X-ray Detector with Independently Sleepable Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital X-ray devices are not portable due to their power requirements, lacking a self-contained, battery-powered system with image acquisition, enhancement, and data storage capabilities, as they typically require a dedicated computer workstation for image processing and user interface.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered X-ray sensor system that includes a power state architecture with separate regions for image acquisition and user interface/networking/image processing, allowing processors to enter low-power states, and uses a user's computing device for image processing and display, enabling a 'bring your own device' scheme for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated computer workstation is used for image processing and user interface, then image processing capability and user interface functionality are improved, but device portability and power consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into two segments: a portable detector unit for image acquisition and a user's computing device for image processing and display. This segmentation allows the portable unit to be lightweight while maintaining full processing capability through the external device connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the user's existing computing device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) to perform image processing and display functions. This universal approach eliminates the need for a dedicated workstation, as any computing device can serve these functions through the provided application interface.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated computer workstation is used for image processing and user interface, then image processing capability is improved, but power consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the power-intensive image processing and display functions from the portable detector unit and places them in the user's external computing device. This extraction allows the portable unit to consume minimal power while still providing full processing capability through the connected device.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the user's existing computing device for all power-intensive operations, the system eliminates the need for a dedicated power supply in the portable unit. The external device's power source is leveraged, enabling the detector to be battery-powered or even cable-less while maintaining full processing capability.
3Productivity
If processors remain active continuously for image processing, then image processing speed is improved, but power consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by having the processor activate only when needed for specific processing tasks and enter low-power states between operations. The dual-processor architecture allows one processor to handle acquisition while the other remains in standby, providing periodic processing capability with minimal continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processor power states based on operational needs. Processors can transition between active and low-power states depending on whether image acquisition or processing is currently required, optimizing the balance between processing speed and power consumption in real-time.
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
Enables a fully portable digital radiography system with reduced power consumption, allowing for image acquisition, enhancement, and data storage without an external workstation, enhancing portability and operational duration.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor panel processor and the CPU are each configured to independently enter an idle state or other lower-power consumption state
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging detector (120), comprising: a digital image sensor (280) configured to generate a plurality of signals in response to x-rays incident on the sensor (280); characterized by: a first processor (250) communicatively coupled to the digital image sensor (280) and configured to receive (501) the plurality of signals and generate (504) a digital representation of an x-ray image based on the plurality of signals, and a second processor (220) configured to generate a user interface and to cause a digital image based on the digital representation of the x-ray image to be displayed via the user interface, and wherein the first processor (250) is configured to enter a first idle state (302) while the second processor (220) is in a second active state (404) or the second processor is configured to enter a second idle state (402) while the first processor (250) is in a first active state (303).