Abstract: A medical radiology system comprises an external x-ray source (1) and a CMOS image sensor (2) that is connected via a USB link (4) by way of USB peripheral of a device (3) for digitally processing the image data of the sensor. A tracking device is placed on the USB link (4) in order to continuously read and decode the data transmitted over this link in a way that is transparent to the device and to the sensor, and to detect, in the transmitted data stream, one particular datum (XAMC=1) representing a signal indicating detection, by the sensor, that a sufficient dose of radiation has been received. On detection of this particular datum, the tracking device sends an electrical signal Stop-X to the radiation source, in order to stop the emission of the radiation. The system is especially suitable for taking dental radiology images with an intra-oral CMOS sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical imaging and more particularly to intra-oral dental radiology. It proposes a radiological imaging assembly comprising an intra-oral image sensor 10, in which the sensor has an active face A corresponding to the photosensitive surface, and a mirror M1 which is placed in front of the active face of the sensor, the mirror face reflecting the visible light being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor, toward an X-ray source. The mirror can be disposed on the sensor itself, on the front face cap 23 of the encapsulation housing 20 of the sensor and/or on the outer face of an accessory containing or supporting the sensor, the outer face being turned in the same direction as the active face of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical imaging and, more specifically, to intraoral dental radiology. The sensor according to the invention includes a series (SPHx) of detection photodiodes for detecting the arrival of an X-ray flash. The series of photodiodes occupies the location of a central column of the matrix of pixels. The signal of the missing pixel in each row can be reconstructed by interpolating the signals provided by the adjacent pixels of the row. The detection photodiodes are identical to the photodiodes of the active CMOS pixels. They are all electrically connected on one side to a reference potential and on the other side to a detection conductor (CD) extending along the series of photodiodes. This detection conductor is connected to a detection circuit (DX) delivering a signal for triggering the capture of an image when the detected current or the variation in this current exceeds a threshold showing that an X-ray flash has been initiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical imaging and, more specifically, to intraoral dental radiology. The sensor according to the invention includes a series (SPHx) of detection photodiodes for detecting the arrival of an X-ray flash. The series of photodiodes occupies the location of a central column of the matrix of pixels. The signal of the missing pixel in each row can be reconstructed by interpolating the signals provided by the adjacent pixels of the row. The detection photodiodes are identical to the photodiodes of the active CMOS pixels. They are all electrically connected on one side to a reference potential and on the other side to a detection conductor (CD) extending along the series of photodiodes. This detection conductor is connected to a detection circuit (DX) delivering a signal for triggering the capture of an image when the detected current or the variation in this current exceeds a threshold showing that an X-ray flash has been initiated.

Abstract: A medical radiology system comprises an external x-ray source (1) and a CMOS image sensor (2) that is connected via a USB link (4) by way of USB peripheral of a device (3) for digitally processing the image data of the sensor. A tracking device is placed on the USB link (4) in order to continuously read and decode the data transmitted over this link in a way that is transparent to the device and to the sensor, and to detect, in the transmitted data stream, one particular datum (XAMC=1) representing a signal indicating detection, by the sensor, that a sufficient dose of radiation has been received. On detection of this particular datum, the tracking device sends an electrical signal Stop-X to the radiation source, in order to stop the emission of the radiation. The system is especially suitable for taking dental radiology images with an intra-oral CMOS sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates notably to large-sized image sensors or image sensors with a large number of rows. Each column of pixels is organized in P superposed blocks. A row decoder organized as P identical decoders selects one row out of M in each of the P blocks. Each block is linked to one respective column conductor out of P column conductors. P read circuits CL1 to CL4 are placed at the foot of each column of pixels and each is connected to a respective column conductor. The signals from the P rows selected by the decoder can be extracted simultaneously or else they can be selected by a specific decoder which selects one read circuit out of the P read circuits of each column. The matrix can be produced by photolithography, by abutting identical matrix portions, for example P different portions corresponding to P identical regions ZB1 to ZB4.

Abstract: The invention relates notably to large-sized image sensors or image sensors with a large number of rows. Each column of pixels is organized in P superposed blocks. A row decoder organized as P identical decoders selects one row out of M in each of the P blocks. Each block is linked to one respective column conductor out of P column conductors. P read circuits CL1 to CL4 are placed at the foot of each column of pixels and each is connected to a respective column conductor. The signals from the P rows selected by the decoder can be extracted simultaneously or else they can be selected by a specific decoder which selects one read circuit out of the P read circuits of each column. The matrix can be produced by photolithography, by abutting identical matrix portions, for example P different portions corresponding to P identical regions ZB1 to ZB4.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral dental radiology sensor. The sensor comprises an electronic image acquisition module and a molded casing made of a hard plastic which is locally provided with overmoldings made of a softer plastic having the consistency of smooth rubber, covering the hard plastic in areas located on the outside of the casing and corresponding to projecting angular portions of the hard plastic, and also in areas located inside the casing at places where the electronic module may bear. The soft plastic is preferably a copolymer of the SEBS (styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene) type whereas the hard plastic is preferably a polyamide. The patient's comfort is improved and the module is better protected against shocks without increasing its size.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral dental radiology sensor. The sensor comprises an electronic image acquisition module and a molded casing made of a hard plastic which is locally provided with overmoldings made of a softer plastic having the consistency of smooth rubber, covering the hard plastic in areas located on the outside of the casing and corresponding to projecting angular portions of the hard plastic, and also in areas located inside the casing at places where the electronic module may bear. The soft plastic is preferably a copolymer of the SEBS (styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene) type whereas the hard plastic is preferably a polyamide. The patient's comfort is improved and the module is better protected against shocks without increasing its size.