Exposure control based on detector movement
Inventors
MCCOMBER, Brandon • Colwell, Brian M. • WILKINS, Damon • Warner, Scott
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11957502-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A radiographic imaging system having a number of useable digital radiographic detectors selectively activates one of the detectors to capture a radiographic image. The DR detectors each include a movement detector configured to transmit a movement signal when a movement of the corresponding detector is sensed. A portion of the system is disabled in response to receiving a movement signal transmitted from a motion sensor in a detector other than the active detector.
Core Innovation
A radiographic imaging system comprises an x-ray source and a plurality of digital radiographic (DR) detectors, where each DR detector comprises a motion sensor. Each motion sensor is configured to transmit a movement signal when the corresponding detector is moved, and the movement signal is received in a manner that associates it with a detector that is not designated as the active detector.
The imaging system is configured to designate one of the plurality of DR detectors as an active detector. In response to receiving a movement signal transmitted from a motion sensor corresponding to a detector other than the active detector, the imaging system disables activation of the x-ray source, or disables activation of at least a portion of the imaging system.
In some aspects, the imaging system ignores a movement signal transmitted from the motion sensor corresponding to the active detector. In further aspects, the imaging system can reenable after it has been disabled, in response to operator input requesting re-enablement.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a radiographic imaging system and an operating method that use motion-sensor movement signals from multiple DR detectors, with one designated active detector, to control activation of the x-ray source or portions of the imaging system. Three inventive features are emphasized.
Designating an active detector and disabling x-ray source activation from non-active detector movement
A radiographic imaging system comprises an x-ray source and a plurality of DR detectors, each DR detector comprising a motion sensor configured to transmit a movement signal when the corresponding detector is moved. The imaging system designates one of the plurality of DR detectors as an active detector, and disables activation of the x-ray source in response to receiving a movement signal transmitted from a motion sensor corresponding to a detector other than the active detector.
Operating by designating one active detector and disabling when non-active detector movement is detected
A method of operating an x-ray imaging system provides a plurality of DR detectors for use with the x-ray imaging system, where each DR detector has a corresponding motion sensor that transmits a movement signal when the motion sensor is moved. The method designates only one of the plurality of DR detectors as an active detector, and disables the imaging system when a movement signal is received from a motion sensor corresponding to a detector that is not designated as the active detector.
Disabling activation of at least a portion based on movement from a non-active detector
A radiographic imaging system comprises a plurality of DR detectors, each DR detector comprising a motion sensor configured to transmit a movement signal when a corresponding detector is moved. The imaging system designates only one of the plurality of DR detectors as an active detector, and disables activation of at least a portion of the imaging system in response to receiving a movement signal transmitted from a motion sensor corresponding to a detector other than the active detector.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is centralized on using movement signals from motion sensors on multiple DR detectors, designating only one detector as the active detector, and disabling activation of the x-ray source or at least a portion of the imaging system when movement is detected from a detector other than the active detector. Dependent claim refinements include ignoring movement signals from the active detector and reenabling after disabling in response to operator input.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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