DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE MODULE
An enclosure for a digital radiography detector includes a handle, a connector configured to electrically and mechanically engage the detector and an accessory cavity to provide storage space for an accessory that is electrically and mechanically engageable to the detector.
1 . An enclosure for a digital radiography detector, the enclosure comprising:
a housing that is configured to enclose the detector;
a handle attached to the housing;
a connector in the housing that is configured to electrically connect to the detector and an external tether; and
an accessory cavity in a portion of the enclosure to provide storage space for an accessory that is electrically connectable to the detector.
2 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a synch generator configured to detect patient movement control x-ray activation timing with respect to the patient movement.
3 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a tracking device configured to communicate data that identifies a current location of the enclosed DR detector.
4 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the accessory is electrically coupled to a power source for the DR detector.
5 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a top and a bottom section each corresponding to a major top and bottom surface of the detector, respectively.
6 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a hinged member to open and close an access opening used to insert the DR detector into the enclosure.
7 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to fit into a bucky of a radiographic imaging system such that the enclosed detector remains operable to capture radiographic images in a normal course of usage of the radiographic imaging system.
8 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the accessory cavity is formed inside the handle.
9 . The enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising an anti-scatter grid that is removably attached to the housing.
10 . The enclosure of claim 9 , further comprising an adhesive to attach the grid to the housing.
11 . The enclosure of claim 9 , further comprising a sleeve in the housing to secure the grid.
12 . The enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising a material on an exterior surface of the housing having a coefficient of static friction greater than a coefficient of static friction of a surface of the DR detector.
13 . The enclosure of claim 6 , wherein the housing is configured to be waterproof when the access opening is closed by the hinged member.
14 . The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a radiolucent side corresponding to a top surface of the detector to allow radiographic image capture therein.
15 . The enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque marker in or on the housing, the radiopaque marker configured to be visible in a radiographic image captured by the enclosed DR detector.
16 . The enclosure of claim 6 , further comprising a latching device configured to lock the hinged member in a closed position, the latching device further configured to receive a predetermined password code causing the latching device to unlock the hinged member.
17 . The enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising a touch sensitive display for digital input/output communication with the DR detector and the housing.
18 . A method comprising:
providing a shell having an interior space configured to receive and enclose a DR detector and having a cavity to receive an accessory;
inserting the DR detector into the shell;
electrically and mechanically connecting a tether to the enclosed detector through an opening in the shell;
placing a position locator within the cavity, the position locator configured to determine a location of the position locator and to transmit location data that identifies the location of the position locator; and
transmitting a radiographic image captured by the enclosed DR detector over the tether.
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising sealing the shell in a fluid tight fashion after the step of inserting the DR detector into the shell.
20 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising providing a portable power source in the DR detector for powering the DR detector, and providing power to an accessory in the cavity using the portable power source of the DR detector.