X-ray Pixel Merging Pulse Detection and Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray image sensing technologies face limitations in combining the advantages of pulse detecting and integrating pixels, particularly in terms of noise performance and spectral information acquisition, with pulse detecting pixels being complex and integrating pixels prone to noise contamination.
Innovation Solution
A pixel design that simultaneously performs pulse detection and integration on the same sensing signal using a combination of pulse detection and integration circuits, allowing for compact and noise-resistant operation by directly utilizing the sensing signal for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pulse detecting pixels are used, then noise performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pulse detection and integration functions into a single pixel circuit by merging the pulse detector and integrator into one unified structure. The pulse detector generates pulses from the sensing signal while the integrator simultaneously integrates the same signal, achieving both noise-resistant pulse counting and integration in one circuit without requiring separate pixels for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a pulse detector and an integrator. The same sensing signal is processed by both the pulse detector (for noise-resistant detection) and the integrator (for cumulative measurement), making the pixel multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each operation.
2Device complexity
If integrating pixels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple integrator circuit with a pulse detector in a single pixel, combining the low-complexity integration function with the noise-resistant pulse detection function. This hybrid approach maintains the simplicity of integrating pixels while adding the noise immunity of pulse detection through shared circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrator pixel is enhanced with pulse detection capability, allowing it to perform both integration and pulse counting functions. This multi-functionality enables the pixel to achieve noise-resistant operation while maintaining relatively simple circuitry, as the same basic integrator structure supports both operations.
3Loss of information
If pulse detecting pixels are used, then spectral information acquisition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pulse detection with integration functionality, allowing the circuit to simultaneously acquire spectral information through pulse detection while maintaining integration capability. The pulse detector can distinguish different energy levels (spectral information) while the integrator provides cumulative measurement, both within the same circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit is designed to perform multiple functions including spectral discrimination through pulse detection and cumulative measurement through integration. This multi-functionality allows the single pixel to acquire both temporal and spectral information without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each type of measurement.
4Device complexity
If integrating pixels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral information acquisition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the simple integrator circuit with pulse detection capability, enabling the pixel to acquire spectral information through pulse amplitude discrimination while maintaining relatively simple circuitry. The same integrator structure that provides cumulative measurement also works with the pulse detector to enable energy discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrator pixel is enhanced with pulse detection functionality, allowing it to perform both integration and spectral discrimination. This multi-functionality enables the pixel to maintain simple circuitry while acquiring spectral information, as the basic integrator structure supports both cumulative measurement and energy-level differentiation.
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 enhances the dynamic range and spectral information acquisition, offering improved noise performance and compact circuitry, effectively combining the benefits of both pulse detecting and integrating pixels.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation transducer such as a photodiode 11, for converting radiation impinging on the pixel 10 into an electrical signal such as for example a photocurrent 12
Implementation Method 2
X-ray detection can be 'indirect', where an X-ray photon is absorbed in a scintillator material where it creates a flash of secondary, visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel for the detection of electromagnetic radiation or high energy particles or charge packets, in particular for detecting X-ray photons, comprises a radiation receptor for converting the radiation into a sensing signal, the pixel being adapted for performing both pulse detection and integration of the same sensing signal.