X-Ray Detector Control for Simultaneous Energy-Range Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray measurement techniques require separate measurements for different energy ranges, leading to prolonged measurement times.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that allows simultaneous measurement of multiple energy ranges by setting distinct energy ranges in unit regions of an X-ray detector, adjusting zero points and gains, and utilizing DA converters to shift zero points, enabling efficient data acquisition across various energy thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate measurements are performed for each energy range, then measurement precision for each energy range is ensured, but measurement time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy range measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into multiple unit regions, each independently detecting a specific energy range. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple energy ranges without requiring sequential measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision for each energy range through dedicated detection regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from sequential energy range measurement to parallel measurement by utilizing spatial dimensionality of the detector. Different energy ranges are assigned to different spatial regions (unit regions) of the detector, enabling simultaneous detection across multiple energy ranges without temporal sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If different energy ranges are set in multiple unit regions, then simultaneous measurement of multiple energy ranges is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified system. The setting section, data management section, and outputting section work together to simultaneously manage multiple energy range detections, making the control apparatus multi-functional rather than requiring separate devices for each energy range measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detection functions for different energy ranges are merged into a single detector system with multiple unit regions. Instead of using separate detectors or measurement systems for each energy range, the patent combines all detection capabilities into one integrated apparatus, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If zero point shift and gain change are performed for each unit region, then energy range setting flexibility is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy range setting flexibilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each unit region of the detector is assigned specific zero point shift and gain change parameters tailored to its designated energy range. This local optimization allows each region to be precisely tuned for its specific energy detection task, improving energy range setting flexibility while the centralized control apparatus manages the complexity of individual region adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables simultaneous measurement of multiple energy ranges, enhancing measurement efficiency and reducing the time required for X-ray analysis.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray detector 100...detecting X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12405390B2Control apparatus, system, method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 RIGAKU CORP
  • US12405390B2 patent drawing
  • US12405390B2 patent drawing
  • US12405390B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control apparatus, system, method and program that enable simultaneous measurement of counts of multiple energy ranges in an efficient configuration are provided. A control apparatus 200 for controlling an X-ray detector 100 and outputting a measurement result comprises a setting section 220 configured to set the energy range of X-rays to be detected for each unit region of the X-ray detector 100, a data management section 250 configured to acquire a count value of the set energy range for each unit region as measurement data by a result of the X-ray measurement, and an outputting section 270 configured to output the measurement data. Thus, counting of multiple energy ranges can simultaneously be measured.