Patent Description:
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an x-ray system as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional features are specified in the dependent claims.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional features are specified in the dependent claims.

Some embodiments relate to x-ray systems including an adapter. Certain x-ray imaging systems may include a hardware interface between the x-ray detector and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) imaging system. This interface can provide the connections necessary for power, image data to an external device, battery charging, detector diagnostics, grounding, synchronization, detector location, power management, and more. The connectors necessary for the interface can be custom for each OEM system. However, to provide a reliable interface, connectors need to be compatible on the x-ray detector and the OEM system. Therefore, a single connector might not work in different OEM systems.

This external connector may take the form of spring-loaded metallic pins, or metal pads that interface with an external spring-loaded pin, or any other type of connection that may be used by the OEM system. These quick disconnect connector types may be exposed to a lot of wear and tear, such as inadvertent bodily fluids, cleaning agents, or submersion in water. As a result, there is a risk of corrosion of the connector components due to environmental factors.

In addition, a user may have an installed base of products, which may be expensive to develop. Providing a new x-ray detector with improved capabilities may result in other components of the user's system needing to be replaced to be compatible with the new x-ray detector, which could increase the costs of upgrading the system.

An x-ray detector with an adapter as described herein may alleviate these and other issues.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an x-ray system including an adapter according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an x-ray system 100a includes a modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. The modular x-ray detector <NUM>' includes an x-ray detector (XRD) <NUM> and an adapter <NUM>. The x-ray detector <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> are integrated together to form the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'.

The x-ray detector <NUM> is a device configured to acquire data in response to incident x-rays. In some embodiments, the data may include image data, video data, or the like.

The x-ray detector <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a sensor array <NUM>, a control logic <NUM>, and a first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. The housing <NUM> is configured to encapsulate the sensor array <NUM> and the control logic <NUM>.

The sensor array <NUM> is configured to generate an image in response to incident x-ray radiation and disposed in the housing. The sensor array <NUM> may include a variety of sensors configured to generate data based on incident x-rays. The sensor array <NUM> may include direct conversion sensors, indirect conversion sensors and x-ray conversion materials (e.g., scintillator materials), or the like.

The control logic <NUM> is disposed in the housing and coupled to the sensor array <NUM>. The control logic <NUM> is configured to control the sensor array <NUM>. The control logic <NUM> may include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, a programmable circuit device (e.g., field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), discrete circuits, a combination of such devices, or the like. In addition, other interface devices, such as circuit chipsets, hubs, memory controllers, communication interfaces, or the like may be part of the control logic <NUM> to connect the control logic <NUM> to internal and external components of the x-ray detector <NUM>.

The first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed at least partially on an exterior of the housing <NUM>. The first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> is electrically connected to the control logic <NUM>.

The adapter <NUM> is a device with at least two connector interfaces. Here, the adapter <NUM> includes a second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and a third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. The second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to physically and electrically mate with the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> have the same number of electrical contacts. The first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured according to the same connector interface specification. For example, the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured according to a physical specification of a standardized connector interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, fiber optic connectors, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be proprietary connector interfaces.

The third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> has at least one of a physical configuration and an electrical configuration different from the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. The physical configuration includes the location of contacts, the shape of the housing, or the like. The electrical configuration includes configurations of the contacts as a power supply, ground, transmission line, high or low impedance input or output, or the like. While the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be any of the variety of connection interfaces similar to the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>, the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> in any particular embodiment is different from the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>.

The adapter <NUM> includes electrical connections <NUM> between the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. As will be described in further detail below, the electrical connections <NUM> may include wires, circuits, terminations, signal conditioning, power converters, control logic, printed circuit boards (PCBs), processors, or the like.

The modular x-ray source <NUM>' may be coupled to a computer / control logic <NUM>. The computer / control logic <NUM> may include a system in which the modular x-ray source <NUM>' may be installed. For example, the computer / control logic <NUM> may include a bucky of an x-ray system, a mobile cart, a charging station, power supply, or the like. The computer / control logic <NUM> includes fourth connection interface <NUM>-<NUM> configured to mate with the connection interface <NUM>-<NUM> of the modular x-ray source <NUM>'.

<FIG> are diagrams of electrical connections of adapters in an x-ray system according to some embodiments. In <FIG>, the physical interfaces of the connection interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are referred to as the physical interface PHY1/<NUM> and the conductors <NUM> represent the electrical connections formed when the contacts of the connection interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are mated. Similarly, the physical interfaces of the connection interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are referred to as the physical interface PHY3/<NUM> and the conductors <NUM> represent the electrical connections formed when the contacts of the connection interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are mated. The number of conductors <NUM> and/ or <NUM> are used as examples.

Some contacts of the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> are directly connected to corresponding contacts <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated by the direct connection between conductors <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the connector interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> have fewer contacts than the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Thus, fewer conductors <NUM> are formed than conductors <NUM>. In some embodiments, within the adapter <NUM>, electrical connections electrically connect multiple contacts of the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> to a single contact of the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>- <NUM> are electrically connected together in the adapter <NUM> to conductor <NUM>-<NUM>. While, connecting two contacts of the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> to one contact of the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> is used as an example, in other embodiments, the numbers may be different.

In a particular example, the conductors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be used for ground or another voltage. The adapter <NUM> and the conductor <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to handle the combined current passing through conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> includes a voltage converter <NUM>. For example, the computer / control logic <NUM> may be configured to provide a power supply voltage, such as <NUM> volts (V) across conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The voltage converter <NUM> within the adapter <NUM> may be configured to convert the voltage into a different voltage across conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the voltage converter <NUM> may include a direct current (DC) to DC converter configured to convert the <NUM> V to <NUM> V. In another example, the voltage converter may include an alternating current (AC) to DC converter configured to convert <NUM> VAC to <NUM> VDC. While <NUM> V has been used as an example, in other embodiments the voltage may be different. In addition, a single voltage may be converted into multiple voltages within the adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the voltage converter <NUM> may be configured to regulate the voltage, prevent over voltages, or the like.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the computer / control logic <NUM> may be expecting a particular load at the interface PHY3/<NUM>. For example, conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may form a twisted pair, a transmission line, an impedance controlled structure, or the like. The conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled to a signal conditioning circuit <NUM>. The signal conditioning circuit <NUM> may be configured convert signals from one format to a different format. For example, the signal conditioning circuit <NUM> may be configured to transform a signal from a balanced connection to a single-ended connection or vice versa. In other embodiments, a load <NUM> may terminate a transmission line formed by conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, the signal conditioning circuit <NUM> may be configured to buffer, amplify, or otherwise regenerate a signal on conductors <NUM>. The signal conditioning circuit <NUM> may be unidirectional or bidirectional.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may include control logic <NUM>. The control logic <NUM> may include a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device such as an FPGA, discrete circuits, a combination of such devices, or the like. In addition, other interface devices, such as logic chipsets, hubs, memory controllers, communication interfaces, or the like may be part of the control logic <NUM> to connect the control logic <NUM> to internal and external components of the adapter <NUM>.

In this example, the control logic <NUM> may be coupled to the conductors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to present a first functional interface at the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the conductors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may include a communication interface such as a serial or parallel interface, independent signal interfaces for signals such as reset signals, trigger signals, a network interface, or the like. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to present a second functional interface at the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to transform the content of the signals into a different format on conductor <NUM>-<NUM> for the x-ray detector <NUM>, convert between different protocols, convert the timing of the signals, or the like. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to convert signals from the x-ray detector <NUM> on conductor <NUM>-<NUM> into the format expected by the computer / control logic <NUM>. In a particular example, the conductors <NUM> may include an Ethernet interface. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to implement a communication stack to extract information transmitted from the computer / control logic <NUM> and/or encapsulate information from the x-ray detector <NUM> to be transmitted to the computer / control logic <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, an adapter <NUM> may include any combination of the above examples. Here, the adapter <NUM> includes a variety of different configurations of the circuits described above. For example, circuit <NUM> may include signal conditioning (similar to the signal conditioning circuit <NUM> in <FIG>). The circuit <NUM> may include voltage conversion (similar to the voltage converter <NUM> in <FIG>). The circuit <NUM> may include control logic (similar to the control logic <NUM> in <FIG>). The circuits <NUM> and <NUM> may be part of the control logic of circuit <NUM>. A circuit <NUM> may have functions similar to the control logic <NUM> of <FIG>, the voltage converter <NUM> in <FIG>, the signal conditioning circuit <NUM> in <FIG>, or the like; however, the circuit <NUM> may be separate from the circuit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least some processing or conversion of the signals from the computer / control logic <NUM> may be performed in the control logic <NUM>. For example, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to perform some conversion, such as the termination or signal conditioning described above while the control logic <NUM> is configured to convert the functional formats the signals received from the computer / control logic <NUM> through the adapter <NUM>. That is, the adapter <NUM> may convert the physical configuration and electrical interfaces while the control logic <NUM> converts the content of the signals.

In some embodiments, the signals that are converted may be particular to the acquisition of data using x-rays. For example, one of the signals may be a trigger signal indicating that the x-ray detector <NUM> should acquire a data based on incident x-rays <NUM>. In another example, the signal may include a signal from the x-ray detector <NUM> indicating that a pulse of x-rays <NUM> should be generated using the computer / control logic <NUM>. Regardless, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to convert between the formats expected by the x-ray detector <NUM> and the computer / control logic <NUM>.

In another example, the signals may include synchronization signals to synchronize the x-ray detector <NUM> with other components of the system 100a. In another example, the signals may include signals to wake up the x-ray detector <NUM> and get an X-ray rotor of an x-ray source spinning before an acquisition.

In another example, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to implement a hot swap function, where the adapter <NUM> may be replaced without stopping, shutting down or powering down, or rebooting the x-ray system or x-ray detector <NUM>. The modular x-ray detector <NUM>' may be configured to be hot swappable. For example, the adapter <NUM> may include a configuration of contacts to enable hot swapping, such as contacts for power for the adapter <NUM> that connect before other contacts of the adapter <NUM>, control logic <NUM> that may inform the control logic <NUM> of the x-ray detector <NUM> of the configuration of the adapter <NUM>, or the like. The control logic <NUM> may be configured to control the application of power to the x-ray detector <NUM>, initiate a startup sequence, or the like.

Although in some embodiments, the number of contacts for the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> has been described as being larger than the number of the contacts of the first and second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, in other embodiments the number may be smaller.

In some embodiments, one or more conductors <NUM> may indicate a status of the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. For example, the status of a conductor <NUM>, a voltage applied to it, or the like may indicate whether the modular x-ray detector <NUM>' is installed in a mobile cart, a bucky table, a bucky wall, or the like. In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to transform information from the x-ray detector <NUM> such as battery information, charging state, and/or receive commands related to the battery or other power systems of the x-ray detector <NUM>. In another example, a signal on the conductor <NUM> may be forwarded to the control logic <NUM>, processed into a command for the control logic <NUM>, or the like to implement functions such as putting the x-ray detector <NUM> in a sleep state when placed in a mobile cart, waking up the x-ray detector <NUM> when being removed from the mobile cart, or the like.

The variety of functions, electrical interfaces, or the like may be different for a variety of applications of the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. The modular adapter <NUM> allows for the same or substantially the same x-ray detector <NUM> to be used with multiple different systems, each having unique requirements for power, pinout, electrical configuration, communication formats and protocols, or the like. The adapter <NUM> may be changed rather than the internal hardware of the x-ray detector <NUM> to accommodate a different system. Mechanical and/or electrical changes to the x-ray detector <NUM> may affect certifications such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certifications, ingress protection certifications, or the like. The use of the adapter <NUM> may avoid such mechanical and/or electrical changes.

In some embodiments, only hardware related differences are handled in the adapter <NUM>. For example, voltage conversion, pinout, terminations, or the like may be converted in the adapter <NUM> while conversions of the communication protocols, functional interfaces, or the like may be implemented in the control logic <NUM>. However, the implementation in the control logic <NUM> may be much less expensive to change to accommodate a new third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> for a different system than redesigning the hardware of the x-ray detector <NUM>. In some embodiments, some mechanical aspects of the x-ray detector <NUM> may be changed; however, the electronics of the x-ray detector <NUM> may remain the same. For example, the housing <NUM> of the x-ray detector <NUM> may be changed while maintaining the design of the internal electronics.

In some embodiments, the combination of the adapter <NUM> and the control logic <NUM> allows for the various contacts of the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> to be configurable. For some systems, the contacts may operate in a first manner while a change to software or firmware in the control logic <NUM> and/or a control logic <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> allows for the function of the contacts to be changed without a hardware change to the x-ray detector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a first connector interface and a second connector interface of an x-ray system with alignment structures according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first connector interface and <NUM>-<NUM> the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> include at least one alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM>. An alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM> may include complementary structures configured to place the contacts of the connector interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in alignment to be mated. For example, the alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM> may include a post and a corresponding opening, recess, complementary structures, or the like. Other examples of alignment structures include a physical locating feature such as a pin or a cone, or a magnetic locating feature, or any other system such that the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> are aligned properly. Although one alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM> is used as an example, in other embodiments, multiple alignment structure pairs <NUM> and <NUM>, including different types, may be included.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a third connector interface of an x-ray system with alignment structures according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> includes an alignment structure <NUM>. Similar to the alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM>, the alignment structure <NUM> may be configured to mate with a corresponding structure of a connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. Similar to the alignment structure pair <NUM> and <NUM>, the alignment structure <NUM> may have similar features, such as physical locating features.

In some embodiments, the alignment structures <NUM> and <NUM> are part of a single alignment structure <NUM> that extends through the adapter <NUM> from the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> to the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the alignment structure <NUM> may reduce an effect on mechanical tolerances due to the use of the adapter <NUM>. For example, a specification for the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may establish a particular mechanical tolerance for the position of the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> of the x-ray detector <NUM>. The use of the adapter <NUM> may otherwise increase the mechanical tolerance as additional movement relative to the housing <NUM> may be introduced by the additional mechanical structures between the housing <NUM> and the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. The alignment structure <NUM> may allow for the alignment structure <NUM> to have a reduced mechanical tolerance relative to the housing <NUM> as the alignment structure <NUM> may be attached directly to the housing <NUM> or other structure such that any increase in tolerance due to the use of the adapter <NUM> may be reduced. While the alignment structures <NUM> and <NUM> or their features may be mechanically coupled or made from the same material as alignment structure <NUM>, the features of the alignment structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be different.

In some embodiments, the various alignment structures described herein may include structural features on an overmold, parts attached directly to an internal printed circuit board (PCB), structures co-molded with the PCB inside the overmold, or additional parts not molded in that are attached to the connector interfaces <NUM> via adhesives, screws, or other fasteners, or the like. These or other features may also be used to mount the connector rigidly to the x-ray detector <NUM> via screw holes or other mounting features or fasteners. The various alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a post, an opening, a recess, a keyed feature, or locking feature with complementary structures for a mating connector.

In some embodiments, the alignment structure <NUM> may include magnetic components that help align the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> to the fourth connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the various alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be electrically connected to the adapter <NUM> and/or the x-ray detector <NUM>. For example, one or more of the alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be electrically connected to ground.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a stiffener of an adapter of an x-ray system according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may include a stiffener <NUM>. The stiffener <NUM> may include a plate, rod, bar, or the like formed of a material such as metal, plastic, or the like having a stiffness greater than the body <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. As a result, planar tolerances and signal integrity for signals on the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be improved.

<FIG> and <FIG> are block diagrams of an x-ray system with an adapter and an x-ray detector recess according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the x-ray detector <NUM> includes a recess <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> is configured to be integrated with the x-ray detector <NUM> in the recess <NUM>. The first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM>. The third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed such that the modular x-ray detector <NUM>' has a form factor substantially the same as a conventional x-ray detector.

In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> is configured to receive different types of adapters <NUM>. For example, a first type of adapter <NUM> integrated with the x-ray detector <NUM> may result in the modular x-ray detector <NUM>' having a form factor and functions of a first conventional x-ray detector. A second type of adapter <NUM> may be integrated with the same x-ray detector <NUM> and the resulting modular x-ray detector <NUM>' may have the form factor and functions of a second conventional x-ray detector or a new type of x-ray detector. That is, the same x-ray detector <NUM> may be used while the different adapter <NUM> transforms the modular x-ray detector <NUM>' into a different form factor.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views of adapters according to some embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, an adapter 104a may be similar to the adapter <NUM> described above. The adapter 104a includes a PCB <NUM>. Conductors <NUM> are electrically connected to the PCB <NUM>, resulting the at least part of the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. A connector <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may form at least part of the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. Although contacts <NUM> and a connector <NUM> have been used as examples of parts of a connector interface <NUM>, in other embodiments, contacts, connectors, other electrical connections, or the like may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> to form at least part of the respective connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, an overmold <NUM> may be formed around the PCB <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> may include other components and electrical connections to create the various connections, circuits, or the like as described above. In some embodiments, the PCB <NUM> may also act as the stiffener <NUM> (in <FIG>) while in other embodiments, a separate stiffener <NUM> may be included. The overmold <NUM> may include a polymer substrate, such plastic, isoprene, or rubber which can provide environment protection or contribute to a specific ingress protection rating for the adapter, x-ray detector, or x-ray system.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments the adapter 104b may be similar to the adapter 104a. However, the connector <NUM> may be offset from the contacts <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the adapter 104c may be similar to the adapter 104b. However, the contacts <NUM> or a similarly situated connector may be disposed in a different location on a similar adapter 104b. The position of the connector <NUM> and the overmold <NUM> may be the same. As a result, the adapter 104b may be integrated with the same x-ray detector <NUM> regardless of the position of the contacts <NUM>. However, the different contacts <NUM> and/or different circuitry within the same form factor of the adapter 104b may allow for the modular x-ray detector <NUM>' to have the same form and function of multiple different x-ray detectors.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the adapter 104d may be similar to the adapters 104a-104c. However, the adapter 104d includes alignment structures <NUM> and <NUM>. The alignment structure <NUM> may be attached to the PCB <NUM>. The alignment structures <NUM> may be part of the overmold <NUM>. In some embodiments, the alignment structure <NUM> may extend through the PCB <NUM> and the overmold <NUM>. A portion 510a of the alignment structure <NUM> may form an alignment structure for the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the alignment structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be similar to the alignment structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (in <FIG>).

In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> or the like may improve a usable lifetime of the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. For example, as the adapter <NUM> is a modular component, it may be replaced after portions are worn, broken, corroded, or otherwise damaged.

Although a single adapter <NUM> has been used as an example, in other embodiments, multiple adapters may be cascaded or stacked, disposed side by side, or the like to create a desired connector interface on a modular x-ray detector <NUM>'.

Although a single PCB <NUM> has been used as an example of a PCB in an adapter <NUM>, in other embodiments, multiple PCBs <NUM> may be part of an adapter <NUM>. For example, one PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the contacts <NUM> while a different PCB <NUM> is attached to the connector <NUM>. Other wires, cables, connectors, or the like may electrically connect the two PCBs <NUM> within adapter <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may be used for other replaceable components such battery connectors, external buttons or displays, user interface panels, or the like of the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. As a result, a variety of different replaceable components may be used by selecting the appropriate adapter <NUM>.

Although the adapters <NUM> have been illustrated as having contacts <NUM> in the same plane as the connector <NUM>, in other embodiments, the contacts <NUM> and the connector <NUM> may be disposed in different orientations. For example, the contacts <NUM> and the connector <NUM> may be disposed at right angles to each other, rotated by a different angle, or the like.

<FIG> are block diagrams of x-ray systems with ingress protection seals according to some embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the x-ray system 100b may be similar to the x-ray system 100a described above. The adapter <NUM> may be used as part of ingress protection for the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'.

In some embodiments, the x-ray detector <NUM> includes a seal <NUM> extending around a perimeter of the x-ray detector <NUM>. The seal may be capable of meeting an ingress protection standard against fluid ingress, dust or other particulate ingress, debris ingress, and ingress of similar materials into the x-ray detector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seal <NUM> can have an ingress protection rating or Ingress Protection Code level of IP68 or better. Conventional x-ray detectors may be capable of meeting an Ingress Protection Code level of IP56 where the x-ray detector may be protected somewhat from dust (e.g., dust protected with limit ingress) and water jets (e.g., <NUM> nozzle water spray from any direction). Ingress Protection Code level refers to the protection against solid ingress represented by the first digit (e.g., <NUM> in IP56) and liquid ingress represented by the second digit (e.g., <NUM> in IP56). However, the x-ray detector with an IP56 cannot be submerged in a liquid, such as water. An x-ray detector <NUM> as described herein may meet or exceed Ingress Protection Code level of conventional x-ray detectors with an ingress of IP57 (where <NUM> refers to immersion in water for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> meter), IP67 (where <NUM> refers to dust tight with no ingress of dust for <NUM> to <NUM> hours), or IP68 where the x-ray detector <NUM> is dust tight and the x-ray detector <NUM> may be submerged or immersed in <NUM> meter or more of water for at least <NUM> minutes).

The adapter <NUM> includes a seal <NUM> extending around the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and configured to form a seal with the x-ray detector <NUM> when the adapter <NUM> is attached to the x-ray detector <NUM>. For example, a gasket <NUM> or other seal may connect the seal <NUM> to the seal <NUM>. As a result, an interface of the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> may be sealed against fluid, dust, or other ingress. In some embodiments, features of the overmold <NUM> or the like as described above may form at least part of the seal <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> with the seal <NUM> and <NUM> can have an ingress protection rating or Ingress Protection Code level greater than or equal to the x-ray detector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the use of an x-ray detector <NUM> with the seal <NUM> in combination with an adapter <NUM> with the seal <NUM> may allow for a modular x-ray detector <NUM>' with the form factor and functions of a conventional x-ray detector that was not available with ingress protection to be replaced with a new modular x-ray detector <NUM>' with ingress protection. The modular x-ray detector <NUM>' may be a drop-in replacement.

In some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may be outside of a faraday cage <NUM> of the x-ray detector <NUM>. Any weakness of the customer facing connector such as water or electromagnetic interference (EMI) leakage may not influence the integrity of the x-ray detector <NUM> itself.

In some embodiments even if the x-ray detector <NUM> is sealed, another seal is formed using the adapter <NUM> and the seal <NUM>. This seal protects the interface of the first and second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments the seal <NUM> may bridge an EMI seal around the x-ray detector <NUM> through the adapter.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the x-ray system 100c may be similar to the x-ray system 100b. Seals may be placed in a variety of locations. For example, gaskets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be placed on the housing of the x-ray detector <NUM> around the first connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and on the housing of the adapter <NUM> around the second connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. The gaskets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may mate when the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are mated combining the seals <NUM> and <NUM>. Other structures such as gasket <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed around the connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> such that a seal may be formed when the third connector interface <NUM>-<NUM> is mated with a fourth connector interface <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the overmold of the adapter <NUM> may form at least part of a seal in place of or in addition to the gaskets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the x-ray system 100d may be similar to the x-ray system 100b. However, the x-ray detector <NUM> may include a seal <NUM>' that is not complete within the x-ray detector <NUM> itself. Instead, the seal <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> may complete the seal for the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'.

In some embodiments, x-ray detector <NUM> with the seal <NUM> or <NUM>' in combination with deal <NUM> can have an Ingress Protection Code level greater than conventional x-ray detectors (e.g., IP6, IP57, IP67, or the like).

<FIG> is a block diagram of a 2D x-ray imaging system according to some embodiments. The 2D x-ray imaging system <NUM> includes an x-ray source <NUM> and an x-ray detector <NUM>. The detector <NUM> may include a modular x-ray detector <NUM>' or the like as described above. The x-ray source <NUM> is disposed relative to the detector <NUM> such that x-rays <NUM> may be generated to pass through a specimen <NUM> and detected by the x-ray detector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the x-ray detector <NUM> is part of a medical imaging system. In other embodiments, the 2D x-ray imaging system <NUM> may include a portable vehicle scanning system as part of a cargo scanning system.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a technique of operating an x-ray system including an adapter according to some embodiments. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in <NUM>, a signal having a first format is received at an x-ray detector associated with an acquisition by the x-ray detector. For example, a signal from the computer / control logic <NUM> may be received by the adapter <NUM> of the modular x-ray detector <NUM>'. The signal may be formatted to be transmitted over the physical and electrical interface of the mated connection interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

In <NUM>, the signal having the first format is converted into a signal having a second format in an adapter <NUM> attached to the x-ray detector <NUM>. For example, the control logic <NUM> may transform the signal into a different protocol. In another example, the signal conditioning <NUM> may convert the electrical format of the signal from a balanced to a single ended format. Other conversions may be performed as described above.

In <NUM>, the x-ray detector <NUM> may perform an acquisition in response to the signal having the second format. For example, as the signal may be converted to a different protocol in <NUM> that is understood by the x-ray detector <NUM>, the signal may be used by the x-ray detector <NUM> to perform an acquisition.

In some embodiments, in <NUM>, a voltage is received at the adapter <NUM>. The voltage may be a voltage that is incompatible with the x-ray detector <NUM>. In <NUM>, the voltage may be converted in the adapter. For example, the voltage converter <NUM> may convert the incompatible voltage into a voltage with the range of a specification of the x-ray detector <NUM>. In <NUM>, that voltage may be supplied to the x-ray detector <NUM>.

Although the structures, devices, methods, and systems have been described in accordance with particular embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many variations to the particular embodiments are possible, and any variations should therefore be considered to be within the scope disclosed herein. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An x-ray system (<NUM>), comprising:
an x-ray detector (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a sensor array (<NUM>) configured to generate an image in response to incident x-ray radiation and disposed in the housing (<NUM>);
a control circuit coupled to the sensor array (<NUM>), configured to control the sensor array (<NUM>), and disposed in the housing (<NUM>); and
a first connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) disposed on an exterior of the housing (<NUM>) and electrically connected to the control circuit;
an adapter (<NUM>) comprising:
a second connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to physically and electrically mate with the first connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>);
a third connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) having at least one of a physical configuration and an electrical configuration different from the first connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>); and
a plurality of electrical connections between the second connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the third connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>);
wherein
the electrical connections are configured to at least one of:
convert signals received at the third connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) in a first format to a second format; and
convert signals received at the second connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) in the second format to the first format; and
characterized in that
the electrical connections comprise a direct connection between a contact of the second connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a contact of the third connector interface (<NUM>-<NUM>).