Image forming apparatus and image forming system, image forming method and image forming program

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: image forming process includes a first image forming process for outputting image data in accordance with illumination of a detector with radiation or light in an illumination field A, which corresponds to part of a plurality of pixels, and a second image forming process for outputting image data in accordance with illumination of a detector 104 with radiation or light in an illumination field B which is wider than the illumination field A. In accordance with transfer from illumination in the illumination field A to illumination in the illumination field B, operation of the detector is controlled such that the detector performs an initiation process for initiating conversion elements during the period between the first and second image forming processes.

EFFECT: weaker ghost image effect which can appear in an image resulting from FPD operation, and which is caused by the illumination region, and preventing considerable drop in image quality without complex image processing.

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The technical FIELD TO WHICH the INVENTION RELATES.

The present invention relates to a device for the formation of images and imaging. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for forming images based on radiation and imaging used for forming images based on radiation, which is preferably used for fluoroscopy in still images, such as x-ray, and fluoroscopy in moving images, such as x-ray fluoroscopy in medical diagnosis. Note that the radiation in the present invention, includes, in addition to alpha radiation, beta radiation and gamma radiation, which are beams of particles (including photons)emitted during radioactive decay, radiation having energy equal to or greater than energy, for example, x-rays, corpuscular rays and cosmic rays.

The LEVEL of TECHNOLOGY

Recently, the device forming images based on radiation that uses a flat panel detector (FPD)made of semiconductor material, gained practical use as a device imaging used for diagnosis based on medical and non-destructive x-ray examination. Such a device forming images based on the radiation used as digital imaging for x-rays in still images, such as x-ray, and fluoroscopy in moving images, such as x-ray fluoroscopy, for example, in the diagnosis based on medical images.

With respect to such device forming images based on radiation, disclosed in patent application laid Japan no. Hll-128213, the possibility of switching the field, where it reads flat panel detector (FPD) (size field) to the field and from the field of x-ray irradiation. However, if the exposure is extended after switching, the pixel sensitivity or dark output varies between the irradiated area and the unirradiated area in FPD. Therefore, in the provided image, a second image (step image)due to field exposure, which can lead to image quality degradation.

In patent application laid Japan no. 2008-167846 considered the possibility of image processing for correction of double image due to such change of the irradiated region. In particular, it shows the correction factor re-image is based on data having re-image, according to uniform irradiation for each of the conditions of x-ray irradiation. On the basis of the correction factor re-image, displayed the necessary correction factor re-image, which corresponds to the condition of x-ray irradiation in the collection of data about the investigated section of the object, i.e. the area of exposure and time from the beginning of x-ray irradiation. Thus, the data on the studied portion of the object is adjusted using the appropriate correction factor re-image to create the adjusted image data.

The INVENTION

TECHNICAL TASK

However, the correction method described in patent application laid Japan no. 2008-167846, provides correction using image processing, which complicates the control parameters and process correction, leading to complication of the device as a whole. Furthermore, the tasks become more complicated due to the fact that, for example, need to have previously obtained correction data, and advanced management for the emergence of a stable image quality is difficult because, for example, you need to carefully and accurately to perform a method of obtaining data. In addition, the correction does not reduce the volume of the residual image, which causes the above is re-written image, and which is contained in the image signal, provided FPD, making it difficult to achieve optimal benefits in different situations.

The SOLUTION of the PROBLEM

Applicants have conducted extensive studies to provide a device of the imaging system and imaging, capable of reducing the level of the image, which may occur in the provided image, and which is caused by irradiation region, and to prevent significant deterioration of image quality without complex image processing, and the following describes the various aspects of the present invention.

According to the aspect, the present invention provides a device for forming images, comprising: a detector comprising a set of pixels forming a matrix, and the pixel includes a conversion element for converting radiation or light into electric charge, and the detector is arranged to perform the operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or light; and a control unit to control the operation of the detector, which includes the operation of forming the image, and the operation of forming the image includes a first operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the first field irradiated what I the relevant part of the set of pixels, and a second operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the second irradiation field having a larger area than the first irradiation field, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the detector so that, in accordance with the transition from exposure in the first field irradiation to the irradiation of the radiation, the detector was carried out initialization operation to initialize the conversion element during the period between the first and second operations of image formation.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system for forming images, comprising: the above-described device of the imaging unit; generating a radiation irradiation device imaging radiation; and a control device for device management, imaging and device for generating radiation, and a device for generating radiation comprises a mechanism having a function for switching between the first and second fields of irradiation according to the control signal taken from the control device.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling the device for the formation of images comprising: a detector, includes a set of pixels forming a matrix, and the pixel includes a conversion element for converting radiation or light into electric charge, and the detector is arranged to perform the operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or light, and the method is used to control the operation of the detector, which includes the operation of forming the image, the method comprises: a first operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in a first irradiation field corresponding to the portion of the set of pixels of the detector; initialization operation following the first operation of forming the image, to initialize the conversion element in accordance with a command to transition from exposure in the first field exposure to radiation in the second irradiation field having a larger area than the first irradiation field; and a second operation of forming the image, following the operation initialization for outputting image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the second field of the radiation detector.

According to an additional aspect, the present invention provides a computer program instructing a computer to perform control is a device imaging, comprising: a detector comprising a set of pixels forming a matrix, and the pixel includes a conversion element for converting radiation or light into electric charge, and the detector is arranged to perform the operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or light, so that the detector performs an operation, comprising the operation of forming the image, and computer program instructs the detector to carry out: the first operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in a first irradiation field corresponding to the portion of the set of pixels of the detector; initialization operation following the first operation the formation of the image, to initialize the conversion element in accordance with a command to transition from exposure in the first field exposure to radiation in the second irradiation field having a larger area than the first irradiation field; and a second operation of forming the image, following the operation initialization for outputting image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the second field of the radiation detector.

Advantages of the INVENTION

The advantage of the present invention consists in what is it can weaken the effect of repeated images (step image), which may appear in the image provided in the work FPD, and which is caused by irradiation region, and to prevent significant deterioration of image quality without complex image processing.

Additional features of the present invention made it clear from the following description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a generalized block diagram of the system of forming images, comprising a device for the formation of images according to the first variant implementation of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the device forming images according to the first variant implementation of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a logical block diagram for illustrating the operation of the device of the imaging system and imaging according to the present invention.

Fig. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D is a timing chart for illustrating the operation of the device of the imaging system and imaging according to the present invention.

Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E is a timing chart for illustrating the operation of the shift according to the present invention, and a graph of the dependence of time on the size of the stage to illustrate the effect.

Fig. 6A and 6B equivalent is Alanta circuit device forming images according to the second variant of implementation of the present invention.

Fig. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D is a timing chart for illustrating the operation of the device of the imaging system and imaging according to the second variant of implementation of the present invention.

Fig. 8A, 8B and 8C is a timing chart for illustrating the operation of the shift according to the second variant of implementation of the present invention.

PREFERRED embodiments of the INVENTIONS

Proceed to the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The FIRST OPTION EXERCISE

The system of forming images based on radiation, shown in Fig. 1, according to this variant implementation, includes the device 100 imaging system, the control computer 108, the device 109 radiation, the device 110 for generating radiation, the display 113 and the console 114. The device 100 imaging includes a flat panel detector (FPD) 104, which includes the block 101 detection with a set of pixels, for converting radiation or light into an electric signal, the circuit 102 excitation actuation unit 101 detection and readout circuit 103 to output as image data of an electrical signal from the powered unit 101 detection. The mouth of austo 100 imaging additionally includes block 105 signal processing for processing the image data from the FPD 104 to output unit 106 controls for filing individual control signal to each of the components to control the operation of FPD 104, and the source 107 power supply for supplying individual offset for each of the components. Block 105 signal processing receives the control signal from the control computer 108 and delivers it to the block 106 controls as described below. The source 107 power supply has built-in circuit of the power source, for example, controllers for receiving voltage from an external power source or an internal battery (not shown) for supplying regulated voltage to the block 101 detection, the circuit 102 excitation and readout circuit 103.

The control computer 108 performs the synchronization between the device 110 and generation of radiation and the device 100 imaging, the control signal to determine the status of the device 100 imaging, and image processing for correction, preservation and display of image data from the device 100 imaging. In addition, the control computer 108 transmits to the device 109 control emission control signal to determine the conditions of irradiation of radiation, based on data from the console 114.

The device 109 radiation, receiving the control signal from the control computer 108 controls the operation of the exposure and what receiving from a source 111 radiation, built-in device 110 for generating radiation, and the work of the aperture 112 of the field of irradiation. Aperture 112 field exposure is a function that can change a predetermined irradiation field, i.e. the area where the block 101 detection FPD 104 is irradiated with radiation or light that is comparable to the radiation, and it, according to a variant implementation, has a function that can switch between field exposure A and field B. exposure To irradiation field A corresponding to the first field irradiation of the present invention, radiation is irradiated to a portion of the set of pixels, for example, about 1000 rows and 1000 columns of pixels, whereas there are about 2800 lines and about 2800 columns of pixels. In addition, in the irradiation field B corresponding to the second field exposure according to the present invention, the radiation is emitted in a wider portion than the irradiation field A, for example, all the pixels. The console 114 is used to enter information about the object and the condition of image formation, and transmission control computer 108 as a parameter for various kinds of control used by the host computer 108. The display 113 displays image data which represent the image processed by the host computer 108.

Now, with reference to Fig. 2, we describe a device for the formation of images according to the about first alternative implementation of the present invention. Note that the component similar to that described above with reference to Fig. 1, marked in a similar position, and its detailed description is omitted. In addition, in Fig. 2, for simplicity, shows a device imaging, including FPD whose pixels are arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns. However, the actual device imaging can be multipixel higher order, and, for example, 17-inch device image may have pixels that make up about 2800 lines and about 2800 columns.

Block 101 detection is a set of pixels forming a matrix. Each of the pixels has a conversion element 201 for converting radiation or light into electric charge and a switching element 202 to output an electrical signal according to the electric charge. According to a variant implementation, the photocell used to convert light irradiating conversion element, an electric charge is a PIN photodiode located on the insulating substrate, for example, a glass substrate, a core material which is amorphous silicon. Used conversion element preferably is an element of indirect conversion, which includes the transducer wavelength for conversion) the inclusion in the range of light wavelengths, which of the above-described solar cell can absorb located on the side of the solar cell, which decreases the radiation, and may be an element of the direct conversion direct conversion of radiation into electrical charge. Used switching element 202 is preferably a transistor having a control contact and the two main contact, and, according to a variant implementation, uses thin-film transistor (TFT). One electrode of the conversion element 201 is electrically connected to one of the two main contacts switching element 202, and the other electrode electrically connected to the source 107a bias voltage through a common bus Bs bias. The combination of the switching elements in the line direction, for example, T11-T13, electrically connected to its control contacts to the shared bus G1 excitation in the first line, and the circuit 102 excitation sends a driving signal to control a conductive state of each of the switching elements via the bus excitation for each row. The combination of the switching elements in the column direction, for example, T11-T31, electrically connected to the other main contacts of the control signal bus Sig1 in the first column, and during the conductive state of the switching element, an electric signal according to electric is to whom the charge of each of the conversion elements is displayed on the readout circuit 103 via signal bus. The aggregate signal tyres Sig1-Sig3 located in the direction of the column, simultaneously transmits the electrical signals output by the set of pixels on the readout circuit 103.

The readout circuit 103 includes an amplifier circuit 207 for amplification of each of the electrical signals, in parallel, the output unit 101 of detection for each of the signal buses. In addition, each of the amplifying circuits 207 includes an integrating amplifier 203 for amplifying the output electrical signal, the amplifier 204 with variable gain for amplifying the electric signal from the integrating amplifier 203, the circuit 205 sampling with memory for sampling and storing of amplified electric signal, and a buffer amplifier 206. The integrating amplifier 203 includes an operational amplifier for amplifying the read electric signal to its output, an integrating capacitor and a reset switch. The integrating amplifier 203 has a gain that changes according to the change in the voltage on the integrating capacitor. The output electrical signal at the inverting input of the operational amplifier and the reference voltage Vref is supplied on a non-inverting input of the source 107b reference voltage, and the amplified electric signal is output from the output to the of nacta. In addition, an integrating capacitor connected between the inverting input and output. Circuit 205 sampling remembering provided for each of the amplification circuits and consists of a sampling switch and the sampling capacitor. In addition, the readout circuit 103 includes a multiplexer 208 to sequentially output the electric signal, read in parallel from each of the amplification circuits 207 as the image signal in the form of a serial signal, and a buffer amplifier 209 to the impedance transformation of the image signal to output. The signal Vout of the image, which is an analog electrical output signal of the buffer amplifier 209 is converted into digital image data by the analog-digital Converter 210 shown in block 105, the signal processing shown in Fig. 1. Then, the image data processed by the block 105 signal processing, are displayed on the control computer 108.

Scheme 102 excitation outputs in each of the tires excitation excitation signal having a voltage Vcom conductive state to transfer each of the switching element to the conducting state and the voltage Vss non-conductive States to transfer each of the switching element non-conductive state in accordance with the control signal D-CLK, OE,DIO), taken from block 106, the control shown in Fig. 1. Accordingly, the circuit 102 excitation controls a conductive state and a non-conductive state of the switching element for actuation unit 101 detection.

The source 107 power supply shown in Fig. 1, includes a source 107a bias voltage and the source 107b reference voltage for amplifier circuits shown in Fig. 2. Source 107a bias voltage gives the total offset voltage Vs to the other electrode of each of the transducer elements via the bus Bs bias. This offset voltage Vs corresponds to the first voltage according to the present invention. Source 107b reference voltage supplies the reference voltage Vref on the non inverting input of each operational amplifier.

Block 106 of the control shown in Fig. 1, receives the control signal from the external control computer 108 through the block 105 signal processing and controls the operation of the FPD 104, feeding various types of control signals to the circuit 102 excitation source 107 power supply and readout circuit 103. Unit 106 controls the operation of the circuit 102 arousal, feeding the control signal D-CLK, OE, and DIO on the circuit 102 excitation. Here, the control signal D-CLK is a clock signal of the shift for shift register used as the exciting circuit, and C is the cash management DIO is a pulse signal for transfer shift register, and the control signal OE controls the output shift register. In addition, the unit 106 controls the operation of each of the components of the read circuit 103, the feeding control signals RC, SH and CLK on the readout circuit 103. Here, the control signal RC controls the operation of the reset switch of each of the integrating amplifiers, and the control signal SH controls the operation of each of the circuits 205 sampling with memory, and the control signal CLK controls the operation of multiplexer 208.

Now, with reference to Fig. 1-3, in particular in Fig. 3, we describe the operation of the imaging system and imaging according to the present invention as a whole. The operator uses the console 114 to determine the irradiation conditions and run fluoroscopic studies using a control computer 108. Device 110 for generating radiation, under the management device 109 radiation irradiates the object desired radiation in the irradiation conditions. The device 100 imaging displays image data according to the radiation passing through the object and output the image data represent an image processed by the host computer 108 and displayed on the display 113.

Then, the control computer 108 asks the operator whether to continue fluoroscopic studies is the investigation, and, when the operator gives a command not to continue fluoroscopic examination (NO), x-ray examination ends. When submitting commands to the continuation of the x-ray study (YES), the control computer 108 asks the operator whether to change the irradiation field. When the operator gives a command not to change the irradiation field (NO), the control computer 108 controls the device 109 radiation and a device 110 for generating radiation in a pre-defined conditions fluoroscopy, and radiation radiation is again in the same irradiation conditions. On the one hand, when the operator gives a command to change the irradiation field (YES), the control computer 108 determines the conditions of irradiation, which will change the field of irradiation, and the device 109 radiation controls the aperture 112 field irradiation device 110 for generating radiation on the basis of the irradiation conditions, and thus, is determined by the irradiation field after the change. In addition, the control computer 108 sends to the device 100, the imaging control signal, in accordance with which the device 100 imaging performs the change operation, described in detail below, device 100 imaging performs the change operation. Upon completion of the operations shift Manager to the computer 108 controls the device 109 radiation and a device 110 for generating radiation in certain irradiation conditions, and the exposure to radiation is carried out under the changed conditions of irradiation for the next x-ray studies.

Now, with reference to Fig. 4A-4D, describe the operation of the imaging system and imaging according to the present invention. In Fig. 4A, when the supply voltage Vs bias on the conversion elements 201, the device 100 imaging performs the idling operation during the period of idling. Here, the term "idling operation" means an operation in which, in order to stabilize characteristics change detector 104, due to the supply voltage Vs bias initialization operation K1 re is at least several times. In addition, the term "initialization operation" is an operation in which the starting offset to the accumulation operation is supplied on the inverter elements for initialization of the Converter elements. Note that, in Fig. 4A, the operation of idling, the operation sequence of the accumulation of W1 and the initialization operation K1 repeatedly carried out several times.

In Fig. 4B shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during the period A-A' in Fig. 4A. According Fig. 4B, in operation, the accumulation of W1, the voltage Vs bias is fed to to the gdy of the conversion elements 201, and the voltage Vss non-conductive state is supplied to each of the switching element 202, so that the switching element in each of the pixels passed a non-conductive state. In the initialization operation K1, first of all, the reset switch resets the integrating capacitor in each of the integrating amplifier and a signal bus, and a circuit 102 delivers the excitation voltage Vcom conductive state on the bus G1 excitation to the switching element T11-T13 in each of the pixels in the first line switched to the conducting state. The conducting state of the switching element causes the initialization of the Converter element. In this case the electric charge conversion element is output as an electrical signal through the switching element. However, according to a variant implementation of the schemes that are after discretization schemes with memory, do not work, and therefore the data according to the electric signal are not output from the read circuit 103. Then, the integrating capacitor and the signal bus reset again, and, accordingly, the output electrical signal is processed. However, if you want to use the data for correction schemes that are after discretization schemes with memory, can work by analogy with the operation of the image output and the led is her o dark image, described below. Control a conductive state of the switching element and reset repeatedly applied to each switching element in the second and third lines, and thus, the operation initialization block 101 detection. Here, in the initialization operation, the reset switch can remain in a conducting state to continue the discharge, at least during the period of the conductive state of the switching element. In addition, the duration of the conductive state of the switching element in the initialization operation may be shorter than the switching element in the operation of the image output described below. In addition, in the initialization operation, the switching elements in the total row can be simultaneously transferred to the conducting state. In this case, you can reduce the time all the initialization operation and faster to stabilize the changing characteristics of the detector. Note that the initialization operation K1 according to a variant implementation is carried out within the same period as the output operation of the image contained in the x-ray fluoroscopic operation to be implemented after the idling operation.

In Fig. 4C shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during the period-B' in Fig. 4A. The idling operation ends, and the detector 101 is in a state that allows x-ray examination, after which the device 100 imaging, receiving the control signal from the control computer 108, performs x-ray fluoroscopic operation, in which the radiation is emitted at the FPD 104 in the irradiation field A. This x-ray fluoroscopic operation corresponds to the first operation of forming the image according to the present invention. In addition, the period during which the device 100 imaging does this x-ray fluoroscopic operation is called the period of x-ray fluoroscopy". During x-ray fluoroscopy, the device 100 imaging performs the accumulation operation W1 during the period corresponding to the duration of irradiation of radiation, in which the conversion element 201 may generate electric charge according to the emitted radiation, and the output operation of the image X1 in which the image data are displayed on the basis of the electric charge generated in the accumulation operation W1. According Fig. 4C, the operation of the image output, first and foremost, an integrating capacitor and a signal bus reset, and the circuit 102, the excitation is Oia applies a voltage Vcom conductive state on the bus G1 excitation, then the switching element T11-T13 in the first line goes into the conducting state. Thus, an electric signal according to the electric charge generated in each of the conversion elements S11-S13 in the first line is displayed in each of the signal bus. Electrical signal, parallel output via each of the signal tyres, increasing operational amplifier 203 and the amplifier 204 with variable gain in each of the amplification circuits 206. Each of the amplified electrical signals in parallel to remember each of the circuits 205 sampling with memory, which is driven by the signal SH management in the amplifying circuits. After memorization, the integrating capacitor and the signal bus reset. After a reset voltage Vcom conductive state is supplied to the bus G2 excitation in the second line, by analogy with the first row, and each of the switching elements T21-T23 second line goes into the conducting state. During the period when the switching element T21-T23 of the second line is in a conducting state, the multiplexer 208 sequentially outputs the electric signal stored in each of the circuits 205 sampling remembering. Thus, an electrical signal, read in parallel from each of the pixels in the first line, is converted into a signal and what the considerations applying in the form of a serial signal, displayed and converted into image data line-by-line analog-to-digital Converter 210 for output. The above operations are carried out for the formation of rows from the first to the third for each row, and thus, the data of the image frame displayed by the device imaging. In addition, an implementation option provides for the implementation of the accumulation operation W1 during the same period, and the accumulation operation W1, in which the conversion element 201 may generate an electrical charge in the dark state when the radiation is not emitted, and operations o dark image F1, in which the dark image is displayed based on the electric charge generated in the accumulation operation W1. In the operation o dark image F1 device 100 imaging performs an operation similar to the operation of the image output X1.

During x-ray fluoroscopy, when the control computer 108 sends a control signal instructing device 100 imaging to perform the change operation, in accordance with the command to change the field of irradiation, the device 100 imaging performs the change operation. The block 106 management, in accordance with the control signal from the control whom is lutera 108, prescribes the FPD 104 to perform the change operation by sending the control signal to each of the circuits 102 excitation and readout circuit 103. The period during which the FPD 104 performs the change operation is called the "period change operation". Change operation to be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 5A-5E.

In Fig. 4D shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during C-C' in Fig. 4A. After the change operation, the device 100 imaging performs fluoroscopic operation (still images), in which the radiation is emitted at the FPD 104 in the irradiation field B which is wider than the irradiation field A. This fluoroscopic operation corresponds to the second operation of forming the image according to the present invention. In addition, the period during which the device 100 imaging performs fluoroscopic operation is called the period of x-ray operation. During fluoroscopic operation, the device 100 imaging performs the accumulation operation W2 during a period corresponding to the duration of irradiation of radiation, in which the conversion element can generate electric charge according to the emitted radiation, and the output operation of the image X2, in which data and what the considerations applying displayed on the basis of the electric charge, created in the accumulation operation W2. According Fig. 4D, the accumulation operation W2 and the output operation of the image X2 according to a variant implementation of similar operations accumulation W1 and operation of the image output X1, respectively. According to a variant implementation, because these periods are longer, are different characters. However, their periods may have similar durations, respectively. In addition, an implementation option provides for the implementation of the accumulation operation W2 during the same period, and the accumulation operation W2 before the operation of the image output X2, which allows converting element to create an electrical charge in the dark state when the radiation is not emitted, and operations o dark image F2, in which the dark image is displayed, based on the electric charge generated in the accumulation operation W2. In the operation o dark image F2, the device 100 imaging performs an operation similar to the operation of the image output X2. In addition, according to a variant implementation, the device 100 imaging performs the initialization operation K2 to each of the operations of the accumulation of W2. Here, the initialization operation K2 is an operation similar to the above, the initialization operation K1, and, according to a variant implementation, its period is Linnea, and use a different symbol. However, the period may be of similar duration.

Now, with reference to Fig. 5A-5E, describe the change operation according to a variant implementation. Note that in Fig. 5E horizontal axis represents the time from the start of the operation of image formation performed after the change of the field of irradiation. The vertical axis represents the value of the degrees, which is equal to the difference between the output data of pixels contained in the irradiation field A, and the output of the pixels that are not contained in the irradiation field A and contained in the irradiation field B. note that in Fig. 5E is used, the output pixels are output from pixels in the dark state.

In a change operation according to the present invention, the block 106, the control receives the control signal in accordance with the command to change the field of irradiation, and the FPD 104, in accordance with the control signal, performs the initialization operation, at least once. According Fig. 5E, it was found that the greater the level decreases to a greater extent when the initializing operation is carried out with the change of the field of irradiation, as compared with the case without the initialization operation. In addition, it was found that the effect of reduction increases with the implementation of the initialization operation several times. Thus, the implementation is the development of the initialization operation one or more times allows you to prevent the image quality degradation, caused by step image, which may occur in the provided image in accordance with change of field exposure.

In the operation of the shift shown in Fig. 5A, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the sequence of the initialization operation K2 and the accumulation operation W2 for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation, as described with reference to Fig. 4A and 4D. Thus, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the sequence of the initialization operation K2 and the accumulation operation W2, corresponding to the operations of the output X2 and F2 for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation. Thus, carrying out the operation of changing according to the operations included in the operation before the operation of the image output for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation, it is possible to stabilize the characteristics of the conversion element during the operation of the accumulation W2 for x-ray operations, and can provide a good image data having a small amount of artifacts. However, during the operation of accumulating the electric charge generated in the conversion element even in the dark condition, which prevents the stabilization characteristics of the Converter element for a short time. In particular, when the Opera the Oia initialization is carried out several times, the duration of the change operation may be increased, and the time from the change of the field of irradiation until the early x-ray studies may increase.

In the operation of the shift shown in Fig. 5B, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the initialization operation K1 for idling operation, carried out x-ray fluoroscopic operation to change the field of irradiation, as described with reference to Fig. 4A and 4B. This change operation, the accumulation operation is not performed, and is performed only initialization operation K1 having the shortest period among the initialization performed by the device 100 imaging, which allows to reduce the time required for the operation of the shift, increasing the efficiency of the system. However, if the initializing operation performed for the operation of the shift does not correspond to the operation of image formation after the change of the field of irradiation is carried out during the period other than the period of the initialization operation performed for the operation of image formation after the change of the field of irradiation, the stability characteristics of the Converter element, against which the accumulation operation for the operation of forming the image may deteriorate. Accordingly, there can be provided the image data, the ima is the following a large amount of artifacts.

In the operation of the shift shown in Fig. 5C, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the initialization operation K2 for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation. This change operation is used initialization operation included in the operation of image formation performed after the change of the field of irradiation, and to implement change operation, use the initialization operation corresponding to the operation of image formation after the change, which provides a good image data having a small amount of artifacts. In addition, the accumulation operation is not performed, which allows to stabilize the characteristics of the Converter element in a shorter time. In particular, for a change operation in which the initializing operation is carried out several times, the initializing operation for the operation of forming the image after the change is preferable to carry out at least one time before the operation of image formation performed after the change. To stabilize the characteristics of the Converter element for a shorter time, as the change operation, shown in Fig. 5D, the initialization operation K1 and initialization operation K2 is more preferable to carry out at least once, respectively.

Thus, on the of westlea the operation shifts to the start of the operation of image formation after the change of the field of irradiation, re image (step images), which may occur in the provided image, and which is caused by irradiation region can be reduced without a complicated image processing, preventing significant deterioration of image quality.

The SECOND OPTION EXERCISE

Now, with reference to Fig. 6A and 6B, describe a device for the formation of images according to the second variant of implementation of the present invention. Note that the component similar to that used in the first embodiment, indicated in a similar position, and its detailed description is omitted. In addition, in Fig. 6A, by analogy with Fig. 2, for simplicity, shows a device for the formation of images having FPD, which includes pixels arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns, but the actual device imaging can be multipixel higher order.

Block 101 detection according to the first variant implementation uses as a conversion element 201 PIN photodiode, but the block 101' detection according to a variant implementation uses the conversion element 601 photocell type MIS transformative element of the MIS. In addition, in the first embodiment, one pixel includes one switching element for output, but in this embodiment, realized is I, in one pixel is provided, in addition to the switching element 602 to output, switching element 603 to update. One of the main contacts switching element 603 to update electrically connected to the first electrode 604 conversion element 601 and one of the two main contacts switching element 602. In addition, another of the main contacts switching element 603 is electrically connected to the source 107c voltage pack, built-in source 107 power through a common bus. The combination of the switching element 603 in the direction of a line is electrically connected to its control contacts to the shared bus Gr excitation to update, and driving signal is supplied to each of the switching element 603 to update for each row bus Gr excitation for updates from the circuit 102r excitation to update.

According Fig. 6B, in the conversion element 601 is provided the semiconductor layer 606 between the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 608, an insulating layer 605 between the first electrode 604 and the semiconductor layer 606, and the doped semiconductor layer between the semiconductor layer 606 and the second electrode 608, respectively. The second electrode 608 is electrically connected to the source 107a' bias voltage via the bus Bs bias. In the Converter is lemente 601, similarly, the conversion element 201, the voltage Vs of the bias is given by the source 107a' bias voltage to the second electrode 608, and the reference voltage Vref is supplied to the first electrode 604 through the switching element 602, and thus, the accumulation operation. Here, in the x-ray fluoroscopic operation and fluoroscopic operation, the voltage Vt of the pack is fed to the first electrode 604 through the switching element 603, and the conversion element 601 is updated when applying bias |Vs-Vt|.

Now, with reference to Fig. 7A-7D, let us describe the operation of the device of the imaging system and imaging according to this variant implementation. According to a variant implementation, shown in Fig. 7A, instead of the initialization operation K1, operations of the image output X1 and operations o dark image F1 according to the first variant implementation, shown in Fig. 4A are, respectively, the initialization operation K1', and the operation of the image output X1' and the output operation dark image F1'. In addition, instead of the operation of the image output X2 and operations o dark image F2 according to the first variant implementation, shown in Fig. 4A, respectively, are the output operation of the image X2' and the output operation dark image F2'. The other is their operations correspond to the first variant implementation, and their detailed description is omitted. Excellent operations described below with reference to Fig. 7B-7D. In Fig. 7B shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during the period A-A' in Fig. 7A. In Fig. 7C shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during the period B-B' in Fig. 7A. In Fig. 7D shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during C-C' in Fig. 7A.

According to a variant implementation, one pixel has, in addition to the switching element 602 to output, switching element 603 to update. Accordingly, the initialization operation K1' in the idling operation according to a variant implementation, shown in Fig. 7B differs from the initialization operation K1, for which one switching element 202 per pixel. In the initialization operation K1', similar to the first variant implementation, the voltage Vcom conductive state is supplied to the bus G excitation with circuit 102 excitation transfer switching element 602 to the conducting state, and the electric charge of the conversion element 601 is output as an electrical signal through the switching element 602. Then, the voltage Vcom conductive state is supplied to the bus Gr excitation circuit 102r of wosb the statement to translate the switching element 603 in a conductive state to update. The voltage Vt update is issued by the source 107c voltage pack. Thus, the bias |vs-Vt| is served on the conversion element 601, and thus, removes the residual electric charge in the Converter element, updating the Converter element. Then the integrating capacitor and the signal bus reset, and the switching element 602 is converted back to a conductive state, and the initial bias |vs-Vref| is supplied on the inverter element, and, thus, converting element is initialized. These operations are sequentially performed for each row, which improves initialization operation K1'. Other operations correspond to the first variant of implementation, and its detailed description is omitted.

In addition, x-ray fluoroscopic operation according to a variant implementation according to Fig. 7C, the difference between the operation of the image output X1' and the output operation of the image X1, and the difference between the output operation dark image F1' and the output operation dark image F1 is similar to the difference between the operation initialization K1' and operation initialization K1. Other operations correspond to the first variant of implementation, and its detailed description is omitted.

Then, in the operation of the image output X2' and the operation of the output t is a lot of image F2' for fluoroscopic operation according to a variant implementation, as shown in Fig. 7D, similarly to the first variant implementation, the voltage Vcom conductive state is issued by the circuit 102 excitation on the bus G excitation transfer switching element 602 to the conducting state. Thus, the electric charge of the conversion element 601 is output as an electrical signal through the switching element 602 for each of the rows, and the image data are output via the read circuit 103 of the device imaging. Then the voltage Vcom conductive state is issued to the bus Gr excitation circuit 102r excitation transfer switching element 603 in a conductive state to update. The source 107c voltage pack delivers a voltage Vt of the pack, and thus, the bias |Vs-Vt| is served on the conversion element 601, and the residual electric charge is removed from the Converter element, updating the Converter element. Then the integrating capacitor and the signal bus reset, and the switching element 602 is converted back to a conductive state, and the initial bias |Vs-Vref| is supplied on the inverter element, and thus, the conversion element is initialized. These operations are sequentially performed for each row that allows you to improve the operation of the image output X2 and the output operation dark image F2'. In addition, according to a variant implementation, the operation of the image output X2' has a longer period in comparison with the operation of the image output X1', so it is indicated by a different symbol, but may have an equal length of time.

Now, with reference to Fig. 8A-8C, describe the change operation according to a variant implementation.

In the operation of the shift shown in Fig. 8A, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the initialization operation K2' is similar to the initialization operation F1' using the same duration of the period for withdrawal X2' and F2' for x-ray operations. Thus, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the initialization operation K2', corresponding to the operations of the output X2' and F2' for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation. In this, the initialization operation K2', the change operation is performed using the initialization operation, the corresponding x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation, which allows to provide a good image data having a small amount of artifacts. In addition, the accumulation operation is not performed, and the characteristics of the conversion element are stabilized in a shorter time. In particular, for a change operation in which the initializing operation done which is several times the initializing operation, the corresponding x-ray operations after the change, it is preferable to carry out at least once immediately prior to x-ray operations after the change.

In the operation of the shift shown in Fig. 8B, the FPD 104 first carries out at least one time, the refresh operation R is described below. Then, the FPD 104 performs one or more times, the initialization operation K2', corresponding to the operations of the output X2' and F2' for x-ray operations after the change of the field of irradiation. In this operation shifts the removal of residual electric charge in the Converter element through update operations R, in addition to affecting the operation of the shift according to Fig. 8A, can further reduce the level of the image. The update operation is described below with reference to Fig. 8C. In Fig. 8C shows a time chart for illustrating the operation of the device imaging during the period D-D' in Fig. 8B.

In an update operation shown in Fig. 8C, the first circuit 102 excitation does not expressly voltage Vcom conductive state of the switching element 602, and the switching element 602 remains in a nonconductive state. In this state, the circuit 102r excitation supplies voltage Vcom conductive state of the switching elements 603 line by line and switching elements 603, accordingly, switching to the conducting state. Thus, the bias |Vs-Vt| is fed to each of the conversion elements 601, and the residual electric charge is removed from the Converter element, and thus, the conversion element is updated. These operations are sequentially performed for each row that allows you to improve the refresh operation R.

After the update operation R, an integrating capacitor and a signal bus reset circuit 102 delivers the excitation voltage Vcom conductive state on the bus G excitation for translation of each of the switching elements 602 in a conductive state, and the electric charge of the conversion element 601 is output as an electrical signal through the switching element 602. Then the voltage Vcom conductive state is supplied to the bus Gr excitation circuit 102r excitation transfer switching element 603 in a conductive state to update. The source 107c voltage pack delivers a voltage Vt of the pack. Thus, the bias |Vs-Vt| is served on the conversion element 601, and the residual electric charge is removed from the Converter element, and thus, converting the item again updated. Then the integrating capacitor and the signal bus reset, and the switch is in store element 602 is converted back to a conductive state, and the starting offset |Vs-Vref| is supplied on the inverter element, initiating transformative element. These operations are sequentially performed for each row, which improves initialization operation K2'.

Note also that according to a variant implementation, the second operation of forming the image, similarly to the first variant implementation, may include initialization operation.

In addition, in this embodiment, performing the operation shifts to the start of the operation of image formation after the change of the field of irradiation, a second image (step images), which may occur in the provided image, and which is caused by irradiation region can be reduced without a complicated image processing, preventing significant deterioration of image quality.

Note that each of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented, for example, by executing a computer program, which is part of block 106 control. In addition, the device, where the computer receives the program, for example, machine-readable medium for recording such a program, for example, a CD-ROM or a transmission medium for the transmission of such program, such as the Internet, can be used according to a variant implementation of the present invention. In addition, the above program is and can be applied according to a variant implementation of the present invention. The above-described program, recording medium and the transmission medium, and program product meet the scope of the present invention. In addition, the scope of the present invention includes all possible combinations, which can be easily deduced from the first and second embodiments.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments of, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed illustrative options for implementation. The volume of the following claims is intended to comply with the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the priority of Japanese patent application No. 2009-102039 filed April 20, 2009, which fully included in the present description by reference.

1. Device for the formation of images containing
the detector, which includes the set of pixels forming a matrix, and the pixel includes a conversion element for converting radiation or light into electric charge, and the detector is arranged to perform the operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or light, and
a control unit to control the operation of the detector including the soup in the operation of forming the image,
moreover, the operation of forming the image includes a first operation of forming the image in which the detector is configured to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in a first irradiation field corresponding to the portion of the set of pixels, and a second operation of forming the image in which the detector is configured to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the second irradiation field having a larger area than the first irradiation field, and
a control unit configured to control the operation of the detector so that, in accordance with the transition from exposure in the first field irradiation to the irradiation of the radiation, the detector was carried out initialization operation during the period between the first and second operations of image formation to initialize the conversion element,
moreover, the second operation of forming the image includes the accumulation operation for converting radiation or light, the irradiating conversion element into an electric charge, and the operation of the output image to output the image data on the basis of the electric charge, and the initialization operation performed before the operation of accumulation,
when the control unit is arranged to control de the sector so to the initializing operation in the period between the first and second operations of image formation and the initializing operation of the second operation, image formation was carried out during the period of the same duration.

2. The device forming images according to claim 1, in which the control unit is arranged to control the operation of the detector so that the detector several times carried out the initialization operation in the period between the first and second operations of image formation.

3. The device forming images according to claim 1, in which the advanced pixel includes a switching element for outputting an electrical signal according to the electric charge, the detector includes a detection unit, which includes the set of pixels forming a matrix, a circuit for controlling a conductive state of the switching element to actuate the detecting unit and the sensing circuit to output as image data of an electrical signal from the detection unit by a signal bus connected to the switching element and the readout circuit includes a reset switch for resetting the signal bus, and
a control unit configured to control circuit and a reset switch in technopride between the first and second operations of image formation, to the detector was carried out the operation initialization.

4. The device forming images according to claim 1, in which the advanced pixel includes a switching element for outputting an electrical signal according to the electric charge and an additional switching element,
the detector includes a detection unit, which includes the set of pixels forming a matrix, a circuit for controlling a conductive state of the switching element to actuate the detecting unit, the sensing circuit to output as image data of an electrical signal from the detection unit by a signal bus connected to the switching element, an additional circuit for controlling a conductive state of the additional switching element, and
the control unit is arranged to control the circuit and secondary circuit during the period between the first and second operations of image formation so that the driving circuit controls a conductive state of the switching element, and the additional circuit controls a conductive state of the additional switching element to the detector was carried out initialization operation during the period of the same duration as the period of the operations of the output in the second operation of forming the image.

5. The device forming images according to claim 4, in which the conversion element is a transformative element type MIS,
device imaging further comprises a power supply that includes a voltage reference to supply the reference voltage through the switching element on one of the electrodes of the Converter element, a voltage source update to supply updated via an additional switching element on one of the electrodes of the Converter element and the source bias voltage for supplying the bias voltage to the other of the electrodes of the Converter element,
the detector is designed to perform a refresh operation to refresh the Converter element by transferring the additional switching element in a conductive state, the supply bias voltage to the other of the electrodes of the Converter element and the supply voltage is updated via an additional switching element on one of the electrodes of the Converter element, and
a control unit configured to control the operation of the detector so that the detector was carried out during the period between the first and second operations of the image forming operation upgrade and initialization operation after the op is the radio update.

6. System imaging, containing
device for the formation of images according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the device for generating radiation for irradiation device of the imaging radiation, and
a control device for device management, imaging and device for generating radiation,
moreover, the device generating radiation comprises a mechanism having a function for switching between the first and second fields of irradiation according to the control signal taken from the control device.

7. The method of controlling the device for the formation of images containing the detector, which includes the set of pixels forming a matrix, and the pixel includes a conversion element for converting radiation or light into electric charge and a detector configured to implement the operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or light, and the method is used to control the operation of the detector, which includes the operation of forming the image, the method comprises:
the first operation of forming the image to output the image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in a first irradiation field corresponding to the portion of the set of pixels of the detector, the initialization operation, with abusou for the first operation of forming the image, to initialize the conversion element in accordance with a command to transition from exposure in the first field exposure to radiation in the second irradiation field having a larger area than the first irradiation field, and
the second operation of forming the image, following the operation initialization for outputting image data according to the irradiation with the radiation or the light in the second field of the radiation detector,
moreover, the second operation of forming the image includes the accumulation operation for converting radiation or light, the irradiating conversion element into an electric charge, and the operation of the output image to output the image data on the basis of the electric charge, and the initialization operation performed before the operation of accumulation,
the management of the detector is carried out so that the initializing operation in the period between the first and second operations of image formation and the initializing operation of the second operation, image formation was carried out during the period of the same duration as the period of operation of the image output.