Abstract:
A power system and method for supplying power to a wireless X-ray detector utilizes a detachable handle for a wireless X-ray detector. The handle carries a battery which, when the detachable handle is coupled to a wireless X-ray detector, provides the wireless X-ray detector with a mobile supply of power. A detachable handle charging station may recharge a plurality of detachable handles, providing a swappable supply of power for a wireless X-ray detector. Charging stations for such handles, or for entire detectors are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to supplying power to a wireless digital imaging detector, and more particularly, to supplying power to a wireless X-ray detector. 
         [0002]    In medical diagnostic applications, digital X-ray imaging systems offer exceptional versatility and rapid reconstruction of radiographic images. A digital X-ray imaging system consists of at least a radiation source, a detector, and an image data processor and display. Radiation from a source is directed toward a subject, typically a patient, and a portion of the radiation passes through the subject and impacts a detector, which transforms the radiation into useful image data. After receiving the image data, an image data processor translates the data into a radiographic image for display. 
         [0003]    As digital X-ray imaging systems have become increasingly widespread, digital X-ray detectors have become more portable for even greater versatility. Rather than remaining fixed against a table or wall, some digital X-ray detectors may be moved freely, remaining tethered only to a host computer and power supply. Such a configuration, however, may prove limiting in many applications. The tether may not allow the wireless detector to reach or turn as desired. Also, the tether may become tangled, and may present a tripping hazard to those in the vicinity. Moreover, recoiling the tether while connected to the detector may prove cumbersome to medical personnel. To overcome such limitations, attempts have been made to allow for wireless operation of digital X-ray detectors. 
         [0004]    Though a wireless X-ray detector may offer greater mobility, its emancipation requires a power system as mobile as the wireless X-ray detector itself. Such a power system must further endure a strenuous medical environment in which a wireless X-ray detector may be deployed, as well as accommodate wireless X-ray detectors throughout a range of varying applications. Additionally, it may be desirable to allow the wireless X-ray detector to remain in position while a depleted power supply is replaced. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0005]    The invention features a power system and method for a wireless X-ray detector designed to address such needs. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a detachable handle for a wireless X-ray detector carries a battery which, when the detachable handle is coupled to a wireless X-ray detector, provides the wireless X-ray detector with a mobile supply of power. A detachable handle charging station may recharge a plurality of detachable handles, providing a swappable supply of power for a wireless X-ray detector. 
         [0006]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a non-communicative wireless X-ray detector charging station recharges a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors, each carrying a rechargeable battery. The wall-mountable charging station remains completely independent of all data acquisition and processing activity. Furthermore, the charging station does not communicate with any digital X-ray imaging system components, simplifying the manufacture and design of the charging station. 
         [0007]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a wireless X-ray detector charging station recharges a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors of varying shapes and sizes, each carrying a rechargeable battery. The charging station may additionally comprise a wireless transceiver and additional data processing and detector monitoring circuitry, which may allow, for example, remote monitoring of the location and charge level of each wireless X-ray detector. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatical representation of an exemplary digital X-ray imaging system employing a wireless detector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary detachable handle portable power supply detached from a wireless X-ray detector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary detachable handle portable power supply attached to a wireless X-ray detector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary detachable handle charging station for charging detachable handle portable power supplies for a wireless X-ray detector according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates another exemplary detachable handle charging station for charging detachable handle portable power supplies for a wireless X-ray detector according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary non-communicative charging station for charging a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary charging station for charging a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors of varying shapes and sizes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary digital wireless X-ray imaging system  10 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, imaging system  10  is a digital X-ray imaging system configured both to acquire original image data and to process the image data for display, with the digital X-ray detector freely detached from the remaining system components. Imaging system  10  includes a source of X-ray radiation  12  adjacent to a collimator  14 . Collimator  14  passes a stream of radiation  16  into a region wherein a subject, such as a human patient  18 , is positioned. A portion of the radiation  20  passes through or around the subject and impacts the adjacent wireless X-ray detector  22 . 
         [0017]    Source  12  may be controlled by a power supply and control circuit  24  which supplies both power and control signals for examination sequences. To obtain the image data resulting from radiation impacting the wireless X-ray detector  22 , a detector controller and data acquisition module  26  receives image data signals from wireless X-ray detector  22  and transmits control signals to wireless X-ray detector  22 . Alternatively, the detector controller may reside within the wireless X-ray detector  22  and separate from the data acquisition module, in which case wireless communication takes place between the wireless X-ray detector  22  and the data acquisition module. Power supply and control circuit  24  and detector controller and data acquisition module  26  are both responsive to signals from a system controller  28 . In general, system controller  28  commands operation of the imaging system to execute examination protocols and to process acquired image data. The system controller  28  may also include signal processing circuitry based on a general purpose or application-specific computer, associated memory circuitry, configuration parameters and image data, and so forth. System controller  28  links to at least one output device, such as a display or printer  30 . One or more operator workstations  32  may be additionally joined in the system for outputting system parameters, requesting examinations, viewing images, and so forth. 
         [0018]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  a portable power supply  34  is attached to the wireless X-ray detector  22 . The portable power supply  34  may function as the exclusive power supply of the wireless X-ray detector, but may also serve as a power pack designed to provide additional power if a battery carried by the wireless X-ray detector  22  becomes depleted during a medical procedure. If desired, the wireless X-ray detector  22  may remain in position while a depleted detachable handle power supply  34  is detached and replaced with a more fully charged detachable handle power supply  34 . Moreover, the portable power supply  34  may also serve to allow free movement of the detector when the detector is not otherwise powered by a conventional power cord or cable (not shown). 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary portable detachable handle power supply  34  as viewed when detached from a wireless X-ray detector  22 . Wireless X-ray detector  22  comprises an outer casing  36 , which resists moisture and prevents damage to internal components during routine handling. Detachable handle outer casing  38  similarly protects the detachable handle power supply  34  from moisture and internal damage during routine handling. Outer casing  38  may also include a removable hatch for access to a battery or to internal circuitry, around which a seal may prevent moisture from entering when the removable hatch is closed. The handle is depicted in  FIG. 2  with a thru-hole type feature, but it may also employ any of a variety of features to facilitate handling such as a depression, a protrusion, a secondary high friction material, or geometric features such as ribs, etc. 
         [0020]    The casing  40  of wireless X-ray detector  22  surrounds the X-ray detector imager assembly (not depicted in  FIG. 2 ). The X-ray detector imager assembly includes a scintillator surface, which converts X-ray radiation into lower energy photons for subsequent detection by an underlying array of photodiodes and thin film transistors. The scintillator surface may comprise a variety of layers, including a reflective outer layer and moisture resistant sublayers. The casing  40  typically contains a region or window  42  that is relatively transparent to X-rays to maximize X-ray capture and which is often visually or tactilely distinct from the casing  40  to enable correct placement of the detector behind the patient. 
         [0021]    Detector casing  40  may further contain components which control and at least partially process data generated by the X-ray detector imager assembly, which may include, for example, a detector controller, detector power control circuitry, memory circuitry, and a wireless transceiver  44 . Used to communicate wirelessly with the detector controller and data acquisition module  26  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), the wireless transceiver  44  may employ any suitable wireless communication protocol. Depending on the desired range of the wireless signal, wireless transceiver  44  may permit significantly remote use of the wireless X-ray detector  22 . 
         [0022]    Any effective means may be used to physically attach the detachable handle power supply  34  to wireless X-ray detector  22 , including, for example, interconnecting locking hooks  46  with locking hook receptacles  48 . Locking hooks  46  may engage locking hook receptacles  48  with assistance from a spring-loaded or motorized mechanism (not depicted) drawing the locking hooks  46  toward each other. A locking hook release button  50  releases locking hooks  46  from locking hook receptacles  48  when depressed, as locking hooks  46  spread apart against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism or change position due to the motorized mechanism. To avoid accidental release, the locking hook release button  50  may be configured not to release locking hooks  46  from locking hook receptacles  48  unless an optional additional button is simultaneously pressed or until after the locking hook release button  50  has been depressed for a desired time. 
         [0023]    The detachable handle power supply  34  of  FIG. 2  provides power to the wireless X-ray detector  22  by operably joining a male electrical coupling structure  52  on the handle to a female electrical coupling structure  54  on the detector. The electrical coupling structures  52  and  54  may comprise pins and mating contacts or a standard electrical plug and receptacle arrangement for conductively transferring power, but may alternatively comprise an induction device which induces a charge in a receiving device to inductively transfer power. Moreover, the male and female structures may appear in reverse, or both male and female coupling structures may appear on each of the detachable handle power supply  34  and wireless X-ray detector  22 . The electrical coupling structures  52  and  54  may additionally serve to stabilize the handle when attached. For greater stability, stabilization pins may also be employed. 
         [0024]    Wireless X-ray detector  22  consumes power from a battery  56  carried by the detachable handle power supply  34 . The battery  56  may reside within the detachable handle in any desired shape, behind a removable hatch, or within a recess external to the detachable handle such that the battery  56  may snap into place and resemble the external surface of the detachable handle. Depending on the desired application and configuration, the battery  56  may be replaceable or rechargeable. The energy remaining in battery  56  may be displayed on a power level monitor  58  consisting of an LED or LCD panel. When the battery  56  nears depletion, power level monitor  58  may flash or emit an audible warning sound to indicate the need to replace or recharge the battery  56 . 
         [0025]    Optionally, the wireless X-ray detector  22  may also carry a battery (not depicted in  FIG. 2 ), in which case the battery  56  carried by the detachable handle power supply  34  may preferably discharge before the battery carried by the wireless X-ray detector  22 . A battery carried by the wireless X-ray detector may reside within the detector in any desired shape, behind a removable hatch, or within a recess external to the detector such that the battery may snap into place and resemble the external surface of the wireless X-ray detector  22 . When the wireless X-ray detector  22  carries a battery, a power level monitor on the wireless X-ray detector may provide an indication of the charge status of that battery on an LED or LCD panel (not depicted in  FIG. 2 ). Such a battery may be separately recharged via an external electrical coupling device  60  along the outer edge  40  of the wireless X-ray detector  22 , as discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary combined wireless X-ray detector and detachable handle power supply  62  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. When combined, the detachable handle power supply  34  provides power from battery  56  to the wireless X-ray detector  22 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary detachable handle charging station  64  for horizontally charging a plurality of detachable handle power supplies  34 . A wall-mountable base  66  includes on its face a plurality of detachable handle charging sites  68 , each of which comprises locking hook receptacles  48  and a female electrical coupling structure  54 . Angled upwardly, each detachable handle charging site  68  provides a comfortable angle at which to engage and disengage each detachable handle power supply  34 . 
         [0028]    A standard wall power outlet  70  provides power to the wall-mountable base  66 , which converts the alternating current power into direct current power, distributing the power to each detachable handle charging site  68 . To begin charging, a detachable handle power supply  34  attaches to a detachable handle charging site  68  in the same manner as to a wireless X-ray detector  22 , interconnecting locking hooks  46  with locking hook receptacles  48  and operably joining male electrical coupling structure  52  with female electrical coupling structure  54 . The electrical coupling structures  52  and  54  may comprise pins and mating contacts or a standard electrical plug and receptacle arrangement for conductively transferring power, but may alternatively comprise an induction device which induces a charge in a receiving device to inductively transfer power. 
         [0029]    Once attached, a power management circuit within the detachable handle power supply  34  regulates the charging of the battery  56 . The power level monitor  58  provides an indication of the charge status, and may provide a visual or auditory signal upon charge completion. Alternatively, each detachable handle charging site  68  may additionally provide an indication of the charge status of a charging detachable handle power supply  34 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a detachable handle charging station  72  for vertically charging a plurality of detachable handle power supplies  34 . Wall-mountable base  74  includes on its face a plurality of vertically-oriented detachable handle charging sites  76 . Detachable handle charging station  72  functions in a fashion similar to that described with respect to the charging station  64  of  FIG. 4 , discussed above. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary non-communicative charging station  78  for charging a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors  22 , each carrying a rechargeable battery. In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 6 , charging station  78  remains completely independent of all data acquisition and processing activity and does not communicate with any digital X-ray imaging system components, simplifying the manufacture and design of the charging station. A wall-mountable base  80  includes on its face a plurality of wireless X-ray detector charging sites  82 , each of which comprises a detector holder  84  and an optional release button  86 . A standard wall power outlet  70  provides power to the wall-mountable base  80 , which adapts the alternating current power into direct current power, distributing the power to each wireless X-ray detector charging site  82 . 
         [0032]    Each charging site  82  includes an electrical coupling structure residing within each detector holder  84 . The electrical coupling structure is configured to transfer power to a rechargeable battery carried by a wireless X-ray detector  22  by way of an external electrical coupling device  60  on the wireless X-ray detector  22 . The electrical coupling structure of the detector holder  84  and the electrical coupling device  60  may comprise pins and mating contacts or a standard electrical plug and receptacle arrangement for conductively transferring power, or may alternatively comprise an induction device which induces a charge in the receiving device to inductively transfer power. 
         [0033]    Once attached to a wireless X-ray detector charging site  82 , a power management circuit within the wireless X-ray detector  22  regulates the charging of the battery. A power level monitor on the wireless X-ray detector  22  may provide an indication of the charge status, and may further provide a visual or auditory signal upon charge completion. Alternatively, each charging site  82  may additionally include a power level monitor to provide an indication of the charge status of the battery carried by each wireless X-ray detector  22 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary charging station  88  for charging a plurality of wireless X-ray detectors  22  of varying shapes and sizes, each carrying a rechargeable battery. A wall-mountable base  90  includes on its face a plurality of wireless X-ray detector charging sites  82  of varying sizes, each of which comprises a detector holder  84  of corresponding shape and size and an optional release button  86 . A standard wall power outlet  70  provides power to the wall-mountable base  80 , which adapts the alternating current power into direct current power, distributing the power to each wireless X-ray detector charging site  82 . 
         [0035]    As in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , each charging site  82  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes an electrical coupling structure residing within each detector holder  84 . The electrical coupling structure is configured to transfer power to a rechargeable battery carried by a wireless X-ray detector  22  by way of an external electrical coupling device  60  on the wireless X-ray detector  22 . The electrical coupling structure of the detector holder  84  and the electrical coupling device  60  may comprise pins and mating contacts or a standard electrical plug and receptacle arrangement for conductively transferring power, or may alternatively comprise an induction device which induces a charge in the receiving device to inductively transfer power. 
         [0036]    Once attached to a wireless X-ray detector charging site  82 , a power management circuit within the wireless X-ray detector  22  regulates the charging of the battery. A power level monitor on the wireless X-ray detector  22  may provide an indication of the charge status, and may further provide a visual or auditory signal upon charge completion. Alternatively, each charging site  82  may additionally include a power level monitor to provide an indication of the charge status of the battery carried by each wireless X-ray detector  22 . 
         [0037]    Charging station  88 , as illustrated by  FIG. 7 , may further comprise a wireless transceiver  92 , as well as additional data processing and detector monitoring circuitry within base structure  90 . The additional communicative ability conferred by wireless transceiver  92  could allow the charging station  88 , for example, to remotely monitor the location and charge level of each wireless X-ray detector  22  or to receive and retransmit signals from a wireless transceiver  44  on each wireless X-ray detector  22  to a remote base station. 
         [0038]    While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.