Abstract:
Methods of using an X-ray system having a central computer system, an X-ray source and a bank of wireless detectors. The methods include an automated X-ray system that requires the input of a type of X-ray to be performed on a patient, and the systems determine and identify which detector from the detector bank is appropriate for the ordered test.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to X-ray systems and more particularly to an X-ray system including wireless detectors of various sizes. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   X-ray systems are commonly used in the medical field to assist medical professionals in diagnosing ailments in patients. It is known that the hardware required for taking an X-ray includes an X-ray source and a detector. Although the need for these two fundamental components remains constant, throughout the years the components have evolved. 
   Originally it was known to use one standard size detector for any given X-ray system and the detector utilized film to capture the image. One disadvantage of this system resulted in the patient potentially being exposed to more radiation than necessary during any given X-ray since the size of the detector could not be changed. Yet another disadvantage of this type of system is that the film needed to be processed to be useful which resulted in a time consuming endeavor. 
   Now, it is known to use digital X-ray detectors. The digital detector is hard-wired to a computer system where the results are digitally fed into a computer system and read on a monitor. This results in a faster final product, but the size of the detector remains constant. 
   The newest X-ray technology includes wireless digital detectors. These systems are capable of utilizing various sized wireless detectors that can be used with a single X-ray source. This technology is still in its infancy, so users are struggling with how to efficiently use this type of system both from a hardware perspective and an information processing perspective. While it is advantageous to have flexibility in the size detector used for any given X-ray, a disadvantage of this type of wireless system is that it is time consuming for the X-ray technician to evaluate the type of X-ray being taken, determine which detector is the optimal size to use, and which detector is charged and available for use. Additionally, it is time consuming to identify studies that are being performed for particular types of X-ray data obtained and associate the obtained data with the identified studies. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an automated X-ray system including various sized wireless digital detectors. The hardware required includes a computer system and a bank of various sized detectors that are in wireless communication with the computer system. The present invention provides a more efficient X-ray system than known systems. It is more efficient by providing a system that requires less time to determine which detector to use for an ordered X-ray, automatically transmitting the results to the computer system, and automatically pairing the results of the X-ray with any ongoing studies analyzing the captured data. 
   The proposed invention includes inputting a patient identification parameter into the computer system along with the type of X-ray to be performed on the identified patient. The computer system determines which detector to use from the bank of detectors and then transmits an activation signal to the selected detector. After receiving the activation signal the selected detector will activate an indicator to notify an operator of the system that it is the selected detector. The selected detector includes a display screen in which the patient identification will be displayed. The selected detector is placed in position and captures the data for the ordered X-ray image. Once the data is captured it is wirelessly transmitted to the computer system. The computer system will then identify any ongoing studies that are utilizing or analyzing data from the ordered X-ray and associate the data from the X-ray with the identified ongoing studies. 
   Other features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description and preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the hardware used for an X-ray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is front view of a detector used with an X-ray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of an alternative detector used with an X-ray system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 4-6  are flowcharts of methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In the following figures the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components and methods. In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for one constructed embodiment. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting. 
   Also, in the following description various X-ray components, assemblies, and methods are described as an illustrative example. The X-ray components, assemblies, and methods may be modified depending upon the application. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a X-ray system  20  utilizing a bank of wireless detectors  22  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The X-ray system  20  includes a computer system  24 , an X-ray source  26 , and a bank of various sized wireless detectors  22 . Each wireless detector  28  is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the computer system  24  without being hard wired into the system and, similarly, the computer system  24  is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data. 
   Further, each wireless detector  28  in the bank  22  may include an indicator  30  and/or a display screen  32  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The indicator  30  may be a visual signal, including, but not limited to a light from a light emitting diode (“LED”) or a standard bulb. The light may either stay on or flash. Another possible option for the indicator includes an audio signal that sounds when the detector has been selected. The audio signal could include, but is not limited to, a beep or a siren. The indicator  30  could also be a combination visual signal and audio signal. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the display screen  32  located on the detector  28  can display a variety of information. The information displayed, also referred to as instructional information, could include, but is not limited to, a patient identification parameter and any on-going studies that utilize the data captured by the particular X-ray that has been ordered. Of course, a user or operator of the system can determine which data to display on the screen. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the display screen  32  acts as the indicator by displaying the patient identification. In this embodiment there is no other indicator, only the display screen displaying the patient identification parameter. 
   A scenario in accordance with the teachings of the present invention involves a doctor or medical professional ordering an X-ray to be performed on a patient for diagnostic purposes. It is recognized that this scenario is often performed in a hospital setting. However, it is also recognized that X-ray systems and methods can be used in any number of environments where X-ray data is obtained from subjects, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, veterinarian hospitals or veterinarian clinics. 
     FIGS. 4-6  illustrate the flowcharts  100 ,  130 ,  170  outlining the steps for various embodiments in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. There are two data parameters entered into the computer system  102 ,  104 ,  132 ,  172 ,  174 . The data parameters are also referred to as instructional information. The first parameter is a patient or subject identification parameter. The patient identification parameter could be the patient&#39;s name or an identification number. The second parameter is the type of X-ray ordered by the medical professional to be performed on the patient or subject. Another factor is determining the number of images to be captured for the ordered X-ray  105 . The computer system processes this information and determines which detector from the bank should be used for the ordered X-ray  110 ,  138 ,  182 ,  184 . The computer system will also determine any on-going studies utilizing the data from the ordered X-ray  124 ,  158 ,  200 . 
   A detector is selected based on several different factors. One factor considers the size of the detector with respect to the type of X-ray to be performed  106 ,  134 ,  180 . An optimal detector is big enough to capture the entire area of interest, yet small enough to limit the amount of radiation exposure by the patient. Another factor is determining the expected consumption of power for the ordered X-ray  107 . Another factor considers whether the detector is charged and available for use  108 ,  182 . 
   Since the detectors are wireless they contain batteries that need to be charged. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention the bank of detectors  22  is stored in a storage unit  34  where they are stationed when not in use. The storage unit  34  contains slots  36  into which a detector  28  is positioned and connected to recharge its battery. The detectors  28  are positioned within the unit  34  so that any visual indicator is visible and any audio indicator is audible to an operator of the system without removing the detector  28  from the storage unit  34 . 
   Each detector  28  transmits information to the computer system  24 . The information transmitted includes its size and its charge status  136 ,  176 ,  178 . The charge status signal indicates whether the detector&#39;s battery is fully charged or not. If the detector&#39;s battery is fully charged it is available for use. 
   Therefore, the computer system  24  will determine the selected detector based on the optimal size detector and which of the detectors having the desired size are charged and available in the bank. Once the specific detector has been determined the computer system will transmit an activation signal to the selected detector notifying the specific detector that it has been selected  112 ,  140 ,  186 . The computer system is only communicating with the selected detector until instructed otherwise  113 . 
   When the selected detector receives the activation signal  114 ,  142 ,  188  its indicator will be activated  116 ,  144 ,  190 . As previously discussed the indicator  30  could either illuminating a light, emitting an audio signal, a combination of the two or some other type of indicator to distinguish it from the other detectors in the bank. Additionally, the display screen  32  on the detector  28  may show the patient&#39;s or subject&#39;s identification parameter and any ongoing studies associated with the particular X-ray ordered  118 ,  146 ,  192 . 
   The X-ray technician or operator will receive a notice of the order for a particular patient or subject via the computer system  24  and also from the selected detector&#39;s indicator  30 . The operator will remove the selected detector from the storage unit  148  and load the selected detector into the proper position for obtaining the ordered X-ray  150 ,  194 . The patient or subject will then be positioned between the X-ray source and the selected detector so that the selected detector can capture the ordered X-ray data  152 . 
   The ordered X-ray is taken when the X-ray from the source passes through the subject and the resultant image is captured on the selected detector  120 ,  153 ,  196 . The results are digitally captured by the selected detector and wirelessly transmitted back to the computer system to be analyzed by a doctor or medical professional  122 ,  154 ,  198 . In one embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present invention the data can be analyzed on a computer monitor  38  that is part of the computer system  24 . When the X-ray is complete the operator will remove the selected detector  28  and position it back in the storage unit  34  to be recharged  156 . 
   The computer system identifies any ongoing studies utilizing or analyzing the data from the ordered X-ray by searching a database of on-going studies  124 ,  158 ,  200 . Further, the computer system associates or matches the type of X-ray ordered or captured data with any identified on-going studies  126 ,  160 ,  202 . 
   This provides a more efficient system in terms of patient logistics and time consumption compared to known systems. The operator can prepare the equipment prior to the patient or subject&#39;s arrival. Further, there is minimal effort required by the operator since the selected detector will be obvious due to it&#39;s activated indicator  30 . 
   While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanisms and techniques which have been described are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, numerous modifications may be made to the methods and apparatus described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.