English:
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to digital imaging systems and, more particularly, to assemblies of a portable digital X-ray detector for use in such systems.
[0002] A number of radiological imaging systems of various designs are known and are presently in use. Such systems generally are based upon generation of X-rays that are directed toward a subject of interest. The X-rays traverse the subject and impact a film or a digital detector. In medical diagnostic contexts, for example, such systems may be used to visualize internal tissues and diagnose patient ailments. In other contexts, parts, baggage, parcels, and other subjects may be imaged for a variety of purposes, such as to assess their contents, among other things.
[0003] Increasingly, such X-ray systems use digital circuitry, such as solid-state detectors, for detecting the X-rays, which are attenuated, scattered or absorbed by the intervening structures of the subject. Solid-state detectors may generate electrical signals indicative of the intensities of received X-rays. These signals, in turn, may be acquired and processed to reconstruct images of the subject of interest.
[0004] Conventional construction of digital X-ray detectors may result in a relatively heavy and thick digital X-ray detector, in part to protect fragile components that can be highly susceptible to damage by physical impact or shock. Typically, the digital X-ray detector also includes a relatively stiff enclosure, which rigidly attaches to the internal components. However, as digital X-ray imaging systems have become increasingly widespread, digital X-ray detectors have become more portable for greater versatility. With the advent of portable digital X-ray detectors comes a need for lighter, thinner, smaller detectors that retain the imaging capabilities of conventional detectors. Unfortunately, constructing a portable X-ray detector that is economically desirable, geometrically thin, and of a light mass may present unique challenges associated with thermal management, shock absorption, and backscattered
[0005] In one embodiment, a portable digital X-ray detector is provided. The X- ray detector includes an outer assembly and a detector assembly disposed within the outer assembly. The detector assembly includes an imager having a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. The detector assembly also includes electronic circuitry mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, an elastomeric assembly is disposed between the imager and the electronic circuitry, and the elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a portable X-ray detector is provided. The method includes providing an outer assembly and disposing an imager in the outer assembly. The imager includes a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. The method also includes providing electronic circuitry mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, the method also includes disposing an elastomeric assembly between the imager and the electronic circuitry. The elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
[0007] In another embodiment, a portable digital X-ray detector includes an outer assembly and a detector assembly disposed within the outer assembly. The detector assembly includes an imager having a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. Electronic circuitry is mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, an elastomeric assembly is disposed between the imager and the electronic circuitry, and the elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical overview of a digital X-ray imaging system in accordance with a presently disclosed embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital X-ray imaging system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portable digital X-ray detector that may be utilized in the digital X-ray imaging system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable X-ray detector of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment.
[0013] As described in detail below, provided herein are embodiments of portable digital X-ray detectors having an elastomeric assembly disposed therein. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric assembly may be disposed between an imager and an electronics board for the absorption of backscattered X-rays, thus reducing or eliminating the likelihood that the electronics are undesirably imaged. That is, in certain embodiments, the inclusion of the elastomeric assembly may provide for the absorption of X-rays that pass through a portion of the imager without being converted to light energy, as well as X-rays that deflect off of the casing of the portable X-ray detector. Further, the elastomeric assembly may also provide for the absorption of shock applied to the casing of the X-ray detector. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the elastomeric assembly may include at least one metal having X-ray blocking properties and at least one polymer having elastic properties. The metal and the polymer may be combined in the elastomeric assembly in a variety of suitable ways. For example, in one embodiment, the metal (or metals) may be provided in powder form, and the powdered metals may be incorporated into a copolymer matrix to provide the elastomeric assembly.
[0014] The foregoing features may offer one or more advantages over conventional systems that do not incorporate an elastomeric assembly into the portable digital X-ray detector. For example, in some embodiments, the inclusion of the elastomeric assembly, as well as its positioning between the imager and the electronics, may enable the portable X-ray detector to be geometrically thin and of a low mass, while still providing shock isolation and backscatter absorption capabilities. Further, in some embodiments, the elastomeric assembly may utilize metals other than lead, thus providing for X-ray blocking without the use of lead and reducing or eliminating the need for lead in the X-ray detector assembly. Still further, in certain embodiments a heat spreader may be included for the spreading of heat along a width of the portable X-ray detector assembly.
[0015] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates diagrammatically an imaging system 10 for acquiring and processing discrete pixel image data. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging system 10 is a digital X-ray system designed both to acquire original image data and to process the image data for display in accordance with the present technique. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging system 10 includes a source of X-ray radiation 12 positioned adjacent to a collimator 14. The collimator 14 permits a stream of radiation 16 to pass into a region in which an object or subject, such as a patient 18, is positioned. A portion of the radiation 20 passes through or around the subject and impacts a digital X-ray detector, represented generally at reference numeral 22. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the detector 22 may convert the X-ray photons incident on its surface to lower energy photons, and subsequently to electric signals, which are acquired and processed to reconstruct an image of the features within the subject.
[0016] Further, in certain embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the detector 22 may be a portable digital X-ray detector. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, in some instances, the design considerations associated with portable digital X-ray detectors may be different than those of detectors associated with fixed systems. For example, packaging parameters, such as thermal management and shock isolation, as well as the monetary cost, geometric dimensions, and overall mass of the detector assembly may be of increased consideration in the design of portable detectors as compared to fixed detectors. For further example, because portable X-ray detectors are designed for increased amounts of movement both to and between use locations as compared to fixed X-ray detectors, factors such as overall mass and the ability to absorb shock may be of increased importance. That is, the desired reduction in size and mass, among other things, may lead to different design considerations.
[0017] As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the detector 22 may be a portable digital X-ray detector having an elastomeric assembly disposed therein. The elastomeric assembly may be positioned between an imager portion of the assembly and an electronic board for the absorption of backscattered X-rays and/or the absorption of shock. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the elastomeric assembly may include at least one metal having X-ray blocking properties and at least one polymer having elastic properties, and the metal and polymer may be combined in any desired fashion to create the elastomeric assembly. These and other features of the portable digital X-ray detector embodiments provided herein are discussed in more detail below.
[0018] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the radiation source 12 is controlled by a power supply/control circuit 24, which supplies both power and control signals for examination sequences. Moreover, the detector 22 is communicatively coupled to a detector controller 26 which commands acquisition of the signals generated in the detector 22. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the detector 22 is portable and configured for use with a variety of systems, the detector 22 may communicate with the detector controller 26 via a suitable wireless communication standard. However, it should be noted that the use of detectors 22 that communicate with the detector controller 26 through a cable or some other wired connection are also envisaged. The detector controller 26 may execute various signal processing and filtration functions, such as for initial adjustment of dynamic ranges, interleaving of digital image data, and so forth.
[0019] Both the power supply/control circuit 24 and the detector controller 26 are responsive to signals from a system controller 28. In general, the system controller 28 commands operation of the imaging system 10 to execute examination protocols and to process acquired image data. In the present context, the system controller 28 also includes signal processing circuitry, typically based upon a programmed general purpose or application-specific digital computer; and associated manufactures, such as optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, or solid-state memory devices, for storing programs and routines executed by a processor of the computer to carry out various functionalities, as well as for storing configuration parameters and image data, interface circuits, and so forth. In one embodiment, a general or special purpose computer system may be provided with hardware, circuitry, firmware, and/or software for performing the functions attributed to one or more of the power supply/control circuit 24, the detector controller 26, and/or the system controller 28 as discussed herein.
[0020] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the system controller 28 is linked to at least one output device, such as a display or printer, as indicated at reference numeral 30. The output device may include standard or special purpose computer monitors and associated processing circuitry. One or more operator workstations 32 may be further linked in the system for outputting system parameters, requesting examinations, viewing images, and so forth. In general, displays, printers, workstations, and similar devices supplied within the system may be local to the data acquisition components, or may be remote from these components, such as elsewhere within an institution or hospital, or in an entirely different location, linked to the image acquisition system via one or more configurable networks, such as the Internet, virtual private networks, and so forth.
[0021] By way of further example, a perspective view of an imaging system 34 is provided in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment. The imaging system 34 includes an overhead tube support arm 38 for positioning a radiation source 12, such as an X-ray tube, with respect to a patient 18 and a detector 22. It is also noted that, in addition to the radiation source 12, the imaging system 34 may also include any or all of the other components described above with respect to FIG. 1, such as the system controller 28.
[0022] Moreover, in one embodiment, the imaging system 34 may be used with one or both of a patient table 44 and a wall stand 48 to facilitate image acquisition. Particularly, the table 44 and the wall stand 48 may be configured to receive one or more digital detectors 22. For instance, a digital detector 22 may be placed on the upper surface of the table 44, and the patient 18 (more specifically, an anatomy of interest of the patient 18) may be positioned on the table 44 between the detector 22 and the radiation source 12. In some other instances, the detector 22 may be positioned in a slot 46 below the upper surface of the table 44 and the patient 18, or the radiation source 12 and the detector 22 may be positioned horizontally about the patient 18 for cross-table imaging. Further, the wall stand 48 may include a receiving structure 50 also adapted to receive the digital detector 22, and the patient 18 may be positioned adjacent the wall stand 48 to enable image data to be acquired via the digital detector 22.
[0023] In one embodiment, the imaging system 34 may be a stationary system disposed in a fixed X-ray imaging room, such as that generally depicted in, and described above with respect to FIG. 2. It will be appreciated, however, that the presently disclosed techniques may also be employed with other imaging systems, including mobile X-ray units and systems, in other embodiments. For instance, in other embodiments, a mobile X-ray unit may be moved to a patient recovery room, an emergency room, a surgical room, or the like to enable imaging of a patient without requiring transport of the patient to a dedicated (i.e., fixed) X-ray imaging room.
[0024] A perspective view of an embodiment of a flat panel, portable, digital X- ray detector 22 suitable for use in the foregoing imaging systems is provided in FIG. 3. The illustrated portable, digital X-ray detector 22 includes a detector subsystem for generating electrical signals in response to reception of incident X-rays. In accordance with certain embodiments, an outer assembly 52 provides an external enclosure surrounding the detector panel assembly, so as to provide a barrier around the detector components, thereby providing an outer that directly experiences an external load or an impact. In addition, as discussed in further detail below, the detector 22 may also include shock absorbent structures, such as an elastomeric assembly, to partially or fully protect the internal components within the outer assembly 52. Further, it should be noted that the shock absorbent structures may also serve other purposes and provide additional functionality within the assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the elastomeric assembly may provide both shock absorbance as well as backscatter shielding.
[0025] In one embodiment, the outer assembly 52 may be a single -piece continuous structure and may be substantially devoid of any discontinuities. For example, the single-piece outer assembly 52 may be a 4-5 sided structure in a sleeve like configuration having at least one opening to allow for insertion of the detector panel assembly. The illustrated outer assembly 52 includes a front side 54 to receive X-ray radiation 56. It should be noted that the individual sides or edges of the single- piece sleeve may be flat, rounded, curved, contoured, or otherwise shaped to improve detector ruggedness and ease of use.
[0026] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the outer assembly 52 may be a multi- piece assembly. The outer assembly 52 may be formed of materials such as a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a composite material, or a combination of the above. In certain embodiments, the material has low X-ray attenuation characteristics. In one embodiment, the outer assembly 52 may be formed of a lightweight, durable composite material such as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material, carbon reinforced plastic material in combination with foam cores, or a graphite fiber-epoxy composite. Some embodiments may include one or more material compositions having a non-conductive matrix with conductive elements disposed therein, and may provide electromagnetic interference shielding to protect the internal components of the detector 22 from external electronic noise. Additionally, the outer assembly 52 may be designed to be substantially rigid with minimal deflection when subjected to an external load.
[0027] In certain embodiments, an end cap 58 may be provided at one end of an outer enclosure 60 to form the outer assembly 52. It should be noted that the end cap 58 may be formed of an impact resistant, energy absorbent material such as nylon, polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), delrin, or polycarbonate. UHMW polyethylene is a linear polymer with a molecular weight generally in the range of about 3,100,000 to about 6,000,000. Further, a handle 62 may be mechanically coupled to the outer assembly 52 to facilitate the portability of the detector 22. This handle 62 may be a separate component that is attached to the outer assembly 52. Again, it should be noted that the handle 62 may be formed of an impact resistant, energy absorbent material, such as a high molecular weight polyethylene.
[0028] The handle 62 may, in turn, include various features that facilitate handling of the detector 22 by a technician or other user. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 3, the handle 62 may include one or more grips, although it is noted that other features, such as contours allowing a user to more easily grip the detector 22, may also or instead be included in other embodiments. Further, although the detector 22 depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 3 includes the handle 62, which renders the detector 22 portable, in other embodiments, other features of the detector 22 may impart portability upon the assembly. Indeed, the currently envisioned portable X-ray detectors are subject to a variety of implementation- specific variations and are not limited to those that are configured as shown. The illustrated detectors are merely examples of suitable portable X-ray detectors within which an elastomeric assembly may be disposed.
[0029] As shown, the detector 22 may be constructed without a fixed tether or cable. Alternatively, the detector 22 may be connected to a tether that is used to connect the detector readout electronics to the data acquisition system of the scanner when in use. When not in use, the detector 22 may be easily detached from tether and stored remotely from the imaging system, or transported to another location for use in another imaging system. As such, detector 22 may be transported to and from multiple scan stations remote from one another. This is particularly advantageous for emergency rooms and other triage facilities.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portable X-ray detector 22 of FIG. 3, illustrating an example of a suitable internal composition of the detector 22. As shown, the illustrated embodiment includes an enclosure 64, which may be part of the outer assembly 52, and an X-ray window 66, through which X-rays may enter the assembly 22. The assembly 22 also includes isolation foam 68, an imager 70, an elastomeric assembly 72, a heat spreader 74, electronic circuitry 76, flex electronics 78, and a rear enclosure 80, which may be part of outer assembly 52.
[0032] The imager 70 may further include a detector array that detects the light produced by the scintillator. In certain embodiments, the detector array may include a plurality of detector elements, each corresponding to a pixel in the reconstructed image of the subject being imaged. Each detector element may include a light sensitive region and an electronics region, and a capacitor in the electronics region may couple to readout electronics that enable the electrical output of the detector elements to be communicated to other system components to facilitate the downstream image reconstruction process. Generally, a thin and fragile glass substrate supports the transistors of the detector elements.
[0033] Further, the electronic circuitry 76 in the assembly 22 is generally provided to control operation of the imager 70 during data acquisition and readout. To that end. The electronic circuitry 76 may include one or more electronic components mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). For example, the circuitry 76 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) for monitoring and diagnostics, temperature sensors, accelerometer support electronics, one or more data storage devices, wireless transmission electronics, energy storage devices, and so forth.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the elastomeric assembly 72 is provided between the imager 70 and the support member 81, and, during operation, the elastomeric assembly 72 may provide multiple functionalities. For example, the elastomeric assembly 72 may absorb impact and distribute static load between the imager 70 and the electronic circuitry 76. Further, the elastomeric assembly 72 may also reduce or eliminate the detection of backscattered X-rays. That is, the elastomeric assembly 72 may absorb backscattered X-rays that passed through the imager 70 or deflected off a portion of the outer assembly 52. The foregoing feature may reduce or eliminate the likelihood that the electronic circuitry 76 is imaged. Still further, the elastomeric assembly 72 may thermally isolate the imager 70, which may be temperature sensitive, from the electronic circuitry 76, which may dissipate heat during operation. It should be noted that by providing a single assembly, i.e., the elastomeric assembly 72, having these multiple functionalities, the overall dimensions, mass, and monetary cost of certain embodiments of the portable X-ray detector 22 may be reduced as compared to conventional designs. Further, it should also be noted that the support member 81 and electronic circuitry 76 may be the same component in some embodiments.
[0035] The foregoing functionalities may be supported by a variety of suitable structural arrangements of the elastomeric assembly 72. In one embodiment, the elastomeric assembly 72 includes at least one metal having X-ray blocking properties and at least one polymer having elastic properties. When combined, the metal (or metals) and the polymer (or polymers) provide the benefits of both types of materials. In certain embodiments, the metal component of the elastomeric assembly 72 may include antimony, bismuth, barium sulfate, tungsten, a combination thereof, or any other suitable X-ray blocking metal. Further, in some embodiments, the metal component of the assembly 72 may not include lead. Additionally, the polymeric component of the elastomeric assembly 72 may include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable polymer.
[0036] Further, the metal component and the polymer component of the elastomeric assembly 72 may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the metal component may be provided in powder form, the polymer component may be provided as a copolymer matrix, and the elastomeric assembly 72 may be formed by filling the copolymer matrix with the powder. For further example, in one embodiment, the elastomeric assembly 72 may be Xenolite TB, available from Lite Tech, Inc., having a weight of less than approximately 6 kg/square meter, and being formed by incorporating bismuth and antimony into an EVA copolymer matrix.
[0037] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the heat spreader 74 may optionally be provided between the elastomeric assembly 72 and the electronic circuitry 76, depending on implementation-specific considerations. In embodiments in which the heat spreader 74 is provided, the heat spreader 74 spreads heat along a width of the outer assembly 52 during operation. However, the heat spreader 74 may be configured not to spread heat toward the electronic circuitry 76. The heat spreader 74 may include materials, such as graphite, that facilitate the spreading of heat in the desired directions (i.e. in the in-plane direction). In some embodiments, the heat spreader 74 may include materials such as eGRAF, manufactured by GrafTech.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

中文:
[0001]本文中公开的主题大体上涉及数字成像系统,并且更具体地涉及用于此类系统中的便携式数字X射线检测器的组件。
[0002]各种设计的一定数量的辐射成像系统是已知的,并且目前在使用。此类系统大体上基于生成朝感兴趣的受验者引导的X射线。X射线横穿受验者,并且冲击膜或数字检测器。例如,在医疗诊断的背景下,此类系统可用于使内部组织可视化和诊断患者的疾病。在其它背景下,零件、行李、包裹和其它受验物可尤其出于多种目的成像,以便评估它们的内容物。
[0003]此类X射线系统逐渐使用数字电路,如固态检测器,用于检测X射线,其由受验物的介入结构衰减、散射或吸收。固态检测器可生成指示接收到的X射线的强度的电信号。这些信号继而可获取和处理成重建感兴趣的受验物的图像。
[0004]数字X射线检测器的常规构造可导致相对重且厚的数字X射线检测器,以部分地保护可高度易受通过物理撞击或冲击的损坏的易碎构件。典型地,数字X射线检测器还包括相对坚硬的封壳,其刚性地附接于内部构件。然而,随着数字X射线成像系统变得日益普遍,数字X射线检测器变得更便携,用于更多多功能性。随着便携式数字X射线检测器的到来,需要保持常规检测器的成像能力的更轻、更薄、更小的检测器。令人遗憾的是,构建经济上合乎需要、几何形状上薄且质量轻的便携式X射线检测器可存在与热管理、冲击吸收和反向散射X射线吸收相关联的独特挑战。因此,存在对解决这些缺陷的改进的X射线检测器组件的需要。
[0005]在一个实施例中,提供了一种便携式数字X射线检测器。X射线检测器包括外组件和设置在外组件内的检测器组件。检测器组件包括具有将射线照相能量转换成光的闪烁器的成像仪,以及具有检测来自闪烁器的光的一个或更多个检测器元件的检测器阵列。检测器组件还包括电子电路,其安装在至少一个印刷电路板上,并且适于在数据采集和读出期间控制成像仪的操作。此外,弹性体组件设置在成像仪与电子电路之间,并且弹性体组件构造成吸收穿过成像仪或在X射线曝光期间偏离外组件的一部分的反向散射的X射线。
[0006]在另一个实施例中,提供了一种制造便携式X射线检测器的方法。该方法包括提供外组件和将成像仪设置在外组件中。成像仪包括将射线照相能量转换成光的闪烁器,以及具有检测来自闪烁器的光的一个或更多个检测器元件的检测器阵列。该方法还包括提供电子电路,其安装在至少一个印刷电路板上,并且适于在数据采集和读出期间控制成像仪的操作。此外,该方法还包括将弹性体组件设置在成像仪与电子电路之间。弹性体组件构造成吸收穿过成像仪或在X射线曝光期间偏离外组件的一部分的反向散射的X射线。
[0007]在另一个实施例中,一种便携式数字X射线检测器包括外组件和设置在外组件内的检测器组件。检测器组件包括具有将射线照相能量转换成光的闪烁器的成像仪,以及具有检测来自闪烁器的光的一个或更多个检测器元件的检测器阵列。电子电路安装在至少一个印刷电路板上,并且适于在数据采集和读出期间控制成像仪的操作。此外,弹性体组件设置在成像仪与电子电路之间,并且弹性体组件构造成吸收穿过成像仪或在X射线曝光期间偏离外组件的一部分的反向散射的X射线。
[0009]图1为根据当前公开的实施例的数字X射线成像系统的图解概略视图;
[0010]图2为根据一个实施例的图1的数字X射线成像系统的透视图;
[0011]图3为根据实施例的可用于图1的数字X射线成像系统中的便携式数字X射线检测器的正视透视图;以及
[0012]图4为根据实施例的图3的便携式X射线检测器的截面视图。
[0013]如下文详细描述的,本文提供了具有设置在其中的弹性体组件的便携式数字X射线检测器的实施例。在某些实施例中,弹性体组件可设置在成像仪与电子板之间用于吸收反向散射的X射线,因此减小或消除了电子装置不合乎需要地成像的可能性。即,在某些实施例中,包括弹性体组件可提供穿过成像仪的一部分而未转换成光能的X射线,以及偏离便携式X射线检测器的外壳的X射线的吸收。此外,弹性体组件还可提供施加于X射线检测器的外壳的冲击的吸收。因此,在某些实施例中,弹性体组件可包括具有X射线阻挡性质的至少一种金属和具有弹性性质的至少一种聚合物。金属和聚合物可以以多种适合的方式组合在弹性体组件中。例如,在一个实施例中,金属(或多种金属)可以以粉末形式提供,并且粉末金属可结合到共聚物基质中以提供弹性体组件。
[0014]前述特征可提供优于并未将弹性体组件结合到便携式数字X射线检测器中的常规系统的一个或更多个优点。例如,在一些实施例中,包括弹性体组件,以及其定位在成像仪与电子装置之间,可使便携式X射线检测器能够在几何上细且具有低质量,同时仍提供冲击隔离和反向散射吸收能力。此外,在一些实施例中,弹性体组件可使用除铅之外的金属,因此提供了X射线阻挡,而不使用铅,并且减小或消除了X射线检测器组件中的铅的需要。更进一步,在某些实施例中,可包括散热器,用于沿便携式X射线检测器组件的宽度传播热。
[0015]现在回到附图,图1图解地示出了用于采集和处理离散的像素成像数据的成像系统10。在所示实施例中,成像系统10为数字X射线系统,其设计成既采集原始图像数据,又处理图像数据用于根据本技术显示。在图1中所示的实施例中,成像系统10包括定位在准直仪14附近的X射线辐射源12。准直仪14容许辐射流16进入物体或受验者如患者18所定位的区域中。辐射20的一部分穿过或围绕受验者,并且冲击大体上以附图标记22表示的数字X射线检测器。如本领域技术人员将认识到的,检测器22可将其表面上的X射线光子入射转换成低能光子,并且随后转换成电信号,该电信号采集和处理成重建受验者内的特征的图像。
[0016]此外,在某些实施例中,如下文更详细论述的,检测器22可为便携式数字X射线检测器。如本领域技术人员认识到的,在一些情况下,与便携式数字X射线检测器相关联的设计考虑可不同于与固定系统相关联的检测器的那些。例如,相比于固定检测器,包装参数如热管理和冲击隔离,以及检测器组件的资金成本、几何大小和总体质量可在便携式检测器的设计中具有增加的考虑。再例如,由于便携式X射线检测器设计用于相比于固定X射线检测器的、至使用位置和在使用位置之间两者的增加量的移动,故诸如总体质量和吸收冲击的能力的因素可具有提高的重要性。即,尺寸和质量的期望减小尤其可导致不同的设计考虑。
[0017]如下文更详细描述的,在一些实施例中,检测器22可为具有设置在其中的弹性体组件的便携式数字X射线检测器。弹性体组件可定位在组件的成像仪部分与用于吸收反向散射的X射线和/或吸收冲击的电子板之间。因此,在某些实施例中,弹性体组件可包括具有X射线阻挡性质的至少一种金属和具有弹性性质的至少一种聚合物,并且金属和聚合物可以以任何期望的方式组合来产生弹性体组件。下文更详细论述本文中提供的便携式数字X射线检测器实施例的这些及其它的特征。
[0018]在图1中所示的实施例中,辐射源12由电源/控制电路24控制,电源/控制电路24供应功率和用于检查顺序的控制信号两者。此外,检测器22通信地联接于检测器控制器26,检测器控制器26命令采集检测器22中生成的信号。在一些实施例(如其中检测器22为便携的并且构造用于与多种系统一起使用的实施例)中,检测器22可经由适合的无线通信标准与检测器控制器26通信。然而,将注意的是,还构想出通过线缆或一些其它有线连接与检测器控制器26联接的检测器22的使用。检测器控制器26可执行各种信号处理和滤波功能,如,用于动态范围的初始调整、数字图像数据的交叉等。
[0019]电源/控制电路24和检测器控制器26两者响应于来自系统控制器28的信号。大体上,系统控制器28命令成像系统10的操作,以执行检查协议和处理采集的图像数据。在本背景下,系统控制器28还包括信号处理电路,其典型地基于编程的通用或专用数字计算机;以及相关联的制品,如,光存储器装置、磁存储器装置或固态存储器装置,用于储存由计算机的处理器执行的程序和例行程序以执行各种功能,以及用于储存配置参数和图像数据、接口电路等。在一个实施例中,通用或专用计算机系统可设有硬件、电路、固件和/或软件用于执行归因于如本文所述的电源/控制电路24、检测器控制器26和/或系统控制器28中的一个或更多个的功能。
[0020]在图1中所示的实施例中,系统控制器28联结于至少一个输出装置,如显示器或打印机,如以附图标记30指示的。输出装置可包括标准或专用计算机监测器和相关联的处理电路。一个或更多个操作者工作站32可进一步联结在系统中用于输出系统参数、请求检查、查看图像等。大体上,供应在系统内的显示器、打印机、工作站和类似的装置可对于数据采集构件为本地的,或者可远离这些构件,如,在机构或医院内的别处,或在完全不同的地方,它们经由一个或更多个可配置的网络(如,因特网、虚拟专用网络等)联结于图像采集系统。
[0021]经由又一个实例,根据一个实施例,成像系统34的透视图在图2中提供。成像系统34包括顶上的管支承臂38,用于相对于患者18和检测器22来定位辐射源12,如X射线管。还注意的是,除辐射源12之外,成像系统34还可包括上文关于图1所述的其它构件中的任一个或所有,如,系统控制器28。
[0022]此外,在一个实施例中,成像系统34可与患者台44和壁架48中的一个或两者一起使用以便于图像采集。具体而言,台44和壁架48可构造成接收一个或更多个数字检测器22。例如,数字检测器22可置于台44的上表面上,并且患者18(更具体而言,患者18的感兴趣的组织结构)可在检测器22与辐射源12之间定位在台44上。在一些其它情况中,检测器22可定位在台44的上表面和患者18下方的槽口46中,或者辐射源12和检测器22可围绕患者18水平地定位用于横跨台成像。此外,壁架48可包括还适于接收数字检测器22的接收结构50,并且患者18可定位在壁架48附近,以使图像数据能够经由数字检测器22采集。
[0023]在一个实施例中,成像系统34可为设置在固定X射线成像室中的静止系统,如,大体上在图2中绘出且上文关于图2所述的。然而,将认识到的是,当前公开的技术还可与其它实施例中的其它成像系统(包括活动式X射线单元和系统)一起使用。例如,在其它实施例中,活动式X射线单元可移动到患者恢复室、急救室、手术室等,以实现患者成像,而不需要将患者运送到专门的(即,固定的)X射线成像室。此外,如上文提到的,X射线检测器22可为构造用于与活动或固定系统两者一起使用的便携式数字X射线检测器。即,在某些实施例中,成像系统34可为固定的,但检测器22可仍为便携的,并且构造用于与多种固定成像系统一起使用。实际上,检测器22可为便携的,并且仍构造用于与固定或活动成像系统一起使用。
[0024]图3中提供了适用于在前述成像系统中使用的平面板便携式数字X射线检测器22的实施例的透视图。所示的便携式数字X射线检测器22包括用于响应于入射X射线的接收生成电信号的检测器子系统。根据某些实施例,外组件52提供包绕检测器面板组件的外壳,以便提供围绕检测器构件的隔层,从而提供直接经历外部负载或冲击的外部。此外,如下文进一步详细论述的,检测器22还可包括冲击吸收结构,如,弹性体组件,以部分地或完全地保护外组件52内的内部构件。此外,将注意的是,冲击吸收结构还可用于其它目的,并且提供组件内的附加功能性。例如,在一个实施例中,弹性体组件可提供冲击吸收以及反向散射防护两者。
[0025]在一个实施例中,外组件52可为单件连续的结构,并且可大致没有任何间断。例如,单件外组件52可为呈套筒状构造的4至5侧的结构,其具有至少一个开口以允许检测器面板组件的插入。所示的外组件52包括前侧54以接收X射线辐射56。将注意的是,单件套筒的单个侧或边缘可为平的、圆的、弯曲的、成轮廓的,或其它形状,以改进检测器的耐久性和易用性。
[0026]作为备选,在其它实施例中,外组件52可为多件组件。外组件52可由材料如金属、金属合金、塑料、复合材料或以上的组合形成。在某些实施例中,材料具有低X射线衰减特性。在一个实施例中,外组件52可由轻质耐用复合材料形成,如,碳纤维增强塑料材料、与泡沫芯组合的碳增强塑料材料,或石墨纤维环氧复合物。一些实施例可包括具有带设置在其中的传导元素的非传导基质的一种或更多种材料成分,并且可提供电磁干扰防护来保护检测器22的内部构件免受外部电子噪音。此外,外组件52可设计为大致刚性的,其中,在经受外部负载时偏转最小。
[0027]在某些实施例中,端盖58可设在外封壳60的一端处以形成外组件52。将注意的是,端盖58可由抗冲击能量吸收材料形成,如,尼龙、聚乙烯、超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMW-PE)、迭尔林或聚碳酸酯。UHMW聚乙烯为线性聚合物,其具有大体上在大约3,100,000至大约6,000,000的范围中的分子量。此外,手柄62可机械地联接于外组件52,以便于检测器22的便携性。该手柄62可为附接于外组件52的单独构件。另外,将注意的是,手柄62可由抗冲击的能量吸收材料如高分子量聚乙烯形成。
[0028]手柄62继而可包括便于由技术人员或其它使用者操纵检测器22的各种特征。在一些实施例中,如,在图3中所描绘,手柄62可包括一个或更多个抓握部,但注意的是,其它特征如允许使用者更容易抓握检测器22的轮廓还可或替代地包括在其它实施例中。此外,尽管图3的实施例中绘出的检测器22包括给予检测器22便携性的手柄62,但在其它实施例中,检测器22的其它特征可在组装时赋予便携性。实际上,当前构想的便携式X射线检测器经受多种实施特有的变化,并且不限于如所示构造的那些。所示的检测器仅为适合的便携式X射线检测器的实例,弹性体组件可设置在该便携式X射线检测器内。
[0029]如所示,检测器22可构造成没有固定系绳或线缆。作为备选,检测器22可连接于系绳,该系绳用于在使用中时将检测器读出电子装置连接于扫描仪的数据采集系统。在未使用时,检测器22可容易地与系绳脱离,并且远离成像系统储存,或者运送至另一个位置用于在另一个成像系统中使用。就此而言,检测器22可运送来往返于远离彼此的多个扫描站。这对于急救室和其它病员设施是特别有利的。
[0030]图4为图3的便携式X射线检测器22的局部截面视图,示出了检测器22的适合的内部组成的实例。如所示,所示的实施例包括封壳64,其可为外组件52的一部分,以及X射线可通过其进入组件22中的X射线窗口66。组件22还包括隔离泡沫68、成像仪70、弹性体组件72、散热器74、电子电路76、柔性电子装置78,以及可为外组件52的一部分的后封壳80。
[0032]成像仪70还可包括检测由闪烁器产生的光的检测器阵列。在某些实施例中,检测器阵列可包括多个检测器元件,其均对应于成像的受验者的重建图像中的像素。各个检测器元件可包括感光区域和电子装置区域,并且电子装置区域中的电容器可联接于读出电子装置,该读出电子装置使检测器元件的电输出能够传输至其它系统构件,以便于下游的图像重建过程。大体上,细且易碎的玻璃基底支承检测器元件的晶体管。
[0033]此外,组件22中的电子电路76大体上提供成在数据采集和读出期间控制成像仪70的操作。为此,电子电路76可包括安装在一个或更多个印刷电路板(PCB)上的一个或更多个电子构件。例如,电路76可包括用于监测和诊断的发光二极管(LED)、温度传感器、加速度计支承电子装置、一个或更多个数据储存装置、无线传输电子装置、能量储存装置等。
[0034]如图4中所示,弹性体组件72设在成像仪70与支承部件81之间,并且在操作期间,弹性体组件72可提供多种功能性。例如,弹性体组件72可吸收冲击,并且在成像仪70与电子电路76之间分配静负载。此外,弹性体组件72还可减少或消除反向散射的X射线的检测。即,弹性体组件72可吸收穿过成像仪70或偏离外组件52的一部分的反向散射的X射线。前述特征可减少或消除电子电路76成像的可能性。更进一步,弹性体组件72可将可为热敏的成像仪70与电子电路76热隔离,电子电路76可在操作期间散热。将注意的是,通过提供具有这些多种功能性的单个组件,即,弹性体组件72,便携式X射线检测器22的某些实施例的总体大小、质量和资金成本可相比于常规设计降低。此外,还将注意的是,支承部件81和电子电路76可在一些实施例中为相同构件。
[0035]前述功能性可由弹性体组件72的多种适合的结构布置来支持。在一个实施例中,弹性体组件72包括具有X射线阻挡性质的至少一种金属和具有弹性性质的至少一种聚合物。在组合时,金属(或多种金属)和聚合物(或多种聚合物)提供了两种类型的材料的益处。在某些实施例中,弹性体组件72的金属成分可包括锑、铋、硫酸钡、钨、它们的组合,或任何其它适合的X射线阻挡金属。此外,在一些实施例中,组件72的金属成分可不包括铅。此外,弹性体组件72的聚合物成分可包括乙烯乙酸乙烯(EVA),或任何其它适合的聚合物。
[0036]此外,弹性体组件72的金属成分和聚合物成分可以以任何适合的方式组合。例如,在一个实施例中,金属成分可以以粉末形式提供,聚合物成分可提供为共聚物基质,并且弹性体组件72可通过以粉末填充共聚物基质来形成。又例如,在一个实施例中,弹性体组件72可为能够从Lite Tech, Inc.获得的Xenolite TB,其具有小于大约6kg/平方米的重量,并且通过将铋和锑结合到EVA共聚物基质中来形成。
[0037]此外,如图4中所示,散热器74可以可选地设在弹性体组件72与电子电路76之间,这取决于实施特有的考虑。在其中提供了散热器74的实施例中,散热器74在操作期间沿外组件52的宽度传播热。然而,散热器74可构造成不朝电子电路76传播热。散热器74可包括便于沿期望方向(即,沿平面中的方向)传播热的材料,如石墨。在一些实施例中,散热器74可包括由GrafTech制造的材料,如eGRAF。
[0038]该书面的描述使用实例以公开本发明(包括最佳模式),并且还使本领域技术人员能够实践本发明(包括制造和使用任何装置或系统并且执行任何并入的方法)。本发明的可专利范围由权利要求限定,并且可包括本领域技术人员想到的其它实例。如果这些其它实例具有不与权利要求的字面语言不同的结构元件,或者如果这些其它实例包括与权利要求的字面语言无显著差别的等同结构元件,则这些其它实例意图在权利要求的范围内。