In one embodiment, an X-ray system (10) includes a handheld X-ray interface device (38). The handheld X-ray interface device (38) includes a wireless interface (124) for communicating with an imaging system (12) and for receiving system operational data (146) from the imaging system (12), wherein the handheld X-ray interface device (38) is configured to provide a user detectable indication of the imaging system operational status based upon the received data.
