Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including an x-ray detector unit that includes an anti-scatter grid free of at least one of a top cover and a bottom cover, a flat panel x-ray detector having an x-ray conversion layer, and an integrated anti-scatter grid assembly configured to provide structural support to the anti-scatter grid and to provide mechanical protection to the flat panel x-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid is configured to absorb a plurality of scattered x-rays impinging on the anti-scatter grid while substantially allowing un-scattered x-rays to pass through the anti-scatter grid. The x-ray conversion layer is configured to convert an x-ray into visible light or an electronic signal. The flat panel x-ray detector is fixed relative to the anti-scatter grid such that the anti-scatter grid remains stationary relative to the flat panel x-ray detector during operation of the x-ray detector.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including an x-ray detector unit that includes an anti-scatter grid free of at least one of a top cover and a bottom cover, a flat panel x-ray detector having an x-ray conversion layer, and an integrated anti-scatter grid assembly configured to provide structural support to the anti-scatter grid and to provide mechanical protection to the flat panel x-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid is configured to absorb a plurality of scattered x-rays impinging on the anti-scatter grid while substantially allowing un-scattered x-rays to pass through the anti-scatter grid. The x-ray conversion layer is configured to convert an x-ray into visible light or an electronic signal. The flat panel x-ray detector is fixed relative to the anti-scatter grid such that the anti-scatter grid remains stationary relative to the flat panel x-ray detector during operation of the x-ray detector.

Abstract: A process of data calibration and correction is disclosed that utilizes feedback from a temperature sensor of an x-ray detector to isolate or otherwise select an appropriate calibration or correction map that is specific to the temperature of the x-ray detector during data acquisition. The method is also designed to take into account changes in power transients of an x-ray detector between the acquisition of imaging data and the acquisition of offset data. The method is particularly applicable in optimally selecting and applying gain correction, conversion factor, bad pixel, and offset calibrations.

Abstract: A process of data calibration and correction is disclosed that utilizes feedback from a temperature sensor of an x-ray detector to isolate or otherwise select an appropriate calibration or correction map that is specific to the temperature of the x-ray detector during data acquisition. The method is also designed to take into account changes in power transients of an x-ray detector between the acquisition of imaging data and the acquisition of offset data. The method is particularly applicable in optimally selecting and applying gain correction, conversion factor, bad pixel, and offset calibrations.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method, system, and apparatus for improved stabilization in solid state x-ray detectors. A method for detecting x-rays includes providing a top layer including an exterior surface and interior surface. The interior surface of the top layer is substantially electrically non-dissipative. The method also includes providing an electrical ground path and an electrically dissipative layer adjacent to the interior surface of the top layer. The electrically dissipative layer is capable of facilitating discharge of static charge from the interior surface of the top layer to the electrical ground path.

Abstract: A detector for a portable imaging system includes a flash memory including a full set of configuration parameters and calibration files. The detector also includes a transmit and receive unit for communicating with the portable imaging system. The detector still further includes a detector controller responding to a request for identification of the detector received through the transmit and receive unit. The detector transmits calibration data and configuration data from the flash memory to the portable imaging system and boots the detector.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first image of a subject at a first position, changing a position between the detector and the subject, obtaining a second image, and pasting the first and images to obtain a composite image. The first image and the second image may have an amount of overlap equal to no more than about 30 percent of a field of view of the detector in a direction of movement between the first image and the second image, and, according to some embodiments, may have an overlap of about 4 percent to about 16 percent. This may, in some embodiments, amount to an amount of overlap of about 1.5 cm to about 6.5 or 12 cm. In some embodiments, the span of overlap of the images is at least about 30 cm. The geometry of the images may be used to help paste the images together appropriately.

Abstract: The present technique involves remote processing and comparison of medical diagnostic images obtained over a period of time. A remote processing system is provided to match and subtract the medical diagnostic images, which may be received from users and gathered from remote image storage systems. Users are able to interact with the remote processing system through uniform interfaces, which may be disposed at medical institutions to provide platform independent interaction with, and remote processing by, the remote processing system. The technique also uses compression routines to facilitate network transfers of images between the uniform interface and the remote processing system.

Abstract: A method and system of electronically detecting and measuring gravitational loads placed on an x-ray detector is disclosed. An x-ray detector incorporates an accelerometer that detects and provides an output as to the extent of gravitational loads or forces placed thereon. The accelerometer may also time and/or date stamp each recorded event such that a technician may determine when the x-ray detector was subjected to a particular load. A microcontroller/microprocessor may also compare a current reading of the accelerometer to a threshold and, based on the comparison, provide an audio or visual indication that the x-ray detector has been subjected to a potentially damaging gravitational load.

Abstract: A method and system of electronically detecting and measuring gravitational loads placed on an x-ray detector is disclosed. An x-ray detector incorporates an accelerometer that detects and provides an output as to the extent of gravitational loads or forces placed thereon. The accelerometer may also time and/or date stamp each recorded event such that a technician may determine when the x-ray detector was subjected to a particular load. A microcontroller/microprocessor may also compare a current reading of the accelerometer to a threshold and, based on the comparison, provide an audio or visual indication that the x-ray detector has been subjected to a potentially damaging gravitational load.

Abstract: A device for use in image pasting is described. The device includes a digital x-ray detector capable of automatic digital imaging without the use of an image intensifier; the detector preferably being a flat-panel detector. Additionally, an image pasting system using a solid-state detector is described. The system can connect the detected images to a display via a network (such as a WAN, a LAN, or the internet). Further, an image geometry measurement device for use in pasting x-ray images is disclosed. The geometry measurement device helps determine the relative position of two images to be used in image pasting. This information can be used alone, or in connection with an image pasting algorithm. Still further, methods of forming composite images are disclosed using a flat-panel detector and using the geometry of the images. The disclosed devices and systems can be integrated with other digital image pasting technology.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.

Abstract: A device for use in image pasting is described. The device includes a digital x-ray detector capable of automatic digital imaging without the use of an image intensifier; the detector preferably being a flat-panel detector. Additionally, an image pasting system using a solid-state detector is described. The system can connect the detected images to a display via a network (such as a WAN, a LAN, or the internet). Further, an image geometry measurement device for use in pasting x-ray images is disclosed. The geometry measurement device helps determine the relative position of two images to be used in image pasting. This information can be used alone, or in connection with an image pasting algorithm. Still further, methods of forming composite images are disclosed using a flat-panel detector and using the geometry of the images. The disclosed devices and systems can be integrated with other digital image pasting technology.

Abstract: An x-ray system (14) including a source of x-rays (15) and a detector (22) monitors the detector with a control (36) that calibrates the detector during a calibration phase of operation and powers the detector during use phases of operation occurring at different times. A processor (28, 36) reads the data created by the pixel elements, analyzes the data and identifies pixel elements corresponding to data indicating defective pixel elements during the calibration phase of operation and during a predetermined portion of a plurality of the use phases of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which improve the perceived quality of a digital image by introducing high frequency noise into the image. In particular, the product of random numbers and a weighting factor determined by the characteristics of the image to be modified are used to generate weighted noise image. When the weighted noise image is added to the image to be modified, the combined image is perceived as having improved image quality.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.

Abstract: An x-ray system (14) including a source of x-rays (15) and a detector (22) monitors the detector with a control (36) that calibrates the detector during a calibration phase of operation and powers the detector during use phases of operation occurring at different times. A processor (28, 36) reads the data created by the pixel elements, analyzes the data and identifies pixel elements corresponding to data indicating defective pixel elements during the calibration phase of operation and during a predetermined portion of a plurality of the use phases of operation.

Abstract: The present technique involves remote processing and comparison of medical diagnostic images obtained over a period of time. A remote processing system is provided to match and subtract the medical diagnostic images, which may be received from users and gathered from remote image storage systems. Users are able to interact with the remote processing system through uniform interfaces, which may be disposed at medical institutions to provide platform independent interaction with, and remote processing by, the remote processing system. The technique also uses compression routines to facilitate network transfers of images between the uniform interface and the remote processing system.

Abstract: An x-ray system (10) include a digital detector (400) that defines two regions: a first region (404) suitable for generating data useful for creating a patient x-ray image and a second region (406) less suitable for generating such data than the first region. A source (20) transmits x-rays through a phantom (420) located between the source and the second region (406) so that the detector (400) generates test data in the second region. A processor (302) measures at least one parameter in response to the test data and stores a value of the parameter at one point of time. The processor compares the first value with a second value of the one parameter generated at a later second point in time. The processor also generates a result signal representing the results of the comparison.

Abstract: An x-ray system (10) include a digital detector (400) that defines two regions: a first region (404) suitable for generating data useful for creating a patient x-ray image and a second region (406) less suitable for generating such data than the first region. A source (20) transmits x-rays through a phantom (420) located between the source and the second region (406) so that the detector (400) generates test data in the second region. A processor (302) measures at least one parameter in response to the test data and stores a value of the parameter at one point of time. The processor compares the first value with a second value of the one parameter generated at a later second point in time. The processor also generates a result signal representing the results of the comparison.