Dynamic Magnetic Protocol

Abstract

Some embodiments include a device comprising: a housing; a circuit having a sensor array disposed within the housing and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; a memory configured to store data regarding a plurality of configurations for the circuit; at least one magnetic sensor disposed within the housing; and control logic disposed within the housing, the control logic being configured to: receive signals from the at least one magnetic sensor; select among the configurations for the circuit based on the signals received from the at least one magnetic sensor; and alter operation of the circuit by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various communication techniques, such as near-field communications (NFC), infrared (IR), Bluetooth, and other communication protocols, may be used to communicate with devices such as flat-panel imagers. These communication technologies may be relatively expensive and may require antennas that cannot be blocked by electromagnetic interference shielding. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0002] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device having a magnetic sensor according to some embodiments.

[0003] [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device having multiple magnetic sensors according to some embodiments.

[0004] [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram of a device having a magnetic sensor and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield according to some embodiments.

[0005] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some other embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some other embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are block diagrams of a device having a magnetic sensor and a user interface in different configurations according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1A-1D are block diagrams of a device having a magnetic sensor and a user interface in different configurations according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a modulatable magnetic element and a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram of an X-ray detector having a magnetic sensor according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 8A] 1 is a block diagram of an X-ray detector having a magnetic sensor that is movable between different locations, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8B] 1 is a block diagram of an X-ray detector having a magnetic sensor that is movable between different locations, according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a technique for operating a device according to some embodiments. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a technique for operating a device according to some embodiments. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of a technique for operating a device according to some embodiments. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart of a technique for operating a device according to some embodiments. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart of a technique for operating a device according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an X-ray imaging system, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Some embodiments address key shortcomings of Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared (IR), Bluetooth, and other communication protocols used to communicate certain information between X-ray detectors, such as flat panel imagers, and the entire OEM X-ray system: Existing technologies can be relatively expensive to authenticate or complex to implement.

[0014] Additionally, some of the existing technologies and protocols require antennas that cannot be blocked by metal, or require cavities in metal housings that prevent or make IP68 dust protection ratings very difficult to achieve. Housing designs that require cavities for antennas or openings for optical sensors may be more vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI) or emit more EMI, since any openings in the housing may reduce the effectiveness of the Faraday cage.

[0015] Some embodiments include communication protocols based on static or dynamic magnetic fields. The protocols allow various information, such as commands or data, to be communicated via magnetic fields. In some embodiments, dynamic magnetic fields can be used to modulate the magnetic field to transmit information to the system without modifying existing hardware, such as the x-ray detector. For example, some x-ray detectors may include one or more magnetic sensors. The operation of the system can be improved by modifying how the system responds to signals received by the magnetic sensors.

[0016] In some embodiments, using a magnetic field for communication may not require any openings in the panel housing, thus enabling an IP68 compliant design. Some embodiments may not require modifications to the metallization of the panel housing, and therefore may not exacerbate EMI vulnerability or emissions.

[0017] 1A is a block diagram of a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments. The device 100 may include a housing 101. A circuit 102 may be disposed within the housing. The circuit 102 may be any circuit that is configurable, controllable, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, specific examples of the circuit 102 may include a network communication interface, an X-ray detector including such a network communication interface, or the like.

[0018] The device 100 may include control logic 104. The control logic 104 may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), a discrete circuit, a combination of such devices, or the like. The control logic 104 may include external interfaces, such as an address and data bus interface, an interrupt interface, or the like. The control logic 104 may include other interface devices, such as a logic chipset, a hub, a memory controller, a communication interface, or the like, to connect the control logic 104 to internal and external components. The control logic 104 may be configured to control various operations described herein. In particular, the control logic 104 may be configured to control the circuit 102.

[0019] The device 100 includes a magnetic sensor 106. Examples of magnetic sensors include a Hall effect sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, a coil, or the like. The magnetic sensor 106 is coupled to the control logic 104. The magnetic sensor 106 may be configured to generate a signal based on a received magnetic field.

[0020] The control logic 104 may be configured to receive signals from the at least one magnetic sensor 106. The control logic 104 may be configured to alter the operation of the circuit in response to the signals received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106.

[0021] Use of the magnetic sensor 106 may not require additional certification, such as regulatory certification, and as a result, the device 100 may be deployed into various jurisdictions that have independent certification requirements without the expense and / or delay of additional certification.

[0022] In some embodiments, device 100 may include memory 105. Memory 105 may include any suitable memory resource, such as volatile memory, non-volatile (NV) memory, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache memory, and / or the like. NV memory may include any suitable non-transient, persistent, and / or NV storage resource, including, but not limited to, non-transient storage devices, persistent storage devices, internal storage devices, external storage devices, remote storage devices, Network Attached Storage (NAS) resources, magnetic disk drives, hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state storage devices (SSD), flash memory devices, and / or the like.

[0023] The memory 105 may store data associated with multiple configurations for the circuit 102. For example, the data associated with a configuration may include firmware, addresses, identifiers, passwords, commands, instructions, and settings used to operate the device 100 or to communicate with other devices or systems, or for similar purposes. In some embodiments, a configuration may include multiple types of such information. Based on the signal from the magnetic sensor 106, the control logic 104 may select from among the configurations stored in the memory 105. The control logic 104 may be configured to modify the operation of the circuit 102 in response to the selected configuration. For example, the firmware of the circuit 102, the network configuration, a detector unique identifier (ID), the detector name, address, identifier, password, or the like may be modified. The control logic 104 may be configured to retrieve particular data associated with a configuration and apply the data to the circuit 102. Applying the data to the circuit 102 may include loading the data into a processor, memory, programmable logic device, or other component of the circuit 102. In some embodiments, the selected command may be sent to the circuit 102. For example, the selected command may include a command to cause the circuit 102 or device 100 to shut down, reboot, perform a factory reset, power down, enter a self-test mode, enable / disable a temperature sensor, enable / disable a voltage sensor, enable or disable a radio, or the like. In other embodiments, the control logic 104 may be configured to pass information such as an image number regarding an autonomously triggered captured image. With an autonomous trigger, an image may be captured without a computer or a separate computer. The portable device may be configured to create a modulation and pass to the system the number of images it should take, or pass a unique identifier for each image.

[0024] In some embodiments, device 100a includes a user interface 107. User interface 107 may include a portion of circuitry 102, may be integrated within circuitry 102, or the like. User interface 107 may allow a user to interact with device 100a. For example, user interface 107 may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a display, switches, knobs, dials, or the like.

[0025] 1B is a block diagram of a device having multiple magnetic sensors, according to some embodiments. Device 100b may be similar to device 100a described with respect to FIG. 1A. However, in some embodiments, device 100b includes multiple magnetic sensors 106-1 through 106-n. The number of magnetic sensors 106 may be any number greater than one. In some embodiments, magnetic sensors 106 are identical; however, in other embodiments, magnetic sensors 106 may be different. For example, magnetic sensor 106-1 may be a Hall effect sensor, while magnetic sensor 106-n may be a coil.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram of a device having a magnetic sensor and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, device 100c may be similar to systems 100a-b. Only a single magnetic sensor 106 is illustrated for clarity; however, in device 100c and other devices 100 described below, device 100 may include multiple magnetic sensors 106 as described with respect to FIG. 1B.

[0027] The device 100c includes an EMI shield 108. The EMI shield 108 is configured to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference but allow at least some magnetic fields in. For example, the EMI shield 108 may include a conductive foil, a conductive coating, a conductive housing, a combination of such structures, or the like, forming a Faraday cage.

[0028] Static magnetic fields and / or relatively slowly changing dynamic magnetic fields may pass through the EMI shield 108. Accordingly, the magnetic sensor 106 may be disposed within the EMI shield.

[0029] 3A-3B are block diagrams of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments. System 300 includes a device 100 similar to device 100 described herein. System 300 includes a receptacle 200-1. Receptacle 200-1 includes a location for mounting device 100. Receptacle 200-1 includes a magnetic element 110. Magnetic element 110 may include a fixed magnet or a controllable magnet, such as an electromagnet. In one embodiment, receptacle 200-1 may be associated with or included within a bucky.

[0030] The magnetic element 110 is disposed at a location corresponding to one of the magnetic sensors 106 of the device 100. When the device 100 is mated with the receptacle 200-1, the magnetic element 110 is in a position such that the associated magnetic field is detected by the corresponding magnetic sensor 106-1. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 106-1 will detect a magnetic field, while the magnetic sensor 106-n will not.

[0031] 4A-4B are block diagrams of a system including a device having a magnetic sensor, according to some other embodiments. System 400 may be similar to system 300 described above. System 400 includes the same apparatus 100. However, system 400 includes a different receptacle 200-2. Receptacle 200-2 includes multiple magnetic elements 110. Here, receptacle 200-2 includes magnetic elements 110-1-110-n. Magnetic elements 110-1-110-n are disposed at positions corresponding to magnetic sensors 106-1-106-n.

[0032] When device 100 is mated with receptacle 200-2, a different combination of magnetic sensors 106 of device 100 detects a different magnetic field than when device 100 is mated with receptacle 200-1 of FIGS. 3A-3B.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the magnetic elements 110 of systems 300 and 400 are fixed magnets (e.g., permanent magnets), device 100 will detect different states of the magnetic field. In one example where n is 2, in receptacle 200-1, device 100 will detect the magnetic field for magnetic sensor 106-1 but not for magnetic sensor 106-2. When device 100 is in receptacle 200-2, device 100 will detect the magnetic field for both magnetic sensors 106-1 and 106-2. The presence or absence of a magnetic field allows four different sets of states with two sensors. [Table 1]

[0034] The above table shows four different configurations possible for four different states. In some embodiments, each configuration is associated with a combination of data, such as firmware, addresses, identifiers, passwords, commands, instructions, settings, or the like, as described above. Each unique set of magnetic fields detected by the plurality of magnetic sensors 106 (i.e., distinct states that produce a threshold of magnetic flux) may be associated with one of the configurations. A state refers to the detection of a magnetic field by the magnetic sensor 106, such as when a magnetic field is generated by the magnetic element 110, or a combination of magnetic fields sensed by the plurality of magnetic sensors 106-1 through 106-n. When the control logic 104 of the device 100 detects one of the sets of states, the control logic 104 may be configured to select a configuration associated with that set of states and apply the associated data of the circuit 102. Although two magnetic sensors 106 are used as an example, in other embodiments, two of the states may be associated with one of the configurations. nMore magnetic sensors 106 may be used to enable sets and associated configurations, where n is the number of magnetic sensors 106.

[0035] 3A-4B, magnetic element 110-n may be magnetic element 110-2. Each of magnetic elements 110, 110-1, and 110-2 may be a stationary magnet. Thus, with receptacle 200-1, a magnetic field may be sensed by magnetic sensor 106-1 but not by magnetic sensor 106-2. Thus, data associated with configuration 2 may be loaded. However, if the same device 100 is moved to receptacle 200-2, both magnetic sensors 106-1 and 106-2 may sense a magnetic field. Thus, data associated with configuration 3 may be loaded.

[0036] 5A-5B are block diagrams of devices with magnetic sensors and user interfaces in different configurations, according to some embodiments. The device 100d may be coupled to a mechanical user interface 114. The user interface 114 may include a structure or other device that a user may manipulate. In this example, the user interface 114 includes a movable structure that includes a magnetic element 110. A user may manipulate the user interface 114 to move the magnetic element 110 to a position corresponding to one of the magnetic sensors 106 of the device 100d. For example, a user may rotate the user interface 114 about a pivot point 116. Although a single magnetic element 110 is used as an example, in other embodiments, the user interface 114 may include multiple magnetic elements 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of magnetic elements 110 may be configured such that the user interface is n In each of the positions, the magnetic elements 110 of the user interface 114 may be included in a user interface in a sufficient number and configurations to be positionable in the multiple configurations. nThe set of magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n may be positioned relative to the magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n to activate the magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n in one of the sets.

[0038] In some embodiments, the magnetic element 110 of the user interface 114 may be controllable. For example, the magnetic element 110 may be a coil. The user interface 114 may be configured to selectively activate the coil in response to user input received through a button, dial, switch, or the like on the user interface 114. In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may include a touch screen, keyboard, display, or the like, similar to the user interface 107, which allows a user to selectively activate a coil or otherwise change the position, configuration, or the like of the magnetic element 110.

[0039] 6 is a block diagram of a system including a device having a modulatable magnetic element and a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 600 may be similar to the systems 300 and 400 described above. However, the receptacle 200-3 includes the modulatable magnetic element 112. The modulatable magnetic element 112 may be configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, the frequency of the change in the magnetic field may be low enough to still penetrate the EMI shield 108 of the device 100c of FIG. 2.

[0040] By modulating the magnetic field by the modulatable magnetic element 112, information, configuration, associated data, or the like may be transmitted to the device 100. In some embodiments, the system 200-3 includes only one modulatable magnetic element 112 and no other magnetic elements 110 or 112. The device 100 may include only one magnetic sensor 106-1. When the device 100 is positioned in a different receptacle 200, the control logic 204 of that particular receptacle 200 may be configured to transmit a different signal to the device 100 by the modulatable magnetic element 112. In other embodiments, the receptacle 200-3 may include multiple modulatable magnetic elements 112, one modulatable magnetic element 112 and one or more other magnetic elements 110, multiple modulatable magnetic elements 112 and one or more other magnetic elements 110, or the like.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 106 of the device 100 may be a magnetic sensor 106 configured to receive a modulated magnetic signal from the modulatable magnetic element 112. The user interface 114 may include the modulatable magnetic element 112 instead of the magnetic element 110. The user interface 114 may be configured to transmit the above-described codes to the device 100 based on buttons, dials, switches, or the like on the user interface 114. The user interface 114 may include control logic similar to the control logic 204 described above. Thus, a user may manipulate the user interface 114 to transmit different codes based on a given input. As a result, the device 100 may be reconfigured as described above for different uses.

[0042] 7 is a block diagram of an X-ray detector with a magnetic sensor, according to some embodiments. The X-ray detector 100e may include elements similar to the various devices 100 described above. The X-ray detector 100e includes a sensor array 750 and a network communication interface 752. The sensor array 750 may be configured to convert incoming X-rays into an image. The sensor array 750 includes an array of pixels or sensors configured to convert X-rays, light, or other photons into an electrical signal, such as a charge or voltage. A scintillator, direct conversion material, or other X-ray conversion material may be part of the sensor array 750 and configured to convert incident X-rays into photons that the sensor can convert into an electrical signal. For example, the scintillator may include various materials configured to convert X-ray photons into photons detectable by the sensor, such as cesium iodide (CsI), cadmium tungstate (CdWO4), polyvinyl toluene (PVT), gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd2O2S; GOS; Gadox), terbium doped gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd2O2S:Tb), or the like. Examples of direct conversion materials include cadmium telluride (CdTe), cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT), mercury iodide (HgI), lead iodide (PbI), selenium, or the like.

[0043] The network communication interface 752 may include any communication interface, such as WiFi, Ethernet, zigbee, infrared, Z-wave, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or the like. The control logic 104 may be configured to transmit images generated in response to the sensor array 750 over the network communication interface 752.

[0044] In some embodiments, memory 105 may store data regarding multiple different configurations for network communications interface 752. The data for the possible different configurations may include a service set identifier (SSID), network configuration, address, netmask, gateway, password, or the like. Any parameters associated with network communications interface 752 may be part of the data associated with the configuration. Any of this data may be different for the different configurations.

[0045] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector 100e may be movable between multiple locations. Using the bucky in the stationary X-ray system and the movable cart as two possible locations, the memory 105 may store data regarding different configurations for the stationary X-ray system and the movable cart. Each of the bucky and the cart may include a different configuration of magnetic elements 110 similar to 200-1 and 200-2 described above. Alternatively, one may include magnetic elements 110 similar to 200-1 and 200-2, and another has modulatable magnetic elements 122.

[0046] In some embodiments, the X-ray detector 100e should be on a specific subnet, wireless, or Ethernet network and / or have a specific address when located in a bucky. The X-ray detector 100e should be on a different subnet, different wireless network, and / or have a different address when located in a mobile cart. The X-ray detector 100e may be automatically reconfigured if a different configuration of the magnetic elements 110 or a different code is transmitted by the modulatable magnetic elements 112 when the X-ray detector 100e is located in a new location. Alternatively, the X-ray detector 100e may include the user interface 114 described above, which may be reconfigured when the X-ray detector 100e is moved from the bucky to the mobile cart or vice versa. Regardless, the X-ray detector 100e may be automatically reconfigured for use in a new location.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system may be modified to operate as described above. The detector may include a magnetic sensor 106. By reconfiguring the software of the device 100 and providing the various configurations and associated data described above, the device 100 may be capable of being used as described above. The receptacle of the system may be modified to be the receptacle 200 having the magnetic elements 110 / 112 described above. Thus, the system may operate as described above when the device 100 and the receptacle 200 are mated.

[0048] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 106 may be configured for different functions prior to retrofitting, and settings of the device 100 may be added such that the device 100 may switch between being configured to use the magnetic signal to perform different functions or to operate as described above.

[0049] Accordingly, in some embodiments, device 100 may be configured by software or firmware reconfiguration without any hardware changes. Some modifications of receptacle 200 may be performed to add magnetic elements 110 / 112. However, the hardware of device 100 does not need to be redesigned.

[0050] 8A-8B are block diagrams of an X-ray detector having a magnetic sensor that is movable between different locations, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the X-ray detector 100e described above may be installed in a stationary X-ray system 802. The stationary X-ray system 802 may include a bucky having the magnetic elements 110 / 112 described above. The X-ray detector 100e may operate appropriately for the X-ray system 802 based on signals received from the magnetic elements 110 / 112.

[0051] The same X-ray detector 100e may be moved from the stationary X-ray system 802 to the movable cart 804. The X-ray detector 100e may then be reconfigured to operate differently and appropriately for the movable cart 804 in response to different magnetic elements 110 / 112 as described above, different signals received from the magnetic elements 110 / 112, or the like.

[0052] Although moving the X-ray detector 100e from the stationary X-ray system 802 to the movable cart 804 is used as an example, the X-ray detector 100e may be moved back to the stationary X-ray system 802, moved to a different stationary X-ray system 802, moved to a different movable cart 804, moved to a different type of system, or the like. In some embodiments, in each of the different systems, the X-ray detector 100e may then be reconfigured to operate differently and appropriately for the particular system in response to the different magnetic elements 110 / 112 in that particular system, different signals received from the magnetic elements 110 / 112, or the like, as described above.

[0053] 9-13 are flowcharts of a technique for operating a device, according to some embodiments. With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 9, device 100a will be used as an example. In some embodiments, at 904, a magnetic field is sensed by at least one magnetic sensor 106 disposed in a housing 101 of device 100a. Sensing the magnetic field may include sensing the absence of a magnetic field.

[0054] At 908, a signal is received by the control logic 104 in the housing 101 from the at least one magnetic sensor 106. For example, each magnetic sensor 106 may convert a corresponding magnetic field into a signal. The signal may represent a static magnetic field, a dynamic magnetic field, the absence of a magnetic field, or the like. The signal may be received by the control logic 104.

[0055] At 912, the operation of the circuitry 102 of the device 100a within the housing 101 is altered in response to signals received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106. For example, the control logic 104 may be configured to alter the configuration of the circuitry 102 by interpreting, decoding, or the like, signals received by the one or more magnetic sensors 106 and applying data associated with a selected configuration to the circuitry. In response to the altered data, the operation of the circuitry 102 may be altered.

[0056] In some embodiments, the signal received at 908 is a modulated signal from the at least one magnetic sensor 106. The operation that is altered at 912 is based on the modulated signal. For example, the control logic 104 may demodulate the modulated signal from the at least one magnetic sensor 106 to generate a code, value, or other data. That data may be used to determine how to alter the operation of the circuit 102 at 912.

[0057] 1B and 9, device 100b will be used as an example. In some embodiments, at 904, a magnetic field is sensed by each of magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n. At 908, control logic 104 receives a signal from each of magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n. The operation to be changed at 912 may be based on the signal received from each of magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n. While in some embodiments all signals from all magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n may be used to change the operation at 912, in other embodiments, less than all signals may be used.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 7, and 10, devices 100a and 100e will be used as examples. In some embodiments, the operation may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 9. However, at 916, a user input is received indicating a first or second mode of operation of device 100a. For example, a user may be able to configure device 100a through user interface 107. User interface 107 may include an option to change the operation of device 100a among multiple modes, such as a first mode and a second mode. The multiple modes may define how device 100a operates in response to inputs, such as inputs received by magnetic sensor 106. The various modes may be defined by various configurations, such as various firmware or software, similar to the configurations described above with respect to circuit 102, or by various subroutines of currently operating software, or similar. At 920, in response to a user input indicating a first mode, the device 100a may be operated to detect a scatter grid adjacent to the device 100a using at least one magnetic sensor 106. For example, a scatter grid (also referred to as a "grid") is a device between a subject or patient and a detector to limit the amount of scattered radiation reaching the detector, thereby improving the quality of diagnostic x-ray images. Conventional grids are typically constructed from a series of alternating parallel strips of lead (Pb; or other dense metals) and radiolucent materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, and even paper. In a particular example, the device 100a may include an x-ray detector. The x-ray detector may operate in a first mode to detect the presence of a grid using at least one magnetic sensor 106. The operation of the device 100a may change based on the presence or absence of the detected grid.

[0059] At 924, in response to a user input indicating the second mode, a modification of the operation of the circuitry 102 of the device 100a in response to the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106 may be performed. Using an X-ray detector as an example of the device 100a, in the second mode, the at least one magnetic sensor 106 may be used to modify the operation of the X-ray detector 100a rather than being used to detect the presence of a grid.

[0060] Accordingly, device 100a may be switched between two modes in which magnetic sensor 106 is used in a manner similar to existing devices with magnetic sensors. However, user interface 107 may cause device 100a to operate in a different mode in which magnetic sensor 106 may be used to modify the operation of device 100a as described above.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 11, device 100a will be used as an example. In some embodiments, the operation may be similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 9. However, at 910, a configuration is selected from among a plurality of configurations for circuit 102 based on a signal received from at least one magnetic sensor 106. For example, as described above, the plurality of configurations may be stored in memory 105. The signal from at least one magnetic sensor 106 may be converted into an index into a list of configurations stored in memory 105. In response to the selected configuration, control logic 104 may change the operation of circuit 102 at 912 by applying data associated with the selected configuration to circuit 102. For example, control logic 104 may load firmware, data, or the like into circuit 102 to change the operation.

[0062] 7 and 11, in some embodiments, the data for each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for the network communication interface 752 of the device 100e. For at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters is different from the set of parameters for another one of the configurations. As described above, the configurations may include parameters related to various networks. One configuration may have a first address and a first gateway, while another configuration has a second address and a second gateway. The control logic 104 may be configured to reconfigure the network communication interface 752 with the different sets of parameters.

[0063] 7 and 12, an X-ray detector 100e will be used as an example of a device 100e. In some embodiments, the operation may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 9. However, at 928, an electrical signal is generated based on the incident X-rays using a sensor 750. At 932, an image is generated in response to the electrical signal. At 936, the image is transmitted by a network communication interface 752. As described above, the configuration of the network communication interface 752 may be changed. Based on the change, the image may be communicated to a different server, over a different network, or the like. In some embodiments, no change may occur in the operation at 932 and 926 due to a change in the operation of the circuit 102 at 912; however, in other embodiments, the operation may be different. That is, in some embodiments, the image may be generated in the same manner but transmitted differently, while in other embodiments, the image may be generated differently.

[0064] 5A, 5B and 13, device 100d will be used as an example. Operation may be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 9. However, at 902, a user interface 114 coupled to the housing may be adjusted. For example, the user interface 114 may be manipulated such that the magnetic element 110 is positioned in a particular state. As a result, each of the magnetic sensors 106-1 to 106-n may receive a different magnetic field than other states of the user interface 114.

[0065] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an X-ray imaging system, according to some embodiments. The X-ray imaging system 1400 includes an X-ray source 1402 and a detector 1410. The X-ray source 1402 may include the device 100 described above or similar. In some embodiments, the X-ray source 1402 includes a plurality of field emitters (FE) 1424. An electron beam from the field emitters 1424 may be directed toward an anode 1426 to generate X-rays 1420. The X-ray source 1402 is positioned relative to the detector 1410 such that the X-rays 1420 may be generated and pass through a sample 1422 and detected by the detector 1410. In some embodiments, the detector 1410 is part of a medical imaging system. In other embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 1400 may include a portable vehicle scanning system as part of a cargo scanning system. The system 1400 may be any system that may include an X-ray detector.

[0066] Some embodiments include a device comprising: a housing 101; a circuit 102 including a sensor array 750 disposed within the housing 101 and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; a memory 105 configured to store data regarding a plurality of configurations for the circuit 102; at least one magnetic sensor 106 disposed within the housing 101; and control logic 104 disposed within the housing 101, the control logic being configured to: receive a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; select among the configurations for the circuit 102 based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and modify an operation of the circuit 102 by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit 102.

[0067] In some embodiments, the circuit 102 has a network communication interface 752; the data associated with each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for the network communication interface 752; and for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters differs from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control logic 104 is further configured to: generate an image in response to the electrical signals; and transmit the image via the network communication interface 752.

[0069] In some embodiments, the control logic 104 is further configured to: receive a modulated signal as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and select among the configurations for the circuit 102 in response to the modulated signal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic sensor 106 includes only a single magnetic sensor 106 .

[0071] Some embodiments include a system including a device described herein, further comprising: a receptacle configured to receive the device; system control logic 104; and a magnetic element 110 / 112; the system control logic 104 configured to: transmit a code to the control logic 104 of the device via the magnetic element 110 / 112 and the at least one magnetic sensor 106.

[0072] In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic sensor 106 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 106; and the control logic 104 is configured to select among the configurations for the circuit 102 in response to signals received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors 106.

[0073] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a user interface 114 coupled to the housing 101; and at least one magnetic element 110; the at least one magnetic element 110 configurable in response to the user interface 114 to be positioned relative to the magnetic sensors 106 such that signals received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors 106 are in different states for at least two positions of the at least one magnetic element 110.

[0074] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: a user interface 114 coupled to the housing 101 and including at least one magnetic element 110 including a magnetic element 112; the control logic 104 is further configured to: receive a modulated signal from the magnetic element 112 as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and select among the configurations for the circuit 102 in response to the modulated signal.

[0075] In some embodiments, the device further comprises: an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield 108 surrounding the circuitry 102 and the at least one magnetic sensor 106 .

[0076] Some embodiments include a method comprising sensing a magnetic field by at least one magnetic sensor 106 disposed within a housing 101 of a device; storing data regarding a plurality of configurations for a circuit 102 including a sensor array 750 disposed within the housing 101 of the device and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; receiving a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor 106 by a control logic 104 within the housing 101; selecting among the configurations for the circuit 102 based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and modifying an operation of the circuit 102 by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit 102.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a user input indicating a first mode or a second mode for the device; in response to the user input indicating the first mode, operating the device to detect a grid adjacent to the device using the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and in response to the user input indicating the second mode, performing the change in operation of the circuit 102 by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit 102.

[0078] In some embodiments, the data for each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for the network communications interface 752 of the device; and for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters differs from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: generating an image in response to the electrical signal; and transmitting the image via the network communication interface 752.

[0080] In some embodiments, receiving the signal by the control logic 104 includes receiving a modulated signal as the signal from the at least one magnetic sensor 106; and selecting among the configurations for the circuit 102 includes selecting among the configurations for the circuit 102 in response to the modulated signal.

[0081] In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic sensor 106 is part of a plurality of magnetic sensors 106 disposed within the housing 101; receiving the signal by the control logic 104 includes, for each of the magnetic sensors 106, receiving a corresponding signal from the magnetic sensor 106; and selecting among the configurations for the circuit 102 includes selecting among the configurations for the circuit 102 in response to the corresponding signal received from each of the magnetic sensors 106.

[0082] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: adjusting a user interface 114 coupled to the housing 101, the user interface including at least one magnetic element 110 such that the user interface 114 is positionable in a plurality of states, and for each of the states, the at least one magnetic element 110 is in a different position relative to the at least one magnetic sensor 106.

[0083] In some embodiments, sensing the magnetic field with the at least one magnetic sensor 106 comprises sensing the magnetic field through an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield surrounding the circuitry 102 and the at least one magnetic sensor 106 .

[0084] Some embodiments include a device comprising: means for operating the device disposed within a housing of the device; means for detecting incident x-rays and generating an electrical signal based on the incident x-rays; means for detecting a magnetic field disposed within the housing of the device; means for receiving a signal within the housing from the means for detecting the magnetic field; and means for modifying operation of the means for operating the device within the housing in response to the signal received from the means for detecting the magnetic field.

[0085] Examples of means for operating the device that are disposed within the device housing include control logic 104, circuitry 102, memory 105, or the like.

[0086] Examples of means for sensing the incident x-rays and generating an electrical signal based on the incident x-rays include a sensor array 750, control logic 104, or the like.

[0087] Examples of means for sensing a magnetic field disposed within the housing of the device include a magnetic sensor 106, control logic 104, or the like.

[0088] An example of a means for receiving a signal within the housing from the means for sensing the magnetic field includes control logic 104, or the like.

[0089] Examples of the means for altering the operation of the means for operating a device within the housing in response to a signal received from the means for sensing a magnetic field include control logic 104, memory 105, circuitry 102, or the like.

[0090] In some embodiments, the device further comprises means for shielding from electromagnetic interference surrounding the means for sensing the magnetic field and the means for operating the device. An example of a means for shielding from electromagnetic interference surrounding the means for sensing the magnetic field and the means for operating the device includes an EMI shield 108.

[0091] Although structures, devices, methods, and systems have been described in accordance with specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications to the specific embodiments are possible, and therefore, any modifications should be considered within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0092] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into this written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims with their dependent claims. Furthermore, additional embodiments that may be derived from the independent and dependent claims below are also expressly incorporated into this written description. These additional embodiments are determined by replacing the dependency of a given dependent claim with the phrase "any of the claims beginning with claim [x] and ending with the claim immediately preceding this claim," where the bracketed term "[x]" is replaced with the number of the most recently mentioned independent claim. For example, with respect to a first set of claims beginning with independent claim 1, claim 4 may depend on any of claims 1 and 3, which separate dependencies result in two separate embodiments; claim 5 may depend on any one of claims 1, 3 or 4, which separate dependencies result in three separate embodiments; claim 6 may depend on any one of claims 1, 3, 4 or 5, which separate dependencies result in four separate embodiments; and so on.

[0093] The reference in a claim to the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements specifically recited in means-plus-function form are intended to be construed as encompassing the corresponding structure, material, or acts described herein, if present, and equivalents thereof, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §112(f). The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: (Other possible items) [Item 1] housing; a circuit having a sensor array disposed within the housing and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; a memory configured to store data relating to a plurality of configurations for the circuit; at least one magnetic sensor disposed within the housing; control logic disposed within the housing, the control logic comprising: receiving a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting among the configurations for the circuit based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; Applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit thereby modifying the operation of the circuit. The control logic is configured as follows: A device comprising: [Item 2] the circuitry having a network communication interface; The data associated with each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for the network communication interface; for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters is different from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations; Item 1. The device according to item 1. [Item 3] The control logic: generating an image in response to said electrical signals; Transmitting the image via the network communication interface. 3. The device according to item 2, further configured as follows: [Item 4] The control logic: receiving a modulated signal as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; Selecting among said configurations for said circuit in response to said modulated signal. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured as follows: [Item 5] Item 5. The device of item 4, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor has only a single magnetic sensor. [Item 6] A system comprising a device according to any one of items 4 to 5, the system comprising: a receptacle configured to receive the device; system control logic; and Modulatable Magnetic Element further comprising; The system control logic comprises: configured to transmit a code to the control logic of the device by the modulatable magnetic element and the at least one magnetic sensor. system. [Item 7] the at least one magnetic sensor comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors; the control logic is configured to select among the configurations for the circuit in response to signals received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors. 7. A device according to any one of items 1 to 6. [Item 8] a user interface coupled to the housing; and At least one magnetic element further comprising; the at least one magnetic element is configurable in response to the user interface to be positioned relative to the magnetic sensors such that a signal received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors is different for at least two positions of the at least one magnetic element. Item 7. The device according to item 7. [Item 9] a user interface including at least one magnetic element coupled to the housing, the magnetic element including a modulatable magnetic element; further comprising; The control logic: receiving a modulated signal from the modulatable magnetic element as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; Selecting among said configurations for said circuit in response to said modulated signal. The method is further configured as follows: 9. A device according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 10] an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield surrounding the circuitry and the at least one magnetic sensor; 10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: [Item 11] sensing the magnetic field with at least one magnetic sensor disposed within a housing of the device; storing data regarding a plurality of configurations for a circuit having a sensor array disposed within the housing of the device and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; receiving, by control logic within the housing, a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting among the configurations for the circuit based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; and modifying the operation of the circuit by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit. A method comprising: [Item 12] receiving a user input indicating a first mode or a second mode for the device; in response to the user input indicating the first mode, operating the device to detect a grid adjacent to the device using the at least one magnetic sensor; and performing the modification of the operation of the circuit by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit in response to the user input indicating the second mode. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: [Item 13] The data for each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for a network communication interface of the device; for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters is different from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations; 13. The method according to any one of items 11 to 12. [Item 14] generating an image in response to said electrical signals; and transmitting said image over said network communication interface. Item 14. The method of item 13, further comprising: [Item 15] Receiving the signal by the control logic includes receiving a modulated signal as the signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting among said configurations for said circuitry comprises selecting among said configurations for said circuitry in response to said modulated signal. 16. The method according to any one of items 11 to 15. [Item 16] the at least one magnetic sensor is part of a plurality of magnetic sensors disposed within the housing; Receiving the signals by the control logic includes, for each of the magnetic sensors, receiving a corresponding signal from the magnetic sensor; selecting among the configurations for the circuitry comprises selecting among the configurations for the circuitry in response to the corresponding signals received from each of the magnetic sensors. 16. The method according to any one of items 11 to 15. [Item 17] adjusting a user interface coupled to the housing, the user interface including at least one magnetic element such that the user interface is positionable in a plurality of states, the at least one magnetic element being in a different position relative to the at least one magnetic sensor for each of the states; 17. The method according to any one of items 11 to 16, further comprising: [Item 18] sensing the magnetic field with the at least one magnetic sensor includes sensing the magnetic field through an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield surrounding the circuitry and the at least one magnetic sensor. 18. The method according to any one of items 11 to 17. [Item 19] A device comprising: means for operating the device disposed within a housing of the device; means for detecting incident x-rays and generating electrical signals based on said incident x-rays; means for sensing a magnetic field disposed within the housing of the device; means for receiving a signal within the housing from the means for sensing the magnetic field; and means for modifying operation of the means for operating the device within the housing in response to the signal received from the means for sensing the magnetic field; A device comprising: [Item 20] Means for shielding from electromagnetic interference surrounding said means for sensing said magnetic field and said means for operating said device. 20. The device of item 19, further comprising:

Claims

1. housing; a circuit having a sensor array disposed within the housing and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; a memory configured to store data regarding a plurality of configurations for the circuit; at least one magnetic sensor disposed within the housing; control logic disposed within the housing, the control logic comprising: receiving a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting a configuration from among the plurality of configurations for the circuit based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; Applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit thereby modifying the operation of the circuit. The control logic is configured as follows: A device comprising:

2. the circuitry having a network communication interface; the data associated with each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for the network communication interface; for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters is different from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations; The device of claim 1 .

3. The control logic: generating an image in response to said electrical signals; Transmitting the image via the network communication interface. The device of claim 2 , further configured to:

4. The control logic: receiving a modulated signal as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; Selecting a configuration from among the plurality of configurations for the circuit in response to the modulated signal. The device of claim 1 , further configured to:

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one magnetic sensor comprises only a single magnetic sensor.

6. 5. A system including the device of claim 4, the system comprising: a receptacle configured to receive the device; system control logic; and Modulatable Magnetic Element Further comprising: The system control logic: configured to transmit a code to the control logic of the device by the modulatable magnetic element and the at least one magnetic sensor. system.

7. the at least one magnetic sensor comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors; the control logic is configured to select a configuration from among the plurality of configurations for the circuit in response to a signal received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. a user interface coupled to the housing; and At least one magnetic element Further comprising: the at least one magnetic element is configurable in response to the user interface to be positioned relative to the magnetic sensors such that signals received from each of the plurality of magnetic sensors are different for at least two positions of the at least one magnetic element. The device of claim 7.

9. a user interface including at least one magnetic element coupled to the housing, the magnetic element including a modulatable magnetic element; Further comprising: The control logic: receiving a modulated signal from the modulatable magnetic element as the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting a configuration from among the plurality of configurations for the circuit in response to the modulated signal; The method is further configured as follows: A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield surrounding the circuitry and the at least one magnetic sensor. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:

11. sensing the magnetic field with at least one magnetic sensor disposed within a housing of the device; storing data regarding a plurality of configurations for a circuit having a sensor array disposed within the housing of the device and configured to generate an electrical signal based on incident x-rays; receiving, by control logic within the housing, a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting a configuration from among the plurality of configurations for the circuit based on the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor; and modifying the operation of the circuit by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit. A method comprising:

12. receiving a user input indicating a first mode or a second mode for the device; in response to the user input indicating the first mode, operating the device to detect a grid adjacent to the device using the at least one magnetic sensor; and performing the modification of the operation of the circuit by applying the data associated with the selected configuration to the circuit in response to the user input indicating the second mode. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. the data for each of the configurations includes a set of parameters for a network communication interface of the device; for at least one of the configurations, the set of parameters is different from a set of parameters for another one of the configurations; The method of claim 11.

14. generating an image in response to said electrical signals; and transmitting said image over said network communication interface. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

15. Receiving the signal by the control logic includes receiving a modulated signal as the signal from the at least one magnetic sensor; selecting among said configurations for said circuitry comprises selecting among said configurations for said circuitry in response to said modulated signal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. the at least one magnetic sensor is part of a plurality of magnetic sensors disposed within the housing; receiving the signals by the control logic includes, for each of the magnetic sensors, receiving a corresponding signal from the magnetic sensor; selecting among the configurations for the circuitry comprises selecting among the configurations for the circuitry in response to the corresponding signals received from each of the magnetic sensors.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

17. adjusting a user interface coupled to the housing, the user interface including at least one magnetic element such that the user interface is positionable in a plurality of states, the at least one magnetic element being in a different position relative to the at least one magnetic sensor for each of the plurality of states.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

18. sensing the magnetic field with the at least one magnetic sensor includes sensing the magnetic field through an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield surrounding the circuitry and the at least one magnetic sensor.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

19. A device comprising: means for operating the device disposed within a housing of the device; means for detecting incident x-rays and generating electrical signals based on said incident x-rays; means for sensing a magnetic field disposed within the housing of the device; means for receiving a signal within the housing from the means for sensing the magnetic field; and means for modifying operation of the means for operating the device within the housing in response to the signal received from the means for sensing the magnetic field. A device comprising:

20. Means for shielding from electromagnetic interference surrounding said means for sensing said magnetic field and said means for operating said device.

20. The device of claim 19 further comprising:

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