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Abstract

A solid state radiation detector having an improved method of reading data from individual sensors and an x-ray machine configured with such a solid state radiation detector. At least one sensor of the solid state radiation detector is designated as a reference sensor. The output of the reference sensor is read until it reaches a predetermined threshold. Once the threshold has been reached, a timer determines when the predetermined x-ray exposure time is completed. Upon completion, the sensors of the solid state radiation sensor are read. Thus, all sensors may be read at the proper time to achieve maximum output in spite of an unknown and variable warm-up period for the x-ray tube following activation and possibly an unknown exposure time. Alternatively, once the output of the reference has reached the predetermined threshold, the output of that reference continues to be monitored to determine when the output of the reference sensor falls below a second predetermined threshold. At approximately that time, all sensors of the solid state radiation detector are read.

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First Claim