X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Automatic Exposure Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging systems with passive or non-line trigger type X-ray generators experience significant X-ray loss due to prolonged flush operations, leading to deterioration in image data quality, especially when using progressive flush methods.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that generates a trigger signal through detection of radiated X-rays, allowing for a multiple-gate or multiple-channel-gate flush operation to minimize X-ray loss and complete the flush operation before performing the exposure, using a scintillator panel, image detector, gate driver, and automatic exposure request signal generator to control the exposure timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a progressive flush method is used to continuously flush from the first line to the last line, then image data quality is improved by eliminating dark current, but X-ray loss increases due to prolonged flush operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image detector into multiple gate blocks, each capable of independent flush operation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of flush operations across different regions, reducing the total time required to complete the flush operation and thereby minimizing X-ray loss while maintaining image data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the flush operation by allowing the controller to adjust the flush timing based on real-time status information from each gate block. The system can pause or modify flush operations when X-ray radiation is detected, optimizing the balance between eliminating dark current and minimizing X-ray loss.
2Measurement precision
If the flush operation is completed throughout the overall area before exposure, then image data quality is improved, but X-ray loss increases due to time consumption during flush operation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the image detector into multiple gate blocks that can operate independently, the patent enables parallel flush operations across different regions. This reduces the total time required to complete the flush operation while ensuring all areas are properly flushed, thereby minimizing X-ray loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary flush operations in gate blocks that do not require immediate exposure, while preparing other gate blocks for exposure. This allows the flush operation to be completed in advance for certain regions without delaying the overall exposure process, reducing time consumption.
3Device complexity
If a passive line trigger type or non-line trigger type X-ray generator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but X-ray loss increases due to lack of synchronized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the X-ray imaging apparatus to generate its own trigger signals by detecting X-ray radiation levels. The system monitors the actual X-ray radiation and automatically adjusts the flush and exposure timing accordingly, eliminating the need for complex external trigger synchronization while minimizing X-ray loss through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives status information from each gate block and adjusts the flush operation timing based on real-time conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to synchronize flush and exposure operations dynamically, reducing X-ray loss without requiring complex external triggering mechanisms.
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 X-ray loss and ensures high-quality image data by completing the flush operation before exposure, even with non-synchronized X-ray radiation, and allows for a single system setup without separate interface equipment, enhancing user convenience and X-ray detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light
Implementation Method 2
an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light; an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel; a gate driver which selects a line in the image detector and applies a drive signal to pixels in the selected line; an automatic exposure request signal generator which generates an automatic exposure request signal as a trigger signal informing of X-ray radiation through detection of X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator; and a controller which controls a time point of performing an exposure operation depending on a state of the drive signal applied to the pixels of the selected line in response to the automatic exposure request signal is disclosed.