X-ray imaging system and detector

Abstract

An embodiment includes an x-ray detector, the x-ray detector including: a housing; the imaging array is arranged in the shell body; circuitry configured to generate an image in response to the imaging array; and an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the housing, separated from the imaging array, and located on a side of the imaging array opposite the circuit.

Description

Background Art

[0001] An x-ray system may include an automatic exposure control (AEC) component. These AEC components may be mounted at specific fixed positions. Accordingly, the operation using the AEC components may be restricted to that fixed position. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC according to some embodiments.

[0003] Figure 2A is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC embedded in a front panel according to some embodiments.

[0004] Figure 2B is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel according to some embodiments.

[0005] Figure 2C is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel according to some embodiments.

[0006] Figure 2D is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2E is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel with an elastic material according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3A is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC chamber and an AEC preamplifier according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3B is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC chamber coupled to a detector circuit according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a mobile detector including a digital AEC according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC and a grid according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an x-ray imaging system according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an x-ray imaging system having multiple detector positions according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 8Block diagram of an x-ray imaging system having multiple detector positions, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Conventional fixtures for radiography applications have a bucky, an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber, a preamplifier, and a grid for optimal image quality. When there are multiple positions in a fixture, each of these positions requires its own bucky, AEC chamber, preamplifier, and grid. For example, a radiology room may include a table and a stand as positions for x-ray imaging. An x-ray generator attached to a crane may be moved to direct x-rays to either position. However, even if a single detector is moved from one position to another, each of the stand and the table requires its own bucky, AEC chamber, preamplifier, and grid.

[0016] The fixture of the AEC chamber precludes the use of AEC in mobile applications. For example, a patient may not be movable to a radiology room. The mobile detector and x-ray generator may be moved to the patient; however, the system does not have AEC. Thus, when imaging a patient, the benefits of AEC will not be available.

[0017] As will be described in further detail below, in some embodiments, a mobile detector can eliminate the system's need for a bucky, an AEC chamber, and a grid. The functions of the AEC chamber and the grid can be performed by the mobile detector. In addition to eliminating duplication, the embodiments can allow AEC to be available in mobile applications.

[0018] Various detectors 100a, 100b, etc. are described below. These detectors may be collectively referred to as detector 100. Various systems 200a, 200b, etc. are described below. These systems may be collectively referred to as system 200.

[0019] Figure 1 Block diagram of a mobile detector including AEC, according to some embodiments. Detector 100a includes a housing 102, an AEC chamber 104, an imaging array 106, a shield 108, and circuitry 110. Detector 100a and the components are arranged such that the imaging array 106 is configured to receive incident x-rays 116 that have passed through the AEC chamber.

[0020] The housing 102 is a structure that encloses the AEC chamber 104, the imaging array 106, the shield 108, and the circuitry 110. Other components may be surrounded by the housing 102. In some embodiments, the housing 102 completely encloses the various components.

[0021] The AEC chamber 104 includes an AEC sensor and a circuit configured to convert incident radiation into an electrical signal or an AEC signal. The AEC signal can be used to determine the dose and / or whether to terminate the exposure. The AEC sensor can include a solid-state sensor, an ionization chamber, etc.

[0022] The imaging array 106 includes a pixel array configured to convert incident radiation 116 into a two-dimensional image. The imaging array 106 can include a direct conversion sensor, a photon counter, an indirect conversion sensor, a scintillator, etc.

[0023] The shield 108 is a structure configured to reduce the radiation reaching the circuit 110. For example, the shield 108 can include lead, tin, or other materials having a relatively high absorption rate for x-rays.

[0024] As described below, the AEC chamber 104 including the AEC sensor can be disposed at different positions separated from the imaging array 106, such as in or on the front panel (not shown) of the housing 102, behind the front panel, on the imaging array 106, etc.

[0025] The integration of the AEC sensor with the components of the detector 100a can reduce the usage cost of the AEC chamber 104. Since the AEC chamber 104 is disposed in the detector 100a, when the detector 100a is moved from one position to another, such as from the stand in the radiology room to the workbench, the AEC chamber 104 is not required at these positions. In addition to the reduction in the number of components, the cost and complexity for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) using the detector 100a can also be reduced. The OEM no longer needs to consider purchasing a separate AEC chamber. The OEM can have a shorter integration time because the detector 100a can have a unified software interface to the imaging array 106 and the AEC chamber 104. In addition, the detector 100a can be configured to address scatter and eliminate the need for an external grid.

[0026] In addition, the presence of the AEC chamber 104 in the detector 100a allows AEC to be used for mobile applications outside the radiology room. The AEC in mobile applications can improve the workflow, image quality, and reduce the dose to patients and users, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the output of the AEC chamber 104 can be provided to the preamplifier 140. In some embodiments, the preamplifier 140 is disposed outside the detector 100a. However, in other embodiments, the preamplifier 140 or the function of the preamplifier 140 can be within the detector 100a.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing 102, portions of the housing 102, and other conductive structures, foils, etc. within the housing 102 may form a Faraday cage 170 that at least surrounds the AEC chamber 104 and potentially extends to all internal components of the detector 100a. The AEC chamber 104 may be disposed within the Faraday cage 170. The AEC chamber 104 may generate signals on the order of millivolts (mV) or microvolts (μV). As such, the signals may be particularly vulnerable to noise. By placing the AEC chamber 104 within the Faraday cage 170, the impact of noise may be reduced. Specifically, as will be described in further detail below, the preamplifier 140 may be disposed within the Faraday cage 170. Thus, the signals from the AEC chamber 104 may be amplified before becoming more vulnerable to noise outside the Faraday cage 170.

[0029] In some embodiments, the signals from the AEC chamber 104 may be used to initiate an exposure. Thus, the AEC chamber 104 may be used to perform an automatic exposure detection (AED) operation. As a result, the detector 100a may not be synchronized with an x-ray generator (not shown), but may still be able to determine the start of x-rays from the x-ray generator to initiate an exposure. This may reduce the cost of the system including the detector 100a, simplify the apparatus, etc.

[0030] Initiating an exposure using the AEC chamber 104 may be more robust than detecting x-rays using the imaging array 106. The sensors within the imaging array 106 may be more sensitive to shock, mechanical interference, etc. Shock may cause false detection of x-rays. The AEC chamber 104 may be less susceptible to such false detections, resulting in a more reliable system.

[0031] Figure 2A is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC embedded in a front panel. In some embodiments, the detector 100b may be similar to the detector 100 described herein. However, the housing 102 includes a front panel 120. The front panel 120 may include a laminate layer 122, such as a carbon fiber layer, a glass fiber layer, etc. The AEC sensor 124 of the AEC chamber 104 is disposed within the layer 122 of the front panel 120. In some embodiments, the AEC sensor 124 may be positioned between a top or first layer 122 and a bottom or second layer 122.

[0032] In some embodiments, layer 122 conforms to the shape of AEC sensor 124. However, in other embodiments, an elastic material 126, such as foam, may be disposed in a plane substantially the same as AEC sensor 124 and have a thickness that is substantially the same or greater. Elastic material 126 may not be present above AEC sensor 124. As a result, AEC sensor 124 may be at least partially isolated from mechanical stresses applied to front panel 120. For example, the weight of a patient may cause front panel 120 to bend. Due to elastic material 126, the bending may have a reduced impact on AEC sensor 124.

[0033] In embodiments having a separate AEC chamber, a rigid structure, such as a workbench or a grid, may be present between the patient and the AEC chamber. However, for detector 100b and the like, such a rigid structure may not be present. Accordingly, detector 100b may include various features as described herein to mitigate bending that may occur.

[0034] Figure 2B is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100c may be similar to detector 100 described herein. However, AEC sensor 124 may be disposed behind front panel 120. In particular, AEC sensor 124 is disposed on front panel 120. AEC sensor 124 may be separated from imaging array 106 by a gap 128. In some embodiments, gap 128 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm or greater. In some embodiments, elastic material 126 may be disposed between front panel 120 and imaging array 106. Similar to that described above, elastic material 126 may be disposed around AEC sensor 124.

[0035] Figure 2C is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC behind a front panel according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100d may be similar to detector 100 described herein. However, AEC sensor 124 may be disposed on imaging array 106. AEC sensor 124 may be separated from the front panel by a gap 130. In some embodiments, gap 130 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm or greater. In some embodiments, elastic material 126 may be disposed between front panel 120 and imaging array 106. Similar to that described above, elastic material 126 may be disposed around AEC sensor 124.

[0036] Figure 2DBlock diagram of a motion detector including an AEC behind a front panel, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100e may be similar to detector 100 described herein. However, the AEC sensor 124 is disposed within the imaging array 106.

[0037] Figure 2E Block diagram of a motion detector, according to some embodiments, the motion detector including an AEC behind a front panel having an elastic material. In some embodiments, detector 100f may be similar to detector 100 described herein. However, the AEC sensor 124 may be disposed between the elastic material 126 and the imaging array 106. The elastic material 126 may be configured to apply a certain amount of compressive force to the AEC sensor 124 due to the compression of the front plate 120. The elastic material 126 may be selected to have a composition, thickness, elasticity, etc., to apply a predetermined force to the AEC sensor 124. The predetermined force may hold the AEC sensor 124 in place during the expected operation or lifespan of the detector 100f. The predetermined force may be sufficient to hold the AEC sensor 124 in place and less than an amount that would damage the AEC sensor 124. Additionally, the elastic material 126 may be selected to have a low x-ray attenuation. Examples of the elastic material 126 include foam, rubber, etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, the elastic material 126 may extend through the entire imaging array 106 or beyond the edges of the imaging array 106. In some embodiments, the elastic material 126 may be within one edge to all edges of the imaging array 106, but still overlap with the AEC sensor 124.

[0039] Although the use of the elastic material 126 is an example of how to maintain the AEC sensor 124 in a particular position, in other embodiments, other techniques may be used. For example, permanent adhesives, releasable adhesives, brackets, clamps, etc. may be used to attach the AEC sensor 124 to the imaging array 106, maintain the relative position between the AEC sensor 124 and the imaging array 106, etc.

[0040] Figure 3AIt is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC chamber and an AEC preamplifier according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100g may be similar to detector 100 described herein. Detector 100g includes AEC preamplifier 140. The preamplifier 140 is disposed within housing 102. The preamplifier 140 may be disposed within a Faraday cage 170. The preamplifier 140 is coupled to AEC chamber 104 and is configured to receive signals from AEC chamber 104. In some embodiments, the output of preamplifier 140 may be signal 114, which is transmitted to an x-ray generator to control whether x-ray exposure should stop. Thus, detector 100g may be a direct replacement where a separate AEC chamber may have been used. In some embodiments, the output of preamplifier 140 may be input to circuit 110. The AEC signal may be output as signal 112 to a control system, an x-ray generator, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, preamplifier 140 may be closer to AEC chamber 104 than a separate AEC chamber. As a result, the influence of the environment on the signals from AEC chamber 104 may be reduced, thereby improving signal quality.

[0042] Figure 3B It is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC chamber coupled to a detector circuit according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100h may be similar to detector 100 described herein. AEC chamber 104 is electrically coupled to circuit 110. In some embodiments, AEC chamber 104 may be electrically coupled to circuit 110 by spring pins, cables, wires, transmission lines, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, preamplifier circuit 140 is part of circuit 110. Circuit 110 may be configured to perform all signal conditioning associated with signals from AEC chamber 104. A portion of signal 114 or signal 112 may be in a format suitable for use by an x-ray generator such that the x-ray generator may inhibit the generation of x-rays. In other embodiments, circuit 110 may perform less than all such signal processing. In some embodiments, circuit 110 is configured to generate digital pulses, ramp signals, etc. to start and / or stop exposure using an x-ray generator. In some embodiments, circuit 110 may be configured to provide power to AEC chamber 104, debounce signals from AEC chamber 102, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, circuit 110 may include comparators, amplifiers, etc. to perform specific operations based on signals from AEC chamber 104. For example, one or more signals from AEC chamber 104 may be compared to a threshold to determine whether to start an exposure. Based on this comparison, an image may be generated from imaging array 106.

[0045] In some embodiments, the communication of the AEC signal from detector 110g can be performed via a variety of communication techniques. For example, circuit 110 can be configured to transmit the AEC signal via a low-latency digital wireless link, a wired tether with digital and / or analog signals, etc. Signal 112 represents the signal transmitted through such a medium.

[0046] In some embodiments, circuit 110 is configured to receive a configuration input to define the AEC configuration. For example, circuit 110 can be configured to perform calibration of AEC chamber 104.

[0047] As described above, preamplifier 140 can be disposed within detector 100 and within the Faraday cage 170 of the detector. Thus, the signal input from AEC chamber 104 to preamplifier 140 can be less susceptible to noise.

[0048] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a mobile detector including a digital AEC 150 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detector 100i may not include a separate physical AEC chamber. Circuit 110 can be configured to perform the digital AEC function 150 using imaging array 106.

[0049] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a mobile detector including an AEC and a grid. Detector 100j can be similar to various detectors 100a - 100i etc. having an AEC as described above. Grid 160 is disposed on detector 100j. In some embodiments, grid 160 includes a series of leads extending from one side of detector 100j to the other side. The leads can contribute to backscatter from detector 100j.

[0050] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an x-ray imaging system according to some embodiments. System 200a includes a detector 202, a control system 204, an x-ray generator 206, and a computer 208. Detector 202 can include any of the above detectors 100 etc. However, in other embodiments, detector 202 can include different types of detectors.

[0051] In some embodiments, x-ray generator 206 can be configured to project x-rays 212 towards detector 202. An object 210, such as a patient, can be placed in the path of x-rays 212 to generate an image. X-ray generator 206 can include an x-ray tube, a power supply, a high-voltage generator, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control system 204 may provide a unified interface to the computer 208. The system 200a may be installed with various different types of x-ray generators 206, detectors 202, etc. In some embodiments, if the detector 202 is the detector 100 as described above, the AEC chamber is integrated with the detector 202. The control system 204 may be configured to communicate with and control the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206. The installer for installing the system 200a may only need to configure the computer 208 to communicate with the control system 204. The control system 204 handles the communication and control between the other components of the system 200a. Thus, the installer no longer needs to concern itself with the configuration and interaction between different types of x-ray generators 206 and detectors 202. Regardless of the specific type or manufacturer of the x-ray generator 206, the control system 204 can present a single interface.

[0053] In some embodiments, the AEC signal that was originally connected from a separate AEC chamber (not shown) to the x-ray generator 206 may be provided by the control system 204. The control system 204 may interact with the detector 202 to receive any form of AEC signal that the detector 202 can provide as described above. The control system 204 may then transmit these AEC signals or convert these signals into an appropriate format for the x-ray generator 206 such that the operation of the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206 can control the dose as needed. For example, the response time of the system 200a from the x-ray generator of the AEC signal to the final change in the state of the x-ray generator 206 may be faster than about 10 milliseconds (ms). In some embodiments, the control system 204 may be configured to control other aspects of the AEC chamber of the detector 202. For example, the control system 204 may be configured to control the calibration of the AEC chamber.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control system 204 may be configured to synchronize the operation of the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206. For example, the control system 204 may be configured to synchronize the generation of x-rays from the x-ray generator 206 and the capture of an image or video by the detector 202 in response to the x-rays. The control system 204 may be configured to synchronize the AEC signal with the x-ray generator 206.

[0055] In some embodiments, if a physical grid is present on the detector 202, such as in the detector 100j or the system 200a, the detector 202 may be configured to perform grid suppression. In some embodiments, the detector 202 may be configured to perform hysteresis correction.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control system 204 may include a preamplifier 140 configured to amplify the AEC signal from the AEC chamber 104 of the detector 202. When integrated with or separated from the detector 202, the preamplifier 140 may operate similarly as described above. In some embodiments, in addition to the preamplifier 140 of the control system 204, the preamplifier 140 may be part of the detector 202 and may be the same as or different from the preamplifier 140 of the control system 204.

[0057] Figure 7 FIG. is a block diagram of an x-ray imaging system having multiple detector positions according to some embodiments. System 200b may be similar to other systems 200 described herein. A portion of the x-ray system 200b is illustrated, and the x-ray system 200b may include other components similar to other x-ray systems 200. In some embodiments, the system 200b may include multiple positions 230. Here, two positions 230-1 and 230-2 are illustrated as examples.

[0058] At each position 230, there is no grid 214 and AEC chamber 216, and the grid 218 shown by the dashed line. The grid 214 and AEC chamber 216 and the grid 218 are illustrated to show components that are no longer needed for operation. The detector 202 only needs to be mounted on the corresponding structure at the position 230, such as a tray. As described above, the detector 202 may include functions provided by the grid 214 and AEC chamber 216 that are not present. For example, the position 230-1 may include a bracket 220. The detector 202 may be mounted on the bracket 220 without the grid 218. Similarly, the position 230-2 may include a workbench 222. The detector 202 may be mounted on the workbench 222 without the grid 218. Each position 230 may include a simple tray or other structure to hold the detector 202 in place and prevent damage, such as scratches on the surface of the detector 202. The moving parts of the grid 218, the shielding of the electronics of the grid 218, the UL certification of the components, etc. may be eliminated. The alignment with the grid 214 may be eliminated. The elimination of these components or processes may reduce the cost associated with the system 200b.

[0059] The x-ray generator 206 may be mounted on a crane 232 configured to move the x-ray generator 206 in a direction suitable for a particular position 230 where the detector 202 is to be mounted. The x-ray generator 206 is illustrated by a solid line in one position and by a dashed line in an alternative position. Depending on the particular desired application, the detector 202 may be moved between positions 230 and to other positions.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detector 202 may be configured to perform scatter correction. Since the grid 214 may be absent, including being absent on the detector 202, the detector 202 may be configured to perform scatter correction on the resulting image to reduce or eliminate the impact of the absence of the grid 214. In other embodiments, the control system 204 may be configured to perform scatter correction on one or more images from the detector 202.

[0061] When using the system 200b, the cost and complexity of integrating an AEC chamber, a preamplifier, a filter, a grid, etc. can be reduced or eliminated.

[0062] Figure 8 FIG. is a block diagram of an x-ray imaging system having multiple detector positions according to some embodiments. The system 200c may be similar to other systems 200 described herein. A portion of the x-ray system 200c is illustrated, and the x-ray system 200b may include other components similar to other x-ray systems 200. In some embodiments, the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206 may each include a gyroscope 240. The gyroscope 240 may be configured to determine the relative rotation on one or more axes of the corresponding device. The gyroscope 240 associated with the x-ray generator 206 may be mounted on the x-ray generator 206, the collimator 252, etc. In some embodiments, the crane 232 may include a sensor 244 configured to sense the relative movement of the components of the crane 232. Instead of or in addition to the gyroscope 240, the sensor 244 may be used to determine the orientation of the x-ray generator 206.

[0063] Using the orientation information of the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206, the detector 202 and the x-ray generator 206 can be oriented such that the angle 250 between the major axis 246 of the x-rays generated by the x-ray generator 206 and the axis 248 of the detector 202 perpendicular to the imaging array 106 can be set or minimized as needed. In some embodiments, the control system 204 may be configured to automatically activate the actuator of the crane 232 to orient the x-ray generator 206 such that the axes 246 and 248 are substantially parallel. In other embodiments, the angle 250 or other alignment information may be presented by the control system 204 to the operator of the computer 208. As a result, the image quality can be improved. As the angle 250 between the major axis 246 and the axis 248 increases, the image quality of the image generated by the imaging array 106 decreases. Minimizing the angle 250 can improve the image quality. In some embodiments, the angle 250 or information based on the angle may be reported to the operator.

[0064] In some embodiments, camera 242 may be coupled to x-ray generator 206. Control system 204 may be configured to use images or video from camera 242 to determine whether a patient has moved and notify an operator of computer 208. In other embodiments, control system 204 may be configured to use images or video from camera 242 to select a portion of object 210, such as a particular portion of a patient's anatomy. In other embodiments, control system 204 may be configured to use images or video from camera 242 to determine the source-to-image distance (SID) of x-ray generator 206 and detector 202. Control system 204 may be configured to use an actuator of crane 232 to achieve a desired SID and / or present such information to an operator of computer 208 and / or allow the operator to set a desired SID. In some embodiments, control system 204 may be configured to use collimator 252 based on images or video from camera 242. For example, control system 204 may be configured to adjust collimator 252 such that x-rays emitted from x-ray generator 206 correspond to an imaging region of imaging array 106 of detector 202.

[0065] Although various detectors 100, systems 200, etc. have been described above with respect to radiography, other embodiments may be used in fluoroscopy applications.

[0066] Some embodiments include x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j, the x-ray detectors including: a housing 102; an imaging array 106 disposed within the housing 102; circuitry 110 configured to generate an image in response to the imaging array 106; and an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber 104 disposed within the housing 102, separated from the imaging array 106, and located on a side of the imaging array 106 opposite the circuitry 110.

[0067] In some embodiments, housing 102 includes a front panel 120.

[0068] In some embodiments, AEC chamber 104 is disposed within front panel 120.

[0069] In some embodiments, the x-ray detector further includes an elastic material layer 126 disposed within front panel 120; wherein a sensor 124 of AEC chamber 104 is disposed within a plane of the elastic material layer 126 within front panel 120.

[0070] In some embodiments, AEC chamber 104 is separated from imaging array 106 by a gap.

[0071] In some embodiments, AEC chamber 104 is disposed on imaging array 106.

[0072] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector further includes an elastic material layer 126 disposed between the AEC chamber 104 and the front panel 120.

[0073] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector further includes a shield disposed between the imaging array 106 and the circuit 110.

[0074] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector further includes an AEC preamplifier 140 coupled to the AEC chamber 104.

[0075] In some embodiments, the AEC preamplifier 140 is separated from the circuit 110.

[0076] In some embodiments, the AEC preamplifier 140 is integrated with the circuit 110.

[0077] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector further includes a Faraday cage that at least encloses the AEC chamber 104 and the AEC preamplifier 140.

[0078] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector further includes a grid disposed on the outer surface of the housing 102.

[0079] In some embodiments, the circuit 110 is configured to perform scatter correction on the image.

[0080] In some embodiments, the circuit 110 is further configured to operate in response to an AEC signal from the AEC chamber.

[0081] In some embodiments, the circuit 110 is further configured to start an exposure to generate an image in response to an AEC signal from the AEC chamber 104.

[0082] Some embodiments include a method that includes: generating an AEC signal from an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber 104 that is within the housing 102 and separated from the imaging array 106 within the housing 102; and generating an image using the imaging array 106 within the housing 102 in response to the AEC signal.

[0083] In some embodiments, generating the image includes starting an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.

[0084] In some embodiments, generating the image includes ending an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.

[0085] Some embodiments include an x-ray system that includes: x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j, the x-ray detectors including an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j and separated from the imaging array 106 of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j; an x-ray generator; and a control system; wherein the control system is configured to: receive an AEC signal from the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j; and change the operation of the x-ray generator in response to the AEC signal.

[0086] In some embodiments, the control system includes an AEC preamplifier configured to receive an AEC signal from the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j; and the control system is configured to change the operation of the x-ray generator in response to the AEC signal received by the AEC preamplifier.

[0087] In some embodiments, the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j include the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

[0088] In some embodiments, the x-ray generator is movable to project x-rays to either a first position or a second position; the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j are movable between the first position and the second position; and the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j are configured to provide an AEC signal in response to the AEC chambers 104 at the two positions.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first position does not include a grid; and the second position does not include a grid.

[0090] In some embodiments, the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j further include a gyroscope 240 disposed within the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j; and the control system is configured to provide information related to the orientation of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j relative to the x-ray generator based on the gyroscope 240 of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j.

[0091] In some embodiments, the gyroscope 240 of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j is a first gyroscope 240; the x-ray generator includes a second gyroscope 240; and the control system is further configured to provide information related to the orientation of the x-ray generator based on the second gyroscope 240 of the x-ray generator.

[0092] In some embodiments, the gyroscopes 240 of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j are first gyroscopes 240; the x-ray generator includes a second gyroscope 240; and the control system is further configured to adjust the orientation of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j relative to the x-ray generator based on the first gyroscopes 240 of the x-ray detectors 100, 100a-j and the second gyroscope 240 of the x-ray generator.

[0093] In some embodiments, the x-ray system further includes a camera disposed on the x-ray generator; wherein the control system is configured to provide information related to the position of an object to be imaged by the x-ray system based on the camera.

[0094] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to provide information based on whether the object has moved.

[0095] Although structures, devices, methods, and systems have been described in accordance with specific embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many variations of the specific embodiments are possible. Therefore, any variations should be considered to be within the spirit and scope disclosed herein. Accordingly, many modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0096] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into this written disclosure, with each claim standing alone as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims and their dependent claims. Additionally, additional embodiments that can be derived from the subsequent independent and dependent claims are expressly incorporated into this written description. These additional embodiments are determined by replacing the dependency of a given dependent claim with the phrase "any one of the claims starting with claim [x] and ending with the claim immediately preceding that claim", where the term "[x]" in brackets is replaced with the number of the most recently cited independent claim. For example, for a first set of claims starting with independent claim 1, claim 4 can depend on any one of claims 1 and 3, and these independent dependencies result in two different embodiments; claim 5 can depend on any one of claims 1, 3, or 4, and these independent dependencies result in three different embodiments; claim 6 can depend on any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, and these independent dependencies result in four different embodiments; and so on.

[0097] The recitation of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element in a claim does not necessarily mean the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements, if any, recited in means-plus-function format pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are intended to be construed to cover the corresponding structures, materials, or acts described herein, and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the invention that claim exclusive property or privilege are defined as follows.

Claims

1. An X-ray detector, comprising: a housing; an imaging array disposed within the housing; a circuit configured to generate an image in response to the imaging array; and an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the housing, separated from the imaging array, and located on a side of the imaging array opposite to the circuit.

2. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, wherein: the housing includes a front panel.

3. The X-ray detector according to claim 2, wherein: the AEC chamber is disposed within the front panel.

4. The X-ray detector according to claim 3, further comprising: an elastic material layer disposed within the front panel; wherein sensors of the AEC chamber are disposed within a plane of the elastic material layer within the front panel.

5. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, wherein: the AEC chamber is separated from the imaging array by a gap.

6. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, wherein: the AEC chamber is disposed on the imaging array.

7. The X-ray detector according to claim 2, further comprising: an elastic material layer disposed between the AEC chamber and the front panel.

8. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, further comprising: a shield disposed between the imaging array and the circuit.

9. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, further comprising: an AEC preamplifier coupled to the AEC chamber.

10. The X-ray detector according to claim 9, wherein: the AEC preamplifier is separated from the circuit.

11. The X-ray detector according to claim 9, wherein: the AEC preamplifier is integrated with the circuit.

12. The X-ray detector according to claim 9, further comprising: a Faraday cage surrounding at least the AEC chamber and the AEC preamplifier.

13. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, further comprising: a grid, disposed on an outer surface of the housing.

14. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, wherein: the circuit is configured to perform scatter correction on the image.

15. The X-ray detector according to claim 1, wherein: the circuit is further configured to operate in response to an AEC signal from the AEC chamber.

16. The X-ray detector according to claim 15, wherein: the circuit is further configured to start an exposure to generate the image in response to the AEC signal from the AEC chamber.

17. A method, comprising: generating an AEC signal from an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber within a housing and separated from an imaging array within the housing; and generating an image using the imaging array within the housing in response to the AEC signal.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Generating the image includes starting an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Generating the image includes ending an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.

20. An x-ray system, comprising: An x-ray detector, the x-ray detector including an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the x-ray detector and separated from the imaging array of the x-ray detector; An x-ray generator; And A control system; Wherein the control system is configured to: Receive an AEC signal from the x-ray detector; and In response to the AEC signal, change the operation of the x-ray generator.

21. The x-ray system according to claim 20, wherein: The control system includes an AEC preamplifier configured to receive an AEC signal from the x-ray detector; and The control system is configured to change the operation of the x-ray generator in response to the AEC signal received by the AEC preamplifier.

22. The x-ray system according to claim 20, wherein: The x-ray detector includes the x-ray detector according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

23. The x-ray system according to claim 20, wherein: The x-ray generator is movable to project x-rays to either a first position or a second position; The x-ray detector is movable between the first position and the second position; and The x-ray detector is configured to provide an AEC signal in response to the AEC chamber at these two positions.

24. The x-ray system according to claim 23, wherein: The first position does not include a grid; and The second position does not include a grid.

25. The x-ray system according to claim 20, wherein: The x-ray detector further includes a gyroscope disposed within the x-ray detector; and The control system is configured to provide information related to the orientation of the x-ray detector relative to the x-ray generator based on the gyroscope of the x-ray detector.

26. The x-ray system according to claim 25, wherein: The gyroscope of the x-ray detector is a first gyroscope; The x-ray generator includes a second gyroscope; and The control system is further configured to provide information related to the orientation of the x-ray generator based on the second gyroscope of the x-ray generator.

27. The x-ray system according to claim 25, wherein: The gyroscope of the x-ray detector is a first gyroscope; The x-ray generator includes a second gyroscope; and The control system is further configured to adjust the orientation of the x-ray detector relative to the x-ray generator based on the first gyroscope of the x-ray detector and the second gyroscope of the x-ray generator.

28. The x-ray system according to claim 20, further comprising: A camera disposed on the x-ray generator; wherein the control system is configured to provide information related to the position of an object to be imaged by the x-ray system based on the camera.

29. The x-ray system according to claim 28, wherein: the control system is configured to provide information based on whether the object has moved.

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