Method for controlling an x-ray device and x-ray device

Abstract

A method controls an X-ray apparatus which contains a base station and at least one X-ray detector, wherein status information about the at least one X-ray detector is obtained. The status information is deposited in a database of the base station and the X-ray apparatus is controlled on the basis of the status information from the database.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an x-ray device having a base station and at least one x-ray detector, the base station configured to receive an acquired x-ray image from the x-ray detector by way of a wireless interface, which method comprises the following steps of: providing the x-ray device with a further wireless interface differing from the wireless interface and having a smaller range than the wireless interface; obtaining status information about the at least one x-ray detector by receiving the status information from the at least one x-ray detector by way of the further wireless interface within a scope of a registration process of the at least one x-ray detector to the base station, the status information relating to an operating parameter of the at least one x-ray detector; storing the status information in a database of the base station, the database having at least one entry for each one of the at least one x-ray detector; controlling the x-ray device on a basis of the status information from the database, the status information containing an identification number of the at least one x-ray detector; transmitting a control command to the at least one x-ray detector by way of the wireless interface, the control command requests transmission of an x-ray image from the x-ray detector by way of the wireless interface; and depending on a transmission of the control command, checking whether the acquired x-ray image is received by way of the wireless interface, and if the acquired x-ray image is not received operating the x-ray device in an error mode in respect of the at least one x-ray detector, the error mode serves to improve a connectivity between the base station and the at least one x-ray detector.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein within the scope of the registration process of the at least one x-ray detector to the base station, performing the further step of transmitting the status information, which contains the identification number of the at least one x-ray detector, to the at least one x-ray detector by way of the wireless interface.

3. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises selecting the further wireless interface from the group consisting of infrared, Bluetooth, near field communication, and optical transmission of machine-readable signs.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the status information contains a position specification of the at least one x-ray detector; the at least one x-ray detector is portable; and the position specification is set in respect of a detector holder, in which the portable x-ray detector can be affixed.

5. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises selecting the status information from the group consisting of a battery charge state of the at least one x-ray detector, a number of buffered and acquired x-ray images in the at least one x-ray detector, a status of an acquisition process of the x-ray image, a transmission quality of the wireless interface, calibration data, calibration metadata, the identification number of the at least one x-ray detector, a position specification of the at least one x-ray detector, and a detector type of the at least one x-ray detector.

6. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises transmitting a further control command to the at least one x-ray detector if the x-ray device is operated in the error mode in relation to the at least one x-ray detector, the control command blocks the at least one x-ray detector in respect of future registrations to base stations and/or re-initializes the at least one x-ray detector.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein if the x-ray device is operated in the error mode in relation to the at least one x-ray detector, repeating reception of the status information which includes a transmission quality of the wireless interface and an output of a transmission quality to a user.

8. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises receiving the status information from the at least one x-ray detector by way of the wireless interface if the x-ray device is operated in the error mode in relation to the at least one x-ray detector, the status information includes a number of buffered and acquired x-ray images in the at least one x-ray detector and/or a status of an acquisition process of the x-ray image.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step further comprises carrying out a user interaction, the user interaction includes depicting the status information from the database on a monitor and/or obtaining the status information by a user input.

10. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises monitoring for changes in the status information from the database, and in a case of changes in the status information from the database outputting corresponding information to a user.

11. An x-ray device, comprising: at least one x-ray detector; a wireless interface; a further wireless interface differing from said wireless interface and having a smaller range than said wireless interface; a base station configured to receive an acquired x-ray image from said x-ray detector by way of said wireless interface, said base station having a database and a computer unit configured to carry out the following steps: obtain status information about said at least one x-ray detector by receiving the status information from said at least one x-ray detector by way of said further wireless interface within a scope of a registration process of said at least one x-ray detector to said base station, the status information relates to an operating parameter of said at least one x-ray detector; store the status information in said database of said base station, said database having at least one entry for each one of said at least one x-ray detector; control said x-ray device on a basis of the status information from said database, the status information having an identification number of said at least one x-ray detector; transmit a control command to said at least one x-ray detector by way of said wireless interface, the control command requests transmission of an x-ray image from said x-ray detector by way of said wireless interface; and depending on a transmission of the control command, check whether the acquired x-ray image is received by way of said wireless interface, and if the acquired x-ray image is not received operating said x-ray device in an error mode in respect of said at least one x-ray detector, the error mode serves to improve connectivity between said base station and said at least one x-ray detector.

12. The x-ray device according to claim 11, wherein said x-ray device is configured to carry out a method according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an x-ray device with three x-ray detectors and a base station.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates the base station in more detail.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a database in which various operating parameters of the three x-ray detectors are stored.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a range of a wireless interface and a further wireless interface for data transfer between the base station and the x-ray detectors.

(5) FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, which illustrates a registration process of an x-ray detector to the base station.

(6) FIG. 6 is a flowchart which illustrates details of the flowchart in FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is a signal flowchart over the wireless interface between the base station and an x-ray detector.

(8) FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention, which illustrates an error mode.

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a dialog box of a user interaction in accordance with various embodiments.

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates a dialog box of a user interaction in accordance with various embodiments.

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a dialog box of a user interaction in accordance with various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) Below, the present invention is explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments, with reference being made to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference signs denote the same or similar elements.

(13) The following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures should not be construed as limiting. The figures are purely illustrative.

(14) Below, the present invention is explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments, with reference being made to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference signs denote the same or similar elements. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily depicted true to scale. Rather, the various elements depicted in the figures are reproduced in such a way that the function and general purpose thereof becomes clear to a person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements depicted in the figures can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. A connection or coupling can be implemented in a wired or wireless fashion unless anything else is explicitly stated. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

(15) FIG. 1 depicts an x-ray device 100. The x-ray device 100 comprises a base station 101 and three registered x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3. The x-ray device 100 could also comprise a greater or fewer number of x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 since, in this respect, it has a modular design. Each one of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and the base station 101 comprise a transceiver, which is configured to establish a wireless interface 151 for bidirectional data transfer between these units. Moreover, a further wireless interface 152 is established between each one of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and the base station 101. By way of example, x-ray images acquired by the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and/or status information about the respective x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, which relates to an operating parameter of the at least one x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, can be transferred by way of the wireless interfaces 151, 152.

(16) The x-ray device 100 furthermore comprises an x-ray source 102. The base station 101 can actuate the x-ray source 102 in such a way that the x-ray source 102 emits x-ray beams. These emitted x-ray beams can be acquired as the x-ray image by an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 after transmission through a subject.

(17) By way of example, the various x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 can be integrated securely in other elements, for example in an examination table, on which the subject can be arranged, or in a wall unit of the x-ray device 100, or they can be portable for free positioning. In the case of the portable x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 in particular, the latter can be affixed in a detector holder 112-1, 112-2; to this end, the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 can be inserted into one of the detector holders 112-1, 112-2.

(18) The x-ray device 100 also comprises a user interface 103 which, for example, can comprise one or more of the following elements: a monitor, a touch-sensitive monitor, keyboard, a mouse, loudspeakers, voice recognition, gesture recognition, a graphic user interaction with dialog boxes, etc. By way of the user interface 103, it is possible to output information to a user of the x-ray device 100 or information can be obtained by the user of the x-ray device 100. By way of example, status information in respect of one of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 can be obtained by way of the user interface 103. By way of example, the user can specify a position specification of one of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, for example in respect of one of the detector holders 112-1, 112-2.

(19) The base station 101 of the x-ray device 100 is depicted in more detail in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a respective transceiver 101c, 101d for the wireless interfaces 151, 152. The transceivers 101c, 101d have a data connection to a computer unit 101a of the base station 101. The computer unit 101a can access a database 101b, which e.g. is stored in a physical memory. Status information relating to an operating parameter of an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and, for example, obtained by way of one of the wireless interfaces 151, 152 and/or by way of the user interface 103 (not depicted in FIG. 2) are stored in the database 101b of the base station 101. The database 101b has at least one entry for each one of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3. The computer unit 101a is configured to control the x-ray device 100 on the basis of the status information from the database 101b. By way of example, controlling can relate to the acquisition of x-ray images and/or output and reception of information by way of the user interface 103.

(20) FIG. 3 depicts the database 101b. Status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 is stored in each case for the three x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3. By way of example, the status information 190-0 comprises an identification number of the various x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, which, for example, can be received within the scope of a registration process of the respective x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to the base station 101 by way of the further data interface 152. The status information 190-1 comprises a transfer quality of the wireless interface 151. The status information 190-2 comprises the status of an acquisition process of the x-ray image by virtue of there being a binary indication as to whether an x-ray image was successfully acquired and whether it is buffered in a buffer of the respective x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3. Status information 190-3 comprises a battery charge state of the respective x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3.

(21) Naturally, the status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 in FIG. 3 is purely illustrative. It is possible to describe other or further operating parameters by way of the respective status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3. By way of example, the status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 could also, alternatively or additionally, comprise a number of buffered and acquired x-ray images in the various x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, calibration data or calibration metadata or a position specification of the x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3. However, it would also be possible for the resolution or the manner in which the various items of status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 indicate the respective operating parameter to deviate from the variants depicted in FIG. 3. By way of example, the battery charge state 190-3 could be specified not by way of a percentage specification but rather by way of values such as full, half-full and empty. By way of example, if the status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 relates to a position specification of the corresponding x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, it would be possible for the position specification to be set in respect of one of the detector holders 112-1, 112-2 in which the corresponding x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 is affixed. By way of example, the corresponding detector holder 112-1, 112-2 could also comprise a corresponding identification number.

(22) Different effects can be achieved by storing the status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 in the database 101b. Thus, in general, it is possible to design a registration process of an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to the base station 101 in a manner that is comparatively robust in respect of errors and quick. Furthermore, ambiguities within the scope of operating the x-ray device 100 which emerge from the fact that a plurality of x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 can be registered simultaneously to the base station 101 can be avoided; operating errors can be reduced as a result thereof. Furthermore, what can be achieved by having the various items of status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 available in the database 101b is that connectivity problems between the various x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 can be solved by operating the x-ray device 100 in an error mode, which resorts to the various items of status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3, or an incorrect operation on account of these connectivity problems can be prevented. What is common to all these effects is that an unnecessary radiation exposure of the subject due to an incorrect operation becomes less likely. Safety during the operation of the x-ray device 100 can be increased thereby.

(23) By way of example, the status information 190-0, which comprises the identification number of the respective x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, can be received by the transceiver 110d of the base station 101 from the corresponding x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 by way of the further wireless interface 152 within the scope of the registration process of the various x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 at the base station 101.

(24) In particular, as depicted in FIG. 4, the range 152a of the further wireless interface 152 can be shorter than the range 151a of the wireless interface 151. By way of example, the wireless interface 151 could transfer data in a bidirectional manner and operate on the basis of WLAN technology. By way of example, the further wireless interface 152 could be selected from the following group: infrared, Bluetooth, NFC, optical transfer of machine-readable signs. The further wireless interface 152 can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

(25) For the purposes of registering an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to the base station 101, the user of the x-ray device 100 can position the former within the range 152a of the further wireless interface 152, i.e. comparatively close to the base station 101, such that the status information 190-0 with the identification number then can be transferred from the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to the base station 101 by way of the further wireless interface 152. Then, the status information 190-0 with the identification number can be stored in the database 101b of the base station 101. By way of example, in order to carry out a verification of the transferred status information 190-0, this status information 190-0, furthermore, can be transmitted back to the corresponding x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 by way of the wireless interface 151. Acknowledgment of the registration can be carried out by way of the user interface 102.

(26) By means of such techniques it is possible to dispense with, in particular, a manual input of the identification number of the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered, as a result of which the registration process can be designed in a manner that is simpler and less prone to errors. The deregistration process could be realized by way of corresponding techniques.

(27) By way of example, the machine-readable sign could be attached to a surface of the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and, within the scope of the registration/deregistration process, it is positioned within the field of view of a camera of the base station 101 such that the corresponding status information 190-0 can be acquired optically and evaluated.

(28) A flowchart relating to a registration process of an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to the base station 101 is depicted in FIG. 5. The method starts in step S1. In step S2, a check is carried out as to whether an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 is intended to be registered. By way of example, step S2 can comprise the reproduction of an appropriate dialog by way of a monitor of the user interface 103. By way of example, the registration process can be started in step S2 following an appropriate user input.

(29) If it is determined in step S2 that a new x-ray detector is intended to be registered to the base station 101, the method continues with step S3. In step S3, the identification number of the x-ray detector to be registered is received by way of the further wireless interface 152 as corresponding status information 190-0. To this end, it may be necessary for the user to position the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered in the close vicinity of the base station 101 since the further wireless interface 152 has a comparatively short range 152a.

(30) The identification number of the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered is checked in step S4. By way of example, a check can be carried out within the scope of step S4 as to whether the corresponding identification number is already stored in the database 101b, i.e. whether the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered is in fact already registered to the base station 101.

(31) If the identification in step S4 is unsuccessful, the method terminates in step S7. Otherwise, for verification purposes, the identification number is transmitted from the base station 101 to the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered by way of the wireless interface 151 (step S5). Step S5 can be denoted as an acknowledgment of the registration process.

(32) The corresponding entry for the newly registered x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 is stored in the database 101b in step S6. By way of example, this can relate to storing the status information 190-0, which comprises the obtained identification number, in the database 101b. Then, the method terminates in step S7.

(33) Further checks can be carried out in step S4. The various checks which can be optionally carried out within the scope of step S4 are depicted in more detail in the flowchart of FIG. 6. Initially, a check can be carried out in step T1 as to whether the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered is in actual fact not yet registered to the base station 101. By way of example, this can be carried out by comparing the identification numbers obtained with the identification numbers already stored in the database 101b.

(34) In step T2, a check is carried out as to whether an item of status information relating to position specification was obtained for the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered, for example by way of a user input obtained by way of the user interface 103. A user could also be requested to input the position specification.

(35) If the position specification is available, a check is carried out in step T3 as to whether the corresponding position is still available, i.e. whether another x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 is not already present at the position specified by the position specification. By way of example, the position specification can be specified in respect of one of the detector holders 112-1, 112-2. Step T3 can comprise a comparison of the corresponding status information in the database 101b.

(36) A check as to whether the calibration data of the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered are current and/or suitable is carried out in step T4. Optionally, calibration metadata can also be used to this end. The calibration data may be necessary for correct image acquisition within the scope of the acquisition of the x-ray image. If the calibration data are not current or unsuitable, current and suitable calibration data are transmitted from the base station 101, for example by way of the wireless interface 150, to the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered. Subsequently, a check as to whether the calibration data are acknowledged is carried out in step T6. If the calibration data are acknowledged in step T6 or if the calibration data are determined to be still current and suitable in step T4, the method continues in step T7.

(37) A check as to whether buffered x-ray images are stored on the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered is carried out in step T7. If this is not the case, the check is considered successfully completed in step T8. Otherwise, the check is unsuccessful (step T9).

(38) Above, it was predominantly techniques in relation to the registration process to the base station 101 of an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 to be registered that were discussed. Below, it is predominantly scenarios in which an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 was successfully registered to the base station 101 and in which an x-ray image is intended to be acquired by means of the x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 that are discussed.

(39) FIG. 7 shows a signal flowchart of the wireless interface 151 for such a scenario. Initially, a control command is transmitted from the base station 101 to the x-ray detector 110-1 by way of the wireless interface 151 (step X1). The control command initiates the acquisition of an x-ray image (step X2) by the x-ray detector 110-1. In step X3, the x-ray image is transmitted from the x-ray detector 110-1 to the base station 101.

(40) In step X3, the transmission of the x-ray image fails, for example because the transfer quality of the wireless interface 151 is not sufficiently high such that the comparatively large file of the x-ray image cannot be transferred successfully (restricted connectivity). The failure of the transfer of the x-ray image in step X3 is determined by the base station 101 by a timeout (step X4). In this respect, alternative techniques could be used as well, such as e.g. an error log of the wireless interface 151, which is based on acknowledgments.

(41) After the failure of the transfer of the x-ray image was determined in step X4, a control command which requests the renewed transmission of the x-ray image from step X2 from the x-ray detector 110-1 by way of the wireless interface 151 is transmitted to the x-ray detector 110-1 by way of the wireless interface 151 in step X5. In reaction thereto, the x-ray detector 110-1 re-transmits the x-ray image (step X6), which fails. This is identified in turn by the base station 101 (step X7).

(42) Therefore, a further control command which re-initializes the x-ray detector 110-1 is transmitted to the at least one x-ray detector 110-1 (step X8). Upon reception of the control command in step X8, the x-ray detector 110-1 carries out a restart for re-initialization purposes (step X9). Then, the x-ray detector 110-1 re-transmits the x-ray image (step X10). What the re-initialization may achieve is the rectification of possible error causes for the multiple failure of the transmission (steps X3 and X6). However, in the example of FIG. 7, the x-ray image cannot be transferred, even after the re-initialization.

(43) After checking whether the detected x-ray image is received by way of the wireless interface 151, which once again yields that there is an error in the transfer (step X11), a further control command which blocks the x-ray detector in respect of future registrations to base stations 101 is transmitted to the x-ray detector 110-1 in step X12. At the same time, a user of the x-ray device 100 can be requested, for example, to contact a service technician. The block is carried out in step X13.

(44) The iterative transmission of control commands (steps X5, X8, X12) as a reaction to determining a failed transfer of the x-ray image (steps X4, X7, X12) can correspond to the operation of the x-ray device in an error mode which serves to improve the connectivity between the base station 101 and the x-ray detector 110-1.

(45) Corresponding techniques are also depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 8. The method starts in step U1. Initially, a control command for acquiring the x-ray image is transmitted to the x-ray detector 110-1 in step U2. In step U3, a check is carried out as to whether this transmitted x-ray command is acknowledged. If there was no acknowledgment, step U2 is carried out again, otherwise the method continues with step U4. By way of example, acknowledgment can be brought about by way of an appropriate acknowledgment message.

(46) A time interval is initially awaited in step U4 and a check as to whether the x-ray image was obtained is carried out in step U5. If the x-ray image was obtained in step U5, the method ends in step U12.

(47) Otherwise, the x-ray device 100 is operated in the error mode 180. In the error mode 180, the x-ray image is initially requested again by way of a further control command (step U7). Once again, an acknowledgment of the transmitted control command can be obtained (this is not depicted in FIG. 8). Then, a check is carried out in step U8 as to whether the x-ray image was obtained now, for example once again after a specific time interval after step U7. If this is the case, the error mode 180 is terminated and the method ends in step U12.

(48) If the x-ray image was not obtained in step U8, a further control command for re-initializing the x-ray detector 110-1 is transmitted (step U9). Once again, a check is carried out in step U10 as to whether the x-ray image was obtained, for example once again after a specific time interval after step U9. If the x-ray image was obtained in step U10, the error mode 180 is terminated and the method ends in step U12. However, if the x-ray image was not obtained, a control command is transmitted to the x-ray detector 110-1 in step U11 for the purposes of blocking the x-ray detector 110-1. The x-ray detector is then blocked in respect of further use by a user of the x-ray device 100. What this can prevent is a subject from being exposed to radiation exposure without it being possible to obtain an x-ray image as a result of the possibly defective x-ray detector 110-1.

(49) Naturally, the various checks or the transmission of control commands, as were discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8, also can be carried out repeatedly.

(50) By way of example, it would be possible for steps U7 and U8 to be carried out repeatedly in succession and for there to be a continuation with step U9 only after a specific time interval was awaited.

(51) If the x-ray device 100 is operated in the error mode 180, i.e. if the upshot of step U5 is that the x-ray image was not obtained successfully, the status information 190-0-190-4, which comprises a transfer quality of the wireless interface 151, can be re-obtained. This transfer quality can be output to the user of the x-ray device 100 by way of the user interface 103. What this can achieve is that the user can increase the transfer quality, for example by corresponding repositioning of the x-ray detector 110-1 closer to the base station 101, such that the connectivity by way of the wireless interface 151 is reestablished. Accordingly, status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 comprising a number of buffered and acquired x-ray images in the x-ray detector 110-1 and/or a status of an acquisition process of the x-ray image can be received by the x-ray detector 110-1 by way of the wireless interface 151 in the error mode 180. The corresponding information could be reproduced for a user within the scope of step U6. As a result of this, finding the error source of the restricted connectivity between the base station 101 and the x-ray detector 110-1 can be rendered possible for the user.

(52) By way of example, a user interaction with the user of the x-ray device 100 can be carried out within the scope of controlling the x-ray device 100, wherein the user interaction comprises the depiction of status information 190-0, 190-1, 190-2, 190-3 from the database 101b on a monitor of the user interface 103 and/or the obtaining of status information by a user input by way of the user interface 103. FIG. 9 depicts a dialog box of the user interaction for registering a new x-ray detector 110-1 with the identification number 456. The user can select a position specification. By way of example, the user can select whether the x-ray detector 110-1 with the identification number 456 to be registered is positioned at the detector holder 112-1, 112-2 at the wall or at the table or whether it is a free x-ray detector, i.e. an x-ray detector 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, which is portable in free space and movable.

(53) The x-ray detector 110-2 with the identification number 123 is already registered to the base station 101 and it could be deregistered by way of a user input. The transfer quality within the scope of the status information 190-1 is also indicated in the dialog box for the x-ray detector 110-2.

(54) FIG. 10 shows a dialog box of the user interaction, in which both x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2 are registered to the base station 101. Because the transfer quality, as illustrated by the status information 190-1 in the dialog box, is comparatively low for the x-ray detector 110-1 with the identification number 456, it is also possible to start the error mode 180 by way of a user input.

(55) FIG. 11 depicts a corresponding situation. What emerges from comparing FIGS. 10 and 11 is that the position specification for the two x-ray detectors 110-1, 110-2 was modified by way of the user input. By way of example, such changes in the status information in the database 101b can be monitored and the corresponding information can be output to a user in the case of changes in the status information in the database 101b.

(56) Naturally, the features of the embodiments and aspects of the invention, described above, can be combined with one another. In particular, the features can be used not only in the combinations described above, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the field of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(57) 100 X-ray device 110-1 X-ray detector 110-2 X-ray detector 110-3 X-ray detector 101 Base station 101a Computer unit 101b Database 101c Transceiver 101d Further transceiver 102 X-ray source 103 User interface 112-1 Detector holder 112-2 Detector holder 151 Wireless interface 151a Range 152a Range 152 Further wireless interface 180 Error mode 190-0 Status information 190-1 Status information 190-2 Status information 190-3 Status information