Counting Digital X-Ray Image Detector with Two Switchable Modes

A counting digital x-ray image detector for recording x-ray images of an object irradiated by x-ray radiation with at least one detector module, the x-ray image detector comprising:

• a flat direct converter configured to convert x-ray radiation into an electrical signal and a matrix with a plurality of counting pixel elements, wherein each counting pixel element comprises a charge or signal input;
• a conversion facility configured to convert the electrical signal into a count signal;
• a digital counter configured to detect and store the count signal;
• and
• a control and readout unit,
• wherein the x-ray image detector is configured such that each pixel element of the x-ray image detector is connected to corresponding electrodes of detector material of the flat direct converter via contacts,
• wherein the x-ray image detector is configured to be switched over, such that (1) in a first count mode, the sum signals at different crossing points of neighboring pixel elements are determined and the sum signal is assigned to the pixel element having the largest individual signal, and (2) in a second count mode, a number of pixel elements are connected together to form a pixel structure, wherein a sum signal is formed in the pixel elements that is compared to thresholds of the conversion facility of the pixel elements, and counter states are evaluated as a function of the comparison such that only the pixel element, of which the conversion facility is assigned to the threshold corresponding to the maximum input signal of the pixel structure, delivers a value.