Single-Photon Sensor Array with Signal Aggregation for False Positive Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed imaging systems face limitations in voxel rate due to processing time requirements, especially in the presence of background radiation and thermal noise, which leads to high false positive detection rates.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed sensor system utilizing an array of single-photon detectors (SPDs) with spatially distributed detectors connected to row and column buses, where aggregated signals are evaluated against predetermined confirmation patterns to filter out false positives and determine the location of true detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sensor exposure time is limited to 10 ns to achieve high voxel rates, then the imaging speed is improved, but the reading time of the sensor dominates the process and becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the row and column buses before the actual photon detection event. This allows the system to be ready to immediately register and process detection signals without requiring a full sensor readout cycle, thus reducing the effective processing time bottleneck while maintaining the 10 ns exposure time for high imaging speed
2Measurement precision
If the sensor uses a threshold voltage to trigger events, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives from ambient light or thermal noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation circuit that acts as a mediator between the raw sensor signals and the final detection decisions. This circuit aggregates signals from multiple pixels and applies confirmation patterns, serving as a filtering layer that distinguishes true photon events from false positives caused by ambient light or thermal noise while preserving detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the evaluation circuit that continuously monitors aggregated signals and applies confirmation patterns. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its detection criteria based on the actual signal patterns observed, reducing false positives while maintaining sensitivity to true events
3Productivity
If the system processes signals from all pixels in parallel, then the processing speed is improved, but the computational load and false positive filtering become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor array into multiple independently chargeable row and column buses. This segmentation allows the system to process signals in a structured manner where each bus can be independently managed and evaluated, enabling both parallel processing capability and effective false positive filtering through the evaluation circuit that checks confirmation patterns across segmented groups
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
The system achieves rapid imaging by reducing computational load through signal aggregation and confirmation pattern evaluation, significantly improving the detection of true events while minimizing false positives.
Implementation Method 1
an array having a plurality of single-photon detectors (or SPDs), which detectors are spatially distributed throughout the array in a substantial matrix form, wherein the SPD are capable of detecting single photons
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a high-speed imaging sensor system in which single-photon detectors are provided in an architecture adapted for high-speed processing of the output of the detectors with high reliability to filter out false positives.