X-ray Detector Dynamic Window Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging devices face inefficiencies due to fixed or static window times in X-ray detectors, leading to unnecessary time consumption, delayed image confirmation, and increased noise from dark currents, particularly in photo sensors.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray detector dynamically adjusts its window time based on the end of X-ray emission, minimizing latency and reducing noise by varying the reception time according to the emission end signal or preset values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed or static window time is used in the X-ray detector, then the detector can receive all emitted X-rays, but unnecessary time is consumed and noise from dark currents increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray detection completenessVSAvoidwindow time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed or static window time to a dynamic window time that automatically adjusts based on actual X-ray emission duration. The control unit receives an X-ray emission end signal and sets the window time accordingly, making the detection period adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain complete X-ray detection while minimizing unnecessary detection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the window time parameter from a constant value to a variable value that changes based on emission conditions. The control unit adjusts the window time parameter dynamically by receiving emission end signals and calculating appropriate detection periods, thereby optimizing the balance between detection completeness and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed or static window time is used in the X-ray detector, then the detector can receive all emitted X-rays, but image confirmation is delayed and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray detection completenessVSAvoidimage confirmation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamics principle is applied by making the window time adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the detection period based on real-time emission end signals, allowing the system to complete detection as quickly as possible while ensuring all X-rays are captured. This accelerates image confirmation without sacrificing detection completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically adjusting the window time based on emitted radiation characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously receives emission end signals and configures the optimal detection period, enabling the system to self-optimize for both completeness and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a longer window time is used in the X-ray detector, then more X-rays can be detected, but noise from dark currents in photo sensors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray detection completenessVSAvoiddark current noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the window time parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed long duration. By setting the window time to match the actual emission duration plus minimal processing time, the system maintains detection completeness while minimizing the accumulation of dark current noise that occurs during extended detection periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of extended detection (noise accumulation) into benefit by using the emission end signal as a trigger to precisely terminate detection. This transforms what would be a harmful extended period into an optimized detection window that captures all necessary data while minimizing noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of operation

If a fixed window time is used, then the system operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different emission durations and protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidemission duration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically adapting to different emission durations through the emission end signal mechanism. Rather than requiring manual configuration for different protocols, the control unit autonomously adjusts the window time based on actual emission characteristics, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a single detection system that can handle multiple emission protocols and durations. The dynamic window time mechanism serves multiple functions: it adapts to chest imaging protocols with shorter emissions, pelvis protocols with longer emissions, and various other imaging scenarios, all through the same automated control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces unnecessary time consumption and improves image quality by minimizing noise and electron trapping, allowing for quicker image confirmation and enhanced X-ray imaging performance.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray detector for detecting radiations that have been emitted towards an object by an X-ray emitter and have passed through the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4394453B1X-ray detector, method for operating x-ray detector, and x-ray imaging device including x-ray detector
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4394453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4394453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4394453B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an X-ray detector, a method, performed by the X-ray detector, of variably adjusting a window time of the X-ray detector, and an X-ray imaging device including the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain information about an X-ray emission end time point based on an X-ray emission end signal received from an automatic exposure control (AEC) device or a setting value for an X-ray emission time received from a workstation, adjust a window time based on the information about the X-ray emission end time point, and in response to the window time being ended, obtain X-ray image data by performing a readout.