Radiographic Image Reading Device Scanning Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic image reading devices using storage phosphors face issues with scanning irregularities, which can lead to the mistaken removal of image details, especially in high-resolution modes where linear defects are corrected as irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image reading device that controls the scanning speed and intensity of excitation light, using a slower speed and lower intensity in high-resolution modes to minimize scanning irregularities while maintaining image quality, by adjusting the rotation speed of the polygon mirror and the power of the excitation light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image correction is applied to eliminate scanning irregularities, then scanning irregularities are reduced, but image details such as linear defects may be mistakenly removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting scanning parameters (slower scanning speed and lower excitation light intensity) before the reading process to prevent scanning irregularities from occurring in the first place, rather than applying corrective processing after the fact. This prevents the loss of linear defect information while still achieving smooth image quality.
2Productivity
If high-resolution reading is performed with fast scanning speed, then productivity is improved, but scanning irregularities increase causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting two key parameters based on resolution mode: scanning speed and excitation light intensity. In high-resolution mode, it uses slower scanning speed combined with lower light intensity, whereas in standard-resolution mode, it can use faster scanning. This coordinated parameter adjustment maintains image quality while optimizing productivity for different resolution requirements.
3Reliability
If excitation light intensity is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then image quality is improved, but scanning irregularities are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting excitation light intensity based on the resolution mode and balancing it with scanning speed. In high-resolution mode, it uses lower light intensity combined with slower scanning speed to maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio while preventing scanning irregularities. This coordinated adjustment of multiple parameters resolves the contradiction between signal quality and irregularity suppression.
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 effectively suppresses scanning irregularities without removing image details, ensuring accurate representation of radiographic images and maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio, thus preventing the loss of critical image information.
Implementation Method 1
When radiation (X-rays, α rays, β rays, γ rays, ultraviolet rays, an electron beam or the like) is irradiated onto a storage phosphor (a photostimulable phosphor), a portion of the radiation energy is stored in the storage phosphor.
Implementation Method 2
when an excitation light such as a laser light or the like is illuminated onto the storage phosphor, the storage phosphor is photostimulated and luminesces in accordance with the stored energy
Implementation Method 3
the photostimulated luminescence light that is produced is read photoelectrically
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic image reading device includes a reading unit configured to photoelectrically read photostimulated luminescence light produced from a storage phosphor sheet illuminated with excitation light, the storage phosphor sheet, at which a radiographic image is stored, being scanned by a scanning unit using the excitation light; and a control unit configured to control the reading unit so as to cause the reading unit, in a case of reading at a first resolution, to read with excitation light at a first scanning speed and a first intensity and, in a case of reading at a second resolution that is a higher resolution than the first resolution, to read with excitation light at a second scanning speed that is slower than the first scanning speed and a second intensity that is smaller than the first intensity.