SE1151083A1 - Apparatus, systems and procedures for producing X-rays - Google Patents

Abstract

lO 17 ABSTRACT The disclosure is related to an apparatus, systems and methods forproducing X-ray images. More particularly, the disclosure relates to amobile X-ray apparatus for medical examination. The disclosure providefor fast, easy and safe transportation of a mobile X-ray apparatus. ln oneembodiment an apparatus for producing X-ray images is provided, whichcomprises a digital Fïadiography (DR) detector, positioned at a firstspatial position, an X-ray tube assembly positionable at a second spatialposition at a distance relative the first spatial position, at least one sensorfor providing the first spatial position and/or the second spatial position, acontrol unit (2) for receiving the first spatial position and/or the secondspatial position from the at least one sensor, and adapted to control thesecond spatial position or the first spatial position for alignment of the X-ray tube assembly with the DR detector, based on the first and secondspatial positions and optionally a drive wheel, a base (100), a telescopicarm (5) and/or an elevating column (4). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

lO SPECIFICATION TITLE: An apparatus, systems and methods for producing X-ray images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the lnventionThis disclosure pertains in general to the field of X-ray imaging. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus for medicalexamination.

Description of the Prior Art Various X-ray apparatuses are known. Some of the known X-rayapparatuses are stationary, and can not be moved. Others are mobile and canbe moved. However, the prior art mobile X-ray apparatuses are bulky, heavyand large. They have batteries, which contain lead and acid. Thus, they are notenvironmentally friendly. Furthermore, for height adjustments of an X-ray tube,a counter balanced mechanism with a counter-weight is used, which furtherincreases weight, and a tall vertical column, which blocks the view in front of themobile X-ray apparatus for the steering person behind it during movement. lnaddition, the prior art mobile X-ray apparatuses are too large for convenienttransportation. l\/loreover, the prior art X-ray systems generally have many additionalcomponents, such as a manoeuver console, a computer for examination ofimages, a fixed X-ray generator, various holders and a separate display unit,positioned at various places in an examination room.

Thus, it would be advantageous to reduce the number of componentsused for X-ray imaging. ln addition, many existing stationary X-ray systems use old analoguedetectors.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide means for upgradingsystems with analogue detectors so that digital radiography detectors can beused, i.e. retrofitting.

From US8021045 B2, a portable X-ray apparatus is known. However,as can be seen in figure 1 of this document, the portable system is rather bulkyand has a vertical column, which blocks the view in front of the mobile X-rayapparatus for the steering person behind it during movement. lO Thus, there is a need for an improved mobile X-ray apparatus, which iscompact, light and small.

An environmentally friendly mobile X-ray apparatus, having lead freeand acid free batteries would also be advantageous. lt would also be advantageous to have a free view of what is in front ofthe mobile X-ray apparatus during driving or moving of the apparatus.

A mobile X-ray apparatus, which can easily be transported, would alsobe advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure preferably seek tomitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more deficiencies, disadvantages orissues in the art, such as the above-identified, singly or in any combination byproviding an apparatus, a system and methods for producing X-ray images,according to the appended patent claims.According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for producingX-ray images is provided. The apparatus comprises a digital Radiography (DR)detector, positioned at a first spatial position. lt also comprises an X-ray tubeassembly positionable at a second spatial position at a distance relative the firstspatial position. Furthermore, it also comprises at least one sensor for providingthe first spatial position and/or the second spatial position. Sensors that can beused are angle sensors, compasses, inclinometers, gyros, potentiometers,encoders and/or GPS receivers. ln addition, local GPS or local sensor networkscan be used for an absolute positioning. These systems may include the use ofmagnets and/or triangulation. l\/loreover, the apparatus comprises a control unitfor receiving the first spatial position and/or the second spatial position from theat least one sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the second spatialposition or the first spatial position for alignment of the X-ray tube assembly withthe DR detector, based on the first and second spatial positions. Optionally theapparatus comprises a drive wheel, a base, a telescopic arm and/or anelevating column. The apparatus can be positioned quickly and easily.According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system for producing X-ray images is provided. The system comprises a workstation, such as apatient table or a wall stand, and an apparatus. The control unit of theapparatus is configured to align the X-ray tube assembly with the workstation lO from data, provided by Sensors, such as angle sensors, compasses,inclinometers, gyros, potentiometers, encoders and/or GPS receivers located atthe Workstation. The data used comprises identification data and position data.Optionally angle data of the Workstation is included. With the provided data,embodiments simplify or facilitate the alignment of the X-ray tube assembly Withthe Workstation.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a system forproducing X-ray images is provided. The system comprises a Workstation, suchas a Wall stand or a patient table, and an apparatus, such as a mobile X-rayapparatus. The DR detector of the apparatus is positioned at the Workstation.The control unit of the apparatus is configured to control at least one actuator ofthe apparatus for aligning an X-ray tube assembly of the apparatus With the DRdetector based on the first and second spatial positions, i.e. the positions of theDR detector and the mobile X-ray apparatus. Through the use of a tracking unit,automatic alignment of the X-ray tube assembly and the DR detector isenabled. The alignment can be in a vertical plane and/or in a horizontal plane.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a method of producingX-ray images is provided. The method comprises positioning of a digitalRadiography (DR) detector at a first spatial position and positioning of a mobileX-ray apparatus at a second spatial position at a distance relative the firstspatial position. The first spatial position and/or the second spatial position arereceived from at least one sensor. Furthermore, optionally adjustment of theheight of an elevating column is performed. Adjustment of a rotational angle of atelescopic arm is optionally performed. ln addition, as an option, adjustment of alength of the telescopic arm is performed. All the adjustments are based on thefirst and second spatial positions. Also tilting and/or rotating of an X-ray tubeassembly to align the X-ray tube assembly With the DR detector is performed,based on the first and second spatial positions, if needed. An X-ray image isobtained.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of producing X-ray images is provided, Which comprises positioning of a digital Radiography(DR) detector at a first spatial position. Positioning of a mobile X-ray apparatusat a second spatial position at a distance relative the first spatial position isperformed. The first spatial position and/or the second spatial position arereceived by a control unit from at least one sensor. Optionally, adjustment of the lO height of an elevating column is performed, based on the first and secondspatial positions. Also adjustment of a rotational angle of a telescopic arm canoptionally be performed, based on the first and second spatial positions. As anoption, the length of the telescopic arm is also adjusted, based on the first andsecond spatial positions. lf needed, tilting and/or rotating of an X-ray tubeassembly to align the X-ray tube assembly with the DR detector is performed,based on the first and second spatial positions. An X-ray image is obtained.Then, the DR detector may be repositioned. Alternatively the mobile X-rayapparatus may be repositioned. Thereafter more X-ray images can be obtained.The repositioning of the DR detector or repositioning of the mobile X-rayapparatus and the obtaining of X-ray images may continue until a desirednumber of X-ray images are obtained.

Further embodiments of the disclosure are defined in the dependentclaims, wherein features for the second and subsequent aspects of thedisclosure are as for the first aspect mutatis mutandis.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for enabling runningcables or electrical wires inside the elevating column instead of outside theelevating column.

Some embodiments of the disclosure enable a compact size duringtransportation.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for fast and easypositioning of the apparatus.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for easy positioning andangling of the X-ray tube.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for easy maneuverabilityof the apparatus.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for convenient control ofthe apparatus.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for easy movement of theX-ray tube.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide for easy adjustment of theheight when transporting the device.

Some embodiments of the disclosure enable fast and easy imaging ofdifferent parts of a patient, since the apparatus can be automatically driven lO along a patient table for alignment of an X-ray tube assembly with a DR sensor,based on tracking of the DR sensor. lt should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” whenused in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition ofone or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other aspects, features and advantages of whichembodiments of the disclosure are capable of will be apparent and elucidatedfrom the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray apparatus; Fig. 2 is a top view of a mobile X-ray apparatus; Fig. 3a is a lateral view of a drive handle in a park position; Fig. 3b is a lateral view of a drive handle in a drive position; Fig. 4 is a lateral view of a patient table, with a mobile X-ray apparatusin the background; Fig. 5 is a top view of a patient table and a mobile X-ray apparatus;Fig. 6 is a lateral view of a patient table, with a mobile X-ray apparatusin the background; Fig. 7 is a lateral view of a workstation and a mobile X-ray apparatus;Fig. 8 is a lateral view of a wall stand and a mobile X-ray apparatus;Fig. 9 is a lateral view of a wall stand and a mobile X-ray apparatus,with an X-ray tube assembly angled; Fig. 10a is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray apparatus, with proximitysensors; Fig. 10b is a top view of a mobile X-ray apparatus, with proximitysensors; Fig. 11a is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray apparatus, with an integratedcamera for forward view; and Fig. 11b is a top view of a mobile X-ray apparatus, with an integratedcamera for forward view. lO DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of the disclosure will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so thatthis disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope ofthe disclosure to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detaileddescription of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is notintended to be limiting of the disclosure. ln the drawings, like numbers refer tolike elements.

The following description focuses on an embodiment of the presentdisclosure applicable to an apparatus for producing X-ray images and inparticular to a mobile X-ray apparatus. However, it will be appreciated that thedisclosure is not limited to this application but may be applied to many otherapparatuses for producing X-ray images, including for example stationary X-rayapparatuses. ln Fig. 1, which is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray apparatus 101, thecore components of the mobile X-ray apparatus 101 can be seen. The mobileX-ray apparatus 101 comprises a base supported on two pairs of wheels, afront pair 17 and back pair 1, and the back pair 1 is separately motorized andacting as drive wheels. Alternatively, the front pair is utilized as drive wheels. Asanother alternative, only one wheel is used as a drive wheel. Although, fourwheels are described here, it should be understood that any other feasiblenumber of wheels can be used. The drive wheels are controlled by a control unit2, which receives user input from a user via the drive handle 3 duringtransportation. Also attached to the base 100 is a motorized elevating column 4.The elevating column 4 is rotationally fixed in relation to the base (100). Theelevating column 4 is controlled by a user via the drive handle 3 utilizing thecontrol unit 2. Thus, the control unit 2 is adapted to control the elevating column4 and/or the drive wheel. A rotatable telescopic arm 5 is attached to an outercolumn segment of the elevating column 4 in a joint by a connecting element 6,which is together with the telescopic arm 5 rotatable around the elevatingcolumn 5. Thus, the telescopic arm 5 is connected to the elevating column 4with a connecting element 6 in a joint and rotatable around the elevating column4. The telescopic arm 5 is balanced and can together with the connecting lO element be moved freely outside the outer segment of the elevating column 4.The connecting element is in one embodiment provided with an actuator, suchas a motor, for rotational movement. This actuator is preferably a non-counterweight and/or non-balanced actuator. Thus, the base comprises anactuator, positioned outside the elevating column 4 for actuating a movement ofthe telescopic arm 5, and this actuator is preferably a non-counterweight and/ornon-balanced actuator. The actuator is slidable outside the elevating column 4.At the end of the telescopic arm 5, an X-ray tube assembly is attached. The X-ray tube assembly comprises an X-ray tube 7 and a collimator 8. The X-ray tubeassembly can be rotated 9 and tilted 10 around a centre axis of the telescopicarm 5. The X-ray tube assembly may be rotated 360 degrees. Optionally, the X-ray tube assembly movements and the collimator light field can be motorized.Since the telescopic arm 5 and the connecting element is located outside theouter segment of the elevating column 4 instead of inside the elevating columnas in prior art, the space inside the elevating column 4 is available for otherpurposes, such as placement of electrical wires for the telescopic arm and theX-ray tube assembly. The energy transferred to the X-ray tube is generated bythe built-in High Voltage generator 11. The mobile X-ray apparatus 101 alsocomprises an lmage system PC 12, a graphical control and image previewscreen and a Flat Panel Detector (FPD) slot 14, i.e. a slot for storage of anFPD. This slot may also be used for other types of DR detectors, such as HighDensity Line Scan Solid State detectors. The image system PC 12 is used forimage processing. A preview of images is shown on the graphical screen _ lnaddition or as an alternative, generator settings and/or system information isshown on the screen _ Patient information, a booking list, different settings forexamination, image settings and exposure settings can also be shown on thescreen _ ln one embodiment, the screen is a touch screen, thus enabling bothviewing and inputting of data. An FPD is wirelessly connected to the lmagesystem PC. The batteries of the FPD are charged, when the FPD is positionedin the FPD slot. The FPD slot also protects the FPD during transportation. Theentire apparatus is powered utilizing one or several built-in batteries 15. Thebatteries 15 are in one embodiment lead free and acid free. Thus, the batteriesare environmentally friendly.Fig. 2 is a top view of the mobile X-ray apparatus. ln this figure, preferable positions of the wheels are depicted. Preferably, there is one pair of lO rear wheels 1 and one pair of front wheels 17. From fig. 2, also the position oftelescopic arm 5 during transportation can be seen. During transportation, thetelescopic arm is placed in a transportation position on top of the mobile X-rayapparatus, i.e. the telescopic arm 5 is rotatably positionable into a position ontop of the base 100 for transportation. This allows for a compact size of themobile X-ray apparatus. ln order to put the telescopic arm 5 into thetransportation position, the telescopic arm 5 is either raised or lowered with theelevating column 4, dependent on where the telescopic arm is situated, so thatthe telescopic arm 5 is slightly above the top of the base 100. Thereafter, thetelescopic arm is rotated into a position on top of the base 100. Then thetelescopic arm 5 can be lowered, i.e. is lowerable into a locking position.Optionally, the telescopic arm 5 may also be locked in the locking position forsafe transportation.

Fig. 3a is a lateral view of a drive handle 3 in a park position and Fig. 3bis a lateral view of a drive handle 3 in a drive position. Thus, these figures showthe different positions of a drive handle 3. ln figure 3a, the drive handle is in adrive position, and thus it is possible to move or drive the mobile X-rayapparatus. ln figure 3b, the drive handle 3 has been lowered and is thus in apark position. When the drive handle 3 is in the park position, the mobile X-rayapparatus can not be transported or moved by a user. However, in oneembodiment, it is still possible to automatically move the mobile X-rayapparatus, when the drive handle 3 is in the park position, such as along apatient table. lt may also be possible to move the mobile X-ray apparatus slowlywithin a jog mode, even when the drive handle is in the park position. ln oneembodiment, the drive handle 3 is connected to and integrated with the X-raytube 7 with strain gauges or strain gauge transducers, thereby facilitating easymovement of the X-ray tube 7 and/or movement of the apparatus, duringtransportation. The drive handle 3 may also be provided with a user interfaceunit, which is adapted to forward user inputs to the control unit 2. The X-raytube 7 has an elongate shape and the drive handle 3 is integrally connected tothe X-ray tube 7 at each end of the elongate X-ray tube 7. The heightadjustment of the drive handle is located on the sides, i.e. at the ends of theelongate X-ray tube 7. The drive handle 3 can be used for controlling movementof the mobile X-ray apparatus, e.g. movement of the X-ray apparatus duringtransportation, as well as positioning of the X-ray tube assembly. lO ln figure 4, a workstation can be seen. The workstation in this figure is apatient table 400. X-ray images of a patient 401 can be produced by the mobileX-ray apparatus 101. ln one embodiment, a Digital Radiography (DR) detector402 is moved manually or automatically between different positions along apatient table 400. The different positions of the DR detector 402 correspond todifferent areas of a patient to be imaged. When the DR detector is moved fromone position to another position, the mobile X-ray apparatus tracks themovement and aligns the X-ray tube assembly with the DR detector. Thisalignment may in one embodiment be achieved simply by the movement of themobile X-ray apparatus in the direction of the wheels, i.e. the control unit 2 maycontrol the drive wheels and move the mobile X-ray apparatus by driving thedrive wheels until the mobile X-ray apparatus is aligned with the DR detector.Thus, in this embodiment, the tracking is performed only in one horizontaldirection. However, it should be understood that tracking can also be performedin more than one direction. Thus, in some embodiments, tracking is performedin three dimensions and movement of the mobile X-ray apparatus and/or X-raytube assembly is performed in the three dimensions with appropriate actuators.Tracking is in some embodiments performed by the use of different sensors,such as angle sensors, compasses, inclinometers, gyros and/or GPS receivers.ln some embodiments, there are sensors attached both to the X-ray tubeassembly and to the DR detector 402. The sensor signals from the DR detectorcan be transmitted wirelessly to the control unit 2, either directly or via atracking unit, located on the mobile X-ray apparatus. The tracking unit or thecontrol unit 2 will receive spatial data, such as position data from the sensors.This spatial data may be data related to a first spatial position, e.g. a position ofthe DR detector. The spatial data may as an alternative or in addition relate to asecond spatial position, e.g. a position of the mobile X-ray apparatus. The datareceived by the tracking unit may further include identification data, positiondata, angle data and a checksum. lf a separate tracking unit is used, then thecontrol unit 2 receives data from the tracking unit. The control unit 2 of theapparatus is configured to control actuators of the apparatus for aligning an X-ray tube assembly of the apparatus with the DR detector, based on the spatialdata. Through the use of a tracking unit, automatic alignment of the X-ray tubeassembly and the DR detector is enabled. As an alternative, the tracking unitmay be part of the control unit 2. Preferably, the sensors used for the DR lO lO detector 402 utilize a Snap-On holder, so that they can be easily attached anddetached from the DR sensor.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a patient table 400 and a mobile X-ray apparatus.From figure 5, it can be seen that the telescopic arm 5 of the mobile X-rayapparatus has been turned, so that it is perpendicular to the patient table 400.The mobile X-ray apparatus is positioned in parallel with the patient table 400.Thus, the mobile X-ray apparatus can be driven along the patient table 400, ifmore than one area of the patient 401 needs to be imaged. ln one embodiment,the mobile X-ray apparatus is driven along the patient table 400 according totracks, such as magnetic tracks, on the floor. ln this embodiment, the controlunit 2 may control movement of the mobile X-ray apparatus in accordance withposition data retrieved from the magnetic tracks. The position data may beaccompanied with ID data and /or a checksum. The control unit 2 may alsocompare the position data from the magnetic track with position data receivedfrom the DR detector 402, and based on this comparison align the X-ray tubeassembly with the DR detector 402. The tracks used may instead of magnetictracks be mechanical tracks or rails. The tracks do not need to be on the floor.lnstead, the tracks can be in the ceiling, on the wall or on a table, such as apatient table. lf mechanical rails are used, then position data may be transmittedto the control unit 2 from position sensors, such as potentiometers or encoders,via an electrical wire or wirelessly. As an alternative of using tracks, opticalmarks or indications may instead be followed by the mobile X-ray apparatus. lnanother embodiment, the mobile X-ray apparatus may be guided in itsmovement by a mechanical arm attached to the workstation or in proximity tothe workstation. ln this embodiment, there is no need for retrieval of positiondata, since the position of the mobile X-ray apparatus is known, i.e.predetermined. ln an embodiment according to Fig. 6, the tracking of the DR detector402 is instead performed in a vertical direction. Once the DR detector 402 hasbeen tracked, the X-ray tube assembly will be positioned at an appropriatedistance from the DR detector 402 by adjusting the height of the X-ray tubeassembly with the elevating column 4.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment, in which the elevating column 4adjusts the height of the X-ray tube assembly in order to align it with the DRdetector 402. ln this embodiment, the DR detector is placed in a holder 404 of lO ll another type of workstation, i.e. a wall stand 700. ln this embodiment, the holder404 with the DR detector 402 can be moved into different positions at differentheights depending on which part of the patient 401 is to be imaged. ln oneembodiment, an actuator, such as a motor, is used for moving the holder 404into different positions automatically. This actuator can be controlled wirelessly,via wireless transceivers, from the control unit 2.

Fig. 8 shows different positions of the X-ray tube assembly. The X-raytube assembly is put into the positions 800, 802 and 804 by moving theelevating column 4 as a response to a tracking action, which action tracks theDR sensor 402 to one of the positions 806, 808, 810. ln one embodiment, theactual holder 404 is tracked instead of the DR detector 402. Thus, in thisembodiment the sensors for tracking are located in or in proximity to the holder404 and the sensor signals are transmitted wirelessly to the control unit 2.

Fig. 9 is a lateral view of a wall stand 700 and a mobile X-rayapparatus, with an X-ray tube assembly 702 angled. ln this figure, the X-raytube assembly 702 is angled. ln one embodiment, the X-ray tube assembly 702is first angled to an appropriate angle manually or automatically. Then, the DRdetector 402 is tracked and the X-ray tube assembly 702 lifted to theappropriate height by the elevating column 4, based on the angle of the X-raytube assembly 702 in relation to the elevating column 4. lf needed, the anglecan be measured with e.g. an angle sensor or an inclinometer. The heightadjustment of the X-ray tube assembly 702 can instead or in addition be basedon the distance between the DR detector 402 and the mobile X-ray apparatus.This distance can be calculated from position data received from magnetictracks and from the DR detector. Alternatively, if mechanical rails are used, thenposition data may be transmitted to the control unit 2 from position sensors,such as potentiometers or encoders, via an electrical wire or wirelessly. Asanother alternative, the distance can be given from the optical marks, e.g. apredetermined distance is given at a certain optical mark. The angled X-raytube can also be utilized for tomography images, tomosynthesis, stitching ofimages into panorama images or automatic tracking of workstations and DRdetectors. Tracking can for instance be performed as pendulum tracking.

Fig. 10a is a lateral view of a mobile X-ray apparatus, with proximitysensors. As can be seen in this figure, a proximity sensor 1002 is positioned atthe front of the mobile X-ray apparatus” base 100. The proximity sensor 1002 is lO 12 able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact.When a proximity sensor 1002 senses an object, which intercepts the travellingpath of the mobile X-ray apparatus, the user may be warned, so that he or shecan stop the movement of the mobile X-ray apparatus. As an alternative, themobile X-ray apparatus may be stopped automatically when a proximity sensor1002 detects an object in front of the mobile X-ray apparatus. ln Fig. 10b, several proximity sensors 1002 are shown. These proximitysensors 1002 are positioned all along the front of the base 100, each proximitysensor 1002 with a short distance to the next proximity sensor 1002. Althoughthere are five proximity sensors 1002 displayed in the figure, it should beunderstood that any feasible number of proximity sensors can be used. ln another embodiment depicted in Fig. 11a and Fig 11b, a camera or avideo camera 1102 is mounted on the front part of the base 100. The imagesfrom the video camera 1102 are sent to the screen , so that the user can seewhat is in front of the mobile X-ray apparatus during transportation of the mobileX-ray apparatus. ln one embodiment, the mobile X-ray apparatus is equippedwith both proximity sensors 1002 and at least one camera 1102. By the use of acamera and/or proximity sensors, the mobile X-ray apparatus can be safelymoved and/or transported.

Compared to a prior art X-ray systems, the disclosed mobile X-rayapparatus comprises fewer components. As an example, the disclosed X-rayapparatus does not need any additional manoeuver console, any additionalcomputer for examination of images, any fixed X-ray generator, any separatedisplay unit or the holders usually used in a prior art X-ray system. Thus, asimpler and more cost-effective X-ray system is provided.

Furthermore, with the disclosed mobile X-ray apparatus, systems withanalogue detectors can easily be upgraded to use DR detectors, since the onlyadditional component needed to upgrade such a system is the mobile X-rayapparatus.

The present disclosure has been described above with reference tospecific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above describedare equally possible within the scope of the disclosure. Different method stepsthan those described above, may be provided within the scope of thedisclosure. The different features and steps of the disclosure may be combinedin other combinations than those described. The scope of the disclosure is only 13 limited by the appended patent claims. l\/lore generally, those skilled in the artwill readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, andconfigurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actualparameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the teachings of the presentdisclosure is/are used.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus for producing X-ray images, comprising: a digital Fïadiography (DR) detector, positioned at a first spatialposition; an X-ray tube assembly positionable at a second spatial position ata distance relative said first spatial position; at least one sensor for providing said first spatial position and/orsaid second spatial position; a control unit (2) for receiving said first spatial position and/or saidsecond spatial position from said at least one sensor, which controlunit (2) is adapted to control said second spatial position or saidfirst spatial position for alignment of said X-ray tube assembly withsaid DR detector, based on said first and second spatial positions;and optionally a drive wheel, a base (100), a telescopic arm (5) and/oran elevating column (4). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elevating column (5) isprovided with a motor for height adjustments and wherein said motor isutilized for positioning of said X-ray tube assembly, comprising an X-raytube (7) and a collimator (8), in relation to a desired image area. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said X-ray tube assembly isadapted for rotating (9) and tilting (10) motion around a centre axis or anaxis in parallel with said centre axis of said telescopic arm (5) and wherein said rotating (9) and/or tilting (10) motion is actuated by a motor. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein saidcontrol unit (2) controls movement of said apparatus in accordance withposition data retrieved from a magnetic track , an optical mark, a positionsensor or in accordance with a predetermined position. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein saidtelescopic arm (5) is rotatable into a direction perpendicular to a drivingdirection of said base (100) and wherein the apparatus can beautomatically controlled to drive along a patient table for said alignment. A system for producing X-ray images, comprising:a workstation, such as a wall stand or a patient table; and lO said apparatus according to any of claims 1-5; and Wherein said control unit (2) is configured to align said X-ray tubeassembly With said DR detector and/or said Workstation from data,comprising identification data, position data, and optionally angle data ofsaid Workstation, provided by said Workstation. _ A system for producing X-ray images, comprising: a Workstation, such as a Wall stand or a patient table, comprising:said apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, and Wherein said DR detector is positioned at said Workstation; andWherein said control unit (2) is configured to control at least oneactuator of said apparatus for said alignment of said X-ray tubeassembly With said DR detector based on said first and secondspatial positions. _ The system of claim 6 or 7, Wherein said DR detector is detachable from said Workstation and storable in a slot of said base (100). A method of producing X-ray images, comprising: positioning a digital Radiography (DR) detector at a first spatialposition; positioning a mobile X-ray apparatus at a second spatial position at adistance relative said first spatial position; receiving said first spatial position and/or said second spatial positionfrom at least one sensor; optionally adjusting the height of an elevating column (4), based onsaid first and second spatial positions; optionally adjusting a rotational angle of a telescopic arm (5), basedon said first and second spatial positions; optionally adjusting a length of a telescopic arm (5), based on saidfirst and second spatial positions; and tilting and/or rotating an X-ray tube assembly to align said X-ray tubeassembly With said DR detector, based on said first and secondspatial positions, if needed for alignment; obtaining an X-ray image; and optionally: repositioning said DR detector or said mobile X-ray apparatus; andrepeating steps c)-i) until desired number of X-ray images areobtained. lO 16 10.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with programming instructions, said storage medium being loaded into aComputerized control unit (2) of an apparatus for producing X-rayimages, and said programming instructions causing said computerizedcontrol unit (2) to control a position alignment of a digital Radiography(DR) detector and an X-ray tube assembly of said apparatus duringoperation by: optionally positioning a digital Radiography (DR) detector at a first spatialposition; positioning a mobile X-ray apparatus at a second spatial position at adistance relative said first spatial position; receiving said first spatial position and/or said second spatial positionfrom at least one sensor; optionally adjusting the height of an elevating column (4), based on saidfirst and second spatial positions; optionally adjusting a rotational angle of a telescopic arm (5), based onsaid first and second spatial positions; optionally adjusting a length of a telescopic arm (5), based on said firstand second spatial positions; and tilting and/or rotating an X-ray tube assembly to align said X-ray tubeassembly with said DR detector, based on said first and second spatialpositions, if needed for alignment; obtaining an X-ray image; and optionally: repositioning said DR detector or said mobile X-ray apparatus; andrepeating steps c)-i) until desired number of X-ray images are obtained.