Radiological Image Sensor Selective Pixel Reset for Frame Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiological-image acquisition devices with active pixel sensors face challenges in reducing read time and power consumption due to the need to reset all sensors for each read operation, leading to increased time and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A radiological-image acquisition device that accumulates electric charge in capacitive elements over two sequential frames and selectively reads outputs without initializing at least one pixel in each frame, allowing for improved frame rate and reduced power consumption by optimizing the initialization cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all active pixel sensors are reset for each read time, then the capacitive elements are properly initialized to accumulate charge, but the read time becomes longer and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into multiple regions and implements selective resetting where only certain regions are reset while others maintain accumulated charge. This segmentation allows different parts of the sensor to operate in different states (reset vs. non-reset) simultaneously, reducing overall reset time while maintaining measurement accuracy in regions that require it.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of resetting all pixels every frame, the patent applies partial resetting where only specific pixels or regions are reset based on their individual needs. This partial action approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for critical regions while avoiding unnecessary resetting operations in other regions, thereby reducing total read time and power consumption.
2Reliability
If all active pixel sensors are reset for each read time, then the capacitive elements are properly initialized, but power consumption of the image acquisition device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple regions with different resetting strategies. By dividing the sensor into zones that require resetting and zones that can maintain charge accumulation, the system maintains reliable initialization where needed while dramatically reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary resetting operations in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resetting parameter from a binary all-or-nothing approach to a selective, region-based approach. By modifying the resetting behavior parameter for different spatial regions, the system maintains reliability in critical areas while reducing overall power consumption through selective application of the resetting operation.
3Measurement precision
If the read operation is suspended to reset active pixel sensors, then proper initialization is achieved, but the frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple regions that can operate independently. By allowing certain regions to accumulate charge continuously while only selectively resetting specific regions, the system maintains measurement precision for charge accumulation without requiring complete suspension of the read operation, thereby preserving higher frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous charge accumulation in non-reset regions while performing selective resetting in other regions. This continuity of useful action ensures that image data acquisition proceeds without complete interruption, maintaining high frame rates while still achieving proper initialization where required for measurement precision.
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 enhances the frame rate and suppresses power consumption by minimizing the time required for data acquisition and reducing the need for frequent pixel initialization, resulting in more efficient image data generation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive element in each of the plurality of pixels, when the radiation is incident on the plurality of pixels, accumulates electric charge corresponding to the dose
Implementation Method 2
sensor elements that output electric charges (electric signals) corresponding to a dose of radiation, in particular, X-ray radiation that has been radiated to a subject
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Improvement of a frame rate and suppression of power consumption are intended. A radiological-image acquisition device (100) includes a plurality of pixels, a capacitive element (1a) that accumulates electric charge corresponding to a dose (X) of radiation, and a read control unit (read element control unit 22, reset element control unit 23) that reads, from at least one pixel (active pixel 10) that is not subjected to initialization in two or more frames, an output (output voltage Vout) corresponding to the electric charge.