Universal x-ray test bed

Abstract

Systems and methods presented herein provide for the testing and reconfiguration of x-ray devices. In one embodiment, a test bed effectuates testing of an acquired x-ray device to determine a cause of the inoperability of the device. The x-ray device test bed may be provided to test a plurality of x-ray devices and, therefore, readily adaptable to such devices. The x-ray device test bed may include a mount for an x-ray tube. A variable power supply may be coupled to the x-ray tube to provide the requisite high-voltage electrical energy thereto. The x-ray device test bed may also include a mount for an imaging module (e.g., a “flat-panel sensor”). A processor may be coupled to the imaging module to determine the operational characteristics thereof. If certain x-ray components are deemed inoperable, the x-ray components may be replaced such that the x-ray device may be reintroduced to a medical industry segment.

1 . A test bed for testing different x-ray devices wherein each includes an imaging module and an x-ray tube, including:
 a housing that includes a first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member is configured for retaining one of the x-ray tubes and wherein the second support member is configured for retaining one of the x-ray imaging modules;   a high-voltage power supply configured for selectively providing a plurality of voltage levels and for being adapted to provide at least one of the voltage levels to the retained x-ray tube; and   a processor communicatively coupled to the retained x-ray imaging module to retrieve electronic data from the retained x-ray imaging module, wherein the processor processes the electronic data to determine at least one inoperable component of the x-ray imaging module.   
     
     
         2 . The test bed of  claim 1 , wherein the x-ray imaging modules are manufactured by different manufacturers. 
     
     
         3 . The test bed of  claim 1 , further including a storage element operable to store a software module that directs the processor to generate a report that includes information associated with at least one inoperable pixel of the x-ray imaging module. 
     
     
         4 . The test bed of  claim 3 , wherein the storage element also stores a software module that controls a rules processing engine, wherein the rules processing engine is configured for receiving the information associated with the at least one inoperable pixel of the imaging module to determine a requisite compliance. 
     
     
         5 . The test bed of  claim 4 , wherein the requisite compliance includes a standard, a government regulation, or both. 
     
     
         6 . The test bed of  claim 1 , further including a display interface configured for displaying an image produced by operable pixels of the x-ray imaging module. 
     
     
         7 . The test bed of  claim 6 , further including a storage element operable to store a software module that directs the processor to display a location of at least one inoperable pixel with the display interface. 
     
     
         8 . The test bed of  claim 1 , further including a storage element operable to store a software module that directs the processor to locate the least one inoperable pixel of the retained imaging module. 
     
     
         9 . The test bed of  claim 1 , further including a storage element operable to store a software module that directs the processor to determine a percentage of operable pixels within the imaging module.