X-ray Detector Offset Calibration for Trigger Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray detectors have varying offset values, leading to inconsistent output signals, which can result in failure to generate a trigger signal for X-ray imaging even when X-rays are irradiated, due to differences in detector sensitivity and intensity.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device that includes an X-ray detector, a storage for offset information, and a reference information generator to produce acquisition reference information based on the detected signal, allowing for accurate determination of the imaging start timing regardless of offset variations, using this information to adjust the trigger generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed threshold is used for trigger signal generation, then the system is simple to operate, but trigger signals may not be generated when X-ray detectors have different offset values
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the offset value from the X-ray detector during a calibration phase before actual imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to store the detected offset value and use it to adjust the trigger threshold, ensuring reliable trigger signal generation across different detectors without requiring manual intervention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by measuring the actual output signal from the X-ray detector and using this information to adjust the trigger threshold. The offset value detected from the X-ray detector's output signal is fed back into the system to dynamically set the appropriate threshold, ensuring that trigger signals are generated reliably regardless of detector variations.
2Reliability
If the trigger threshold is adjusted for each X-ray detector, then trigger signal reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring and storing the offset value from the X-ray detector during calibration. The system uses this self-measured information to set the appropriate trigger threshold without requiring external manual adjustment or complex user intervention, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the offset value information and stores it for later use. By copying the detected offset value and storing it in memory, the system can reference this information during actual imaging operations to set the correct trigger threshold, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of trigger threshold is required, then device complexity remains low, but operation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the threshold adjustment operation in advance during a calibration phase before actual imaging begins. By completing the offset measurement and threshold setting as a preliminary action, the system eliminates the need for manual adjustment during operation, thereby reducing operation time and user effort while maintaining low device complexity.
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
Ensures accurate generation of a trigger signal for X-ray imaging start, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and improving reliability across different X-ray detectors and intensity fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray detector 90 which detects the X-ray irradiation and outputs a detected signal S2 showing a result of the detection
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imager 7 which images an X-ray image generated by X-ray irradiation; an X-ray detector 90 which detects X-ray irradiation and outputs a detected signal showing the result of the detection; an EP-ROM 93a storing an offset value of the X-ray detector 90; and a signal processor 61 which generates reference information for acquiring a start timing of imaging by the imager 7 from the detected signal based on the offset value stored in the EP-ROM 93a.