Image capture device and methods

An apparatus for use with an X-ray Generator, the apparatus comprising:

• a collimator tube coupled to the X-ray generator;
• a digital sensor operable to capture X-ray images;
• and
• a frame grabber integrated with the collimator tube, said frame grabber operatively coupled to the sensor and operable to capture images for display on an external display device.

A method comprising:

• providing an apparatus having a plurality of image capturing devices and a collimator tube, wherein one of the image capturing devices is an X-ray generator and one of the image capturing devices is a camera coupled to the collimator tube, said camera being operable to capture images in a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum selected from the group consisting of infrared, visible and ultraviolet;
• from the apparatus, receiving a selection of an image capture device to use for capturing an image;
• receiving a fire command to fire the image capture device;
• and
• capturing at least one image with the image capture device.

A system comprising:

• an external device, said external device having at least a display;
• an X-ray generator;
• a collimator tube coupled to the X-ray generator, said collimator tube having at least one integrated digital image capture device;
• wherein one of the image capturing devices is a camera, said camera being operable to capture images in a Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum selected from the group consisting of infrared, visible and ultraviolet;
• means for receiving a fire command and capturing at least one image with the at least one integrated digital image capture device;
• and
• means for transmitting the captured image to the external device upon receiving the fire command.

An apparatus for use with an X-ray generator, the apparatus comprising:

• a collimator tube having an end, said collimator tube being coupled to the X-ray generator;
• a receptor holder adapted to be coupled on said end of said collimator tube, said receptor holder operable to hold an image receptor;
• and
• an indicator which indicates when said receptor holder is coupled on the end of said collimator tube.

A system comprising:

• an X-ray generator;
• a collimator tube coupled to said X-ray generator;
• a receptor holder adapted to be coupled to said collimator tube;
• an X-ray sensor operable to capture an X-ray image;
• and
• a sensor docking port on said receptor holder, said sensor docking port operable to make an electrical connection with said X-ray sensor when said X-ray sensor is docked on the docking port, said sensor docking port further operable to secure said X-ray sensor in position to receive a radiation dose emitted from said X-ray generator.

A system comprising:

• an X-ray generator;
• a collimator tube coupled to said X-ray generator;
• a receptor holder adapted to be coupled to said collimator tube;
• an X-ray sensor operable to capture an X-ray image;
• a sensor docking port on said receptor holder, said sensor docking port operable to make an electrical connection with said X-ray sensor when said X-ray sensor is docked on the docking port, said sensor docking port further operable to secure said X-ray sensor in position to receive a radiation dose emitted from said X-ray generator;
• and
• a radio frequency transmitter operable to receive data from said sensor, said radio frequency transmitter being further operable to transmit data from said X-ray sensor.