Multi-Sensitivity Sensor Array Signal Readout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face inefficiencies in signal readout due to potential fluctuations along column signal lines, particularly as the size of the sensor panel and number of rows increase, leading to prolonged readout times.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a sensor array comprising sensors configured to detect multiple sensitivities, utilizing first and second holding units to hold signals from each sensor, and a control unit that collectively manages these signals for efficient readout, allowing for simultaneous readout of signals from different sensitivities across rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal readout is performed after potential fluctuation settles following row switching, then readout accuracy is improved, but readout time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting rows and pre-holding signals in holding units before the actual readout operation. The control unit switches sensors to hold modes in advance, and row selection is performed beforehand so that when readout occurs, the signals are already stabilized and ready, eliminating the need to wait for potential fluctuations to settle during the critical readout phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the readout process into distinct phases: a hold phase where signals are captured and stabilized in holding units, and a readout phase where signals are transferred to shift registers. This segmentation allows the hold operation to complete and stabilize before the readout begins, separating the stabilization requirement from the time-critical readout operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holding units are provided in each sensor to hold signals with different sensitivities, then dynamic range expansion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding units and control circuitry are designed to serve multiple functions: they can hold signals from different sensitivity sensors (first and second sensitivity), and the same control unit manages both hold operations and readout operations for multiple sensor types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each sensitivity level, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If row selection is performed sequentially for each sensor row, then control precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to repeated row switching
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary row selection and signal holding before the actual readout process. By pre-selecting rows and having signals ready in holding units, the system minimizes the number of times rows need to be switched during the critical readout phase, thereby improving productivity while maintaining control precision through the preliminary controlled selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous readout operations by maintaining signals in holding units ready for transfer. Once rows are selected and signals are held, the readout can proceed continuously through the shift registers without interruption or repeated switching, maintaining both control precision and high productivity throughout the readout process.
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 reduces the number of row selections required for signal readout, thereby speeding up the process and improving efficiency in detecting radiation with multiple sensitivities.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array in which a plurality of sensors configured to detect radiation with first sensitivity and second sensitivity which are different from each other are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor array in which a plurality of sensors are arranged, each includes a first holding unit for holding a first signal obtained with a first sensitivity and a second holding unit for holding a second signal obtained with a second sensitivity, a row selecting unit for selecting each sensor on a row basis, a signal readout unit for reading out a signal from each of the selected sensors, and a control unit configured to perform first control to control the sensor array so as to make the first holding units hold the first signals and make the second holding units hold the second signals, and perform second control to control the row selecting unit so as to make the signal readout unit read out the first and the second signals.