Radiographic Imaging System Detector Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray imaging systems, there is a risk of incorrect selection of radiographic image detectors, leading to wasteful power usage and frequent battery recharging due to all detectors being driven for X-ray image detection, even when only one is needed, causing battery drain in detectors with internal power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging system with a controller that distinguishes between selected and unselected detectors, using a first mode for active detection and a second mode with reduced power for unselected detectors, displaying error information when radiation is detected by an unselected detector, thereby conserving power and preventing incorrect usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all radiographic image detectors are driven for X-ray image detection, then the system can reliably detect incorrect selection of detectors, but the power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of detectors flexible and adjustable based on selection status. The controller dynamically changes the operational mode of each detector from full operation (first mode) to reduced operation (second mode) based on whether it is selected or unselected. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable detection when needed (selected state) while minimizing power consumption when not needed (unselected state).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of detectors based on their selection status. When a detector is unselected, the controller modifies parameters such as driving frequency, exposure timing, or sensitivity thresholds to reduce power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect radiation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain detection capability for error prevention while significantly reducing energy usage in unselected detectors.
2Measurement precision
If all radiographic image detectors are driven for X-ray image detection, then the system can detect radiation accurately, but the battery must be recharged frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational characteristics of detectors based on selection status. Selected detectors maintain full measurement precision for accurate radiation detection, while unselected detectors operate in a reduced mode that extends battery life. The controller switches between these dynamic states based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and battery duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling unselected detectors to perform radiation detection at reduced intervals or with reduced sensitivity compared to selected detectors. This periodic or intermittent operation allows unselected detectors to maintain basic detection capability (for error detection purposes) while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life between recharges.
3Reliability
If unselected detectors operate in full mode, then system reliability is maintained, but wasteful power usage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the operational characteristics of individual detectors based on their selection status. Selected detectors receive full power and operational resources to ensure system reliability, while unselected detectors operate in a reduced mode with lower power consumption. This localized quality adjustment resolves the contradiction by concentrating energy resources where they are most needed (selected detectors) while minimizing waste in unselected detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by enabling unselected detectors to operate at a reduced level rather than full capacity. These detectors perform basic radiation detection functions at minimal power levels sufficient for error detection, without the full operational capabilities of selected detectors. This partial operation eliminates wasteful power usage while maintaining sufficient reliability for its specific purpose of detecting incorrect selections.
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 solution ensures correct selection of radiographic image detectors, reducing power consumption and extending battery life by minimizing unnecessary power usage in unselected detectors, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors in X-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor panel is a flat panel detector (FPD) for detecting the X-ray image as an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system includes a plurality of electronic cassettes having FPDs. One of the plural electronic cassettes for use in imaging is selected by input operation. Control is performed in a first mode operation being normal for the electronic cassette selected in the selecting step. Control is performed in a second mode operation being auxiliary of which driving power is lower than in the first mode operation for one of the electronic cassettes in an unselected state in the selecting step. Assuming that irradiation of the radiation is detected in the second mode operation, error information is displayed in relation to selecting the electronic cassette in the selecting step. For example, the first and second mode operations are pixel reset in which charge stored in pixels are swept in an FPD.