X-ray detecting system frame summing unit pixel correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray detecting systems without fiber optic plates face image quality deterioration due to direct X-ray photon hits on the CMOS pixel array, leading to saturated pixels and overly bright areas in the final image.
Innovation Solution
The system acquires multiple frames during a single X-ray exposure and uses a frame summing unit to compare pixel values, identifying and filtering out pixel values affected by direct hits by determining median or average values, thereby generating a corrected pixel value for the final image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fiber optic plate is used to shield the CMOS pixel array against direct X-ray photons, then image quality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber optic plate from the system entirely. Instead of using a physical shield, the solution extracts the harmful direct X-ray photon detection problem and addresses it through software-based frame differencing algorithms that identify and correct saturated pixels caused by direct hits, thereby eliminating the need for the expensive fiber optic plate while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical shielding system (fiber optic plate) with an electronic/software-based solution. The frame differencing algorithm and saturated pixel detection mechanisms substitute for the physical barrier, using computational methods instead of mechanical components to achieve the same protective function
2Measurement precision
If multiple frames are acquired during a single X-ray exposure, then pixel values affected by direct hits can be identified and corrected, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic frame acquisition during the X-ray exposure, capturing multiple frames at regular intervals. This periodic sampling allows the system to identify and correct saturated pixels through frame differencing, while the entire process occurs within the single exposure time window, minimizing additional time overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary frame acquisition and differencing calculations during the exposure period itself, rather than after. By preparing the corrected image data in real-time during the exposure, the system minimizes post-processing time and ensures that correction operations do not extend the total acquisition time significantly
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 improves image quality by reducing the impact of direct hits, allowing for more sensitive detection and compensation of affected pixels, resulting in a more accurate and uniform X-ray image without the need for costly fiber optic plates.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator is arranged for converting incoming X-ray photons into visible light photons
Implementation Method 2
Each pixel comprises a photosensitive element, such as a photodiode, that generates a photocurrent when absorbing the visible light photons
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an X-ray detecting system. Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to an X-ray system comprising the X-ray detecting system, and to an X-ray detection method. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-ray detecting system comprises a processing unit for processing the pixel signals, wherein the processing unit comprises a frame summing unit configured to, for a pixel of the pixel array, compare the pixel values of the acquired frames that correspond to that pixel for detecting a pixel value in those frames that was adversely affected by a direct hit of that pixel by an X-ray photon during said single exposure, and generate a pixel value for that pixel in dependence of the pixel values of the acquired frames and detected pixel value for that pixel.