Radiographic Imaging Clock Synchronization for Oscillator Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiographic imaging systems face synchronization lag due to unique frequency errors in crystal oscillators of emission and imaging apparatuses, leading to synchronization errors and inaccuracies in time synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic imaging system with a radiation emission control apparatus and a radiographic imaging apparatus connected via a communicator, utilizing a first and second time measurer to perform time synchronization communication, adjusting and correcting time differences to ensure synchronization accuracy within a predetermined value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If time synchronization is performed without determining abnormality values, then synchronization control is simple, but synchronization lag occurs when abnormality values exist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization control complexityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the imaging apparatus transmit a timing signal back to the emission apparatus after receiving the initial timing signal. The emission apparatus then calculates the time difference based on the timing signals from both apparatuses and feeds this information back to correct synchronization issues. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and correct synchronization lag while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing time synchronization control before actual radiographic imaging operations. The system预先 (in advance) synchronizes the timing between emission and imaging apparatuses by exchanging timing signals and calculating time differences, ensuring that when imaging occurs, the timing is already aligned correctly, preventing synchronization lag during critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If time synchronization considers processing time in master unit, then synchronization is more accurate, but synchronization error corresponding to processing time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime measurement accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization error
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the timing measurement function from the processing logic by using dedicated timing signals and separate time difference calculation. The timing signals are transmitted independently from data processing operations, and the time difference is calculated separately based solely on timing signal timestamps. This extraction eliminates the influence of processing time on synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based processing time consideration with an electromagnetic signal-based timing synchronization system. Instead of accounting for processing time delays in a sequential manner, the system uses electromagnetic timing signals to directly establish time relationships between apparatuses, achieving more accurate synchronization without processing time errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If time synchronization communication is performed continuously, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but communication load and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the emission apparatus transmit timing signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. The timing signals are transmitted periodically to maintain synchronization, and the imaging apparatus transmits feedback timing signals at corresponding intervals. This periodic transmission maintains synchronization accuracy while significantly reducing communication load and power consumption compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250306223A1Radiographic imaging system, radiographic imaging apparatus, radiographic imaging method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • US20250306223A1 patent drawing
  • US20250306223A1 patent drawing
  • US20250306223A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiographic imaging system includes a radiation emission control apparatus and a radiographic imaging apparatus that is connected with the radiation emission control apparatus via a communicator. The radiation emission control apparatus includes a first time measurer that measures a time. The radiographic imaging apparatus includes a second time measurer that measures a time and a hardware processor that performs a time synchronization communication with the radiation emission control apparatus via the communicator to adjust the time of the second time measurer to the time of the first time measurer. The hardware processor corrects the time of the second time measurer in response to determining that a time difference between the first time measurer and the second time measurer in the time synchronization communication is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.