Rectangular X-Ray Pixel Pairing for Dose-Dependent Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray detectors face challenges in achieving optimal spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in both high-dose and low-dose applications, with current pixel sizes being incompatible for efficient use in different imaging conditions, and the manufacturing of smaller pixels is limited by the availability and cost-effectiveness of photodiodes like a-Si.
Innovation Solution
The use of rectangular pixels arranged in pairs, where in low-dose applications, pairs are energized simultaneously for a larger effective pixel size, and in high-dose applications, pixels are energized sequentially while the detector is translated, allowing for image merging to achieve smaller effective pixel sizes, compatible with a-Si photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smaller pixel sizes are used to improve spatial resolution in high-dose applications, then manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to limited availability of photodiodes like a-Si
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the effective pixel size adjustable based on imaging conditions. The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: low-dose mode where pixel pairs are read out simultaneously to achieve larger effective pixel size (better signal-to-noise ratio), and high-dose mode where pixel pairs are read out sequentially to achieve smaller effective pixel size (better spatial resolution). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use smaller effective pixels only when necessary for high-dose applications, while maintaining ease of manufacture with standard a-Si photodiodes.
2Reliability
If larger pixel sizes are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio in low-dose applications, then spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective pixel size based on the imaging application. In low-dose applications, the system operates in a mode where pixel pairs are read out simultaneously, creating a larger effective pixel size that improves signal-to-noise ratio. In high-dose applications, the system switches to sequential readout mode, creating smaller effective pixel size that improves spatial resolution. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by optimizing pixel size for each specific application type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into pairs of pixels that can be independently controlled and read out. Each pixel pair consists of two adjacent pixels with their own readout circuits. This segmentation allows the system to selectively read out pixels in different patterns (simultaneously or sequentially) depending on the application, enabling the effective pixel size to be dynamically adjusted to resolve the contradiction between signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pixel size is used for both low-dose and high-dose applications, then the system cannot optimize performance for both conditions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into pairs of pixels with independent control and readout capabilities. Each pixel pair can be read out in different patterns (simultaneously or sequentially), allowing the system to achieve different effective pixel sizes from the same physical pixel structure. This segmentation enables performance optimization for both low-dose and high-dose applications without requiring physically different detectors, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single detector system that can perform both low-dose and high-dose imaging applications with optimized performance for each. The same physical pixel array can operate in different modes (simultaneous or sequential readout) to serve different imaging needs. This universality resolves the contradiction by allowing one system to adapt to multiple applications without requiring separate specialized detectors for each application type.
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 enables a single x-ray system to optimize pixel size for both low-dose and high-dose applications, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio in low-dose scenarios and high spatial resolution in high-dose scenarios, while allowing for efficient manufacturing with a-Si photodiodes.
Implementation Method 1
Incident radiation is typically detected in solid state imagers through a process in which the incident radiation is absorbed in a scintillator, resulting in the generation of optical photons.
Implementation Method 2
Photosensors, such as photodiodes or the like, disposed in an array adjacent to the scintillator detect the optical photons.
Implementation Method 3
Alternatively, the incident radiation may be absorbed directly in photosensitive elements which convert the energy of the incident radiation into mobile charge particles.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are herein provided for a radiation detector with rectangular pixels. In one example, an x-ray imaging system comprises a pixel array of a flat panel detector comprising a plurality of pixels with a rectangular pixel pitch arranged in pairs, wherein each of the plurality of pixels is configured to generate respective image data signals, wherein in low-dose applications, TFT control lines of pixels in each pixel pair are energized simultaneously to generate signals with an effective pixel pitch of twice the rectangular pixel pitch and in high-dose applications, TFT control lines of pixels in each pixel pair are energized sequentially and the detector is translated during image acquisition for an effective pixel pitch of half the rectangular pixel pitch.