FIRING DELAY FOR RETROFIT DIGITAL X-RAY DETECTOR
A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a sensor interface channel to receive at least an active x-ray emission signal from a sensor positioned operatively near an x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system of the type configured for film or computed radiography. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel can initiate a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel.
This application is a continuation of the following, copending U.S. patent applications, each of which is incorporated by reference into this specification:
Priority is claimed from commonly assigned, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,174, filed Dec. 20, 2011, entitled: FIRING DELAY ON X-RAY EXPOSURE TO PREPARE A RETROFIT DR DETECTOR FOR IMAGE ACQUISITION, in the name of Newman et al.:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/956,517, filed Nov. 30, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,085,901, entitled: FIRING DELAY ON X-RAY EXPOSURE TO PREPARE A RETROFIT DR DETECTOR FOR IMAGE ACQUISITION, in the name of Newman et al.: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/271,962, filed Nov. 17, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,031, entitled: FIRING DELAY ON X-RAY EXPOSURE TO PREPARE A RETROFIT DR DETECTOR FOR IMAGE ACQUISITION, in the name of Newman et al., provisional patent application Ser. Nos. (a) 60/989,144, filed Nov. 20, 2007, entitled FIRING DELAY ON X-RAY EXPOSURE TO PREPARE A RETROFIT DR DETECTOR FOR IMAGE ACQUISITION, in the name of Newman; and (b) 60/989,151, filed Nov. 20, 2007, entitled BUTTON PUSHING MECHANISM FOR A RETROFIT DR DETECTOR, in the name of Urbon, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to digital x-ray imaging and more particularly relates to an apparatus and a method for adapting the timing sequence of a conventional film-based and/or computed radiography (CR) x-ray imaging system for using a retrofit digital radiography (DR) detector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONDR is an alternative to x-ray imaging technologies that rely on photosensitive film layers to capture radiation exposure and thus to produce and store an image of a subject's internal physical features. With digital radiography, the radiation exposure energy captured on radiation sensitive layers of a digital x-ray detector is converted, pixel by pixel, to electronic image data which is then stored in memory circuitry for subsequent read-out and display on suitable electronic image display devices. One of the driving forces in the success of digital radiography is the ability to rapidly visualize and communicate stored images via data networks to one or more remote locations for analysis and diagnosis by the radiologist, without the delay that results when film must be developed and checked, then packaged and mailed or sent by courier to a remote location.
DR is viewed as having some advantages over conventional film-based and earlier computed radiography (CR) systems. For example, DR provides the ability to obtain radiographic image data without the need to move, handle, process, or scan any type of imaging medium following exposure. Data downloaded directly from the DR receiver panel is then available for viewing and diagnosis on-site or at any appropriately networked viewer workstation.
Improvements in performance, miniaturization, and packaging have enabled the development of a portable DR receiver panel that is battery-powered and capable of wireless communication for control signals and image data. Among other advantages, this provides a DR receiver panel having a low-profile design that can be compatible with receiver dimensions used for earlier film and CR systems.
While DR imaging systems have advantages over earlier film and CR systems, replacing such a earlier x-ray system can be very costly, thereby limiting the availability of DR systems as hospitals attempt to maximize their investment in older equipment and to extend its usable lifetime.
To meet the need for the improved capabilities offered by DR imaging, a number of companies that provide x-ray equipment offer retrofit configurations that allow a DR receiver panel to be used with existing x-ray components, in place of a film or CR cassette. Existing retrofit solutions, however, have one or more limitations, in that they:
(a) do not allow use of both earlier types of receivers and the newer DR panels. A retrofit that completely converts existing hardware to DR use but prevents the use of film or CR receivers is less desirable, since both film and CR media have particular strengths and may still be preferred in some types of imaging situations. There would be advantages to a retrofit solution that retains the ability to use the imaging system with film or CR receivers as well as allowing the use of DR receivers.
(b) do not minimize the impact of the retrofit on system hardware. Regulatory requirements for x-ray equipment make it highly undesirable to tamper with internal circuitry or connections, such as those required for a number of retrofit solutions. Invasive reconfiguration of an x-ray control panel could void existing approvals or certifications of the equipment or could even be in violation of regulatory rules and restrictions in some cases.
(c) do not minimize changes to workflow and impact upon patient care. A suitable retrofit solution should add the new capabilities of DR imaging with as little impact as possible on existing practices for positioning the patient and for obtaining exposures.
Thus, while various retrofit solutions have been proposed, there remains a need for a DR retrofit that has little or no impact on existing hardware, is minimally invasive with respect to the components of an existing x-ray system, and does not constrain the system's ability to use earlier film and CR imaging media.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is to advance the art of diagnostic imaging. The invention provides a method and apparatus for retrofitting an existing film-based or CR x-ray imaging apparatus to capture an x-ray image using a DR receiver. A retrofit connection apparatus is provided that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with a DR receiver. The apparatus provides a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the retrofit connection apparatus, and a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal to an x-ray generator. The apparatus responds to the input expose signal over the operator interface channel by initiating a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before transmitting the output expose signal to the x-ray generator over the generator interface channel.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofit solution that is substantially non-invasive, reducing or eliminating the likelihood that inspection or re-certification of equipment by regulatory authorities would be required.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofit solution that allows an x-ray system user to use one or more earlier imaging media types in addition to the newer DR receiver panels.
These objects are given only by way of illustrative example, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.
There is provided a method for obtaining an image by using a digital radiography receiver in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography. The method comprises: providing a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging system for use with the digital radiography receiver by: (a) forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver; (b) forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the retrofit connection apparatus; and (c) forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging system; in response to the input expose signal routed over the operator interface channel, initiating a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel; and transmitting the output expose signal to the x-ray generator over the generator interface channel.
There is provided an apparatus for x-ray imaging. The apparatus comprises an interface component installed as a retrofit to an x-ray imaging system. The interface component comprises: a mode selector for selecting at least a first mode setting for image capture using a digital radiography receiver and a second mode setting for image capture using a removable film or computed radiography cassette; a receiver interface channel for communication with such a digital radiography receiver, a generator interface channel for communication with an x-ray generator of such a system; an operator interface channel for communication with an operator control for receiving at least a first, preparation signal and a second, expose signal from an operator; and a programmed control logic processor that, when the first mode setting is selected, responds to such a second, expose signal from the operator interface channel by initiating a reset of such a digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before transmitting an exposure signal to an x-ray generator of such a system over the generator interface channel.
There is provided an apparatus for x-ray imaging configured to use a digital radiography detector in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography that can include an operator interface channel to communicate with an operator control to receive at least a first, preparation signal and a second, expose signal, and a non-invasive beam detecting apparatus installed as a retrofit to the x-ray imaging system, the non-invasive beam detecting apparatus comprising a sensor configured to detect x-ray exposure on or x-ray exposure off and output a signal for a digital radiographic detector. The sensor can be a non-invasive apparatus to detect x-ray beam on or x-ray beam off.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.
The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures.
Referring to
When the Prep state is complete, an exposure can be taken as soon as the operator advances switch 28 to an Expose state or position.
In this sequence, once conditions are suitable for imaging, the operator advances the switch 28 setting to the Expose state. There is a momentary delay period D1, typically not more than about 1 millisecond, for response of the x-ray generator control circuitry. Current then goes to the anode of x-ray tube 24, which emits the ionizing radiation needed for exposure. At the conclusion of exposure, such as following a preset exposure time or when signalled by an AEC device or other exposure sensing device as described earlier, both rotor and anode current are de-energized and the Idle state resumes.
As is known to x-ray imaging practitioners, a number of additional conditions must also be satisfied to allow the flow of anode current to the x-ray tube. This includes, for example, requirements that equipment interlock conditions be satisfied and that rotor conditions be acceptable.
With different x-ray systems, switch 28 is variously embodied in one of a number of ways. In some systems, switch 28 is a two-position pushbutton mounted on operator console 12. In other systems, switch 28 is embodied as a bank of two pushbuttons or other controls on or near operator console 12, or as a tethered handswitch with a two-position pushbutton switch, connected by a cord that allows freer operator movement.
To provide a retrofit that allows use of a DR receiver panel as the x-ray detector in place of removable cassette 16 of the conventional system of
The timing diagram of
Pressing the Expose switch sends a reset signal to the DR receiver panel. Reset of DR detector image-sensing circuitry typically takes no more than about 300 milliseconds, shown as time period D2 in
It is noted that the timing diagram of
As can be appreciated by comparing the timing diagram of
The schematic diagram of
The schematic diagram of
The schematic block diagram of
Referring to one embodiment of a retrofit apparatus 62 in
Still referring to
Referring to the alternate embodiment of retrofit apparatus 62 shown in
The schematic block diagram of
Yet another alternate embodiment of retrofit apparatus 62 is shown in
The block diagram of
The schematic block diagram of
Continuing with
As shown in
The perspective view of
Switch controller 60 mounts onto operator control console 12 in an appropriate manner. Mechanical fasteners can be used. In one embodiment, switch controller 60 is mounted onto operator control console 12 using adhesive material, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), for example.
The sequence of
The schematic of
In one embodiment using solenoids, the use of two solenoids is advantaged over the use of a single actuator. It can be difficult to obtain a single solenoid capable of the full travel path for each signal position. Moreover, each solenoid has simple operation in the embodiment described with respect to
The alternate switch controller 60 embodiment of
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various types of cable connections can be used for forming each interface channel, in this case, providing Prep and Expose signals from interface and control circuit 30 over generator interface channel 70. Wired or wireless communication could be used from interface and control circuit 30 over any individual interface channel 42, 70, and 72.
X-ray rooms that use film or CR (computed radiography) cassettes to capture X-ray images are well known. These rooms have X-ray generators with a console used to set exposure time and other technique settings, and a button to prep and fire the X-ray beam. Often this button is on the end of a hand held device, referred to as a tethered hand switch, which has a cable plugged into a port on the generator control panel as shown in
An advantage of a DR (digital radiography) detector is that the image is available more quickly, however, those detectors have historically been integrated with an X-ray exposure device so that they can work as a whole system. This can make the installation of a DR system time consuming and expensive since the existing X-ray generator and console are replaced with the integrated DR and X-ray system.
A retrofit DR detector that can use existing X-ray generators and consoles would have a benefit of being quickly and inexpensively installed. However, there exists a need for an interface between a retrofit DR detector and an X-ray generator to delay firing the X-ray beam until the detector is prepared to acquire an image.
In a retrofit DR system, one embodiment of the interface to the existing X-ray console involves unplugging the tethered hand switch from the X-ray Control Panel and plugging a cable from the retrofit DR system into that port as shown in
In another embodiment, the DR detector is not wireless, but tethered with data and power carried in the cable that is wired to the detector as shown in
The retrofit DR system can be configured to detect the end of X-ray exposure after which, it can send a message to the detector to stop integrating. This is shown in
In another embodiment, the retrofit DR system can be configured to have a fixed integration time, one second for example, and the existing X-ray console can be configured to limit the longest X-ray exposure time to a value less than the fixed integration time of the detector. In this way, the DR detector captures the entire X-ray exposure that produces the X-ray image.
Some X-ray Generator Control Panels not only have a tethered hand switch connected to a port, but also have a prep/expose button built right into the face of the panel. However, after integration of the DR system, only the tethered hand switch provides synchronization between the X-ray generator and the DR detector and prevents X-rays to be fired if the DR detector is not ready. Therefore the on-panel prep/expose button is covered to prevent its use. An adhesive is a non-invasive way to attach a cover that is included in the retrofit installation on X-ray control panels that have this extra button.
Exemplary claims include:
-
- 1. A non-invasive integration of a DR system with an existing X-ray generator control panel accomplished by plugging a cable from the DR interface box into the tethered hand switch port on the X-ray generator control panel.
- 2. The DR system of claim 1 wherein a delay is introduced between the closing of the expose hand switch and the signal to the X-ray control panel to expose such that the DR detector is ready to acquire an image before the X-rays begin.
- 3. The DR system of claim 2 wherein the delay is caused by a message sent to the DR detector to prepare for an exposure, and a message returned to the interface box that the detector is ready, guaranteeing that X-rays will not fire unless the detector is ready.
- 4. The DR system of claim 1 wherein a non-invasive means of detecting beam on/off is installed and the detector keeps integrating until beam off is detected.
- 5. The DR system of claim 1 wherein the on-panel prep/expose button is covered to prevent its use and the exposures are made using the hand switch.
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
PARTS LIST
- 10. x-ray imaging system
- 12. Operator control console
- 14. Control room
- 16. Film-based or computed radiography cassette
- 18. Patient
- 20. Radiation room
- 22. x-ray generator
- 24. x-ray tube
- 28. Operator control switch
- 29. Operator control switch
- 30. Interface and control circuit
- 32. Imaging processor
- 34. Display
- 38. Connection apparatus
- 40. DR receiver panel
- 42. DR receiver interface channel
- 44. Communication interface circuit
- 46. Control logic processor
- 48. Transceiver connected to interface and control circuit 30
- 50. Retrofitted imaging system
- 52. Transceiver connected to DR receiver panel 40
- 53, 53′, 54, 55. Connector
- 56. Sensor of anode current in 24
- 58. Control board
- 60. Switch controller
- 62. Retrofit apparatus
- 66. Cover
- 68. Mode selector
- 70. Generator interface channel
- 72. Operator interface channel
- 74. Access panel
- 78. Bypass switch
- 80, 82. Actuator
- 84. Rocker arm
- 86. Pivot
- 88. Shaft
- 90. Wheel
- D1 Delay period after Expose state of 28
- D2 Reset period of DR receiver panel 40
- D3 Period of anode current for x-ray generator 22
Claims
1. An apparatus for x-ray imaging configured to use a digital radiography receiver in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography, comprising:
- a generator interface channel to communicate with an x-ray system of an x-ray imaging system;
- an operator interface channel to communicate with an operator control to receive at least a first, preparation signal and a second, expose signal;
- an interface component installed as a retrofit to the x-ray imaging system, the interface component comprising, a mode selector to select at least a first mode setting for image capture using a digital radiography receiver and a second mode setting for image capture using a removable film or computed radiography cassette, a receiver interface channel to communicate with a digital radiography receiver, a sensor positioned operatively near the x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system to output signals corresponding to detected x-ray exposure on or detected x-ray exposure off, and a programmed control logic processor that, when the first mode setting is selected, responds to the output signals from the sensor by outputting integration control signals for an integration of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel.
2. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 1, where the sensor is configured to detect active x-ray emission of the x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system.
3. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 2, where the digital radiography receiver keeps integrating until the x-ray exposure off is detected.
4. A method for obtaining an image by using a digital radiography receiver in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography, the method comprising:
- providing a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging system for use with the digital radiography receiver by:
- communicating signals to the digital radiography receiver;
- routing at least an expose signal from an operator control to the retrofit connection apparatus; and
- forming a sensor interface channel to receive at least an active x-ray emission signal from a sensor positioned operatively near an x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system of the type configured for film or computed radiography, in response to the active x-ray emission signal routed over the sensor interface channel, controlling an integration of the digital radiography receiver.
5. The method of claim 4, comprising in response to the expose signal routed over the operator interface channel, initiating a reset of the digital radiography receiver.
6. An apparatus for x-ray imaging configured to use a digital radiography detector in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography, comprising:
- an operator interface channel to communicate with an operator control to receive at least a first, preparation signal and a second, expose signal; and
- a non-invasive beam detecting apparatus installed as a retrofit to the x-ray imaging system, the non-invasive beam detecting apparatus comprising a sensor configured to detect x-ray exposure on or x-ray exposure off and output a signal for a digital radiographic detector.
7. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 6, where the sensor is a non-invasive apparatus to detect x-ray beam on or x-ray beam off.
8. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 7, where the digital radiography detector is configured to integrate until the sensor detection of x-ray beam off.
9. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 6, where the sensor is a non-invasive apparatus to detect x-ray exposure.
10. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 6, where the sensor is an x-ray tube current sensor operatively coupled to an x-ray tube anode cable.
11. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 6, where the sensor is configured to detect active x-ray emission of the x-ray source of the x-ray imaging system.
12. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 1, where the sensor is communicatively coupled to the digital radiography detector.
13. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 6, further comprising:
- an x-ray generator coupled to an x-ray source of an x-ray system; a generator interface channel to communicate with the x-ray generator of the x-ray system;
- where the non-invasive beam detecting apparatus comprises, an interface component comprising a mode selector to select at least a first mode setting for image capture using the digital radiography detector and a second mode setting for image capture using a removable film cassette or computed radiography cassette, and a programmed control logic processor that, when the first mode setting is selected, responds to the second, expose signal from the operator interface channel by initiating a reset of the digital radiography detector over a detector interface channel.
14. The apparatus for x-ray imaging of claim 13, where the sensor is configured to communicate to the digital radiography detector using the non-invasive beam detecting apparatus.
15. An apparatus for x-ray imaging configured to use a digital radiography detector in an x-ray imaging system of a type configured for film or computed radiography, comprising:
- x-ray means for generating x-ray beam emission;
- non-invasive beam detecting means for detecting x-ray beam emission on or x-ray beam emission off, where the non-invasive beam detecting means is operatively coupled to the x-ray means for generating x-ray beam emission; and
- interface means for communicating terminate exposure upon detection of x-ray beam emission off, where the interface means for communicating is coupled between the non-invasive beam detecting means for detecting and a digital radiography detector.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising operator interface means for communicating with an operator control to receive at least a first, preparation signal and a second, expose signal.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, where in response to the second, expose signal, the digital radiography receiver is reset.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 7, 2012
Publication Date: Mar 21, 2013
Inventors: Peter A. Newman (Pittsford, NY), Michael P. Urbon (Churchville, NY)
Application Number: 13/670,500
International Classification: H05G 1/58 (20060101); H05G 1/56 (20060101); G01N 23/04 (20060101);