extending battery life and improving imaging efficiency by reducing the need for frequent battery charging.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel comprises a photoelectric conversion unit that converts incident visible light into charge and accumulates the charge and a thin film transistor that functions as a switching element
Data Source
AI summary
In an AED operation of detecting irradiation start of X-rays, a control unit of an electronic cassette selectively outputs the analog voltage signal from a part of the charge amplifiers including a detection CA connected to the detection channel of a detection pixel for irradiation start detection among the plurality of CAs connected to the MUX, to the ADC, causes the ADC to perform only the AD conversion process for the analog voltage signal selectively output from the multiplexer, and reduces the number of pulses NPU_A per unit time in a clock signal defining an operation timing of the ADC compared to that in the image reading operation.