X-ray Image Sensor Dynamic Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray image sensors have a limited dynamic range, as the readout circuit cannot differentiate between strong and weak X-ray signals due to fixed charge sensitive amplifier gain, preventing the intensity of X-rays from being increased effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines an amplification gain for an X-ray image sensor module by capturing electrical signals and controlling the connection of a pixel sensor to a capacitor through a switch, allowing for adjustable amplification at the charge sensitive amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the charge sensitive amplifier gain is fixed, then the circuit design is simple, but the dynamic range of the X-ray sensor is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gain control mechanism where the charge sensitive amplifier gain can be adjusted based on the detected signal strength. A gain control circuit receives the output signal from the pixel sensor and dynamically adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying X-ray intensities and extend the dynamic range without requiring multiple fixed-gain amplifiers.
2Reliability
If the readout voltage is limited, then the circuit is stable, but strong X-ray signals cannot be differentiated from weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by adjusting the amplifier gain based on signal strength. When weak X-ray signals are detected, the amplifier gain is increased to amplify the signal above the readout voltage threshold. When strong signals are detected, the gain is reduced to prevent saturation, thereby maintaining circuit stability while enabling differentiation across a wide range of signal intensities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the output signal from the pixel sensor is fed back to the gain control circuit, which then adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the readout circuit maintains optimal gain settings for the current signal level, preventing both saturation of strong signals and loss of weak signals, thus maintaining measurement precision within the fixed readout voltage range.
3Ease of manufacture
If the amplifier gain is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the intensity of X-rays cannot be increased effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a dynamic gain control feature that allows the amplifier gain to be adjusted during operation based on the detected X-ray signal strength. This is achieved through a gain control circuit that receives the pixel sensor output and automatically adjusts the amplifier gain, enabling effective detection of both weak and strong X-ray signals without requiring complex manufacturing processes or multiple amplifier circuits.
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 of X-ray image sensors by enabling adjustable amplification, improving the detection and representation of varying X-ray intensities, thereby enhancing image quality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray image sensors detect the amounts of X-rays penetrating the subject
Implementation Method 2
determining an amplification gain of the electrical signal at a charge sensitive amplifier by turning a switch on or off, wherein the switch connects the pixel sensor to a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for determining an amplification gain for an X-ray image sensor module. Specifically, among other things, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented infrastructure comprising: capturing an electrical signal by a pixel sensor; and determining an amplification gain of the electrical signal at a charge sensitive amplifier by turning a switch on or off, wherein the switch connects the pixel sensor to a capacitor.