X-ray Detector Buffer Readout for Dual-Energy Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray angiography systems face challenges in acquiring large numbers of X-ray images quickly due to slow readout times of photodiodes, which leads to image blurring when the patient moves, especially when acquiring images with different spectra for dual-energy imaging.
Innovation Solution
The method involves resetting the measurement values of light-sensitive receivers, reading out data into buffers, and then transferring it to central memory, allowing for efficient acquisition of X-ray images with different spectra while the detector and X-ray tube rotate, minimizing time loss between image acquisitions and enabling accurate imaging of structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If photodiodes are read out directly from central memory, then the system structure remains simple, but the readout time becomes too slow for rapid sequential imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The readout system is segmented into two independent paths: a fast path through local buffers for rapid sequential readout, and a direct path to central memory for full data storage. This segmentation allows simultaneous fast imaging and complete data retention without requiring all photodiodes to be read through the slow central memory path.
Solution Approach 2:
Buffers are introduced as intermediary storage elements between the photodiodes and central memory. These buffers act as mediators that temporarily hold measurement values, enabling rapid readout for sequential imaging while the data remains available for later transfer to central memory without blocking the fast imaging path.
2Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray images with different spectra are acquired sequentially, then dual-energy imaging is achieved, but the total acquisition time increases causing patient movement and image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement values from photodiodes are preliminarily stored in local buffers during the first spectrum acquisition. This preliminary storage enables the buffers to be rapidly read out and reused for the second spectrum acquisition without waiting for central memory transfer, effectively overlapping data preparation with data transfer operations and reducing total acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer readout and reset operations enable continuous acquisition of multiple spectra by eliminating idle waiting time. While one buffer is being read out to central memory, other buffers can be reset and prepared for the next spectrum, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the dual-energy imaging sequence.
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 high-quality X-ray image acquisition with minimal time loss between images, allowing for precise imaging and improved image matching during rotation, which enhances the quality of dual-energy imaging by facilitating weighted addition or subtraction of image data records.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray radiation detector generally have a scintillator, which converts X-ray beam quanta striking the X-ray radiation detector to light quanta
Implementation Method 2
The light-sensitive receiver is typically a photodiode and the measurement value relates to a voltage that increases due to incident light quanta
Implementation Method 3
X-ray radiation with a first spectrum is emitted from an X-ray tube, so that said X-ray radiation passes through an image object and then strikes the X-ray radiation detector
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer on detector elements of an X-ray radiation detector can be used, when acquiring a number of 2D X-ray image data records with the aid of an X-ray angiography system, to acquire 2D image data records at a relatively short interval one after the other with the aid of different X-ray spectra, to allow dual-energy imaging, which may be of particularly good quality.