Radiography backscatter shields and X-ray imaging systems including backscatter shields
Radiography backscatter shields and X-ray imaging systems including backscatter shields are disclosed. An example X-ray backscatter shield includes: a conforming backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; and a shield frame configured to couple the backscatter shield to an X-ray source.
1. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:
an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;
an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation directed toward the X-ray detector; and
a frame configured to:
hold the X-ray detector;
hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector;
enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation; and
enable attachment of a Compton scatter shielding device to the frame; and
a switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the shielding device.
2. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a collimator configured to filter the output of the X-ray radiation, the switch configured to detect attachment of the shielding device adjacent the collimator.
3. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of the shielding device.
4. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a mechanical switch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.
5. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage.
6. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 5 , wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected.
7. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises an attachment rail configured to hold the shielding device.
8. A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:
an X-ray detector configured to generate images based on incident X-ray radiation;
an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation; and
a frame configured to:
hold the X-ray detector;
hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector; and
enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation;
a backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; and
a switch configured to detect attachment of the backscatter shield to the frame and enable activation of the X-ray tube in response to detecting the attachment of the backscatter shield.
9. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 8 , wherein the switch is configured to enable activation of the X-ray tube based on whether the X-ray tube is configured to use a tube voltage that satisfies a threshold tube voltage.
10. The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 9 , wherein the threshold tube voltage is 70 kV, and the switch is configured to disable the X-ray tube when the X-ray tube is configured to use at least the threshold tube voltage and attachment of the shielding device to the frame is not detected.