Abstract: Providing an operator with information concerning radiation dose associated with an imaging operation is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the dose information may be provided in conjunction with indicators related to reference dose levels to facilitate evaluation of the dose in the context of the reference levels. The dose information may be based on real-time assessment of dose or may be an expected dose based on a proposed or planned sequence of exposure events. Further the indication may be prospective, providing an indication to the operator of when certain dose thresholds may be crossed.

Abstract: A medical imaging analysis method includes the step of receiving parameter data from an imaging component. The parameter data corresponds to at least two imaging operations and encodes at least two parameter sets corresponding to the at least two imaging operations. The method further includes the step of comparing the at least two parameter sets to identify a grouping that repeats between the parameter sets a number of times that exceeds a first threshold, an implemented change to a default parameter that repeats between the parameter sets a number of times that exceeds a second threshold, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for archiving x-ray fluoroscopy images are provided. One method includes receiving fluoroscopic images from a fluoroscopic imaging system and storing all of the received fluoroscopic images during an image acquisition scan by the fluoroscopic imaging system. The received fluoroscopic images are displayed during the image acquisition scan.

Abstract: Medical imaging systems including an operator workstation and control circuitry are provided. The operator workstation is adapted to enable an operator to operate a medical imaging device in accordance with operator preferences, and the control circuitry is adapted to display an operator interface on a display portion of the operator workstation to enable an autofilling option for the operator. When the operator selects the autofilling option, the control circuitry is adapted to automatically populate a sheet with a series of acquired medical images in a spatial arrangement determined based on predetermined preferences.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable radiological imaging system includes a portable base station having an X-ray source and a power supply, a wireless X-ray detector configured to receive X-ray radiation from the source and to generate image data based upon the received radiation, and a portable image processing system removably carried by the base station and configured to receive the image data from the detector and to process the image data to produce and display a user-viewable image derived from the image data.

Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which signals are modified within a system. A signal conditioning module is configured for insertion into the system and provides capability for expansion of information exchange capabilities between system elements responsive to modification of the system. The signal conditioning module includes a first link for supplying coordinated information to multiple display elements to synchronize information displayed by each of the multiple display elements, a second link for supplying coordinating data internal to a control system for a nondestructive imaging system to synchronize the internal data with the information displayed by each of the multiple elements and a third link for supplying coordination descriptions relevant to a nondestructive imaging task performed by the system to a memory, including an image and data relevant to that image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base station. The method also includes determining the current status of each detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.

Abstract: Providing an operator with information concerning radiation dose associated with an imaging operation is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the dose information may be provided in conjunction with indicators related to reference dose levels to facilitate evaluation of the dose in the context of the reference levels. The dose information may be based on real-time assessment of dose or may be an expected dose based on a proposed or planned sequence of exposure events. Further the indication may be prospective, providing an indication to the operator of when certain dose thresholds may be crossed.

Abstract: An x-ray grid alignment circuit for coupling an x-ray grid to a detector includes a marker configured to be mounted to the x-ray grid, a sensor configured to be mounted to the detector, the sensor generating an alignment signal based on a position of the marker, and an alignment module configured to receive the alignment signal from the sensor and utilize the alignment signal to determine if the x-ray grid is coupled to a detecting face of the detector. A detector assembly including the x-ray grid alignment circuit and a method of coupling an x-ray grid to a detector are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for archiving x-ray fluoroscopy images are provided. One method includes receiving fluoroscopic images from a fluoroscopic imaging system and storing all of the received fluoroscopic images during an image acquisition scan by the fluoroscopic imaging system. The received fluoroscopic images are displayed during the image acquisition scan.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable radiological imaging system includes a portable base station having an X-ray source and a power supply, a wireless X-ray detector configured to receive X-ray radiation from the source and to generate image data based upon the received radiation, and a portable image processing system removably carried by the base station and configured to receive the image data from the detector and to process the image data to produce and display a user-viewable image derived from the image data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base station. The method also includes determining the current status of each detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.

Abstract: An x-ray grid alignment circuit for coupling an x-ray grid to a detector includes a marker configured to be mounted to the x-ray grid, a sensor configured to be mounted to the detector, the sensor generating an alignment signal based on a position of the marker, and an alignment module configured to receive the alignment signal from the sensor and utilize the alignment signal to determine if the x-ray grid is coupled to a detecting face of the detector. A detector assembly including the x-ray grid alignment circuit and a method of coupling an x-ray grid to a detector are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which signals are modified within a system. A signal conditioning module is configured for insertion into the system and provides capability for expansion of information exchange capabilities between system elements responsive to modification of the system. The signal conditioning module includes a first link for supplying coordinated information to multiple display elements to synchronize information displayed by each of the multiple display elements, a second link for supplying coordinating data internal to a control system for a nondestructive imaging system to synchronize the internal data with the information displayed by each of the multiple elements and a third link for supplying coordination descriptions relevant to a nondestructive imaging task performed by the system to a memory, including an image and data relevant to that image.

Abstract: A method for regulating a scan dosage includes generating an initial technique command based on default patient size or the previous exposure and on completion of exposure, receiving the actual technique signal. A target entrance dose signal is determined based a default patient size, and tube current is regulated in response to the target entrance dose signal and dose feedback. Image brightness is independently controlled in response to the target entrance dose and average image brightness. An object size is estimated based on the actual technique signal and an image brightness feedback. An optimized generator technique is defined based on estimated object size to achieve a target image quality for the user selected contrast material.

Abstract: A method for regulating a scan dosage includes generating an initial technique command based on default patient size or the previous exposure and on completion of exposure, receiving the actual technique signal. A target entrance dose signal is determined based a default patient size, and tube current is regulated in response to the target entrance dose signal and dose feedback. Image brightness is independently controlled in response to the target entrance dose and average image brightness. An object size is estimated based on the actual technique signal and an image brightness feedback. An optimized generator technique is defined based on estimated object size to achieve a target image quality for the user selected contrast material.