Abstract: An imaging device comprising comprises a matrix of pixels, at least one data conductor connected to several pixels of the matrix, organized row-wise and successively transporting signals delivered by respectively the pixels of the row and an electronic current generator supplying several pixels, each of the pixels comprising: a transistor delivering at the node of the pixel, the signal delivered by the pixel considered and wherein can flow a bias current from the current generator, and a first electronic switch connecting the node of the pixel to the data conductor associated with this pixel as a function of a selection signal of the pixel. Each of the pixels comprises a second electronic switch, distinct from the first electronic switch, joined to the node of the pixel, the current arising from the generator to be made to flow in the transistor as a function of the selection signal for the pixel.

Abstract: A device is provided for addressing the rows of an active detection matrix for imaging by ionizing radiations comprising a plurality N of rows n of pixels, the addressing device being produced on a substrate on which the matrix is also producing and mainly comprising thin film transistors of single N or P type. The row addressing device can comprise a plurality of stages suitable for delivering at their respective outputs switching signals for switching the high and low levels of a signal applied to switching devices at the output on a corresponding row of the matrix and being characterized in that each stage comprises an input stage and an output stage, the input stage delivering an activation signal for the output stage, the output stage delivering, in case of activation, said switching signal for the corresponding row n.

Abstract: A device is provided for addressing the rows of an active detection matrix for imaging by ionizing radiations comprising a plurality N of rows n of pixels, the addressing device being produced on a substrate on which the matrix is also producing and mainly comprising thin film transistors of single N or P type. The row addressing device can comprise a plurality of stages suitable for delivering at their respective outputs switching signals for switching the high and low levels of a signal applied to switching devices at the output on a corresponding row of the matrix and being characterized in that each stage comprises an input stage and an output stage, the input stage delivering an activation signal for the output stage, the output stage delivering, in case of activation, said switching signal for the corresponding row n.

Abstract: A method for correcting an image obtained by a matrix of photosensitive points finds particular utility when the matrix is subjected to an electromagnetic disturbance. The method of correction comprises a first step of row-by-row reading of the matrix. The signals read during a first reading of each row represent the charges accumulated subsequent to exposure of the matrix to luminous radiation and make it possible to form, for each column of the matrix, a discrete signal. The signals read during a second reading represent the charges accumulated in the absence of exposure and form, for each column of the matrix, a discrete signal. In a second step of the method, a signal corresponding substantially to the signal which would have been formed at the time of the first reading in the absence of exposure is determined. In a third step, the signal is subtracted column by column from the signal.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising comprises a matrix of pixels, at least one data conductor connected to several pixels of the matrix, organized row-wise and successively transporting signals delivered by respectively the pixels of the row and an electronic current generator supplying several pixels, each of the pixels comprising: a transistor delivering at the node of the pixel, the signal delivered by the pixel considered and wherein can flow a bias current from the current generator, and a first electronic switch connecting the node of the pixel to the data conductor associated with this pixel as a function of a selection signal of the pixel. Each of the pixels comprises a second electronic switch, distinct from the first electronic switch, joined to the node of the pixel, the current arising from the generator to be made to flow in the transistor as a function of the selection signal for the pixel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for recharging a battery of a portable ionizing-radiation sensor resting on a recharging base. The sensor includes, on one or more accessible faces, a plurality of electrical-contact areas connected to the battery that powers the sensor. The recharging base comprises a device for mobilizing one or more mobile contacts. The mobile contacts are connected to a power source. The mobile contacts mechanically enter the body (i.e., housing) of the recharging base and mechanically protrude from the body of the recharging base through one or more openings made in the body of the recharging base. The mobile contacts are electrically in contact with the plurality of electrical-contact areas of the sensor if one or more of the plurality of electrical-contact areas are positioned facing the openings when the mobile contacts protrude from the recharging base. An embodiment of the invention may be used for X-ray or Gamma-ray medical imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a radiation detector comprising a photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4), a scintillator (6) that converts the radiation into radiation to which the photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4) is sensitive, the scintillator (6) being fastened by adhesive bonding to the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising a substrate (4) and several attached sensors (1), the sensors (1) each having two faces (11, 12), a first face (11) of which is bonded to the substrate (4) and a second face (12) of which is bonded to the scintillator (6). The method consists in linking the following operations: the sensors (1) are deposited via their second face (12) on an adhesive film (13); and the sensors (1) are bonded via their first face (11) to the substrate (4).

Abstract: A solid-state radiation detector comprises a photosensitive sensor associated with a radiation converter or scintillator. The fields of application of this type of detector are notably radiology: radiography, fluoroscopy and mammography, but also nondestructive testing. The detector comprises a rigid entrance window passed through by the first radiation upstream of the scintillator, the scintillator being placed between the sensor and the entrance window, the sensor comprising a substrate and photosensitive elements placed on the substrate. According to the invention, the entrance window is shaped so as to closely fit the form of the scintillator and is fixed in a moisture-tight manner on the substrate of the sensor.

Abstract: A synchronization method for a wireless link between a base station and a mobile cassette of an X-ray system is provided. The base station includes an X-ray generator and the cassette includes an X-ray detector. According to the invention, the method includes steps for the exchange of messages between the base station and the cassette, the exchanges initiating timers in the base station and the cassette, a radiation sequence and an image sequence being executed at the end of the respective timers. The invention makes it possible to subject a patient to a dose of X-rays only if said dose can be perceived and recorded by the X-ray detector, the radiation sequence being executed after the exchanges of messages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing images arising from a photosensitive detector of the type in particular made by techniques of depositing semiconductor materials. The method consists in correcting an image acquired (INPUT(T)) by the detector by a gain image (Gain(T)). According to the invention, an image for correcting drifting gain in terms of temperature (C(T1), C(T2)) as a function of a temperature (T) measured by the detector during the acquisition of the image (INPUT(T)) is applied to the image acquired. The invention also relates to a photosensitive detector in which the means for correcting drifting gain in terms of temperature are included, independently of the gain image (Gain(T)).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a radiation detector comprising a photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4), a scintillator (6) that converts the radiation into radiation to which the photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4) is sensitive, the scintillator (6) being fastened by adhesive bonding to the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising a substrate (4) and several attached sensors (1), the sensors (1) each having two faces (11, 12), a first face (11) of which is bonded to the substrate (4) and a second face (12) of which is bonded to the scintillator (6). The method consists in linking the following operations: the sensors (1) are deposited via their second face (12) on an adhesive film (13); and the sensors (1) are bonded via their first face (11) to the substrate (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of driving a photosensitive device comprising a matrix of photosensitive pixels distributed at the intersections of rows and columns of the matrix. The invention relates more particularly to the control of such devices used for the detection of radiological images. The method consists in subjecting the matrix to an image cycle that includes a reset phase prior to an image acquisition phase. The rows of the matrix are distributed in several groups, and during the reset phase, the method consists in resetting all the rows in any one group simultaneously and in resetting each group of rows in succession.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital radiology system and a method of implementing the radiology system. The radiology system includes a mobile cassette and a fixed base station, the cassette including an X-ray image acquisition device to which the cassette is exposed, the system also including a communication interface between the cassette and the base station to enable transfer data such as the image between the cassette and the base station. The communication interface includes a removable wired link and a wireless link, both capable of transferring data and the system includes a circuit to deactivate the wireless link as soon as the wired link is set up. The method includes setting up as a priority a data interchange over the wireless link and switching the exchange over to the wired link as soon as the latter is set up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antitheft device for a wireless portable device designed to be in contact with a docking device including a lockable attachment apparatus for attaching the portable device to the docking device. The antitheft device according to the invention comprises an electromechanical system commanding the unlocking of the lockable attachment apparatus based on an electric signal. The electric signal is disabled by a command supplied by a user interface unit. The invention is notably used as an antitheft device for a wireless, portable X-ray sensor associated with a docking station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for recharging a battery of a portable ionizing-radiation sensor resting on a recharging base. The sensor includes, on one or more accessible faces, a plurality of electrical-contact areas connected to the battery that powers the sensor. The recharging base comprises a device for mobilizing one or more mobile contacts. The mobile contacts are connected to a power source. The mobile contacts mechanically enter the body (i.e., housing) of the recharging base and mechanically protrude from the body of the recharging base through one or more openings made in the body of the recharging base. The mobile contacts are electrically in contact with the plurality of electrical-contact areas of the sensor if one or more of the plurality of electrical-contact areas are positioned facing the openings when the mobile contacts protrude from the recharging base. An embodiment of the invention may be used for X-ray or Gamma-ray medical imaging.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an imaging device and to a process for controlling the device. The device comprises a power supply (1), matrix means allowing an image to be emitted or sensed, the matrix of the matrix imaging means being scanned at a scanning frequency, the power supply (1) converting a DC input voltage (Dce) into at least one DC output voltage (DCs) allowing the powering of the matrix imaging means (2). The power supply (1) is of chopped type and chops the DC input voltage (Dce) at a chopping frequency dependent on the scanning frequency. In the process for controlling the imaging device described above, a useful image is preceded by an offset image and a correction dependent on the offset image is applied to the useful image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state X-ray detector comprising a photosensitive sensor associated with a radiation converter, known as a scintillator, transforming the X-rays into a radiation to which the sensor is sensitive, and an entry window through which the X-rays pass upstream of the scintillator. The entry window is mounted on the scintillator, without being fixed to the scintillator, and the entry window and the sensor are fixed by a water vapor-tight seal. The scintillator consists of a support, distinct from the sensor, and a scintillating substance. The application areas of this type of detector are notably radiology (radiography, fluoroscopy and mammography), but equally, non-destructive testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive device comprising a matrix of photosensitive pixels, in particular of the type produced by techniques for depositing semiconductor materials. The invention relates more particularly (but not exclusively) to the driving of such devices used for detecting radiological images. It also relates to a method of driving the photosensitive device. The photosensitive device includes means for adjusting the amplitude of the bias, allowing separate adjustment of the amplitude of the bias of the photosensitive pixels (P1 to P9; P401 to P409). The method of driving the photosensitive device consists, in the calibration phase, in adjusting the amplitude of the bias of each of the photodetector elements (Dp) separately from one another, so as to bring the output saturation levels of the two photosensitive pixels into maximum coincidence.

Abstract: A method of driving a photosensitive device including a matrix of photosensitive pixels of the type produced in particular by techniques for depositing semiconductor materials. The method may be particularly directed to the driving of such devices used for radiological image detection. The method subjects the photosensitive pixel during a read phase to a cycle of successive images including a useful image preceded by at least one offset image taken at an initial instant. A correction is applied to the useful image, the correction being based on the offset image taken at the initial instant and based on the time separating the useful image from the offset image taken at the initial instant.

Abstract: A process for controlling a photosensitive device including at least one photosensitive point with a photodiode connected to a switching element. The process submits the photosensitive point to successive imaging cycles. Between a first imaging cycle and a second imaging cycle, the process produces a holding phase terminating at the start of the second imaging cycle. During this holding phase, whose duration is equal to several equal time intervals that are as short as possible, the photosensitive point is exposed to an optical flash at the start of each time interval. Between successive optical flashes, the photodiode is reverse biased. The junction region between the photodiode and the switching element has substantially the same potential at the end of each time interval.