Canon Announces New Built-in AEC Assistance Technology For X-ray Image Sensor

Image Sensor

Canon press release:

TOKYO, March 25, 2021—Canon Inc. announced today that the company has developed the new “Built-in AEC1 assistance” technology for digital radiography (DR)2. With this technology, the device’s X-ray image sensor uses identical elements that are simultaneously capable of performing either image generation or real-time detection of the pixel value3 corresponding to emitted X-rays, notifying the X-ray generator when pixel value reaches a preset value.

In clinical environments, X-ray imaging is conducted with various precautions in accordance with the ALARA4 principle of radiation safety, which states that the use of radiation must, among other factors, “take into account benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations.” For example, when performing imaging using an X-ray imaging system, operators use an externally attached device for detecting electrical current corresponding to emitted X-rays in order to ensure that subjects are not exposed to excess radiation from the X-ray generator. However, with the digital radiography method, there are use cases in which external detection devices cannot be used, such as when the wireless X-ray imaging device is detached from the radiography stand or table.

In order to improve such conventional workflows, Canon has leveraged the X-ray sensor technologies and imaging technologies the company has cultivated over its long history to develop its new “Built-in AEC Assistance” technology. The new technology provides imaging devices with built-in functionality that conventionally requires external devices. This makes possible high-speed electric signal readout, as well as pixel value correction through various algorithms, within the X-ray image sensor, allowing the image sensor to simultaneously generate images and detect in real time the pixel value corresponding to emitted X-rays. What’s more, the technology enables operators to specify a pixel value and automatically send a notification to the X-ray generator. When that value is reached, eliminating the need for a dedicated external attachment and enabling the automatic stopping of X-ray emissions from the X-ray generator.

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Canon Offers CMOS Sensor Evaluation Kits For Third Party Application Development

Cmos Sensor Evaluation

If you are developing gear build around Canon’s super specialised image sensors then you have a new tool for your craft. We featured Canon’s specialised sensors a lot.

Canon press release:

Canon’s new CMOS Sensor Evaluation Kits Are Now Available Through Authorized Distributors

MELVILLE, NY, November 14, 2019 – Expanding the company’s CMOS sensor business offerings, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the availability of the first Canon CMOS Sensor Evaluation Kits starting November 15, 2019. These high-quality, easy to use evaluation kits are a key tool to be able to test sensor performance firsthand and kick start product development. The evaluation kits will be available through authorized distributors: Phase 1 Technology Corp, Macnica Americas Inc. and Digi-Key Electronics.

Canon’s pixel-level innovations offer sensor options for ultra-high resolution, ultra-high sensitivity, low noise and global shutter, as well as a specialized RGB-NIR color filter array. The advanced components of the kit will help developers test sensor features and performance to help ensure a fit with their application across a variety of industries, including biomedical, medical imaging, machine vision, robotics, aerial mapping, astronomy, satellite technology, pathological phenotyping and other demanding imaging applications.

“Understanding that image sensors are an important driving force behind the competitive digital imaging industry, Canon is excited to add these CMOS Sensor Evaluation Kits to our portfolio,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Continuing with the mission to develop technology which can ultimately help end-users increase efficiency and productivity that potentially results in a higher ROI, Canon’s Evaluation Kits allow OEMs, solutions providers, authorized distributors, integrators and others in search of advanced components to test and build unique vision systems.”

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