X-ray Detector Segmentation for Synchronization and Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray image detecting devices face challenges in achieving accurate synchronization control and automatic exposure control, particularly when imaging small objects, due to variations in X-ray irradiation across the imaging area, leading to potential underexposure or reduced detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image detecting device with multiple radiation detectors and a control unit that designates separate detection areas for synchronization and automatic exposure control, using a larger area for synchronization to quickly detect X-ray emission and a smaller area opposed to the object for accurate exposure measurement, allowing for precise control of X-ray irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection area is used for both synchronization control and automatic exposure control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of both controls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging area is divided into two separate detection areas: a first detection area used for synchronization control and a second detection area used for automatic exposure control. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision by creating specialized zones rather than using a single general-purpose area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging area are assigned different functions based on their local characteristics. The first detection area is positioned to optimize synchronization detection, while the second detection area is positioned to optimize exposure measurement. This local differentiation enables each area to perform its specific function with high precision without compromising the other.
2Area of stationary object
If the entire imaging area is used for automatic exposure control, then the measurement coverage is maximized, but the detection accuracy for small objects deteriorates due to inclusion of directly exposed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging area is segmented into a first detection area and a second detection area. The second detection area, used for automatic exposure control, is specifically positioned to measure only the area opposed to the object, excluding directly exposed areas from the measurement. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating a dedicated zone that provides accurate exposure measurement for small objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The directly exposed areas are extracted and excluded from the second detection area used for automatic exposure control. By removing these areas from the measurement zone, the system achieves accurate exposure measurement for small objects without the interference of directly exposed regions that would otherwise contaminate the measurement.
3Measurement precision
If a small detection area is used for synchronization control, then the automatic exposure control accuracy is improved, but the synchronization detection speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging area is divided into two separate detection areas with distinct functions. The first detection area is optimized for synchronization control with positioning that enables fast detection, while the second detection area is optimized for automatic exposure control with positioning that ensures measurement accuracy. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each function to operate at its optimal performance level independently.
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 accurate synchronization control and automatic exposure control, ensuring high detection accuracy and preventing underexposure by utilizing the directly exposed area for synchronization and the area opposed to the object for exposure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A scintillator (phosphor) is provided on the imaging area to convert the X-rays into visible light
Implementation Method 2
each of the pixels provided in the imaging area is constituted of a photodiode, being a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray image detecting device has an FPD having a matrix of pixels each for accumulating signal charge in accordance with an X-ray irradiation amount. An imaging area of the FPD is partitioned into a plurality of divided sections A to I. Each of the divided sections A to I has a short pixel for detecting X-ray irradiation. In a synchronization control for controlling the FPD in synchronization with detection of a start of X-ray emission from an X-ray source, a control unit for controlling the X-ray image detecting device uses all the divided sections A to I. In an automatic exposure control for stopping the X-ray emission from the X-ray source by detecting a total X-ray irradiation amount, the control unit uses part of the divided sections, e.g. the short pixels of the divided sections that are judged to be opposed to an object in the synchronization control.