Radiographic Detector With Selective Pixel Processing for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of pixels in radiation imaging apparatuses leads to a corresponding increase in power consumption, which is a challenge that existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus is designed with a configuration where each pixel is equipped with its own signal processing part, including a signal conversion part and a clock signal generation part, allowing only the signal conversion part corresponding to the incident radiation to operate, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of pixels is increased to expand the effective pixel region, then the area of the effective pixel region is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging apparatus divides the pixel array into multiple blocks, with each block having its own independent signal processing part. This segmentation allows only the signal processing parts corresponding to pixels receiving radiation to be activated, rather than all signal processing parts operating simultaneously. Consequently, the effective pixel region can be expanded while power consumption is controlled by activating only necessary processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing parts are activated periodically or event-driven based on radiation detection. When radiation is detected by a pixel, the corresponding signal processing part is activated to process the signal. This periodic or event-based activation pattern reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of all signal processing parts, while still maintaining the expanded effective pixel region.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to improve image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into blocks with independent signal processing capabilities, the system can activate only the segments (pixels) that contribute to current measurement needs. This allows high-resolution imaging with many pixels while consuming power only for the active regions, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing capability is distributed locally to each block of pixels rather than using a centralized processing system. This local quality approach allows each pixel block to independently process its signals, enabling high measurement precision for detected radiation while avoiding the power consumption of activating the entire system. Each local unit operates only when needed.
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 the increase in power consumption while maintaining or increasing the number of pixels, ensuring efficient operation and reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels configured to generate electric charge corresponding to energy or the number of particles of incident radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels configured to generate an electric charge corresponding to energy or the number of particles of incident radiation, a plurality of signal processing parts respectively connected to the plurality of pixels and configured to generate a digital value based on the electric charge provided by each of the pixels, and a circuit board in which a radiation detector including the plurality of pixels and the plurality of signal processing parts is disposed in a two-dimensional manner. Each of the plurality of signal processing parts includes a signal conversion part configured to convert an analog value based on the electric charge into the digital value, and a clock signal generation part configured to provide a clock signal for generating a digital value to the signal conversion part.