Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation directed toward the X-ray detector; anda frame configured to:hold the X-ray detector;hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector;enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation; andenable attachment of a Compton scatter shielding device to the frame; anda switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the shielding device. 2. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising a collimator configured to filter the output of the X-ray radiation, the switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device adjacent the collimator. 3. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of the shielding device. 4. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a mechanical switch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor. 5. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage. 6. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 5, wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected. 7. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an attachment rail configured to hold the shielding device. 8. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation; anda frame configured to:hold the X-ray detector;hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector; andenable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation;a backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; anda switch configured to detect attachment of the backscatter shield to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the backscatter shield. 9. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 8, wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage. 10. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 9, wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected.