Patent Publication Number: US-2022211336-A1

Title: Digital dental x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/225,858, filed Apr. 8, 2021, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 16/715,826, filed Dec. 16, 2019, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 16/162,080, filed Oct. 16, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,506,992, the entireties of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to dental x-ray sensors, and, more particularly, relates to a dental x-ray sensor device that fits comfortably in a person&#39;s mouth, and which allows broader angles of view to be taken by an x-ray compared to conventional x-ray sensors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dentists have been using x-ray photography to examine teeth and dental work for decades. In the past a slide of film was placed in a protective rectangular sheath and put into a patient&#39;s mouth. These sheaths had uncomfortable edges and corners that contributed to the general unpleasantness associated with a visit to a dentist&#39;s office. Typically the corners and edges would dig into the patient&#39;s soft palate in the roof of their mouth, as well as in the lower jaw around the tongue. For some patients, particularly children, the shape of x-ray film sheaths made it very difficult to obtain good images. 
     More recently, the film x-ray has been replaced by digital x-ray sensors. Digital x-ray sensors use conventional image sensor technology, such a complementary metallic oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, in combination with a scintillator that produces visible light in the presence of x-rays, to produce a digital image. However, these digital x-ray sensors have retained the conventional rectangular form factor, and most of the uncomfortableness associated with that form factor. 
     The rectangular cuboid/prism shape of conventional digital x-ray sensors can cause mild to extreme discomfort in some patients. Among the issues experienced by dental patients, people report that the x-ray sensor produces a “cutting” sensation on the inside of their mouth, the feeling of being “smothered,” as well as inducing a gag reflex which can lead to vomiting. Different people have different sized mouths, so a large sensor for adults can still be difficult to accommodate by some adults with smaller mouths. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a digital dental x-ray sensor device that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that can be used comfortably by patients without the irritation and uncomfortableness associated with prior art dental x-ray sensors. 
     Embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide a dental x-ray sensor device that includes a rounded housing configured fit in a patient&#39;s mouth that is configured to contain a digital x-ray sensor having a front, the rounded housing having an external surface lacking edges or corners. The rounded housing can include a flat face that is circular or elliptical that corresponds to a plane of a digital x-ray sensor configured to be mounted in the rounded housing. The dental x-ray sensor device can further include a handle attachment feature formed on an outside surface of the rounded housing that is that is positioned to be in front of the digital x-ray sensor, and which allows attachment of a handle at a plurality of positions along the handle attachment feature. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises a first and a second portion that are configured to separably couple together and which provide a sensor bed configured to receive a rectangular digital x-ray sensor. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is semi-spherically shaped. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is configured to contain a circular digital x-ray sensor that conforms to an internal cross section of the rounded housing, and wherein the dental x-ray sensor device further comprises the circular digital x-ray sensor. 
     In accordance with another feature, the handle attachment feature comprises a groove that is configured to receive a base of a coupling member having detent features, and wherein the groove has a plurality of corresponding detent features at positions along the groove. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing has an external surface having a minimum radius of five millimeters. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises an indicia that indicates an orientation of the digital x-ray sensor inside the rounded housing. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the inventive disclosure, some embodiments can provide a digital dental x-ray sensor device including a rounded housing having an external surface that lacks edges and corners and that is configured to fit with a person&#39;s mouth with the person&#39;s mouth substantially closed. The rounded housing comprises a flat face that is circular or elliptical that corresponds to a plane of a digital x-ray sensor configured to be mounted in the rounded housing. The device can further include a digital x-ray sensor disposed within the rounded housing that conforms to an internal cross section of the rounded housing. The device can also include an attachment feature on an exterior of the rounded housing that is configured to receive a coupling member in a channel of the attachment feature. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is a semi-spherical housing. 
     In accordance with another feature, the semi-spherical housing includes a shoulder. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is an ellipsoid. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing comprises at least one flat spot. 
     In accordance with another feature, the digital x-ray sensor has a circular shape. 
     In accordance with another feature, the attachment feature is positioned on the rounded housing in front of the digital x-ray sensor. 
     In accordance with another feature, the attachment features comprises a plurality of detent features, each one of the plurality of detent features corresponding to a respective position along the channel and configured to mate with a corresponding detent feature on the coupling member. 
     In still some other embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a digital dental x-ray sensor system that includes a digital dental x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing, a digital x-ray sensor disposed within the rounded housing, and an attachment feature formed on an exterior of the rounded housing. The rounded housing comprises a flat face that is circular or elliptical that corresponds to a plane of a digital x-ray sensor configured to be mounted in the rounded housing. The system can further include a coupling member having a portion configured to fit within a channel of the attachment feature and be moveably retained in the channel, and having a head portion connected to the portion configured to fit within the channel. The system can further include a handle member having a first end configured to attach to the head of the coupling member, and having a second end opposite the first end. The system can further include a coupling ring configured to be retained on an emitter portion of an x-ray source, and having an extension that extends from a track formed on the coupling ring that is configured to attach to the second end of the handle member. 
     In accordance with another feature, the rounded housing is semi-spherical. 
     In accordance with another feature, the digital x-ray sensor is circular. 
     In accordance with another feature, the channel of the attachment feature comprises a plurality of detent features, where each one of the detent features is corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of positions along the channel, and the portion of the coupling member is configured to fit with the channel includes corresponding detent features to mate with the plurality of detent features in the channel to hold the coupling member at one of the plurality of positions along the channel. 
     In accordance with another feature, the extension of the coupling ring is movable along the track to hold the extension at a selected position along the track. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a digital dental x-ray sensor and system, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. 
     “In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. 
     As defined herein, the term “corner” refers to a point location on a surface where two or more planes of the surface meet. The term “edge” refers to a continuous line or curve along the meeting of two planes or faces of a surface. Furthermore, an edge can be rounded, having a radius of curvature of less than five millimeters and generally where two planes or faces of a surface meet at an angle of more than forty five degrees. 
     In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the features of the various embodiments shown in the various drawings can be combined among the embodiments shown in the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a digital x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a patient having a dental x-ray taken while using a digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a digital x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing for containing a conventional digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational exploded view of a digital x-ray sensor device having a rounded housing for containing a round digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a round digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of a portion of a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device with an attachment feature for coupling to a handle member, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of digital x-ray sensor device showing an attachment feature for coupling to a handle member, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an attachment feature on the rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of a coupling member for coupling a handle member to an attachment feature of a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  shows a series of views from the front of a digital x-ray sensor device illustrating how a coupling member can be moved to different positions in the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  a series of views from the side of a digital x-ray sensor device illustrating how a coupling member can be moved to different positions in the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  shows a handle member that is configured to couple to the coupling member to couple to a digital sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  shows a front projection view of a coupling member is different positions relative to a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  shows a front view of a patient using a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  shows a coupling ring for attaching a digital x-ray sensor to an x-ray source device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in a semi-sphere configuration, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in a disk configuration, in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 18  shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing having a cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing having a rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  shows a handle member that is configured to couple to the coupling member to couple to a digital sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  shows a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device in a semi-sphere configuration, having attachment features in various locations, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  shows a block schematic diagram of a digital x-ray sensor device having a wireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  shows a system using a digital x-ray sensor device having a wireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 24  shows a digital x-ray sensor device having a wireless interface used on a stabilizing arm for aligning the digital x-ray sensor device with an x-ray source, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 25  shows an alternate arrangement of a digital x-ray sensor device having a swivel mount, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 26  shows a detail of a digital x-ray sensor device as shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  shows a detail of the connection used with the digital x-ray sensor device of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  shows a schematic block diagram in which the circuit functionality of the digital x-ray sensor has been separated from the communication circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 29A-29B  show exploded views of a digital x-ray sensor and communication module system, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 30A-30B  show a support arm for coupling an attachment ring to a digital x-ray sensor system, in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 31  shows an assembled structure for mounting a digital x-ray sensor system onto an x-ray emitter, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     Embodiments of the present inventive disclosure provide a novel and efficient digital dental x-ray sensor device that is configured to alleviate the problems associated with conventional digital dental x-ray sensors. In particular, embodiments provide a rounded housing that has no corners, points, or edges that would cause pain in the soft tissue of a patient&#39;s mouth. Furthermore, the rounded housing reduces triggering a gag reflex in some patients who may otherwise be susceptible to gagging when using conventional digital dental x-ray sensors. In addition, the inventive disclosure provides features for adjusting the attachment location of the digital x-ray sensor device to a handle that can be connected to an x-ray source in order to optimize the position of the digital x-ray sensor in the patient&#39;s mouth for a given x-ray image. 
       FIG. 1  is a digital x-ray sensor device  100  having a rounded housing  102 , in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-ray sensor device  100  is a device used to produce dental x-ray images while avoiding the problems associated with conventional, rectangular x-ray sensors. The digital x-ray sensor device  100  is used by placing it in the mouth of a patient, orienting it properly, and directing a beam of x-ray emissions towards the digital x-ray sensor device  100 . The digital x-ray sensor device  100  produces a digital image of the patient&#39;s teeth, gums, and supporting bone in response to the x-ray emissions. 
     Many patients have experienced discomfort in using conventional rectangular prismatic dental x-ray sensors due to the corners and edges of these conventional sensors, which can result in discomfort ranging from mild pain to inducing a gag response or even vomiting. To reduce the discomfort experienced by patients, the digital x-ray sensor device  100  includes a rounded housing  102 , meaning the external surface of the rounded housing  102  is rounded, and lacks corners, protrusions, or edges that could dig into the patient&#39;s soft tissue, particularly at the top and bottom of the rounded housing  102 . Furthermore, the rounded housing  102  lacks any regions where two planar faces meet to form an edge. In some embodiments the rounded body can include one or more isolated planar faces  110  having a perimeter that meets rounded surfaces (e.g. a flat spot). In some embodiments, the rounded housing  102  can be spherical in shape, although not necessarily a perfect sphere. The rounded housing  102  can be an eccentric or irregular spheroid or ellipsoid (e.g. egg-shaped), having a width or length that is longer or shorter than dimensions in other directions, or it can include external surface feature such as bulges or depressions in some places. In some embodiments the rounded housing can have a flattened face on the external surface that is aligned (e.g. parallel) to a plane of an x-ray image sensor inside the digital x-ray sensor device  100 . In some embodiments the rounded housing  102  can have a flat spot to prevent the digital x-ray sensor device  100  from rolling when not in use and sitting on a surface. Although the rounded housing  102  can occupy more volume in a patient&#39;s mouth than a conventional rectangular prism shaped sensor, the rounded housing  102  eliminates any features that could dig into, or otherwise contact, the patent&#39;s soft tissue inside the patient&#39;s mouth, and cause the type of discomfort associated with the conventional x-ray sensor form factors. In some embodiments the rounded housing can have features with convex curves having a radius of not less than five millimeters over the majority of the external surface of the rounded housing. Some features may be present in locations that will not be against the patient&#39;s soft tissue in their mouth that have a smaller curve radius. 
     The rounded housing  102  is provided with an attachment feature  104  to allow the rounded housing  102  to couple to a handle or support member that is used to properly align the digital x-ray sensor device  100  in the patient&#39;s mouth. A cable  106  is connected to the internal circuitry of the digital x-ray sensor device  100  and allows transmission of instruction and information to and from the digital x-ray sensor device  100 , including the transmission of image data from the digital x-ray sensor device  100  to an image rendering computer system. An external indicia  108 , such as a line or other indicia, can further be provided on an outside of the rounded housing  102  to indicate an orientation of the digital x-ray sensor device  100 , and specifically an orientation of the image sensor housing inside the rounded housing  102  to allow the technician or clinician to properly orient the digital x-ray sensor device  100  device with respect to the particular teeth being x-rayed. In some embodiments the attachment feature can be located in front of the internal image sensor housing within the rounded housing  102 , meaning the attachment feature  104  will be between the x-ray source and the internal image sensor. 
     The attachment feature  104  can be a groove or channel formed in the surface of the rounded housing  102  that is configured to receive a coupling member which has a portion that fits within, and is retained by, the groove or channel. The attachment feature  104  can include structure that allows the coupling member to be positioned at various locations in the attachment feature  104  to achieve slightly different orientations of the digital x-ray sensor device  100  relative to the patient&#39;s teeth and an x-ray emitter located outside the patient. Thus, the attachment feature  104  can be used to optimally align and position the digital x-ray sensor device  100  to produce x-ray images of particular desired views of the patient&#39;s dental environment. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view  200  of a patient  202  having a dental x-ray taken while using a digital x-ray sensor device  204 , in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-ray sensor device  204  is hidden from view as being inside the mouth of the patient  202 , so the digital x-ray sensor device  204  is represented here in broken line. The digital x-ray sensor device  204  can be substantially similar to the digital x-ray sensor device  100  of  FIG. 1 . A technician can place the digital x-ray sensor device  204  in the mouth of the patient  202  in a proper orientation in cooperation with an external x-ray emitter source (not shown), as is known. The data cable  206  connected to the digital x-ray sensor device  204  passes out of the mouth of the patient  202  to an image rendering system. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a digital x-ray sensor device  300  having a rounded housing for containing a conventional rectangular digital x-ray sensor  306 , in accordance with some embodiments. The housing can be comprised of two halves, such as a first half  302  and a second half  304 . The housing portions  302 ,  304  can produce a sphere, ellipsoid, irregular sphere or ellipsoid, or other rounded shapes. The conventional rectangular digital x-ray sensor  306  can be held inside the housing portions  302 ,  304  in a bed  308  that is a physical arrangement that supports and holds the rectangular digital x-ray sensor  306  in place. In some embodiments, the bed  308  can include different bedding orientations to hold rectangular sensors of different sizes. The housing portions  302 ,  304  can couple together in a way that they are held together (e.g. with retention features) but which allow a technician to take them apart for cleaning, and use with other rectangular x-ray sensors. As in  FIG. 1 , the housing portions  302 ,  304  can include an attachment feature  310  on an external surface that allows coupling to a handle member. The conventional digital x-ray sensor  306  can be, for example, the type that is presently in use, including a polymeric external housing, or it can be a specially adapted housing including all of the sensor components and circuitry that could be used in conventional applications with a conventional housing. 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevational exploded view of a digital x-ray sensor device  400  having a rounded housing for containing a circular digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments. The rounded housing can be comprised of housing portions  402 ,  404  which provide a rounded external surface in the shape of a sphere or other rounded surface, as described in reference to  FIG. 1 . The housing portions  402 ,  404  can be permanently, semi-permanently, or removably joined together, and provide an attachment feature  416 . The housing portions  402 ,  404  house a digital x-ray sensor comprised of a stack of components that includes a scintillator  406 , a fiber optic lensing array  408 , a digital image sensor  410 , and a circuit board  412 . In some embodiments an annular shock pad  414 , made of a compressible resilient material, can be provided as well to absorb mechanical shock experienced by the assembled device  400  to protect the other sensor components  406 - 412 , which are shown in a perspective view detail  418 . 
     The scintillator  406  is reactive to x-ray emissions and produces visible light in response, and in proportion to the intensity of the x-rays incident on the scintillator  406 . Light produced by the scintillator  406  is directed through a fiber optic lensing array  408  to an image sensor  410 . The lensing array  408  is comprised of segments of optical fiber placed in parallel in the plane of the lensing array  408  to direct light from the scintillator  406  to the image sensor  410 , and to prevent bleeding of light from one portion of the scintillator  406  to adjacent portions of the image sensor  410 . The image sensor can be a CMOS image sensor that converts light intensity to a digital value corresponding to the light intensity at each of a plurality of pixel locations, as is known. The circuit board  412  includes control and power circuitry to drive and operate the image sensor  410 , and further includes data communication circuitry to transmit image data to a connected image rendering system (e.g. a computer). 
     The scintillator  406  is at the front of the stack, meaning it is closest to the x-ray source in use, and defines a front plane that is to be oriented in the direction of the x-ray source. Accordingly, the x-rays emitted from the x-ray source, when the digital x-ray sensor is correctly oriented for use, travel approximately perpendicular to the front plane of the scintillator  406 . 
     In perspective detail  418 , it can be seen that the sensor stack components  406 - 414  are substantially circular, or otherwise having a perimeter that conforms to the shape of the internal cross section space of the housing portions  402 ,  404 . This arrangement reduces the unused area that remains when using a rectangular sensor, as in  FIG. 4 . With a substantially circular sensor configuration, the angle at which the digital x-ray sensor  400  is turned when placed in a patient&#39;s mouth is less relevant than with rectangular x-ray sensors. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view  500  of a round digital x-ray sensor  502 , in accordance with some embodiments. The round digital x-ray sensor  502  can be used in rounded digital x-ray sensor devices such as those shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . The x-ray sensor  500  can include all of the components  406 - 412  of  FIG. 4 . One advantage of the round/circular configuration is that the area of the circle maximizes the image area while also making it less crucial to have the top and bottom of the sensor aligned with the direction of the patient&#39;s teeth. For comparison, a rectangular x-ray sensor of a conventional size is projected over the circular x-ray sensor  502  in outline  504 . The rectangular x-ray sensor projection  504  has a width dimension  506  that is equivalent to the diameter of the circular x-ray sensor  502 , and a height dimension  508  that is only a portion of the height/diameter  510  of the circular x-ray sensor  502 . However, the height  510  of the circular x-ray sensor  502  is also equal to its diameter, providing more image area above and below the rectangular projection, which can be regions of interest in dental x-rays. The corner regions of the rectangular projection  504  fall outside of the circular area of the circular x-ray sensor, but it is not typical to have image content of interest in these corner regions using conventional rectangular x-ray sensors. 
       FIGS. 6-8  show various view of a rounded housing for a digital x-ray sensor device, specifically showing detail of the attachment feature.  FIG. 6  shows a side perspective view of a portion of a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor device;  FIG. 7  shows a front view of digital x-ray sensor device; and  FIG. 8  shows a side cut-away view of an attachment feature, looking along the channel of the attachment feature, on the rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor. 
     A portion  600  of a rounded housing of a digital x-ray sensor includes an external surface  602  in which an attachment feature  604  is formed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are numerous equivalent structures that can be used to couple a handle member to the rounded housing. In one example of an attachment feature  604 , a channel or groove  700  is formed in the external surface  602 . The channel  700  can include overhang or shoulder portions  702 ,  704  on either side of the channel  700  that capture a portion of a coupling member in the channel  700 . The shoulder portions  702 ,  704  can have detent features  706 ,  708  at positions along the channel  700  to hold the coupling member at those positions, while also allowing the coupling member to be moved to different positions in the channel  700 . The distance between the bottom of the shoulder portions  702 ,  704 , in the channel  700 , and the external surface of the housing  602  can be constant and follow the curve of the external surface over the shoulder portions  702 ,  704 , or it can be straight through the housing, having a varying distance between the bottom of the shoulder portions  702 ,  704  and the external surface  602 , However, the distance between the bottom of the shoulder portions  702 ,  704  and the bottom the channel  700  will be substantially constant along the channel to accommodate the base of the coupling member that is placed in the channel  700 . 
     The detent features  706 ,  708  can be depressions formed in the bottom of the shoulder portions  702 ,  704  in some embodiments that correspond with complementary detent features in the coupling member. In some embodiments different detent features may be equivalently used. In some embodiments there can be detents corresponding to several positions along the channel  700  to accommodate different mouth shapes. For example, in some embodiments there can be five positions including a top, middle top, middle, middle bottom, and bottom. This allows the technician/clinician to adjust the position of the digital x-ray sensor device so that it sits comfortably in the patient&#39;s mouth while still being able to orient the digital x-ray sensor device to obtain the desired x-ray image. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of a coupling member  900  for coupling a handle member to an attachment feature of a digital x-ray sensor, in accordance with some embodiments. The coupling member  900  can be used in conjunction with the attachment feature of  FIGS. 6-8 , for example. The coupling member  900  includes a base portion  902  that is configured to be captured in channel  700 , under shoulders  702 ,  704 . A shaft portion  906  is configured to extend upwards from the base portion  902  between shoulders  702 ,  704 , with detent features  908 ,  910  being configured to mate with detent features  706 ,  708 . On top of the shaft portion is a ball-shaped head  904  that is configured to mate with a handle member is a ball and socket coupling arrangement. 
       FIG. 10  shows a series of views from the front of a digital x-ray sensor device illustrating how a coupling member  1004  can be moved to different positions in the attachment feature  1002  of the digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments. The attachment feature  1002  is shown with a the head of a coupling member  1004  in three different exemplary positions  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010  which correspond to different detent locations. The attachment feature  1002  and the coupling member  1004  can be substantially similar to attachment feature  604  of  FIGS. 6-8  and coupling member  900  of  FIG. 9 , respectively. Position  1006  shows the coupling member  1004  closer to a first end of the attachment feature  1002 . Position  1008  shows the coupling member  1004  in the middle of the attachment feature  1002 . Position  1010  shows the coupling member  1004  near a second end of the attachment feature  1002 . A technician can select any of the available positions provided on an attachment feature to optimize the orientation and position of the digital x-ray sensor device in the patient&#39;s mouth for producing an x-ray image. 
       FIG. 11  a series of views  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106  from the side of a digital x-ray sensor device  1110  illustrating how a coupling member  1108  can be moved to different positions in the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device, in accordance with some embodiments. The views  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106  can correspond to positions  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 , respectively, of  FIG. 10 . The digital x-ray sensor device  1110  includes a rounded housing, and can be designed substantially in accordance with the digital x-ray sensor device of  FIG. 1 , for example.  FIG. 13  shows the effect of moving the coupling member to different locations in the attachment feature of the digital x-ray sensor device in two views  1300 ,  1302 . In both views  1300 ,  1302  the front of a circular x-ray sensor  1304  (in broken line) is facing the outwards from the page, and the viewer&#39;s perspective is from approximately the location of an x-ray source that would be used with the digital x-ray sensor  1304 . In view  1300  the coupling member  1306  is centered over the front of the circular x-ray sensor  1304 , corresponding with  1008  and  1104  of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , respectively. In this position the circular image sensor  1304  is equally above and below the point where the patient&#39;s upper and lower teeth meet. In view  1302  the coupling member  1304  is moved to the side, as indicated by arrow  1310 , resulting in a larger portion of the circular digital x-ray sensor being positioned to the left of the coupling member  1306 . This position can be used, for example, when imaging the molar teeth of the patient. Thus, the attachment point, at the coupling member, can be used to adjust the position of the digital x-ray sensor in a given patient&#39;s mouth, for a particular x-ray image, and make it more comfortable for the patient. 
       FIG. 12  shows a handle member  1206  that is configured to couple to the coupling member  1204  to couple to a digital x-ray sensor device  1202 , in accordance with some embodiments. The handle member  1206  includes an engaging feature at an end  1208  for connecting to the coupling member  1204 , such as a socket  1210  formed inside the end  1208  that is configured to retain the ball or head portion of the coupling member  1204  in the socket  1210 . The socket  1201  is a hollow region in the material of the ends  1208  that can be a flexible resilient material, allowing the head of the coupling member  1204  to be inserted and removed from the socket  1210 . The socket  1210  is formed such that its opening has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the head of the coupling member  1204  to capture the head of the coupling member  1204  in the socket  1210 , and allow for some movement/rotation of the head of the coupling member  1204  in the socket  1210 . In some embodiments, the socket  1210  can include a slot cut on a side of the socket to allow the shaft on which the coupling member  1204  is located to pass into the slot, allowing for arm of the handle  1206  on which the socket is located to be positioned at a greater angle relative to the coupling member  1204 . The portion of the handle  1206  including the socket  1210  can be joined to second portion  1214  at a hinge or joint  1212 . The second portion  1214  can be coupled to an alignment structure that attaches to the x-ray source device to ensure that the x-ray source is positioned correctly with respect to the digital x-ray sensor. 
       FIG. 20  shows a handle member  2006  that is configured to couple to the coupling member  2004  to couple to a digital x-ray sensor device  2002 , in accordance with some embodiments, using an angled handle member  2006 , that has a bend, such as at an elbow  2016 . The elbow  2016  bends to create an offset  2018  form the second portion  2014 . The offset  2018  can have a distance selected for a desired alignment of the digital x-ray sensor  2002  in a patient&#39;s mouth. As in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the handle member  2006  includes an engaging feature at an end  2008  for connecting to the coupling member  2004 , such as a socket  2010  formed inside the end  2008  that is configured to retain the ball or head portion of the coupling member  2004  in the socket  2010 . The socket  2010  is a hollow region in the material of the end  2008  that can be a flexible resilient material, allowing the head of the coupling member  2004  to be inserted and removed from the socket  2010 . The socket  2010  is formed such that its opening has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the head of the coupling member  2004  to capture the head of the coupling member  2004  in the socket  2010 , and allow for some movement/rotation of the head of the coupling member  2004  in the socket  2010 . In some embodiments, the socket  2010  can include a slot cut on a side of the socket to allow the shaft on which the coupling member  2004  is located to pass into the slot, allowing for arm of the handle  2006  on which the socket is located to be positioned at a greater angle relative to the coupling member  2004 . The portion of the handle  2006  including the socket  2010  can be joined to second portion  2014  at a hinge or joint  2012 . The second portion  2014  can be coupled to an alignment structure that attaches to the x-ray source device to ensure that the x-ray source is positioned correctly with respect to the digital x-ray sensor. 
       FIG. 14  shows a front view  1400  of a patient  1402  using a digital x-ray sensor  1404 , in accordance with some embodiments, including a handle member  1410  coupled to an alignment structure  1408  that is further attached to the emitter of an x-ray source  1406 . A handle member  1410  such as that shown in  FIG. 12  can be coupled to a digital x-ray sensor  1404  that is placed in the mouth of the patient  1402 . The handle member  1410 , being further attached to the alignment structure  1408 , which aligns the direction of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray source  1406  towards the x-ray sensor in the digital x-ray sensor  1404 . The alignment structure  1408  can include a coupling ring that encircles the emitter housing, as is known. 
       FIG. 15  shows a coupling ring  1500  for attaching a digital x-ray sensor to an x-ray source device, in accordance with some embodiments. The coupling ring  1502  is sized to go over the cylindrical emitter of an x-ray source, such as x-ray source  1406  of  FIG. 14 . The handle member attaches to an extension  1504  that extends outward from the coupling ring  1502  in a track that allows the extension  1504  to move in the track, as indicated by arrow  1506 , for example. This allows the position of the attachment point of the handle to the coupling ring  1502  to be adjusted by the technician to allow optimum positioning of the x-ray source and the x-ray sensor device. In conventional devices, the coupling ring  1502  includes multiple, separate attachment points, which require the technician to remove the handle, and attach it to a different position when re-positioning the system for a different x-ray image. By providing the extension  1504  that is moveable in a track  1506  on the coupling ring  1502 , the handle does not need to be disconnected from the coupling ring  1502  to reposition the handle with respect to the coupling ring  1502 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a rounded, semi-spherically configured housing  1600  of a digital x-ray sensor device in a semi-sphere configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. The semi-spherically configured housing  1600  includes a rounded, semi- or hemi-spherical portion  1602  and a flat surface  1602  that is a face formed along a plane through a sphere consistent with the semi-spherical portion  1604 . That is, if the semi-spherical portion were extended to a full sphere, the flat surface  1602  passes through that sphere. The semi-spherically configured housing  1600  can further include a shoulder  1606  between the flat surface  1602  and the semi-spherical portion  1604  that extends around, or partially around the semi-spherically configured housing, adjacent to, and around the periphery of the flat surface. A handle attachment feature  1608  can be formed on an external portion of the semi-spherically configured housing, and a cable or wire assembly  1610  can connect to circuitry inside the semi-spherically configured housing  1600 . The handle attachment feature  1608  can be formed substantially similar to the handle attachment features shown in  FIGS. 6-12 . In some embodiments a circular digital x-ray sensor  1612  can be housed inside the semi-spherically configured housing  1600 , and the circular digital x-ray sensor  1612  can define a plane that is parallel with a plane of the flat surface  1602 . Equivalently, the rounded housing can, instead of a semi-spherical configuration, be provided in a semi-ovoid configuration, and the flat surface  1602 , rather than being circular, can be elliptically shaped or oval shaped. In some embodiments the rounded housing can be semi-spherically configured, and the flat surface  1602  can be elliptical or oval shaped. The semi-spherically configured housing  1600  can include the wire assembly  610  or cable attachment, or it can include a wireless radio transceiver and other circuitry as shown, for example, in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a rounded housing  1700  of a digital x-ray sensor device in a disk configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. The rounded housing  1700  here is shaped like a disk, having opposing flat surfaces such as surface  1702 , and a wall  1704  around the rounded housing  1700 . As shown, the rounded housing is a cylindrical shape having a height that is substantially smaller than its diameter. The flat surfaces (e.g.  1702 ) can be circular or elliptical or oval. The wall  1704  can be flat in a direction perpendicular to the flat surfaces as shown in side view  1712 , or it can be rounded as shown in side view  1714 . A handle attachment feature  1706  can be formed on the wall  1704 , or on one of the opposite flat surfaces (e.g.  1702 ). The handle attachment feature  1706  can be formed substantially similar to the handle attachment features shown in  FIGS. 6-12 . A cable or wire assembly  1708  can carry signals from the digital x-ray sensor housed inside of the rounded housing  1700  to image processing and display equipment. 
       FIG. 18  shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing  1800  having a cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor  1804 , in accordance with some embodiments. The cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor  1804  can have a central portion  1806  that is square or rectangular, with square or rectangular extensions  1808  at each side of the central portion  1806 . The cross-shaped digital x-ray sensor is positioned within rounded housing  1800  within a wall  1802  of the rounded housing  1800 , and can be used as an alternative to a circular digital x-ray sensor. Where the wall  1802  can vary in shape from circular, elliptical, or oval, the height  1810  and width  1812  can likewise vary to fit within the wall  1802 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a cross sectional view of a rounded housing  1900  having a rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor  1904 , in accordance with some embodiments. The rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor  1904  cane vary in height  1906  and width  1908  with a cross section shape of wall  1902  of the rounded housing  1900 . That is, the rounded housing can be spherical, semi-spherical, ellipsoid, or ovoid shaped, and the height  1906  and width  1908  of the rectangular-shaped digital x-ray sensor can be configured accordingly. 
       FIG. 21  shows a rounded housing  2102  of a digital x-ray sensor device  2100  in a semi-sphere configuration, having attachment features in various locations. The housing  2102  includes a rounded semi-sphere portion  2104  and a generally flat side  2106  that is substantially circular. Several attachment slots  2110 ,  2112  are located on the flat face  2106 . The flat slots  2110 ,  2112  provide both a mechanical support attachment, and an electrical signal connection. That is, disposed inside the housing at each of the attachment slots  2110 ,  2112  is an electrical connector to the sensor circuitry inside the rounded housing  2102 . The different locations of the attachment slots  2110 ,  2112  allow attachment of a support and connector arm assembly at the different positions, which allow the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  to be in corresponding different orientations in the mouth of a patient. A further attachment slot  2108  on the face of the rounded semi-sphere portion  2104  can also be a mechanical and electrical connection support attachment feature to orient the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  is still another orientation. 
       FIG. 22  shows a block schematic diagram of a digital x-ray sensor device  2100  having a wireless interface, in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-ray sensor device  2100  includes an x-ray image sensor  2202  that responds to x-ray emissions and produces an image data structure. The processor  2204  controls operation of the x-ray image sensor  2202 , and acquires the image data from the x-ray image sensor  2202 . The data can be stored in a memory  2206 , which can also be used to store instruction code that is executed by the processor  2204  to perform various operations. The processor  2204  can send provide the data to a radio transceiver  2208  to transmit the data to another entity, such as a computer in the dental office. The radio transceiver can be, for example, a transceiver operated in accordance with a local or personal area wireless networking protocol, such as those defined by specification 802.11 of the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers. The standards included in specification 802.11 includes those known commercially as WIFI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, and others. The radio transceiver  2208  is operated according to a known wireless interface for transmitting data and control information. The circuitry is powered by an on-board rechargeable battery  2210 . A charge control circuit  2212  may be used to supervise charging operations of the battery  2210 , and a connector  2108  can be used to provide a connection for providing power to the battery  2210 . 
       FIG. 23  shows a system using a digital x-ray sensor device  2100  having a wireless interface  2304 , in accordance with some embodiments. A computer  2302  or computing device can have a wireless transceiver similar to that of radio transceiver  2208  in the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  which allows the computer  2302  to communication with the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  using the wireless interface  2304 . The computer  2302  can acquire image data from the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  and use the image data to render an image on a display  2306 . The computer  2302  can be operated with software that causes the computer  2302  to interact with the digital x-ray sensor device  2100 . The computer can be further coupled to an x-ray source  2308  in order to control the emission of x-rays onto the digital x-ray sensor device  2100 . 
       FIG. 24  shows a digital x-ray sensor device  2100  having a wireless interface used on a stabilizing arm  2404  for aligning the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  with an x-ray source (e.g.  2308 , in accordance with some embodiments. The stabilizing arm  2404  has, at one end, and connector  2402  that interfaces with the attachment slot  2110  in this view, and which is hidden by the connector  2402  here. The connector  2402  includes a portion that is inserted into the attachment slot  2110  to hold the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  in a particular orientation for obtaining x-ray images of certain teeth. Attachment slot  2108  can be used (connected to) by the connector  2402  for a different orientation of the digital x-ray sensor device  2100 . To achieve different orientations, the stabilizing arm  2404  is bent at a right angle at an elbow  2408  so that the distal end  2412  of the stabilizing arm  2404  extends away from the digital x-ray sensor device  2100  at an offset so that the proximate portion  2410  of the stabilizing arm  2404  can extend from the patient&#39;s mouth. A mounting ring  2406  is coupled to the distal end  2412  of the stabilizing arm  2404 , and is configured to fit onto the x-ray guide of the x-ray source, as is known. The mounting ring is offset from the distal end  2412  of the stabilizing arm  2404  by the same amount of offset provided by the proximate portion  210  of the stabilizing arm  2404  so that the x-ray source is aligned with the x-ray image sensor in the digital x-ray sensor device  2100 . In some embodiments, the circuit functionality shown in  FIG. 22  can be separated and distributed such that 
       FIG. 25  shows an alternate arrangement of using a digital x-ray sensor device  2502 , in accordance with some embodiments. The digital x-ray sensor device  2502  is similar to the that shown in  FIG. 22 , but has a rectangular housing and, rather than use attachment slots, uses a swiveling attachment provided by swivel connector  2504 . The swivel connector  2504  is coupled to, and supported by the stabilizing arm  2506 , and holds the digital x-ray sensor  2502  in alignment with the x-ray source in cooperation with mounting ring  2508 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  show a detail views of the digital x-ray sensor device  2502  as shown in  FIG. 25 . The swivel connector  2504  can attach magnetically to the digital x-ray sensor device  2502 , which is able to swivel about the connection point, allowing an operator to adjust the orientation of the digital x-ray sensor device  2502  in the patient&#39;s mouth as desired. A magnetic interface using magnetic components  2702  and  2704 , which are oppositely polarized, are attracted to similar elements on the swivel connector  2504  with corresponding polarities to align the elements together. The extension  2706  of the swivel connector can then attach to the stabilizing arm  2506 . 
       FIG. 28  shows a schematic block diagram in which the circuit functionality of the digital x-ray sensor has been separated from the communication circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, the x-ray image sensor circuit  2802  can be in a housing  2803 , such as housings  102 ,  302 / 304 ,  402 / 404 ,  600 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 ,  1900 ,  2102 , or device  2502 . The communication module  2800  is connected to the housing  2803 , and electrically to the x-ray image sensor  2802 , through a connector  2805 . The connector  2805  can include the mechanically interfacing elements that allow electrical signals and power to flow between the x-ray image sensor  2802  and the communications module  2800 , as well as supporting structures. The communication module  2800  can include radio transceiver circuitry  2808  that is operated by a processor  2804 . The radio transceiver circuitry  2808  can be configured to operate according to any of the well-known wireless networking standards, including protocols such as WiFi, BLUETOOTH, or other similar protocols. The processor  2804  can be interfaced with memory  2806  which can include non-volatile memory for storing instruction code, as well as “scratch pad” memory such as RANI for using while executing instruction code, including storing data structures such as variables, arrays, image data, and the like. In general, the processor receives image data from the x-ray sensor circuitry  2802  and then transmits the image data to a wirelessly linked computing device, substantially as shown in  FIG. 23 . A battery  2810  can power the other components in the communications module  2800  and the x-ray image sensor circuitry  2802 . A charge control circuit  2812  can control power through an external connector or charge port  2814  to ensure the battery  2810  is properly charged. 
     The communications module  2800  can be implemented in a housing that is separate from the housing  2803  for the x-ray image sensor circuitry  2802 . For example, the communication module  2800  can be housed in connector  2402 , in stabilizing arm  2404 , or even in mounting ring  2406  of  FIG. 24 , or any other structure that is connected to the housing  2803  and x-ray image sensor circuitry  2802 . If the communications module  2800  is implemented in the support arm  2406 , then the connector  2805  can include, for example, connector  2402 , or swivel connector  2504 . If the communications module  2800  is implemented in the mounting ring  2406 , or another structure connected to the support arm  2404 , then the support arm  2404  would be included as part of the structure of connector  2805 . Thus, the wireless communications module  2800  eliminates the need for wires or cables running between the x-ray image sensor device and the computer used to view image data produced by the x-ray image sensor device. 
       FIGS. 29A-29B  show opposing exploded views of a digital x-ray sensor and communication module system  2900 , in accordance with some embodiments. A digital x-ray sensor device  2902  includes a digital x-ray sensor and support circuitry to produce images in response to being irradiated with x-rays. The digital x-ray sensor device  2902  includes a port  2904  on the back side of the digital x-ray sensor device  2902  in which there is an electrical connector  2906 . A communications module  2908  connects to the digital x-ray sensor  2902  at the port  2904 , and has a corresponding electrical connector  2924  on a connecting portion  2922  of the communications module  2908 . The communications module  2908  contains circuitry substantially the same as that of communications module  2800  of  FIG. 28 , including a radio transceiver, battery, charge controller, and processor. The radio transceiver in the communications module  2908  can operate according to a wireless networking protocol, such as WiFi, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, and so on, to wirelessly network and communicate with another device (e.g. computer  2302 ). The communications module  2908  further includes a charging/data port  2912  that can receive a power source connector to charge the battery contained in the communications module  2908 , or the communications module  2908  can include an inductive power coil so that the battery can be charged wirelessly using inductance. A cover  2914  can fit into the charging/data port  2912  when the battery is not being charged. A mounting connector  2918  connects to the communications module  2908  and allows the communications module  2908  and digital x-ray sensor device  2902  to rotate together with respect to the mounting connector  2918 , while being held by the mounting connector  2918 . The mounting connector  2918  can fit over a mounting boss  2916  of the communications module  2908 , and has an extension  2920  for connecting to the mounting arm  3000  of  FIGS. 30A-30B . Once attached to the mounting boss  2916 , the communications module  2908  is retained in the mounting connector  2918 , but also able to rotate within the mounting connector  2918 . Further, as shown here, the communications module  2908  is shown having a round body, exclusive of the mounting boss  2916 , but the body and the connecting portion  2922  can have other shapes (e.g. square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoid, etc.). Further, it will be understood that the digital x-ray sensor device  2902  can likewise have other shapes besides the rectangular/parallelepiped shape shown here. The communications module  2908  can be removed from the digital x-ray sensor device  2902  and attached to other digital x-ray sensor devices having different form factors for different applications. In some embodiments the communications module  2908  can be more permanently attached to the digital x-ray sensor device  2902 . 
       FIGS. 30A-30B  show a support arm  3000  for coupling an attachment ring  3100  to a digital x-ray sensor system  2900 , in accordance with some embodiments. The support arm  3000  can be substantially as shown in  FIGS. 24-25  (e.g.  2404 ), and is generally “L” shaped having a long section  3002  and a short section  3004  that is at a substantial angle to an elongated direction of the long section  3002 . At a tip if the short section  3004  can be an hinged connecting member  3008  that can move, at one end, about a hinge  3006 , and which is configured to connect to the extension  2920  of the mounting connector  2918 . Once the connecting member  3008  is connected to the extension  2920  the digital x-ray sensor device  2902  can be oriented as desired to capture a dental image. The hinge  3006  allows the connecting member  3008  to move, but with resistance so that when moved it will tend to stay in the position to which it has been moved. 
       FIG. 31  shows an assembled structure for mounting a digital x-ray sensor system  2900  onto an x-ray emitter, in accordance with some embodiments. The long section  3002  of the support arm  3000  is connected to a mounting ring  3100 . The mounting ring  3100  has an extension  3102  that terminates in a slide-over connector  3104  that fits over the support arm  3000 . The slide over connector  3104  allows the length between the mounting ring  3100  and the digital x-ray sensor device  2900  to be adjusted by the user. The mounting ring  3100  is sized to fit over and be retained on the cylindrical emitter of a x-ray emitter. The digital x-ray sensor device  2900  can rotate while connected to the mounting connector  2918  as indicated by arrow  3108 . Thus, the user can adjust the position and orientation of the digital x-ray sensor device  2900  with respect to the x-ray emitter to capture dental images from a wide variety of angles and orientations. Once a dental image is captured by the digital x-ray sensor device  2900 , the image data can be transferred to the communications module  2908  through connectors  2906 ,  2924 , and then transmitted by the communications module  2908  to a computing device for rendering and storage. A bite block  3012  can be attached to the support arm  3000  so that a patient can bite down on the bite block, as is known. 
     A digital x-ray sensor device has been disclosed that houses a digital x-ray sensor in a rounded housing. The rounded housing can be spherically or ellipsoid shaped, generally, but can also include irregular portions so as not to be perfectly spherical or ellipsoid. The rounded housing lacks harsh corners, protrusion, and edges by having a minimum radius for curvature of the external surface of the rounded housing. The minimum radius can be selected to match an average radius of the curvatures of inside the mouths of people. Thus, the rounded housing provides the benefit of comfort when the digital x-ray sensor if placed in the patient&#39;s mouth compared to prior art devices that have corners and edges that cause discomfort (or worse). In some embodiments the rounded housing can house a conventional rectangular x-ray sensor, allowing the use of legacy x-ray sensors without the discomfort associated with their use. In some embodiments the rounded housing can house a similarly round or circularly configured x-ray sensor that maximizes the available cross sectional area within the rounded housing for x-ray images. The rounded housing further includes an attachment feature that allows coupling the rounded housing to a handle member for further coupling the digital x-ray sensor to an x-ray source, and ensuring a proper alignment and orientation between the x-ray source and the digital x-ray sensor to produce a particular x-ray image.