Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to radiography and, more particularly, to systems and methods for digital X-ray imaging. <CIT> discloses a portable X-ray device with a C-shaped support arm with an X-ray source on one end and an X-ray detector on the other end. <CIT> discloses a hand-held imaging device with a radiation source and detector fixed by a frame. <CIT> discloses an X-ray device with a housing containing an X-ray tube, power system and an X-ray sensor. <CIT> discloses a fluoroscopic imaging system with a support carrying an X-ray source and an X-ray detector.

Systems for digital X-ray imaging are disclosed, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Disclosed example handheld X-ray imaging systems enable real-time generation and/or display of digital images during X-ray radiography. In contrast with conventional systems, disclosed examples provide an all-in-one X-ray radiography unit that does not require extraneous equipment for power, X-ray generation, radiograph capture, radiograph display, or radiograph storage.

Disclosed example handheld X-ray imaging systems reduce operator fatigue relative to conventional scanning devices by having a reduced weight, e.g. less than <NUM> pounds (<NUM>), and/or by providing improved weight distribution that concentrates the weight of the handheld X-ray imaging system near the operator's body.

As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to the actual time elapsed in the performance of a computation by a computing device, the result of the computation being required for the continuation of a physical process (i.e., no significant delays are introduced). For example, real-time display of captured images includes processing captured image data and displaying the resulting output images to create the perception to a user that the images are displayed immediately upon capture. As used herein, the term "portable" includes handheld (e.g., capable of being carried and operated by a single person) and/or wheeled (e.g., capable of being transported and operated while wheels are attached and/or placed on wheels).

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> to generate and output digital images and/or video based on incident X-rays. The example handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> may be used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT), medical scanning, security scanning, and/or any other scanning application.

The system <NUM> of <FIG> includes a frame <NUM> that holds an X-ray generator <NUM> and an X-ray detector <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the frame <NUM> is C-shaped, such that the X-ray generator <NUM> directs X-ray radiation toward the X-ray detector <NUM>. As described in more detail below, the frame <NUM> is positionable (e.g., held by an operator, supported by an external support structure and/or manipulated by the operator, etc.) around an object to be scanned with X-rays. The example frame <NUM> is constructed using carbon fiber and/or machined aluminum.

The X-ray generator <NUM> is located on a first section <NUM> of the C-shaped frame <NUM> generates and outputs X-ray radiation, which traverses and/or scatters based on the state of the object under test. The X-ray detector <NUM> is located on a second section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> (e.g., opposite the first section <NUM>) and receives incident radiation generated by the X-ray generator <NUM>.

The example frame <NUM> may be manipulated using one or more handles <NUM>, <NUM>. A first one of the handles <NUM> is adjustable and may be secured to provide the operator with leverage to manipulate the frame <NUM>. The example handle <NUM> may be oriented with multiple degrees of freedom and/or adjusted along a length of a central section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. A second one of the handles <NUM> is an operator control handle, and enables an operator to both mechanically manipulate the frame <NUM> and control the operation of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM>.

During operation, the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> generates digital images (e.g., digital video and/or digital still images) from the X-ray radiation. The handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> may store the digital images on one or more storage devices, display the digital images on a display device <NUM>, and/or transmit the digital images to a remote receiver. The example display device <NUM> is attachable to the example frame <NUM> and/or may be oriented for viewing by the operator. The display device <NUM> may also be detached from the frame <NUM>. When detached, the display device <NUM> receives the digital images (e.g., still images and/or video) via a wireless data connection. When attached, the display device <NUM> may receive the digital images via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.

A power supply <NUM>, such as a detachable battery, is attached to the frame <NUM> and provides power to the X-ray generator <NUM>, the X-ray detector <NUM>, and/or other circuitry of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM>. An example power supply <NUM> that may be used is a lithium-ion battery pack. The display device <NUM> may receive power from the power supply <NUM> and/or from another power source such as an internal battery of the display device <NUM>.

The example central section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is coupled to the first section <NUM> via a joint <NUM> and to the second section <NUM> via a joint <NUM>. The example joints <NUM>, <NUM> are hollow to facilitate routing of cabling between the sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The joints <NUM>, <NUM> enable the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> to be folded toward the center section to further improve the compactness of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> when not in use (e.g., during storage and/or travel).

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> that may be used to implement the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> of <FIG>. The example digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> of <FIG> includes a frame <NUM> holding an X-ray generator <NUM>, an X-ray detector <NUM>, a computing device <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, one or more display device(s) <NUM>, one or more operator input device(s) <NUM>, and one or more handle(s) <NUM>.

The X-ray generator <NUM> includes an X-ray tube <NUM>, a collimator <NUM>, and a shield switch <NUM>. The X-ray tube <NUM> generates X-rays when energized. In some examples, the X-ray tube <NUM> operates at voltages between 40kV and 120kV. In combination with a shielding device, X-ray tube voltages between 70kV and 120kV may be used while staying within acceptable X-ray dosage limits for the operator. Other voltage ranges may also be used.

The collimator <NUM> filters the X-ray radiation output by the X-ray tube <NUM> to more narrowly direct the X-ray radiation at the X-ray detector <NUM> and any intervening objects. The collimator <NUM> reduces the X-ray dose to the operator of the system <NUM>, reduces undesired X-ray energies to the detector <NUM> resulting from X-ray scattering, and/or improves the resulting digital image generated at the X-ray detector <NUM>.

The shield switch <NUM> selectively enables and/or disables the X-ray tube <NUM> based on whether a backscatter shielding device <NUM> is attached to the frame. The backscatter shielding device <NUM> reduces the dose to the operator holding the frame <NUM> by providing shielding between the collimator <NUM> and an object under test. The example backscatter shielding device <NUM> includes a switch trigger configured to trigger the shield switch <NUM> when properly installed. For example, the shield switch <NUM> may be a reed switch or similar magnetically-triggered switch, and the backscatter shielding device <NUM> includes a magnet. The reed switch and magnet are respectively positioned on the frame <NUM> and the backscatter shielding device <NUM> such that the magnet triggers the reed switch when the backscatter shielding device <NUM> is attached to the frame <NUM>. The shield switch <NUM> may include any type of a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other type of proximity sensor.

The shield switch <NUM> is configured to disable the X-ray tube <NUM> when the backscatter shielding device <NUM> is not installed. The shield switch <NUM> may be implemented using, for example, hardware circuitry and/or via software executed by the computing device <NUM>. In some examples, the computing device <NUM> may selectively override the shield switch <NUM> to permit operation of the X-ray tube <NUM> when the backscatter shielding device <NUM> is not installed. The override may be controlled by an administrator or other authorized user.

The X-ray detector <NUM> of <FIG> generates digital images based on incident X-ray radiation (e.g., generated by the X-ray tube <NUM> and directed toward the X-ray detector <NUM> by the collimator <NUM>). The example X-ray detector <NUM> includes a detector housing <NUM>, which holds a scintillation screen <NUM>, a reflector <NUM>, and a digital imaging sensor <NUM>. The scintillation screen <NUM>, the reflector <NUM>, and the digital imaging sensor <NUM> are components of a fluoroscopy detection system <NUM>. The example fluoroscopy detection system <NUM> is configured so that the digital imaging sensor <NUM> (e.g., a camera, a sensor chip, etc.) receives the image indirectly via the scintillation screen <NUM> and the reflector <NUM>. In other examples, the fluoroscopy detection system <NUM> includes a sensor panel (e.g., a CCD panel, a CMOS panel, etc.) configured to receive the X-rays directly, and to generate the digital images. An example implementation of the X-ray detector <NUM> is described below with reference to <FIG>.

In some other examples, the scintillation screen <NUM>, may be replaced with a solid state panel that is coupled to the scintillation screen <NUM> and has pixels that correspond to portions of the scintillation screen <NUM>. Example solid state panels may include CMOS X-ray panels and/or CCD X-ray panels.

The computing device <NUM> controls the X-ray tube <NUM>, receives digital images from the X-ray detector <NUM> (e.g., from the digital imaging sensor <NUM>), and outputs the digital images to the display device <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device <NUM> may store digital images to a storage device. The computing device <NUM> may output the digital images as digital video to aid in real-time non-destructive testing and/or store digital still images.

As mentioned above, the computing device <NUM> may provide the digital images to the display device(s) <NUM> via a wired connection or a wireless connection. To this end, the computing device <NUM> includes wireless communication circuitry. For example, the display device(s) <NUM> may be detachable from the frame <NUM> and held separately from the frame <NUM> while the computing device <NUM> wirelessly transmits the digital images to the display device(s) <NUM>. The display device(s) <NUM> may include a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wireless monitoring device, and/or any other type of display device equipped with wired and/or wireless communications circuitry to communicate with (e.g., receive digital images from) the computing device <NUM>.

In some examples, the computing device <NUM> adds data to the digital images to assist in subsequent analysis of the digital images. Example data includes a timestamp, a date stamp, geographic data, or a scanner inclination. The example computing device <NUM> adds the data to the images by adding metadata to the digital image file(s) and/or by superimposing a visual representation of the data onto a portion of the digital images.

The operator input device(s) <NUM> enable the operator to configure and/or control the example digital X-ray imaging system <NUM>. For example, the operator input device(s) <NUM> may provide input to the computing device <NUM>, which controls operation and/or configures the settings of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM>. Example operator input device(s) <NUM> include a trigger (e.g., for controlling activation of the X-ray tube <NUM>), buttons, switches, analog joysticks, thumbpads, trackballs, and/or any other type of user input device.

The handle(s) <NUM> are attached to the frame <NUM> and enable physical control and manipulation of the frame <NUM>, the X-ray generator <NUM>, and the X-ray detector <NUM>. In some examples, one or more of the operator input device(s) <NUM> are implemented on the handle(s) <NUM> to enable a user to both physically manipulate and control operation of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the first portion <NUM> of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> of <FIG>, including the X-ray generator <NUM>, the power supply <NUM>, and the operator control handle <NUM>. <FIG> is illustrated with a portion of a housing <NUM>, while a second portion of the housing (shown in <FIG>) is omitted for visibility of other components.

The example first portion <NUM> is further coupled to a computing device <NUM>, such as the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> is attached to the frame <NUM> via a printed circuit board <NUM>.

An X-ray tube <NUM> (e.g., the X-ray tube <NUM> of <FIG>) is coupled to a collimator <NUM> (e.g., the collimator <NUM> of <FIG>) and controlled by the computing device <NUM> and/or by an operator input device on the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> may include an X-ray trigger <NUM> (e.g., one of the operator input device(s) <NUM> of <FIG>). When actuated (e.g., by the operator of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM>), the X-ray trigger <NUM> activates the X-ray tube <NUM> to generate X-ray radiation. The X-ray trigger <NUM> may activate the X-ray tube <NUM> directly and/or via the computing device <NUM>.

The collimator <NUM> filters X-ray radiation generated by the X-ray tube <NUM> to reduce the X-ray radiation that is not directed at the X-ray detector <NUM> and/or to increase the proportion of X-ray radiation that is directed at the X-ray detector <NUM> (e.g., radiation that ends up being incident on a scintillator of the X-ray detector <NUM>) relative to radiation not directed at the X-ray detector <NUM>.

A targeting camera <NUM> is coupled to the computing device <NUM> to enable an operator of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM> to determine a target of generated X-rays. The example targeting camera <NUM> generates and outputs digital images (e.g., digital video, digital still images, etc.) to the computing device <NUM> for display to the operator via the display device <NUM>. The digital images of the target (e.g., an exterior of the target) may be saved in association with the digital images of the X-ray scanning to provide contextual information about the location or object from which digital X-ray images are captured. Additionally or alternatively, a laser may be projected from the location of the targeting camera <NUM> toward the X-ray detector <NUM>. The laser illuminates an approximate location on a workpiece that is being scanned by the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> and/or output to the display device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a more detailed view of the first portion <NUM> of the handheld X-ray imaging system of <FIG> including the example handle <NUM>. To improve the handling of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM>, the handle <NUM> is capable of attachment to multiple locations on the frame <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is illustrated at a first location <NUM> on the frame <NUM> in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM> via multiple screws.

The handle <NUM> may be detached from the first location <NUM> and attached at a second location <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second location <NUM> on the housing <NUM> includes multiple screw nuts 406a-406c and a data connector <NUM>, which match screw nuts and a data connector at the first location <NUM>. The example handle <NUM> may be attached to the second location <NUM> by connecting a corresponding connector on the handle <NUM> to the data connector <NUM> and screwing the handle into the screw nuts 406a-406c.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of the example handle <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. As mentioned above, the handle <NUM> includes the trigger <NUM>, which enables and/or activates the X-ray tube <NUM> to output the X-ray radiation. The handle <NUM> includes additional input devices <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., operator input devices <NUM> of <FIG>). The input device <NUM> is a thumbstick, which can be used to input commands to the computing device <NUM>, such as navigating menus, confirming selections, configuring the X-ray tube <NUM> and/or the X-ray generator <NUM>, changing views and/or any other type of operator input. The input device <NUM> is a push button that may be used by an operator to confirm and/or cancel a selection. The computing device <NUM> controls the X-ray tube <NUM>, the X-ray detector <NUM> (e.g., the X-ray generator <NUM> and/or the digital imaging sensor <NUM> of <FIG>), the display device <NUM>, and/or any other aspect of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> based on input from the trigger <NUM>, the input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or any other input devices.

The handle <NUM> includes a data connector <NUM>, which mates to the data connector(s) <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The data connectors <NUM>, <NUM> establish a hard-wired connection between the trigger <NUM> and/or the input devices <NUM>, <NUM> and the computing device <NUM> and/or other circuitry.

The handle <NUM> includes input guards <NUM>, which protect the input devices <NUM>, <NUM> from accidental damage. The input guards <NUM> extend from the handle <NUM> adjacent the input devices <NUM>, <NUM> and farther than the input devices <NUM>, <NUM>.

The example handle <NUM> further includes a trigger lock <NUM>. The trigger lock <NUM> is a mechanical lock that, when activated, mechanically prevents activation of the trigger <NUM>. The example trigger lock <NUM> is a push-button safety that locks the trigger <NUM> against depression by the operator.

<FIG> is a partially exploded view of the example digital X-ray detector <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the example digital X-ray detector <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray detector <NUM> includes a detector housing <NUM>, a scintillation screen <NUM>, and a reflector <NUM>. The scintillation screen <NUM> and the reflector <NUM> are held within the housing <NUM> and are illustrated in <FIG> to show the relationship between the shape of the housing <NUM> and the geometries of the scintillation screen <NUM> and the reflector <NUM>.

The detector housing <NUM> may be constructed using carbon fiber, aluminum, and/or any other material and/or combination of materials. The example detector housing <NUM> may function as a soft X-ray filter to reduce undesired X-ray radiation at the scintillation screen <NUM>, thereby reducing noise in the resulting digital image. The scintillation screen <NUM> and/or the reflector <NUM> may be attached to the detector housing <NUM> using adhesive (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.) and/or any other attachment technique. In some examples, the detector housing <NUM> is lined with a layer of lead or another backscatter shielding material to lower the dose to the operator in a handheld system.

<FIG> is a side view of the example digital detector housing, the scintillator, and the reflector. <FIG> is a side view of the example digital X-ray detector <NUM> of <FIG>, illustrating imaging of incident X-rays by the digital X-ray detector. As illustrated in <FIG>, a digital imaging sensor <NUM> is oriented to capture light generated by the scintillation screen <NUM> in response to incident X-ray radiation.

The scintillation screen <NUM> converts incident X-rays <NUM> to visible light <NUM>. An example scintillation screen <NUM> that may be used in a handheld X-ray scanner has a surface area of <NUM> inches by <NUM> inches. The size and material of the scintillation screen <NUM> at least partially determines the size, brightness, and/or resolution of the resulting digital images. The example scintillation screen is Gadox (Gadolinium oxysulphide) doped with Terbium, which emits a peak visible light at a wavelength of substantially <NUM>.

The example reflector <NUM> is a mirror that reflects visible light generated by the scintillation screen <NUM> to the digital imaging sensor <NUM> (e.g., via a lens <NUM>). The example reflector <NUM> has the same surface area (e.g., <NUM> inches by <NUM> inches) as the scintillation screen <NUM>, and is oriented at an angle <NUM> to direct the visible light <NUM> to the digital imaging sensor <NUM> and/or the lens <NUM>. An example angle <NUM> is <NUM> degrees, which enables a <NUM> inch by <NUM> inch scintillation screen and a <NUM> inch by <NUM> inch reflector <NUM> to fit within a housing having a thickness <NUM> of less than <NUM> inches. In other examples, the angle <NUM> is an angle less than <NUM> degrees. Other sizes and/or geometries may be used for the scintillation screen <NUM> and/or the reflector <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the digital X-ray detector <NUM> may include optics such as prisms to direct the visible light <NUM> to the digital imaging sensor <NUM>.

The example digital imaging sensor <NUM> is a solid state sensor such as a CMOS camera. In the illustrated example using the scintillation screen <NUM> and the reflector <NUM>, and a <NUM> lens <NUM>, the digital imaging sensor <NUM> has a field of view of <NUM> degrees to capture light from substantially the entirety of the reflector <NUM>.

The digital imaging sensor <NUM> is coupled to an imager bracket <NUM> via a mounting brackets <NUM>. The detector housing <NUM> is also coupled to the imager bracket <NUM>. The imager bracket <NUM> couples both the detector housing <NUM> and the digital imaging sensor <NUM> to the frame <NUM> of the handheld X-ray imaging system <NUM>.

The mounting brackets <NUM> includes slots <NUM> to which an imaging bracket <NUM> is adjustably coupled. The digital imaging sensor <NUM> is attached to the imaging bracket <NUM> (e.g., via a printed circuit board). The imaging bracket <NUM> may be adjusted and secured along the length of the slots <NUM> to adjust an angle of the digital imaging sensor <NUM> relative to the reflector <NUM>. The field of view of the digital imaging sensor <NUM> is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the scintillation screen, within the angular limits permitted using the slots <NUM> and the imaging bracket <NUM>.

The example imager bracket <NUM> may include a data connector <NUM> (<FIG>) to enable sufficient data throughput from the digital imaging sensor <NUM> to a computing device or other image display and/or image storage devices. An example data connector <NUM> may be a USB <NUM> connector to connect a USB <NUM> bus between the digital imaging sensor <NUM> and the receiving device. The USB <NUM> bus provides sufficient bandwidth between the digital imaging device <NUM> and the receiving device for high-definition video or better resolution.

While an example implementation of the X-ray detector <NUM> is described above, other example implementations of the X-ray detector <NUM> include using a solid state image sensor, such as a CMOS panel or a CCD panel, coupled directly to a scintillator. The CMOS panel produces digital images based on visible light generated by the scintillator, and outputs the digital images to the computing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the handheld X-ray imaging system of <FIG>, illustrating scanning of an object <NUM> under test by directing X-rays <NUM> from the X-ray tube <NUM> to the X-ray detector <NUM>. As mentioned above, the collimator <NUM> reduces X-ray radiation that is not directed at the X-ray detector <NUM>, so the concentration of the X-ray radiation <NUM> that is not scattered by the object <NUM> is incident on the X-ray detector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions <NUM> which may be executed by the example computing device <NUM> of <FIG> to perform digital X-ray imaging. The example machine readable instructions <NUM> of <FIG> are described below with reference to the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> of <FIG>, but may be performed by the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> of <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, the example computing device <NUM> initializes the X-ray detector <NUM>. For example, the computing device <NUM> may verify that the X-ray detector <NUM> is in communication with the computing device <NUM> and/or is configured to capture digital images of X-ray radiation. At block <NUM>, an operator of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM> may position the frame <NUM> adjacent on object under test, such that the object under test is located between the X-ray detector <NUM> and the X-ray tube <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> determines whether a trigger is activated. For example, the computing device <NUM> may activate the X-ray tube <NUM> in response to activation of a trigger (e.g., a physical trigger, a button, a switch, etc.) by an operator. If the trigger has not been activated (block <NUM>), control returns to block <NUM> to await activation of the trigger.

When the trigger is activated (block <NUM>), at block <NUM> the computing device <NUM> determines whether the X-ray tube voltage is at least a threshold voltage. For example, the X-ray tube voltage may be configured to be between 70kV and 120kV, in which case the computing device <NUM> requires the backscatter shielding device <NUM> to be detected (e.g., via the shield switch <NUM>).

If the X-ray tube voltage is at least the threshold (block <NUM>), at block <NUM> the computing device <NUM> determines whether a backscatter shield is detected. For example, the computing device <NUM> may determine whether the backscatter shield (e.g., the backscatter shielding device <NUM>, the backscatter shield <NUM>, the backscatter shield <NUM>) is installed using the shield switch <NUM>. If the backscatter shield is not detected (block <NUM>), at block <NUM> the computing device <NUM> disables the X-ray tube <NUM> and outputs a backscatter shield alert (e.g., via a visual and/or audible alarm, via the display device <NUM>, etc.). Control then returns to block <NUM>.

If the backscatter shield is detected (block <NUM>), or if the X-ray tube voltage is less than the threshold (block <NUM>), at block <NUM> the X-ray tube <NUM> generates and outputs X-ray radiation. At block <NUM>, the X-ray detector <NUM> (e.g., via the scintillation screen <NUM>, the reflector <NUM>, and the digital imaging sensor <NUM>, and/or via a solid state panel coupled to a scintillator) captures digital image(s) (e.g., digital still images and/or digital video). The X-ray detector <NUM> provides the captured digital image(s) to the computing device <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> adds the auxiliary data to the digital image(s). Example auxiliary data includes a timestamp, a date stamp, geographic data, and/or an inclination of the frame <NUM>, the X-ray detector <NUM>, the X-ray tube <NUM>, and/or any other component of the digital X-ray imaging system <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> outputs the digital image(s) to the display device(s) <NUM> (e.g., via a wired and/or wireless connection). In some examples, the computing device <NUM> outputs the digital image(s) to an external computing device such as a laptop, a smartphone, a server, a tablet computer, a personal computer, and/or any other type of external computing device.

At block <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> determines whether the digital image(s) are to be stored (e.g., in a storage device). If the digital image(s) are to be stored (block <NUM>), at block <NUM> the example computing device <NUM> stores the image(s). The example computing device <NUM> may be configured to store the digital image(s) in one or more available storage devices, such as a removable storage device.

After storing the image(s) (block <NUM>), or if the digital image(s) are not to be stored (block <NUM>), control returns to block <NUM>. In some examples, blocks <NUM>-<NUM> may be iterated substantially continuously until the trigger is deactivated.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example computing system <NUM> that may be used to implement the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>. The example computing system <NUM> may be implemented using a personal computer, a server, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a workstation, a tablet computer, and/or any other type of computing device.

The example computing system <NUM> of <FIG> includes a processor <NUM>. The example processor <NUM> may be any general purpose central processing unit (CPU) from any manufacturer. In some other examples, the processor <NUM> may include one or more specialized processing units, such as RISC processors with an ARM core, graphic processing units, digital signal processors, and/or system-on-chips (SoC). The processor <NUM> executes machine readable instructions <NUM> that may be stored locally at the processor (e.g., in an included cache or SoC), in a random access memory <NUM> (or other volatile memory), in a read only memory <NUM> (or other non-volatile memory such as FLASH memory), and/or in a mass storage device <NUM>. The example mass storage device <NUM> may be a hard drive, a solid state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and/or any other mass data storage device.

A bus <NUM> enables communications between the processor <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the mass storage device <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, and/or an input/output interface <NUM>.

The example network interface <NUM> includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect the computing system <NUM> to a communications network <NUM> such as the Internet. For example, the network interface <NUM> may include IEEE <NUM>. X-compliant wireless and/or wired communications hardware for transmitting and/or receiving communications.

The example I/O interface <NUM> of <FIG> includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect one or more input/output devices <NUM> to the processor <NUM> for providing input to the processor <NUM> and/or providing output from the processor <NUM>. For example, the I/O interface <NUM> may include a graphics processing unit for interfacing with a display device, a universal serial bus port for interfacing with one or more USB-compliant devices, a FireWire, a field bus, and/or any other type of interface. Example I/O device(s) <NUM> may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a pointing device, a microphone, an audio speaker, an optical media drive, a multi-touch touch screen, a gesture recognition interface, a display device (e.g., the display device(s) <NUM>, <NUM>) a magnetic media drive, and/or any other type of input and/or output device.

The example computing system <NUM> may access a non-transitory machine readable medium <NUM> via the I/O interface <NUM> and/or the I/O device(s) <NUM>. Examples of the machine readable medium <NUM> of <FIG> include optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile/video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks), portable storage media (e.g., portable flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, etc.), and/or any other type of removable and/or installed machine readable media.

Example wireless interfaces, protocols, and/or standards that may be supported and/or used by the network interface(s) <NUM> and/or the I/O interface(s) <NUM>, such as to communicate with the display device(s) <NUM>, include wireless personal area network (WPAN) protocols, such as Bluetooth (IEEE <NUM>); near field communication (NFC) standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols, such as WiFi (IEEE <NUM>); cellular standards, such as <NUM>/<NUM>+ (e.g., GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and IS-<NUM> or cdmaOne) and/or <NUM>/<NUM>+ (e.g., CDMA2000, UMTS, and HSPA); <NUM> standards, such as WiMAX (IEEE <NUM>) and LTE; Ultra-Wideband (UWB); etc. Example wired interfaces, protocols, and/or standards that may be supported and/or used by the network interface(s) <NUM> and/or the I/O interface(s) <NUM>, such as to communicate with the display device(s) <NUM>, include comprise Ethernet (IEEE <NUM>), Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), cable television and/or internet (ATSC, DVB-C, DOCSIS), Universal Serial Bus (USB) based interfaces, etc..

The processor <NUM>, the network interface(s) <NUM>, and/or the I/O interface(s) <NUM>, and/or the display device <NUM>, may perform signal processing operations such as, for example, filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and/or digital-to-analog conversion, up-conversion/down-conversion of baseband signals, encoding/decoding, encryption/decryption, modulation/demodulation, and/or any other appropriate signal processing.

The computing device <NUM> and/or the display device <NUM> may use one or more antennas for wireless communications and/or one or more wired port(s) for wired communications. The antenna(s) may be any type of antenna (e.g., directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antennas, etc.) suited for the frequencies, power levels, diversity, and/or other parameters required for the wireless interfaces and/or protocols used to communicate. The port(s) may include any type of connectors suited for the communications over wired interfaces/protocols supported by the computing device <NUM> and/or the display device <NUM>. For example, the port(s) may include an Ethernet over twisted pair port, a USB port, an HDMI port, a passive optical network (PON) port, and/or any other suitable port for interfacing with a wired or optical cable.

Claim 1:
A portable X-ray scanner (<NUM>;<NUM>), comprising:
an X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>) configured to generate digital images based on incident X-ray radiation;
an X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>) configured to output X-ray radiation;
a computing device (<NUM>) configured to control the X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>), receive the digital images from the X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>), and output the digital images in real-time to a display device (<NUM>;<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) configured to provide power to the X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>), the X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>), and the computing device (<NUM>); and
a frame (<NUM>;<NUM>) configured to:
hold the X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>), the computing device (<NUM>), and the battery (<NUM>);
hold the X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>) such that the X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>) directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>); and
enable a single user to position the X-ray detector (<NUM>;<NUM>) and the X-ray tube (<NUM>;<NUM>) while carrying the frame (<NUM>;<NUM>) during output of the X-ray
radiation; wherein the portable X-ray scanner (<NUM>, <NUM>) weighs less than <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> pounds);
wherein the portable X-ray scanner (<NUM>;<NUM>) further comprises a first handle (<NUM>) attached to the frame (<NUM>;<NUM>), and said portable X-ray scanner (<NUM>; <NUM>) being characterized in that said first handle (<NUM>) is configured to be attachable to a plurality of locations on the frame (<NUM>; <NUM>).