X-ray Detector Pixel Readout Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray detectors are limited by the duration of the readout process and X-ray time window, restricting the imaging rate, particularly in dynamic applications like angiography and fluoroscopy, where high imaging rates and wide time windows are necessary for accurate representation of examination objects.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an X-ray detector with pixel readout units that include an intermediate storage element, such as a storage capacitor, allowing for the temporal overlap of image readout with X-ray exposure, enabling the shifting of electric charge from the storage element to the intermediate storage element during the readout process, which clears the storage element for immediate reuse and allows for simultaneous reapplication of X-ray radiation during readout, thereby increasing the imaging rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the readout process is performed sequentially after X-ray exposure, then the storage element can be fully read out, but the imaging rate is restricted due to the sequential nature of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by shifting the electric charge from the storage element to the intermediate storage element immediately after the X-ray exposure time window ends, before the readout process begins. This allows the readout process to start without waiting for charge transfer, enabling the storage element to be reset and prepared for the next exposure while previous charges are being read out, thus increasing the imaging rate and reducing the overall recording period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage element as a mediator between the storage element and the readout circuitry. This intermediate element allows the charge to be transferred and held while the readout process proceeds, decoupling the charge storage function from the readout function and enabling parallel operations of charge transfer and readout, thereby resolving the contradiction between complete readout and high imaging rate
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 significantly reduces the overall recording period, allowing for a higher number of images per period or wider X-ray time windows per image, resulting in improved image quality and precision, particularly in dynamic X-ray applications.
Implementation Method 1
The incident X radiation is firstly converted into visible light in the scintillator layer
Implementation Method 2
The active matrix is subdivided into a multiplicity of pixel readout units with photodiodes, which photodiodes in turn convert this light into electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
In order to increase the imaging rate in the case of, in particular dynamic, X ray applications, a method for operating an X ray detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes applying an X radiation during an X ray time window and converting the X radiation into electric charge, storing the electric charge in storage elements of the X ray detector, reading out the electric charge, and further applying the X radiation during a further X ray time window. The further application of the X radiation is performed at least partially during the reading out of the electric charge produced from a previous application of the X radiation.