Abstract: An imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a radiation source and a digital detector. The imaging system may also include first and second structures, each configured to receive the digital detector. Further, the imaging system may include system control circuitry configured to control exposure of the digital detector by the radiation source and to acquire image data from the digital detector. Additionally, the digital detector may be configured to communicate its location to the system control circuitry based on receipt of the digital detector by the first or second receiving structures. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a radiation source and a digital detector. The imaging system may also include first and second structures, each configured to receive the digital detector. Further, the imaging system may include system control circuitry configured to control exposure of the digital detector by the radiation source and to acquire image data from the digital detector. Additionally, the digital detector may be configured to communicate its location to the system control circuitry based on receipt of the digital detector by the first or second receiving structures. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and/or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and/or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving performance of a digital detector system, such as in a digital X-ray system. Improved frame rates and enhanced resolutions are achieved by selecting a field of view of interest and processing pixel information only for the selected field of view. Data from a series of rows of the detector are simultaneously processed by restoring charge to pixels of a row, while digitizing signals from a previously recharged row, and transmitting digital signals for a third row for which the signals were previously digitized. Scrubbing of rows outside the selected field of view may be performed as signals are detected and processes for rows within the selected field of view.

Abstract: An x-ray detector (50) includes multiple pixels that receive x-rays. The x-ray detector (50) includes a split scan line (52) that activates the pixels and a data line (54) that conducts charge indicative of the x-rays.

Abstract: The present technique provides a multi-tile detector and a process for assembling the multi-tile detector using a flexible structure and intermediate electrical connections. The present technique minimizes edge gaps between adjacent detector tiles by coupling the detector tiles to the flexible structure and then flexing the flexible structure to close the edge gaps. Intermediate electrical connections, such as interlayer solder bumps, also may be used to minimize visible artifacts associated with tiling of the detector tiles. The present technique also may use a plurality of soldering materials having different melting temperatures to facilitate multiple soldering steps that are nondestructive of previous soldering steps.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is provided to acquire an image. The x-ray detector comprises detector elements that store a charge representative of an x-ray level. The detector elements are arranged in rows and columns. Scan lines are arranged in rows or columns and connect to the detector elements. First and second sets of sensing circuits read the charge from the detector elements. A first set of data lines connects to the first set of sensing circuits and a second set of data lines connects to the second set of sensing circuits. At least one of the data lines from the first set of data lines is interspersed with the second set of data lines.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is provided to acquire an image. The x-ray detector comprises detector elements that store a charge representative of an x-ray level. The detector elements are arranged in rows and columns. Scan lines are arranged in rows or columns and connect to the detector elements. First and second sets of sensing circuits read the charge from the detector elements. A first set of data lines connects to the first set of sensing circuits and a second set of data lines connects to the second set of sensing circuits. At least one of the data lines from the first set of data lines is interspersed with the second set of data lines.

Abstract: The present technique provides a multi-tile detector and a process for assembling the multi-tile detector using a flexible structure and intermediate electrical connections. The present technique minimizes edge gaps between adjacent detector tiles by coupling the detector tiles to the flexible structure and then flexing the flexible structure to close the edge gaps. Intermediate electrical connections, such as interlayer solder bumps, also may be used to minimize visible artifacts associated with tiling of the detector tiles. The present technique also may use a plurality of soldering materials having different melting temperatures to facilitate multiple soldering steps that are nondestructive of previous soldering steps.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving performance of a digital detector system, such as in a digital X-ray system. Improved frame rates and enhanced resolutions are achieved by selecting a field of view of interest and processing pixel information only for the selected field of view. Data from a series of rows of the detector are simultaneously processed by restoring charge to pixels of a row, while digitizing signals from a previously recharged row, and transmitting digital signals for a third row for which the signals were previously digitized. Scrubbing of rows outside the selected field of view may be performed as signals are detected and processes for rows within the selected field of view.

Abstract: A technique is provided for automatically initiating reset of a digital detector. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics, that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The technique incorporates an automatic reset circuit that provides state machines to implement a reset if no readout or scrub command is received within a set time interval, or if communication with a readout control circuit is not available. The technique also includes methods for monitoring inputs, and resetting the charge on the rows and columns of pixels.

Abstract: A technique is provided for increasing the pixel pitch without increasing the interconnect density of a digital detector. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics, that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The detector also having a plurality of scan lines, which are coupled to the plurality of rows of pixels. The present technique also provides a multiplexing circuit for selectively coupling the rows of pixels to the respective scan lines for read out of the signals.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit can be used to select between a high bias current and good noise performance or a low bias current and poorer noise performance. The circuit comprises an input device having high impedance and low noise characteristics. A first current source provides a minimal current level through the input device. Additional current sources provide additional current through the input device to improve noise performance of the circuit. The additional current sources can be switched into the circuit when improved noise performance is required, and switched out of the circuit to conserve power when improved noise performance is not required.

Abstract: A technique is provided for automatically initiating reset of a digital detector. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics, that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The technique incorporates an automatic reset circuit that provides state machines to implement a reset if no readout or scrub command is received within a set time interval, or if communication with a readout control circuit is not available. The technique also includes methods for monitoring inputs, and resetting the charge on the rows and columns of pixels.

Abstract: A technique is provided for increasing the pixel pitch without increasing the interconnect density of a digital detector. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics, that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The detector also having a plurality of scan lines, which are coupled to the plurality of rows of pixels. The present technique also provides a multiplexing circuit for selectively coupling the rows of pixels to the respective scan lines for read out of the signals.

Abstract: An x-ray system (14) reads data from a detector array (22) including detector elements (40) arranged in rows (R1-R280) and columns (C1-C1365). A first group of rows include unneeded data (R1-R127) while a second group of rows include data of interest (R128-R1152). Activation of the detector elements in relation to the exposure of a patient to x-rays to improve efficiency with which the data of interest is read is disclosed. An exposure control (34) activates an x-ray tube (15) to expose the detector to x-rays during a first time period (E1). The first group of rows (R1-R127) are activated at least partially before or during the first time period. The second group of rows (R128-R1152) are activated after the first time period. Data is read from the second group of rows after the first time period.

Abstract: A method for detecting cut data lines in an imaging array having a detector including an array of pixels for measuring radiation, and a plurality of data line contacts is provided. The method includes the steps of initializing pixels of the imaging array which includes a plurality of data lines including at least one uncut data line and at least one cut data line, wherein each cut data line is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of data line contacts and at least one uncommitted contact. The method further includes determining a signal level for the uncut data lines, measuring a signal level of each data line in the plurality of data lines, and determining a number of cut data lines and a number of uncut data lines by using the signal levels received from each data line in the plurality of data.

Abstract: A discrete pixel detector is charge compensated in a plurality of scan modes. In each scan mode a different number of rows of the detector is enabled, and signals produced at discrete pixel locations are read at the detector columns. Charges due to parasitic capacitance between the rows and columns are compensated and balanced by applying a compensation voltage to rows not enabled. The number of rows receiving the compensation voltage varies depending upon the number of enabled rows in each scan mode. A single compensation voltage may be used by applying the compensation voltage to a fixed multiple of the number of enabled rows in each scan mode.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a flexible interconnect circuit for altering the resolution of an imaging system. In one embodiment, by combining a plurality of detector array signal lines within the interconnect circuit, the imaging system resolution is altered. Each interconnect circuit includes a plurality of contacts at a first end and a second end and a plurality of conductors extending therebetween electrically connected to at least one contact at each end. By altering the number of contacts which are connected together, the resolution of the imaging system is altered.