X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEMS AND DETECTORS
Embodiments include an x-ray detector, comprising: a housing; an imaging array disposed within the housing; circuitry configured to generate an image in response to the imaging array; and an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the housing, separate from the imaging array, and on a side of the imaging array opposite to the circuitry.
1 . An x-ray detector comprising:
a housing;
an imaging array disposed within the housing;
circuitry configured to generate an image in response to the imaging array; and
an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the housing, separate from the imaging array, and on a side of the imaging array opposite to the circuitry.
2 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , wherein:
the housing comprises a front panel; and
the AEC chamber is disposed within the front panel.
3 . (canceled)
4 . The x-ray detector of claim 2 , further comprising:
a layer of resilient material disposed within the front panel;
wherein sensors of the AEC chamber are disposed within a plane of the layer of the resilient material within the front panel.
5 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , wherein:
the AEC chamber is separated from the imaging array by a gap.
6 . (canceled)
7 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , wherein:
the housing comprises a front panel; and
the x-ray detector further comprises a layer of resilient material disposed between the AEC chamber and the front panel.
8 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , further comprising:
a shield disposed between the imaging array and the circuitry.
9 . (canceled)
10 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , further comprising:
an AEC preamplifier coupled to the AEC chamber, wherein the AEC preamplifier is separate from the circuitry
11 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , further comprising:
an AEC preamplifier coupled to the AEC chamber, wherein the AEC preamplifier is integrated with the circuitry.
12 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , further comprising:
an AEC preamplifier coupled to the AEC chamber, and
a faraday cage surrounding at least the AEC chamber and the AEC preamplifier.
13 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , further comprising:
a grid disposed on an exterior surface of the housing.
14 . (canceled)
15 . The x-ray detector of claim 1 , wherein:
the circuitry is further configured to operate in response to an AEC signal from the AEC chamber.
16 . (canceled)
17 . A method, comprising:
generating an automatic exposure control (AEC) signal from an AEC chamber within a housing and separate from an imaging array within the housing; and
generating an image using the imaging array within the housing in response to the AEC signal.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein:
generating the image comprises beginning an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein:
generating the image comprises ending an exposure associated with the image in response to the AEC signal.
20 . An x-ray system, comprising:
an x-ray detector including an automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber disposed within the x-ray detector and separate from an imaging array of the x-ray detector;
an x-ray generator; and
a control system;
wherein the control system is configured to:
receive AEC signals from the x-ray detector; and
change an operation of the x-ray generator in response to the AEC signals.
21 . The x-ray system of claim 20 , wherein:
the control system comprises an AEC preamplifier configured to receive AEC signals from the x-ray detector; and
the control system is configured to change the operation of the x-ray generator in response to the AEC signals received by the AEC preamplifier.
22 . (canceled)
23 . The x-ray system of claim 20 , wherein:
the x-ray generator is movable to project x-rays towards either of a first location or a second location;
the x-ray detector is movable between the first location and the second location; and
the x-ray detector is configured to provide AEC signals in response to the AEC chamber in the first location and the second location.
24 . (canceled)
25 . The x-ray system of claim 20 , wherein:
the x-ray detector further comprises a gyroscope disposed within the x-ray detector; and
the control system is configured to provide information related to an orientation of the x-ray detector relative to the x-ray generator based on the gyroscope of the x-ray detector.
26 . The x-ray system of claim 25 , wherein:
the gyroscope of the x-ray detector is a first gyroscope;
the x-ray generator comprises a second gyroscope; and
the control system is further configured to provide the information related to an orientation of the x-ray generator based on the second gyroscope of the x-ray generator.
27 . (canceled)
28 . The x-ray system of claim 20 , further comprising:
a camera disposed on the x-ray generator;
wherein the control system is configured to provide information related to a position of an object to be imaged by the x-ray system based on the camera.
29 . (canceled)