Automatic detector selection by study type

A method of taking an X-ray of a subject wherein the X-ray system includes a computer system capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data, an X-ray source, a bank of various sized detectors wherein each detector includes an indicator, a display screen, and each detector is in wireless communication with the computer system, and a storage unit for storing and charging the batteries of the detectors, the method comprising the steps of:

• inputting instructional information into the computer system;
• the computer system determining which size detector to use for the ordered X-ray;
• each detector wirelessly transmitting a charge status signal to the computer system indicating the charge status of its battery;
• the computer system determining a selected detector to use for the X-ray;
• the computer system wirelessly transmitting an activation signal to the selected detector;
• the selected detector receiving the activation signal from the computer system;
• the selected detector activating an indicator;
• removing the selected detector from the storage unit;
• positioning the selected detector to receive the X-ray from the X-ray source;
• positioning the subject between the X-ray source and the selected detector to capture X-ray data;
• capturing the X-ray image on the selected detector;
• and
• the selected detector wirelessly transmitting the captured X-ray data to the computer system.

A method of selecting a detector in an X-ray system for obtaining X-ray data of a subject wherein the X-ray system includes a computer system capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly and including a database of ongoing studies, an X-ray source, a bank of various sized detectors each capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly and each including an indicator and a display screen, the method comprising the steps of:

• inputting a subject identification parameter into the computer system;
• inputting a type of X-ray ordered to be performed on the subject;
• the computer system determining which detector to use for the ordered X-ray;
• the computer system transmitting an activation signal to the selected detector;
• the selected detector receiving the activation signal;
• the selected detector activating its indicator;
• the selected detector displaying the subject identification parameter on its display screen;
• positioning the selected detector to capture the ordered X-ray data from the subject;
• the selected detector capturing the ordered X-ray data from the subject;
• the selected detector transmitting the captured X-ray data to the computer system;
• the computer system searching the database of ongoing studies to identify a study analyzing data obtained from the ordered X-ray data.