The application generally relates to digital x-ray imaging methods and systems, and more specifically, to methods and/or systems that use digital radiography (DR) detectors, and more particularly to a modular accessory package for a portable DR detector.
Portable DR detectors are used with many varied radiographic systems such as in-room mobile radiographic systems, portable radiographic systems, NDT systems, at many varied examination locations, such as in field use, under bedridden patients, and at many varied conditions. Using portable DR detectors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities now have expanded capability for obtaining x-ray images, including images obtained at the patient bedside. Expanded opportunities for radiographic imaging in NDT and security applications, veterinary applications, and outdoor use are now possible using DR detectors, including both tethered and wireless DR detectors.
Among the challenges faced in adapting to a broad range of environments is the need for highly adaptable packaging solutions that provide added capabilities for support of the DR detector in different applications. Not only is it necessary to protect the sensitive DR detector from damage in various environments; additional usability factors must also be considered.
Conventional packaging solutions for x-ray cassettes and electronic sensor components fail to take advantage of lightweight DR detector design and the use of more flexible thin substrates. Thus, it can be appreciated that there is a need for improved modular accessory housing or kits for portable DR detectors.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An object of the present disclosure is to advance the art of digital radiography, with particular attention to DR detector packaging. Embodiments of the present disclosure address the need to provide modular packaging solutions that provide a protective encasement for the DR detector, allow addition of a number of support features, and help to make the DR detector more readily usable in a wide range of applications.
These objects are given only by way of illustrative examples, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.
In one embodiment, an enclosure for a standalone DR detector includes a handle, a connector configured to electrically and mechanically engage the DR detector and an accessory cavity to provide storage space for an accessory that is electrically and mechanically engageable to the DR detector.
In one embodiment, there is provided a protective enclosure for a standalone DR detector comprising a shell configured to cover one or more surfaces of the DR detector, a handle for carrying the DR detector, a connector for an external tether, and an accessory cavity providing storage space for one or more accessories.
In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that provides a shell having an interior space configured to receive and enclose a standalone DR detector. The shell includes a cavity to receive an accessory. The DR detector is inserted into the shell and a tether is electrically and mechanically connected to the enclosed DR detector through an opening in the shell. A position locator is placed within the cavity, and is configured to determine a location of the position locator and to transmit its location to a receiver, while the DR detector is used in the normal course.
The summary descriptions above are not meant to describe individual separate embodiments whose elements are not interchangeable. In fact, many of the elements described as related to a particular embodiment can be used together with, and possibly interchanged with, elements of other described embodiments. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. The drawings below are intended to be drawn neither to any precise scale with respect to relative size, angular relationship, relative position, or timing relationship, nor to any combinational relationship with respect to interchangeability, substitution, or representation of a required implementation.
This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.
So that the manner in which the features of the invention can be understood, a detailed description of the invention may be had by reference to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the invention encompasses other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Thus, for further understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:
Currently, DR detectors that are used in a medical facility compared to DR detectors used in portable or field use are different in several respects, but can be served by a common DR detector configured with optional accessories. Embodiments of an accessory container, housing, shell or enclosure for portable DR detectors can provide a system solution and can provide a set of capabilities using modular accessory attachments. Embodiments of an accessory container for portable DR detectors can include a flexible enclosure that acts as a skin, dependent on the form of the DR detector body for structural shape. The accessory enclosure can be a disposable low cost shell providing environmental protection, such as a fluid tight seal, but with reduced shock protection. The accessory enclosure can have suitable environmental robustness, e.g., conforming to military standard guidelines. Such a container or housing may be used for different x-ray exposure techniques. The embodiments disclosed herein pertain to an accessory shell, case, or housing compatible with a fully operable standalone DR detector that may be typically used in the field without such an accessory shell.
According to one embodiment, the accessory shell, housing or enclosure can be closable or sealable in a fluid-tight fashion. The accessory shell or enclosure may be formed as a modular unit to independently accessorize features for various applications.
A number of radiographic applications require a level of environmental robustness and x-ray exposure technique latitude. For example, field use at temperatures from −40° to 140° F.; proofing from or resistance against water and bodily fluids (medical) and rain (non-destructive testing); ruggedness to withstand drops from 4 feet, such as for military standards; backscatter control from poorly collimated and/or pointed x-ray sources as well as from higher energy beams; accommodation of source-detector alignment instruments; a handle to improve ergonomics; and structure to attach source-detector alignment aids, such as a bucky.
Certain exemplary accessory shell or enclosure embodiments can provide various features, including: a removable handle and removable grid; a removable backscatter shield; alternate radio (space allocation only); a manual only, tool free implementation; a robust non-slip surface; alternate digital image transport (e.g., flash memory, space allocation only; battery access; environmental seal; tube to grid alignment; DR detector location detection; dual energy sync circuitry; extra battery; increased bending resistance; point loading capacity; high speed ports; information and status display; inductive battery charging; and backwards system compatibility.
Accessory shell or enclosure embodiments may include a sealable flexible envelope with bumpers, pockets, and an attached handle that may be used to house power and electronics. The accessory shell or enclosure may include the following characteristics: connects power/communications from enclosed internal DR detector to outside connector, retaining water resistance; accommodates a selection of accessories, such as a snap-on grid, a backscatter shield in a pocket, source alignment instruments, temperature controller with portable flat panel DR detector (FPD) battery and insulated blanket.
Certain exemplary accessory shell or enclosure embodiments can provide high image quality, low cost, light weight, disposability (inexpensive vacuum formed plastic shell), scratch and abrasion protection, surface treatment to increase gripping friction, drop-shock and weight bearing durability, fast image access and cycle time, fast availability from cold start, long battery charge life, reliable operation, fast and easy movement/registration between various host systems, support of dual energy and tomosynthesis, abuse sensing and indicating components. Non-bucky imaging features may include source to DR detector alignment aids, fluid and particle tolerance, high backscatter tolerance due to poor exposure technique/alignment, attitude sensing, location tracking, and roaming, proprietary point-to-point connectivity option.
In certain exemplary embodiments, a portable DR detector accessory kit, shell, enclosure, or sleeve can provide continued compatibility with commercially available film/CR cassette accessory devices such as slip on grids, protective bags, positioning stands/holders, and protective shells for high weight bearing exams. In addition, a snap-on handle that is light weight, with cavities to accommodate additional Power over Ethernet connected radio such as UWB or alternative non-802.11 for mobile; optional USB or PoE powered accessories such as pulse oximeter, position locators, audio alarms for unintended out-of-range transport or anti-theft warning. (USB provided from PoE to USB converter). New accessory shell with handle that accepts the various sized cassettes, has high fluid and particle resistance, and allows several options, such as mechanical features that interface with position holding devices (orthopedic, veterinary, cross-table stands, kick-stand and robot grippers for NDT-security); and reduced power consumption, local radio such as ZigBee or IEEE 802.15.4 for wake-up.
Additional exemplary accessory shell or enclosure embodiments can provide a magnetic tether connector running Power over Ethernet, passes the tether connection to second connector outside of the shell housing to enable interface with other Ethernet or charge circuit connections. An alternative construction could include thermal insulation, a temperature controller and material for extreme temperature tolerance.
Shell 110 can have an electrical connector 132, used for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection to a power source of the DR detector 150 and/or to a processor or digital electronics of the DR detector 150. Shell 110 can provide an externally exposed connector 132′ to electrically and mechanically engage devices external to the DR detector to establish electrical and digital communication to the processor or digital electronics of the DR detector 150 via the electrical connector 132. Shell 110 can include one or more recesses, mounts, or pockets such as pocket 134 for receiving a radiopaque sheet, or layer, 115 such as a lead sheet to provide additional backscatter shielding. The radiopaque sheet 115 may also be made from a material designed for temperature control. The shell 110 may include bumpers 136 on side walls thereof for absorbing shock. The side walls of the shell 110 are disposed parallel to the side wall surfaces of the DR detector 150 when the DR detector 150 is inserted therein.
In one embodiment, a temperature control unit may be mounted within the modular accessory enclosure 100, touching or adjacent to one or more surfaces of the DR detector 150. Further, the temperature control unit can be configured to cool or heat a nearby surface of the DR detector from a single position. The temperature control unit can be responsive to a control signal for controlling a temperature magnitude. In one embodiment, the temperature control unit can maintain a selected temperature or temperature range for the inserted DR detector, wherein the range can be dependent on a detector operating mode. For example, a first temperature range can be selected for a dual energy operating detector mode. A second, smaller temperature range can then be selected for a tomosysnthesis operating detector mode. In one embodiment, the temperature control unit can be passive (e.g., an insulating sheet or sleeve). The temperature control unit can be used at a patient's bed, self-powered, or powered by an enclosed DR detector.
As shown in
In one embodiment, a synch generator unit 146 can be mounted to an attachable DR detector 250 via the modular accessory container 200 to match x-ray activation timing with involuntary patient cardiac or respiratory movement detected by the pulse oximeter 152, and configured to communicate movement information to a controller of an associated radiographic imaging system through the attachable DR detector. The DR detector can use wired or wireless communication to transfer the movement information to the synch generator unit 146 which analyzes movement data, e.g., heartbeat, breathing, physical movement, in order to determine when the patient movement is at a constant relative position, e.g., at rest between heartbeats, breath held/released, and thereby provide a signal that may be used to activate x-ray exposure, or for multiple exposures, e.g., dual energy exposure.
In one embodiment, a tracking device 148 mounted to the modular accessory container 200 can be configured to emit wireless signals that report the current DR detector location when connected to a power source of an enclosed DR detector. In one embodiment, an associated radiographic imaging system can include additional hardware for monitoring a plurality of remote DR detectors to track their locations using corresponding tracking devices. In one embodiment, a central location can monitor a plurality of remote DR detectors for their location using corresponding powered tracking devices.
In one embodiment, accessories for the modular accessory shell 200 can use power supplied from a battery or power source of the DR detector 250 rather than requiring an additional battery in each of the accessory devices. As shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
It is also be beneficial to use the accessory shell 310 without anti-scatter material to protect the back surface of the portable DR detector from scratches and abrasion. In one embodiment, the accessory shell can be a vacuum formed plastic shell. Vacuum-formed plastic material can be made very thin, e.g., on the order of 15 to 20 mils, so that the plastic accessory shell does not appreciably add to the overall thickness of the DR detector 350, and accordingly, the accessory shell 310 can be used with the portable DR detector 350 in standard radiological equipment such as in Bucky drawers without interference.
In one embodiment, the back cover accessory shell 310 may be placed without anti-scatter plate 315 over the (e.g., top and/or bottom) portable DR detector 350 to protect the top and/or bottom surface of the DR detector. Further, since the accessory plastic shell 310 is very low cost, the accessory shell 310 can be disposed of when worn from use and can be easily replaced with a new accessory shell 310 of the same type. In one embodiment, another complementary low cost accessory shell can be used to cover the top surface. As shown in
In one embodiment, the top accessory shell 320 can have a flexible flap 327 at one end of the shell as shown in
In one embodiment, an accessory shell can also include an anti-scatter grid. As shown in
The versatility of a wireless portable DR detector includes its ability to be carried from one location to another throughout a medical facility. A portable DR detector is typically carried around by medical staff members who use the DR detector to image patients in different locations. Due to frequent handling there is an increased risk that an expensive portable DR detector might be dropped and damaged. One way to reduce this risk is to provide a non slip surface treatment to the outer surfaces of a DR detector. However, this is usually impractical because non slip surfaces can interfere with the placement of the DR detector under a patient. Also, a non slip surface over time will tend to wear out during normal usage and the non slip performance will degraded.
To reduce the risk of dropping a portable DR detector, medical staff can insert the portable DR detector into an accessory shell treated with a non-slip surface material that increases surface friction. When it is desired to place the portable DR detector under a patient the non slip accessory shell can be removed. Once the radiological images are taken the accessory shell can be placed back on the DR detector for carrying to another location. Since the accessory shell is made inexpensively it can be disposed of and replaced with a new one when the non slip surface treatment becomes degraded.
In one exemplary embodiment, it is advantageous to have an accessory shell that has had a non-slip surface treatment applied to the accessory shell. The accessory shell can appear as shown in
In one embodiment, a handle 130 can be included as part of a detachable accessory shell or back cover accessory shell.
DR detector 500 has compact electronics packaging and a durable waterproof housing with low-attenuation edges. Edges E can be narrowed to lower attenuation along the periphery. Rounded edges E can be provided for ease of handling and patient comfort. A display 502 can show charge level and DR detector status, including status of image storage. Wireless or contact charge input can be provided. Wireless communication can also be provided for synchronization and image transfer.
Exemplary embodiments herein can be applied to digital radiographic imaging panels that use indirect DR detectors having a scintillating screen and/or direct DR detectors having an array of pixels comprising X-ray absorbing photoconductors and readout circuits.
It should be noted that while the present description and examples are primarily directed to radiographic medical imaging of a human or other subject, embodiments of apparatus and methods of the present application can also be applied to other radiographic imaging applications. This includes applications such as non-destructive testing (NDT), for which radiographic images may be obtained and provided with different processing treatments in order to accentuate different features of the imaged subject.
Embodiments of radiographic imaging systems and/methods described herein contemplate methods and program products on any computer readable media for accomplishing its operations. Certain exemplary embodiments accordingly can be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system.
Consistent with exemplary embodiments, a computer program with stored instructions that perform on image data accessed from an electronic memory can be used. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the image processing arts, a computer program implementing embodiments herein can be utilized by a suitable, general-purpose computer system, such as a personal computer or workstation. However, many other types of computer systems can be used to execute computer programs implementing embodiments, including networked processors. Computer program for performing method embodiments or apparatus embodiments may be stored in various known computer readable storage medium (e.g., disc, tape, solid state electronic storage devices or any other physical device or medium employed to store a computer program), which can be directly or indirectly connected to the image processor by way of the internet or other communication medium. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the equivalent of such a computer program product may also be constructed in hardware. Computer-accessible storage or memory can be volatile, non-volatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and non-volatile types.
It will be understood that computer program products implementing embodiments of this application may make use of various image manipulation algorithms and processes that are well known. It will be further understood that computer program products implementing embodiments of this application may embody algorithms and processes not specifically shown or described herein that are useful for implementation. Such algorithms and processes may include conventional utilities that are within the ordinary skill of the image processing arts. Additional aspects of such algorithms and systems, and hardware and/or software for producing and otherwise processing the images or co-operating with computer program product implementing embodiments of this application, are not specifically shown or described herein and may be selected from such algorithms, systems, hardware, components and elements known in the art.
While the invention has been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention can have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations/embodiments, such feature can be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations/embodiments as can be desired and advantageous for any given or particular function.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/467,842, provisionally filed on Mar. 7, 2017, entitled “DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE MODULE”, in the names of Timothy J. Wojcik, Bradley S. Jadrich, and Jeffery R. Hawver, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62467842 | Mar 2017 | US |