Dual-Storage X-Ray Detector Readout for Motion-Reduced Spectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems with multi-spectrum sources face challenges in minimizing time delays between image captures, leading to motion artefacts due to object movement, especially when imaging dynamic subjects like a beating heart or blood flow, as conventional readout techniques are slow and limit the minimum time delay between capturing multiple X-ray spectra.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray system with an X-ray source capable of sequential operation in multiple spectral modes and an X-ray detector equipped with a pixel controller and active pixels featuring dual storage elements, allowing simultaneous or near-simultaneous recording and reading out of signals from different X-ray spectra, thereby reducing time delays and motion artefacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional sequential readout techniques are used, then device complexity is reduced, but time delay between image captures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent readout circuits, each capable of reading out signals from different storage elements simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel readout operations, reducing the time delay between capturing different X-ray spectra without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire detector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the readout process by enabling simultaneous readout of multiple storage elements. Instead of reading out signals sequentially in time, the system reads out multiple signals concurrently, effectively adding a parallel processing dimension that reduces time delay without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If multi-spectrum imaging is performed with sequential image capture, then spectral information is obtained, but motion artefacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous capture of spectral information by using multiple storage elements that can be exposed simultaneously or with minimal time separation. The parallel readout capability ensures that the useful action of capturing spectral data continues without interruption, reducing the time window during which object motion can create artefacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector prepares multiple storage elements in advance, each ready to capture a specific spectral component. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly switch between or simultaneously read out different spectral information without delay, minimizing the time during which object motion can degrade image quality.
3Productivity
If faster readout is implemented, then imaging speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The readout system is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each handling a specific storage element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve faster overall readout speed by processing multiple signals in parallel, while each individual readout circuit remains relatively simple in design, thus limiting the increase in overall 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
The system minimizes time delays between integrating different X-ray spectra, enabling faster multi-spectrum imaging with reduced motion artefacts and parallelized processing of multiple frames.
Implementation Method 1
The active pixel may comprise a photodetector, being a pinned photodiode, 'PPD', configured to convert incident photons into charge
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an X-ray system for multi-spectrum imaging. The system comprises an X-ray source configured to be sequentially operable in a plurality of spectral modes in dependence of at least one synchronization signal, the plurality of modes including a first mode, in which the X-ray source is configured to emit first X-rays having a first spectrum, and a second mode, in which the X-ray source is configured to emit second X-rays having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum; and an X-ray detector comprising a pixel controller, a readout unit, and an active pixel including a first storage element and a second storage element. The pixel controller is configured to control the active pixel in dependence of the at least one synchronization signal to record a first signal associated with the first X-rays in the first storage element and record a second signal associated with the second X-rays in the second storage element. The readout unit is configured to read out the recorded first signal during or after the recording of the second signals by the active pixel.