EP0444869A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Apparatus and method for detecting images
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1991-02-26
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-02-26
Abstract
Abstract An image detector (e.g. for X-ray images) includes an array of photodetectors (40,42,44) arranged in n rows and m columns with at least a portion of the photodetectors in each column being selectively connected to a common column output signal line (48⁻¹ - 48-m by a selector means. the image information is read out of the photodetectors by sequentially selecting groups of rows starting with a row near the middle of the array and then sequentially selecting other groups of rows on alternate sides of the array middle. As image data is read out of the photodetectors (40) in the selected row group, groups of column output lines (48) are coupled together to provide a combined output signal. This readout technique provides a reduction in the image data and reduces the likelihood of signal degradation for the central portion of the image.
Inventors
- 👤 David Leo Mcdaniel
- 👤 Scott William Petrick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:02
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N25/00; H04N23/00; H04N23/30; H04N25/40; H04N25/41; H04N25/46; H04N25/70; H04N25/76; H04N25/767; H04N25/78; H05; H05G; H05G1/00; H05G1/08; H05G1/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for reading image data from an array of photodetectors arranged in rows and columns comprising: a) sensing signals from the photodetectors in at least one row substantially at the center of the array; b) sensing signals from the photodetectors in at least one row on one side of a row from which signals were sensed during step a; c) sensing signals from the photodetectors in at least one row on the other side of a row from which signals were sensed during step a; and d) repeating steps b and c until signals from all of the rows of photodetectors have been sensed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the signals from a single row of photodetectors are sensed during steps a, b and c; and each row from which signals are sensed during steps b and c is adjacent a row of photodetectors sensed previously.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the signals from the photodetectors in a first plurality of rows are simultaneously sensed during steps a, b and c with the plurality of rows being adjacent each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 3 wherein each first plurality of rows from which signals are sensed during steps b and c is adjacent a row of photodetectors from which signals were sensed previously.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as recited in claim 3 further comprising combining the signals sensed from the photodetectors in a second plurality of adjacent columns whenever the signals from the photodetectors are being sensed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as recited in claim 5 wherein the ratio of the first plurality to the second plurality is substantially the same as the ratio of the number of rows to the number of columns in the array.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein steps b and c are executed simultaneously.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for reading image data from a detector array having individual photodetectors arranged in n rows and m columns, where m and n are integers, with at least a portion of the photodetectors in each column being connected by a switch means to a common column output line, said method comprising the steps of: a) applying signals from the photodetectors in an initial group of rows at the center of the detector array to the column output lines; b) applying signals from the photodetectors in a group of rows on one side of the initial group of rows to the column output lines; c) applying signals from the photodetectors in a group of rows on the other side of the initial group of rows to the column output lines; and d) repeating steps b and c until signal from all of the rows of photodetector have been applied to the column output lines.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the groups of rows of photodetectors, from which signals are applied in steps b and c, are adjacent to a group from which signals were applied previously.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising combining the signals from groups of q column output lines into m/q combined output signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as recited in claim 8 wherein each group consists of p rows of photodetectors, where p is an integer; and further comprising combining the signals from groups of p column output lines into m/p combined output signals.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for reading image data from an array of photodetectors arranged in n rows and m columns with at least a portion of the photodetectors in each column being connected by a selector means to a separate output line for that column, said method comprising the steps of: a) activating given selector means to apply signals from the photodetectors in a group of p rows to the output lines; b) combining the signals from groups of q output lines into m/q combined output signals; and c) repeating steps a and b for other groups of rows in the detector array; where m, n, p and q are integers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 12 wherein m equals n; and p equals q.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first time that step a) is executed the group of rows is proximate to the center of the array, and each time thereafter that step a) is executed the group of rows is sequentially farther from the center of the array.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first time that step a) is executed the group of rows is proximate to the center of the array, and each time thereafter that step a) is executed the rows in the group are from alternate sides of the center of the array.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
109 words
An image detector system comprising: an array of photodetectors arranged in m columns and n rows with the photodetectors in each column being connected by a switch means to a separate output line for that column, wherein the n rows are divided into groups of p rows and the column output lines are divided into groups of q lines, where m, n, p and q are integers; means for sequentially activating the switch means to simultaneously apply signals from the photodetectors in one group of rows at a time to the output lines; means for combining the signals from each group of output lines into a combined output signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
73 words
The image detector system as recited in claim 16 wherein said means for combining comprises: separate means for integrating the signal on each column output line; means for selectively defining the number q of column output lines in each group; means, responsive to said means for defining, for adding the signals from those of said means for integrating associated with each group of q adjacent output lines to produce the combined output signals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The image detector system as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for combining further comprises means for digitizing each of the combined output signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
88 words
The image detector system as recited in claim 16 wherein said means for combining comprises: separate means for integrating the signal on each column output line; means for digitizing the integrated signals from each of said means for integrating; means for selectively defining the number q of column output lines in each group; means, responsive to said means for defining, for adding the signals from those of said means for digitizing the signals associated with each group of q adjacent output lines to produce the combined output signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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