Abstract:
A digital radiography system, having an X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector, for capturing an image of a subject. The system has a moveable base that is translatable along two separate directions to a location selected by an operator. The system has a first rotatable telescoping support member coupled to the moveable base, the X-ray source being rotatably coupled to the first rotatable telescopic support member, and being adapted to translate and rotate to locate the X-ray source in a position selected by the operator. The system further has a second rotatable telescoping support member coupled to the moveable base, the X-ray imaging detector being rotatably coupled to the second rotatable telescoping support member, and being adapted to translate with the moveable base and rotate to locate the X-ray imaging detector in a position selected by the operator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/304,837, filed Dec. 15, 2005 entitled “DUAL TELESCOPING SUPPORT MEMBER DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY IMAGING SYSTEM” by Ronald J. Perry and James W. Sekol. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to digital radiography, and in particular a digital radiography imaging system with moveable telescoping support members for positioning an X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector for capturing an image of a subject.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Digital radiography systems are well known. In typical digital radiography systems, an X-ray source projects an X-ray beam through a subject (such as a body part of an individual) to produce an X-ray image captured by a detecting member. The detector member relies on direct conversion of X-rays to charge carriers and charge readout. Alternatively, the detector can rely on indirect conversion in which X-rays are converted to light, which is then converted to charge carriers and charge readout.  
         [0004]     The detector is typically mounted in a structure known as a bucky. The bucky can also house other elements such as an anti-scatter grid which is commonly used to prevent scattered radiation from affecting the final X-ray image. Such anti-scatter grids are typically employed when the subject to be imaged is relatively thick (for example, a human chest).  
         [0005]     The X-ray source or X-ray detector can be mounted in various configurations. For example, the X-ray detector can be mounted on an X-ray table or on a radiographic stand, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, wherein the X-ray imaging detector is element  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the X-ray source (element  15 ) is mounted on a support structure.  
         [0006]     However, such configurations shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  require access to the floor. That is, the support structure(s) for the X-ray source or X-ray detector requires access to the floor. In some situations, such floor access may not be possible, for example, if there is limited space. In other situations, such a floor-based support structure may not be desired, for example, in an emergency room wherein equipment may need to be moved quickly.  
         [0007]     As such, there exists a need for a digital radiography system that is not supported by a floor-based support structure and that allows an operator to locate the X-ray source and X-ray imaging detector in a variety of positions for imaging a subject.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with the invention, there is a digital radiography system for permitting capture of an image of a subject, having: 
        (a) an X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector;     (b) a moveable base, translatable along two separate directions to a location selected by an operator;     (c) a first rotatable telescoping support member coupled to the moveable base, the X-ray source being rotatably coupled to the first rotatable telescopic support member, and being adapted to translate and rotate to locate the X-ray source in a position selected by the operator; and     (d) a second rotatable telescoping support member coupled to the moveable base, the X-ray imaging detector being rotatably coupled to the second rotatable telescoping support member, and being adapted to translate with the moveable base and rotate to locate the X-ray imaging detector in a position selected by the operator, whereby the movement of the moveable base and the translation and rotation respectively of the first and second telescoping support members positions the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging detector so that an image of the subject can be captured.        
 
       Advantages  
       [0013]     One advantage of the present invention is that the X-ray source and X-ray imaging detector can each be independently moved in a variety of different positions by an operator for capturing an image of a subject. Another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the mechanical bulk and complexity of typical imaging systems and allows for independent adjustability of the positioning of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. These advantages are given only by way of illustrative example, and such advantages are exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable 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. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     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.  
         [0015]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  show prior art mounting configurations for a digital radiography system.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a diagrammatic perspective of a digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows another diagrammatic perspective of the digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic perspective of the X-ray imaging detector with multiple rotational couplings to a telescoping member in the digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-section view of a telescoping support member of the digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-section view of the X-rails, Y-rails, and carriage assemblies of the rail structure of the digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a diagrammatic perspective of the moveable base of the digital radiographic system can move in a predetermined path moveable rail structure of the digital radiography system in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     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.  
         [0023]     The present invention provides a digital radiography (DR) system with an X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector that each can be independently moved in a variety of directions by an operator such the X-ray source and X-ray imaging detector can be positioned for capturing an image of a subject. Once positioned, the X-ray source projects an X-ray beam through the subject to produce an X-ray image captured by the X-ray imaging detector.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a diagrammatic perspective of a digital radiography (DR) system  100  in accordance with the present invention. DR system  100  includes X-ray source  110  coupled to first telescoping support member  130 . X-ray source cables  115 , which control the operation of and communicate with X-ray source  110 , are connected to X-ray source  110  and can be routed internally through first telescoping member  130 . Opposite from X-ray source  110  on first telescoping support member  130  is pivot point  140 , which connects first telescoping member  130  to rotational mechanism  180 , where rotational mechanism  180  is in turn coupled to moveable base  170 .  
         [0025]     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 2 , X-ray imaging detector  120  is coupled second telescoping support member  150 . X-ray imaging detector cables  125 , which control the operation of and communicate with X-ray imaging detector  120 , can be routed through second telescoping support member  150 . One advantage of routing X-ray imaging detector cables  125  through second telescoping support member  150 , as well as routing X-ray source cables  115  though first telescoping member  130 , is that the configuration can prevent objects that are to be imaged from becoming intertwined with typical, non-internally routed cabling. Opposite X-ray imaging detector  120  on telescoping support member  150  is second pivot point  160 , which is coupled to rotational mechanism  180  and moveable base  170 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , first pivot point  140  and second pivot point  160  are located adjacent to one another and are coupled to rotational mechanism  180 . Moveable base  170  can moved in various positions in a predetermined path in the X- or Y-directions (shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  6 ) along rail structure  210 .  
         [0026]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , X-ray imaging detector  120  is coupled to rotational coupling  190 , which, in turn, is coupled to second telescoping support member  150  so as to allow rotational movement of X-ray imaging detector  120  in directions G or G′ (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) relative to telescoping support member  150 . As additionally shown in  FIG. 4 , X-ray imaging detector  120  is coupled to rotational coupling  200 , wherein rotational coupling  200  is further coupled to rotational coupling  190  and second telescoping support member  150 . Rotational coupling  200  allows an operator to rotationally move X-ray imaging detector  120  in the H or H′ directions, as indicated in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, X-ray source  110  has rotational coupling (not shown) similar to rotational coupling  190 , which couples X-ray source  110  to first telescoping support member  130 . X-ray source  110 &#39;s rotational coupling permits an operator to rotationally move X-ray source  110  in the F or F′ directions (shown in  FIG. 3 ) relative to first telescoping support member  130 .  
         [0027]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , first telescoping support member  130  can extend in the A direction or retract in the A′ direction in order to position X-ray source  110  for imaging a subject. Similarly, second telescoping support member  150  can extend in the B direction or retract in the B′ direction in order to position X-ray imaging detector  120  for capturing an image of a subject.  
         [0028]     First and second telescoping support members  130  and  150  can be adapted to move translationally between a variety of positions in the respective A, A′, B, or B′ directions, which can vary between a collapsed position and an extended position. That is, first and second telescoping support members  130  and  150  are configured to slide inward and outward in overlapping sections. In a collapsed position, first and second telescoping support members  130  or  150  may be disposed towards moveable base  170  (i.e., close to the ceiling). In an extended position, first and second telescoping support members  130  or  150  may be disposed away from moveable base  170  (i.e., close to the floor). In addition, first and second telescoping support members  130  and  150  may be extended at discrete positions intermediate to the collapsed and extended positions. This motion allows for the imaging of objects of various heights and orientations between telescoping support members  130  and  150  collapsed and extended positions.  
         [0029]     A cross-section view of telescoping support member  150  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Motor  300  is activated by changes in load caused by the operator moving telescoping support member  150  in the B or B′ directions. The motor drives cables  312 , which in turn moves horizontal pulley  310 . First pulleys  320  are attached to the top of first tube section  322  of second telescoping support member  150 . Similarly, second pulleys  332  are mounted at the top of second tube section  332 , and third pulleys  340  are mounted at the top of third tube section  342  of second telescoping support member  150 . Cables  314  mechanically connect horizontal pulley  310  with first pulleys  320 , second pulleys  330 , and third pulleys  342 . Thus, motor  300  drives cables  312  and  314  to move telescoping support member in the B or B′ directions, where third tube section  342  can move within second tube section  332 , and both second and third tube sections  332  and  342  can move within first tube section  322  of second telescoping member  150 . Similarly, the overlapping tube sections of first telescoping support member  130  (see  FIG. 3 ) can operate in a similar manner such that the operator of DR system  100  can move first telescoping support member  130  in the A or A′ directions.  
         [0030]     Turning again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , by pivoting at first pivot point  140 , telescoping support member  130  can be moved in the C or C′ directions (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) so that an operator can position X-ray source  110 . Similarly, telescoping support member  150  can move in the D or D′ directions (also illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) so as to position X-ray imaging detector  120 . An operator moving telescoping support members  130  and  150  apart from each other, thus respectively moving X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120 , enables capturing an image of a subject.  
         [0031]     In addition, rotational mechanism  180 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , can allow an operator to rotate telescoping support members  130  and  150  in the E or E′ directions (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), and thus respectively move X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120  into various positions to allow for imaging of a subject. Additionally, moveable base  170 , to which telescoping support members  130  and  150  are coupled to by rotational mechanism  180 , can be moved in a predetermined path in the X-direction and Y-direction on rail structure  210 . Movement in the X-direction or Y-direction can position X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120  for imaging a subject.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates cross-section view of the rail structure  210 , including X-rails  212 , Y-rails  214 , and first, second, and third carriage assemblies  216 ,  218 , and  220  of DR system  100 . As shown, X-rails  212  are affixed to ceiling  211 . First carriage assembly  216 , which is affixed to Y-rails  214 , can move within X-rails  212 . First carriage assembly  216  can have wheels, bearings, or other suitable mechanisms that allow for movement within the X-rails  212 . In this arrangement, X-rails  212  are affixed to ceiling  211 , and Y-rails  214  are suspended from X-rails  212  by first carriage assembly  216 . Second carriage assembly  218  is located within Y-rails  214 . Similar to first carriage assembly  216 , second carriage assembly  218  can have wheels, bearings, or other suitable mechanisms that allow for movement of second carriage assembly within Y-rails  214 . Moveable base  170  can be attached to second carriage assembly  218 . Thus, X-rails  212 , Y-rails,  214 , first carriage assembly  216 , and second carriage assembly  218  allow an operator to move moveable base  170  in the X-direction or Y-direction about a room as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Third carriage assembly  220  is a component of rotational mechanism  180 , and allows for rotation of DR system  100  in the E or E′ directions (see  FIG. 3 ). Third carriage assembly  220  has wheels, bearings or other suitable mechanisms that allow rotational mechanism  180  to operate (and thus rotate first and second telescoping support members  130  and  150  in the E or E′ directions) within moveable base  170 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a room where DR system  100  can be installed. As shown, rail structure  210  can include X-rails  212  and Y-rails  214 . In one aspect of the embodiment, X-rails  212  can be affixed to the ceiling of the room, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Y-rails  214  can be mounted from a carriage assembly with roller bearings, wheels, or other suitable mechanisms for movement inside X-rails  212 . Moveable base  170  is mounted a carriage assembly which moves on Y-rails  214 , and can be moved by an operator in a predetermined path in the X-direction or Y-direction about the room, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The configuration of X-rails  212  and Y-rails  214  allow an operator to position DR system  100  at any location within a room. Also, as DR system  100  is suspended from ceiling on rail structure  210 , it does not occupy any floor space with support structure, unlike other systems. DR system  100  has an additional advantage over present systems in that when DR system  100  is not in use, it can be moved on rail structure  210  to a corner location of a room.  
         [0034]     The movements in the above-described directions permit an operator of DR system  100  to achieve an appropriate source-to-image distance (S.I.D.) for capturing an image of a subject. The S.I.D., as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , is the linear distance between X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120 . Movement of first and second telescoping support members  130  and  150  in directions A, A′, B, B′, C, C′, D, or D′ directions by an operator can be used to achieve S.I.D. First and second telescoping members can be moved by an operator in directions A, A′, B, or B′ as needed in order to place X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120  a suitable distance apart for imaging a subject. As further shown in  FIG. 3 , first telescoping support member  130  can be moved by an operator in either the C or C′ directions, and second telescoping support member  150  can be moved in the D or D′ directions. The positioning of the X-ray source  110  and X-ray imaging detector  120  to the SID distance can accommodate a variety of subjects in various positions (e.g., seated, reclining, etc.) for imaging.  
         [0035]     Depending on the subject to be imaged, as well as the orientation of the subject, the S.I.D. can vary in linear distance. For example, the S.I.D. for a patient in a reclined position can be different from the S.I.D. of a seated patient to be imaged. Also, the vertical or horizontal positioning of X-ray source  110  or X-ray imaging detector  120  relative to each other can change the desired S.I.D. For example, an operator could position X-ray source  110  above a patient in a reclined position, and position X-ray imaging detector  120  below the reclined patient. Again, the S.I.D. for such an imaging position could be different from that of a standing patient.  
         [0036]     The invention permits the use of a flexible imaging system that is capable of achieving all the positions capable of conventional floor mounted systems. Conventional products are generally much larger, mechanically more complex with inherent disadvantages in usability, cost and reliability. The present invention allows adjustability of the detector and source to achieve all necessary and expected positions for imaging ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients standing, reclining or seated. Thus, the present invention permits a smaller, lighter configuration that is easier to install and takes up far less space than current equipment produced. By virtue of its small size, this invention minimizes the potential for injury to user or patient by accidental contact with the hardware. Moreover, this invention minimizes the potential for collision with obstructions in the installation environment.  
         [0037]     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. 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  
       [0000]    
       
           10  X-ray imaging detector  
           15  X-ray source  
           100  Digital Radiography (DR) System  
           110  X-ray source  
           115  X-ray source cables  
           120  X-ray imaging detector  
           125  X-ray imaging detector cables  
           130  First telescoping support member  
           140  First pivot point  
           150  Second telescoping support member  
           160  Second pivot point  
           170  Moveable base  
           180  Rotational mechanism  
           190  Rotational coupling  
           200  Rotational coupling  
           210  Rail structure  
           211  Ceiling  
           212  X-rails  
           214  Y-rails  
           216  First carriage assembly  
           218  Second carriage assembly  
           220  Third carriage assembly  
           300  Motor  
           310  Horizontal pulley  
           312  Cables  
           314  Cables  
           320  First pulleys  
           322  First tube section  
           330  Second pulleys  
           332  Second tube section  
           340  Third pulleys  
           342  Third tube section