KR20160059929A - X ray apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an X-ray apparatus which comprises: an X-ray radiator configured to radiate an X-ray; and a control unit acquiring orientation information of the X-ray radiator and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector, selecting at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray radiator and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector, and determining a power mode of the selected X-ray detector to be a power consumption mode and a power mode of an X-ray detector that is not selected to be a power save mode.

Description

[0001] X-RAY APPARATUS AND SYSTEM [0002]

The present disclosure relates to an x-ray apparatus and system, and more particularly to an x-ray apparatus and system capable of reducing power consumption.

X-ray is an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 0.01 to 100 ohms (Å), and has a property of transmitting an object. Therefore, it is generally used in medical equipment for photographing the inside of a living body, Can be widely used.

An X-ray apparatus using an X-ray beam transmits an X-ray emitted from an X-ray source to a target object, and detects the intensity difference of the transmitted X-rays in an X-ray detector to acquire an X-ray image of the object. The X-ray image can be used to identify the internal structure of the object and diagnose the object. The X-ray apparatus has an advantage that the internal structure of the object can be easily grasped by using the principle that the transmittance of the X-rays is changed according to the density of the object and the atomic number of the atom constituting the object. If the wavelength of the X-ray is short, the transmittance becomes large and the screen becomes bright.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray apparatus and a system that can reduce power consumption.

An X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments includes an X-ray irradiating unit configured to irradiate an X-ray, orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector, and the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and the at least one X- Ray detector according to the orientation information of the selected X-ray detector, the power mode of the selected X-ray detector is determined as the power consumption mode, and the power mode of the unselected X-ray detector is set as the power saving mode And a control unit for deciding the operation mode.

If there is an X-ray detector coupled to the receptor among the at least one X-ray detector, the controller can determine the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the X-ray detector coupled to the receptor.

The orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector may include information indicating whether the X-ray detector is coupled to the receptor.

The control unit may acquire orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit based on a positioning mode including a stand mode, a table mode, and a portable mode.

The x-ray apparatus may further include an input unit for receiving a user input for selecting the positioning mode.

When the unused time of the X-ray apparatus exceeds the threshold time, the control unit switches the operation mode to the sleep mode and adaptively sets the threshold time.

Wherein the control unit obtains a usage time distribution function that is a frequency of use of the X-ray apparatus with respect to a time interval between shots of the X-ray apparatus, acquires a utility function based on the usage time distribution function, Can be set as the critical time.

The control unit may update the usage time distribution function, the utility function, and the threshold time.

The X-ray apparatus may further include a mode indicator indicating that the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus is the sleep mode.

The mode indicator includes a light emitting element, and when the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus is the sleep mode, the light emitting element can repeatedly flicker below a predetermined speed.

The workstation according to some embodiments includes a communication unit for receiving orientation information of an X-ray irradiating unit and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector included in the X-ray apparatus, and orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and the orientation information of the at least one X- Ray detector according to information of the selected x-ray detector, determines a power mode of the selected x-ray detector as a power consumption mode, and determines a power mode of the unselected x-ray detector as a power saving mode, .

If there is an X-ray detector coupled to the receptor among the at least one X-ray detector, the controller can determine the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the X-ray detector coupled to the receptor.

The orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector may include information indicating whether the X-ray detector is coupled to the receptor.

The control unit may acquire orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit based on a positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus, including a stand mode, a table mode, and a portable mode.

The workstation may further comprise an input for receiving a user input for selecting the positioning mode.

The control unit switches the operation mode to the sleep mode and adaptively sets the threshold time when the unused time of the X-ray apparatus and the work station exceeds the threshold time.

Wherein the control unit obtains a usage time distribution function that is a frequency of use of the X-ray apparatus with respect to a time interval between shots of the X-ray apparatus, acquires a utility function based on the usage time distribution function, Can be set as the critical time.

The control unit may update the usage time distribution function, the utility function, and the threshold time.

An operation method of an X-ray system according to some embodiments includes: obtaining orientation information of an X-ray irradiating unit and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector; setting orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and orientation information of the at least one X- Selecting one of the at least one X-ray detector and a power mode of the selected X-ray detector as a power consumption mode, and determining a power mode of the unselected X-ray detector as a power saving mode, .

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray system.
2 is a perspective view showing a fixed X-ray apparatus.
3 is a diagram illustrating a mobile X-ray device.
4 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the detection unit.
5 is a view for explaining an operation example of the X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments.
6 is an example of a case where the X-ray apparatus selects the first X-ray detector.
7 is an example of a case where the X-ray apparatus selects the third X-ray detector.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining orientation information obtained in an X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments.
9 is a view for explaining an X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments.
10 shows an x-ray device according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of an operation when the positioning mode of the X-ray device of FIG. 10 according to some embodiments is determined to be a table mode.
Fig. 12 is an illustration of an operation part included in the X-ray apparatus of Fig.
13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments.
14 is an illustration of a usage time distribution function obtained by the x-ray device of Fig. 13 according to some embodiments.
15 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the X-ray apparatus of Fig.
Figure 16 illustrates some embodiments of an x-ray device including a mode indicator.
17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a workstation according to some embodiments.
18 is a flowchart of an operation method of the X-ray system.

Brief Description of the Drawings The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and how to accomplish them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and this disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The terminology used herein will be briefly described, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

Although the terms used in this disclosure have taken into account the functions in this disclosure and have made possible general terms that are currently widely used, they may vary depending on the intent or circumstance of the person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies and the like. Also, in certain cases, there may be a term selected arbitrarily by the applicant, in which case the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Accordingly, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term rather than on the name of the term, and throughout the present disclosure.

As used herein, an "image" may refer to multi-dimensional data composed of discrete image elements (e.g., pixels in a two-dimensional image and voxels in a three-dimensional image). Examples of images may include x-ray devices, CT devices, MRI devices, ultrasound devices, and medical images of objects obtained by other medical imaging devices.

Also, in this specification, an "object" may be a person or an animal, or a part of a person or an animal. For example, the subject may comprise at least one of the following: liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, organs such as the abdomen, and blood vessels. The "object" may also be a phantom. A phantom is a substance that is very close to the density and effective atomic number of an organism and that is very close to the volume of a living thing, and can include a sphere phantom with body-like properties.

In this specification, the term "user" may be a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a medical imaging expert or the like as a medical professional and may be a technician repairing a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

An X-ray device is a medical imaging device that transmits an X-ray to a human body and acquires the internal structure of the human body as an image. The X-ray apparatus is advantageous in that it can acquire a medical image of a target object in a short time in comparison with other medical imaging apparatuses including an MRI apparatus and a CT apparatus. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus is widely used for simple chest radiography, simple abdominal radiography, simple skeletal radiography, simple sinus radiography, neck soft tissue radiography, and mammography.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray system 1000. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, an x-ray system 1000 includes an x-ray apparatus 100 and a work station 110. The x-ray apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 may be a fixed x-ray apparatus or a mobile x-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus 100 may include an X-ray irradiating unit 120, a high voltage generating unit 121, a detecting unit 130, an operating unit 140, and a control unit 150. The control unit 150 can control the overall operation of the X-ray apparatus 100. FIG.

The high-voltage generating unit 121 generates a high voltage for generating an X-ray and applies it to the X-ray source 122.

The X-ray irradiating unit 120 guides the path of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 122 and the X-ray source 122 for generating and irradiating X-rays by receiving the high voltage generated from the high voltage generating unit 121, And a collimator 123 that adjusts the temperature of the liquid.

The x-ray source 122 may include an x-ray tube, and the x-ray tube may be a bipolar tube composed of an anode and a cathode. The inside of the X-ray tube is made to a high vacuum of about 10 mmHg, and the filament of the cathode is heated to a high temperature to generate thermoelectrons. As the filament, a tungsten filament can be used and the filament can be heated by applying a voltage of 10V and a current of about 3-5A to the electric wire connected to the filament.

When a high voltage of about 10-300 kVp is applied between the cathode and the anode, a hot electron accelerates and generates X-rays while colliding against the target material of the anode. The generated X-rays are irradiated to the outside through the window, and the material of the window can be a thin film of the beryllium. At this time, most of the energy of electrons impinging on the target material is consumed as heat, and the remaining energy consumed as heat is converted into X-rays.

The anode is mainly made of copper, and the target material is disposed on the side facing the cathode. High-resistance materials such as Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, W and Mo can be used as the target material. The target material can be rotated by a rotating field, and when the target material is rotated, the electron impact area is increased and the heat accumulation rate can be increased 10 times or more per unit area as compared with the case where the target material is fixed.

The voltage applied between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube is referred to as a tube voltage, which is applied by the high voltage generator 121, and the size thereof can be expressed by the peak value kVp. As the tube voltage increases, the speed of the thermoelectrons increases and consequently the energy (photon energy) of the x-ray generated by collision with the target material increases. The current flowing through the X-ray tube is referred to as a tube current and can be expressed as an average value mA. As the tube current increases, the number of thermoelectrons emitted from the filament increases. As a result, the dose of the X- do.

Therefore, the energy of the X-ray can be controlled by the tube voltage, and the intensity or dose of the X-ray can be controlled by the tube current and the X-ray exposure time.

The detection unit 130 detects an X-ray that has been irradiated by the X-ray irradiating unit 120 and transmitted through the object. The detection unit 130 may be a digital detection unit. The detection unit 130 may be implemented using a TFT, or may be implemented using a CCD. 1, the detecting unit 130 is included in the X-ray apparatus 100. However, the detecting unit 130 may be an X-ray detector, which is a separate device that can be connected to and detached from the X-ray apparatus 100. [

The X-ray apparatus 100 may further include an operation unit 140 for providing an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 100. The operation unit 140 may include an output unit 141 and an input unit 142. The input unit 142 can receive a command for operating the X-ray apparatus 100 from the user and various information related to X-ray imaging. The control unit 150 can control or manipulate the X-ray apparatus 100 based on the information input to the input unit 142. [ The output unit 141 can output a sound indicative of photographing related information such as an X-ray irradiation under the control of the control unit 150. [

The work station 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 may be connected to each other wirelessly or wired, and may further include a device (not shown) for synchronizing clocks when wirelessly connected. The workstation 110 may be in a physically separated space with the x-ray apparatus 100.

The workstation 110 may include an output unit 111, an input unit 112, and a control unit 113. The output unit 111 and the input unit 112 provide the user with an interface for operating the workstation 110 and the x-ray apparatus 100. The control unit 113 can control the work station 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may be controlled through the work station 110 and may also be controlled by the control unit 150 included in the X-ray apparatus 100. Accordingly, the user may control the X-ray apparatus 100 through the work station 110 or may control the X-ray apparatus 100 through the operation unit 140 and the control unit 150 included in the X-ray apparatus 100. In other words, the user can remotely control the X-ray apparatus 100 through the work station 110 or directly control the X-ray apparatus 100.

Although the control unit 113 of the work station 110 and the control unit 150 of the X-ray apparatus 100 are shown separately in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is only an example. In another example, the controllers 113 and 150 may be implemented as one integrated controller, and the integrated controller may be included only in one of the workstation 110 and the x-ray device 100. [ Hereinafter, the control units 113 and 150 refer to at least one of the control unit 113 of the work station 110 and the control unit 150 of the X-ray apparatus 100.

The output unit 111 and the input unit 112 of the work station 110 and the output unit 141 and the input unit 142 of the X-ray apparatus 100 respectively provide the user with an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 100 . 1, the work station 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 include the output units 111 and 141 and the input units 112 and 142, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The output or input may be implemented only in one of the workstation 110 and the x-ray machine 100.

The input units 112 and 142 mean at least one of an input unit 112 of the work station 110 and an input unit 142 of the X-ray apparatus 100. The output units 111 and 141 are connected to the work station 110, The output unit 111 of the X-ray apparatus 100 and the output unit 141 of the X-ray apparatus 100.

Examples of the input units 112 and 142 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, and the like, and may include input devices that are obvious to those skilled in the art. A user may input a command for X-ray inspection through the input units 112 and 142, and the input units 112 and 142 may be provided with switches for inputting the commands. The switch must be pressed twice to set the probe command for X-ray investigation.

That is, when the user presses the switch, the switch receives a preparation command for instructing preheating for X-ray irradiation, and in this state, pressing the switch deeper can have a structure in which an irradiation command for substantial X-ray irradiation is input. When the user operates the switch in this manner, the control units 113 and 150 generate signals corresponding to commands inputted through the switch operation, that is, prepare signals, and transmit them to the high voltage generating unit 121 for generating a high voltage for generating x- do.

The high voltage generating unit 121 receives the ready signal transmitted from the control units 113 and 150 and starts preheating. When the preheating is completed, the high voltage generating unit 121 transmits a ready signal to the control units 113 and 150. In addition, the detection unit 130 is also required to prepare for X-ray detection in order to detect the X-ray. The control units 113 and 150 prepare for the pre-heating of the high voltage generating unit 121 and the detection unit 130 to detect the X- And transmits a ready signal to the detection unit 130 so that it can be performed. Upon receiving the ready signal, the detector 130 prepares to detect the X-ray. When the detection is completed, the detector 130 transmits a detection ready signal to the controllers 113 and 150.

The pre-heating of the high voltage generating part 121 is completed and the preparation of X-ray detection of the detecting part 130 is completed. The control parts 113 and 150 transmit the irradiation signal to the high voltage generating part 121, Generates a high voltage to apply to the x-ray source 122, and the x-ray source 122 irradiates the x-ray.

The control units 113 and 150 transmit a sound output signal to the output units 111 and 141 so that the object can recognize the X-ray irradiation when transmitting the irradiation signal so that the predetermined sound is outputted from the output units 111 and 141 . In addition, the output units 111 and 141 can output sound indicating other shooting related information besides X-ray irradiation. Although the output unit 141 is shown as being included in the operation unit 140 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the output unit 141 or the output unit 141 is not limited to the output unit 141, Can be located at a point. For example, it may be located on the wall of the photographing room where x-ray photography of the object is performed.

The control units 113 and 150 control the positions of the X-ray irradiating unit 120 and the detecting unit 130, the photographing timing, and the photographing conditions according to photographing conditions set by the user.

Specifically, the control units 113 and 150 control the high-voltage generating unit 121 and the detecting unit 130 according to an instruction input through the input units 112 and 142 to control the irradiation timing of the X-ray, the intensity of the X-ray, And so on. The control units 113 and 150 adjust the position of the detection unit 130 and control the operation timing of the detection unit 130 according to a predetermined photographing condition.

In addition, the control units 113 and 150 generate a medical image for the target object using the image data received through the detection unit 130. [ Specifically, the control units 113 and 150 receive the image data from the detection unit 130, remove the noise of the image data, and adjust the dynamic range and interleaving to generate a medical image of the object .

The output units 111 and 141 can output the medical images generated by the control units 113 and 150. [ The output units 111 and 141 may output information necessary for a user to operate the X-ray apparatus 100, such as a user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Examples of the output units 111 and 141 include a speaker, a printer, a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, a FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a DLP display, an FPD display, a 3D display, And may include a variety of output devices within the scope as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The workstation 110 shown in FIG. 1 may further include a communication unit (not shown) that can be connected to the server 162, the medical device 164, the portable terminal 166, and the like via the network 15.

The communication unit may be connected to the network 15 by wired or wireless communication with the server 162, the medical device 164, or the portable terminal 166. The communication unit can transmit and receive data related to the diagnosis of the object through the network 15 and can also transmit and receive medical images taken by other medical devices 164 such as CT, MRI, and X-ray apparatus. Further, the communication unit may receive the diagnosis history or the treatment schedule of the patient from the server 162 and utilize it for diagnosis of the object. The communication unit may perform data communication with not only the server 162 in the hospital or the medical device 164 but also with the portable terminal 166 such as a doctor, a customer's mobile phone, a PDA, or a notebook computer.

The communication unit may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, a local communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The short-range communication module means a module for performing short-range communication with a device located within a predetermined distance. Examples of the local area communication technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure include wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, But is not limited to, IrDA (Infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), and the like.

The wired communication module refers to a module for communication using an electric signal or an optical signal. Examples of the wired communication technology include a wired communication technology using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, etc., Self-evident wired communications technology may be included.

The wireless communication module transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external device, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, examples of the wireless signal may include various types of data according to a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The X-ray apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be used for a large number of digital signal processing apparatuses (DSP), microcomputer processing apparatuses and special purpose applications (for example, high speed A / D conversion, fast Fourier transform, Processing circuitry, and the like.

Communication between the work station 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 may be performed using a high-speed digital interface such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), asynchronous serial communication such as UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) (Controller Area Network), or the like, and various communication methods can be used within a range that is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

2 is a perspective view showing a fixed X-ray device 200. [ The x-ray apparatus 200 of Fig. 2 may be an embodiment of the x-ray apparatus 100 of Fig. Components of the X-ray apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 that are the same as those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1, and redundant explanations are omitted.

2, the X-ray apparatus 200 includes an operating unit 140 for providing an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 200, an X-ray irradiating unit 120 for irradiating the object with X-rays, an X- Second, and third motors 211, 212, and 213 that provide a driving force to move the X-ray irradiating unit 120, and first, second, and third motors 211, 212, and 213 A moving carriage 230, and a post frame 240 provided to move the X-ray irradiating unit 120 by a driving force.

The guide rail 220 includes a first guide rail 221 and a second guide rail 222 installed at predetermined angles with respect to each other. It is preferable that the first guide rail 221 and the second guide rail 222 extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

The first guide rail 221 is installed on the ceiling of the examination room where the X-ray apparatus 200 is disposed.

The second guide rail 222 is positioned below the first guide rail 221 and is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 221. A roller (not shown) which can be moved along the first guide rail 221 may be installed on the first guide rail 221. The second guide rail 222 is connected to the roller (not shown) and is movable along the first guide rail 221.

A first direction D1 is defined in a direction in which the first guide rail 221 extends and a second direction D2 is defined in a direction in which the second guide rail 222 extends. Therefore, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be orthogonal to each other and parallel to the ceiling of the examination room.

The movable carriage 230 is disposed below the second guide rail 222 so as to be movable along the second guide rail 222. The moving carriage 230 may be provided with a roller (not shown) provided to move along the second guide rail 222.

Accordingly, the movable carriage 230 is movable in the first direction D1 together with the second guide rail 222, and is movable along the second guide rail 222 in the second direction D2.

The post frame 240 is fixed to the movable carriage 230 and is located below the movable carriage 230. The post frame 240 may have a plurality of posts 241, 242, 243, 244, 245.

The length of the post frame 240 in the up-and-down direction can be increased or decreased while the post frame 240 is fixed to the moving carriage 230. As shown in FIG.

A third direction D3 is defined in a direction in which the length of the post frame 240 increases or decreases. Therefore, the third direction D3 can be orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

The detection unit 130 may be coupled to the table type receptor 290 or the stand type receptor 280 to detect x-rays transmitted through the object.

A rotation joint 250 is disposed between the X-ray irradiating unit 120 and the post frame 240. The rotary joint 250 couples the X-ray irradiating unit 120 to the post frame 240 and supports a load acting on the X-ray irradiating unit 120.

The X-ray irradiator 120 connected to the rotary joint 250 can rotate on a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. At this time, the rotational direction of the X-ray irradiating unit 120 can be defined as the fourth direction D4.

The X-ray irradiating unit 120 is rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the ceiling of the examination room. Therefore, the X-ray irradiating unit 120 can rotate about the rotational joint 250 in the fifth direction D5, which is the rotational direction about the axis parallel to the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

The first, second and third motors 211, 212 and 213 may be provided to move the X-ray irradiating unit 120 in the first direction D1 to the third direction D3. The first, second, and third motors 211, 212, and 213 may be electrically driven motors, and the motor may include an encoder.

The first, second, and third motors 211, 212, and 213 may be disposed at various positions in consideration of design convenience. For example, the first motor 211 for moving the second guide rail 222 in the first direction D1 is disposed around the first guide rail 221 and moves the movable carriage 230 in the second direction The second motor 212 that moves the post frame 240 to the first direction D2 is disposed around the second guide rail 222 and the third motor 213 that increases or decreases the length of the post frame 240 in the third direction D3 May be disposed within the mobile carriage 230. As another example, the first, second and third motors 211, 212 and 213 may be connected to power transmission means (not shown) for linearly moving the X-ray irradiating unit 120 in the first direction D1 to the third direction D3 have. The power transmission means (not shown) may be a commonly used belt and pulley, chain and sprocket, shaft or the like.

As another example, the rotating joint 250 and the post frame 240 and the rotating joint 250 and the X-ray irradiating unit 120 (see FIG. 2) are rotated between the rotary joint 250 and the post frame 240 to rotate the X-ray irradiating unit 120 in the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5 A motor may be provided.

An operation unit 140 may be provided on one side of the X-ray irradiating unit 120.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a stationary x-ray apparatus 200 connected to a ceiling of a laboratory, the x-ray apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 is merely for convenience of understanding, May include various types of X-ray devices within a range that is obvious to a person skilled in the art, such as a C-arm type X-ray apparatus and an angiography X-ray apparatus as well as the fixed X-ray apparatus 200 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a mobile X-ray apparatus 300 capable of performing X-ray imaging regardless of a photographing location. The x-ray apparatus 300 of Fig. 3 may be an embodiment of the x-ray apparatus 100 of Fig. Components of the X-ray apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 that are the same as those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1, and redundant description is omitted.

The X-ray apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a moving unit 370 provided with a wheel for moving the X-ray apparatus 300, an operating unit 140 providing an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 300, A main section 305 including a high voltage generating section 121 for generating a high voltage applied to the source 122 and a control section 150 for controlling the overall operation of the X-ray apparatus 300, and an X- An X-ray irradiator 120 that includes a collimator 123 that guides a path of an X-ray generated and irradiated by the X-ray source 122 to adjust an irradiation area of the X-ray, 10) through the X-ray detector.

The detection unit 130 in FIG. 3 may be a portable detection unit that is not coupled to any receptor but may exist at any position.

3, the operation unit 140 is included in the main unit 305, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 140 of the X-ray apparatus 300 may be provided on one side of the X-ray irradiating unit 120.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the detection unit 400. Fig. The detection unit 400 of FIG. 4 may be an embodiment of the detection unit 130 of FIGS. The detecting unit 400 of FIG. 4 may be an indirect method detecting unit.

4, the detection unit 400 may include a scintillator (not shown), a light detection substrate 410, a bias driving unit 430, a gate driving unit 450, and a signal processing unit 470.

The scintillator receives an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source 122 and converts the X-ray into light.

The light detection substrate 410 receives light from the scintillator and converts the light into an electrical signal. The photodetecting substrate 410 may include gate lines GL, data lines DL, thin film transistors 412, photodetecting diodes 414, and bias lines BL.

The gate lines GL may be formed in a first direction DR1 and the data lines DL may be formed in a second direction DR2 that intersects the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be perpendicular to each other. FIG. 4 shows, as one embodiment, four gate lines GL and four data lines DL.

The thin film transistors 412 may be arranged in a matrix form along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Each of the thin film transistors 412 may be electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL and one of the data lines DL. The gate electrode of the thin film transistor 412 may be electrically connected to the gate line GL and the source electrode of the thin film transistor 412 may be electrically connected to the data line DL. FIG. 4 shows, as one embodiment, sixteen thin film transistors 412 arranged in four rows and four columns.

The light detecting diodes 414 may be arranged in a matrix along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 so as to correspond one to one with the thin film transistors 412. [ Each of the photodetecting diodes 414 may be electrically connected to one of the thin film transistors 412. The N-side electrode of the photodetector diode 414 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor 412. FIG. 4 shows sixteen light detecting diodes 414 arranged in four rows and four columns as an embodiment.

The bias lines BL are electrically connected to the photodetecting diodes 414. Each of the bias wirings BL may be electrically connected to the P-side electrodes of the light detecting diodes 414 disposed along one direction. For example, the bias lines BL may be formed substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, and may be electrically connected to the photodetecting diodes 414. Alternatively, the bias lines BL may be formed substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and may be electrically connected to the photodetecting diodes 414. FIG. 4 shows, as an embodiment, four bias wirings BL formed along the second direction DR2.

The bias driver 430 is electrically connected to the bias lines BL and applies a driving voltage to the bias lines BL. The bias driving unit 430 may selectively apply a reverse bias voltage or a forward bias voltage to the photodetector diode 414. [ A reference voltage may be applied to the N-side electrode of the photodetector diode 414. The reference voltage may be applied through the signal processor 470. The bias driving unit 430 may apply a voltage lower than the reference voltage to the P-side electrode of the photodetector diode 414 in order to apply a reverse bias voltage to the photodetecting diode 414. [ The bias driver 430 may apply a voltage higher than the reference voltage to the P-side electrode of the photodetecting diode 414 to apply the forward bias voltage to the photodetecting diode 414.

The gate driver 450 is electrically connected to the gate lines GL to apply gate signals to the gate lines GL. For example, when gate signals are applied to the gate lines GL, the thin film transistors 412 can be turned on by gate signals. On the other hand, if the gate signals are not applied to the gate lines GL, the thin film transistors 412 can be turned off.

The signal processing unit 470 is electrically connected to the data lines DL. When the light received by the light detecting substrate 410 is converted into an electric signal, the converted electric signal may be read out to the signal processor 470 through the data line DL.

Hereinafter, the operation of the detection unit 400 will be described. The bias driver 430 may apply a reverse bias voltage to the photodetector diode 414 during operation of the detector 400 described.

While the thin film transistors 412 are turned off, each of the photodetecting diodes 414 receives light from the scintillator and generates an electron-hole pair to accumulate the charge. The amount of charge accumulated in each of the light detecting diodes 414 may correspond to the amount of light of the X-ray.

Next, the gate driver 450 may sequentially apply the gate signals along the second direction DR2 to the gate lines GL. When the gate signal is applied to the gate line GL and the thin film transistor 412 is turned on, the photocurrent can flow through the data line DL to the signal processor 470 by the charge accumulated in the photodetector diode 414 .

The signal processing unit 470 may convert the received photocurrents into image data. And the signal processing unit 470 can output it to the outside. The image data may be an analog signal or a digital signal corresponding to the photocurrent.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, when the detection unit 400 shown in FIG. 4 is a radio detection unit, the detection unit 400 may further include a battery unit and a wireless communication interface unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the X-ray apparatus 500 according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, the X-ray apparatus 500 includes an X-ray irradiating unit 510. The X-ray irradiating unit 510 may be configured to irradiate the X-ray. The X-ray irradiating unit 510 may be configured to correspond to the X-ray irradiating unit 120 shown in FIGS. 5 shows only the X-ray irradiating unit 510 as a component included in the X-ray radiating apparatus 500 for convenience of illustration, the X-ray radiating apparatus 500 may further include other components.

At least one x-ray detector 610, 620, 630 may be present around the x-ray device 500. 5, the X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630 are all separate devices separate from the X-ray device 500. However, the X-ray detectors 610, 620, An X-ray detector may also be present. Although FIG. 5 illustrates the first X-ray detector 610, the second X-ray detector 620, and the third X-ray detector 630 as an example of at least one of the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630, But does not limit the number of X-ray detectors that may exist in the vicinity of the X-ray detector 500.

The X-ray apparatus 500 may obtain the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, and 630.

The orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may be information including at least one of position information and direction information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510. Orientation information of each of the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630 may be information including at least one of position information and direction information of the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630. The position information having the same configuration as the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and at least one of the X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630 is information indicating the position of the configuration, and the direction information of the configuration is information indicating the direction toward which the configuration is directed.

The X-ray apparatus 500 selects one of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, 630 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, 630 . The X-ray apparatus 500 can select the second X-ray detector 620 facing the X-ray irradiating unit 510.

According to some embodiments, the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may include information indicating a line of sight (LOS), which is a ray in accordance with the irradiation direction of the X-ray of the X-ray irradiating unit 510. The X-ray apparatus 500 can select the second X-ray detector 620 to be in contact with the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 based on the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, 630. That is, if the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 is on the second X-ray detector 620, the X-ray apparatus 500 can select the second X-ray detector 620.

The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the selected second X-ray detector 620 as a power consumption mode. The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the first X-ray detector 610 and the third X-ray detector 630, which are unselected X-ray detectors, as a power save mode.

The X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630 may receive power from the X-ray apparatus 500 or may receive power separately from the X-ray apparatus 500. For example, when the X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630 are coupled to the X-ray apparatus 500, power can be supplied from the X-ray apparatus 500. When the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630 are portable X-ray detectors, the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630 separate the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630 from the X- Can be supplied. Whether the X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630 are supplied with power from the X-ray apparatus 500 may be different for each of the X-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630.

When the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630 are supplied with power from the X-ray apparatus 500, the X-ray apparatus 500 supplies power to the X-ray detector determined to be in the power consumption mode and supplies power to the X- Can be shut down or supplied with reduced power. For example, power can be supplied to or disconnected from the X-ray detector through the on / off of the switch element. Thus, the x-ray detector can operate according to the determined power mode of the x-ray apparatus 500.

Alternatively, the x-ray apparatus 500 may transmit a signal indicating the power mode determined by each of the x-ray detectors 610, 620, and 630. The X-ray apparatus 500 may transmit a signal indicating the power consumption mode to the X-ray detector determined as the power consumption mode, and may transmit a signal indicating the power saving mode to the X-ray detector determined as the power saving mode. The X-ray detector can operate according to the power mode based on the received signal. That is, the X-ray detector receiving the signal indicating the power consumption mode can operate in the power consumption mode, and the X-ray detector receiving the signal indicating the power saving consumption mode can operate in the power saving mode.

5, the first X-ray detector 610 receives power separately from the X-ray apparatus 500, and the second X-ray detector 620 and the third X-ray detector 630 receive power from the X- . At this time, the X-ray apparatus 500 supplies power to the second X-ray detector 620, and the third X-ray detector 630 can cut off power or supply the reduced power. In addition, the X-ray apparatus 500 can transmit a signal indicating the power saving consumption mode to the first X-ray detector 610. Accordingly, the second X-ray detector 620 can operate in the power consumption mode, and the first X-ray detector 610 and the third X-ray detector 630 can operate in the power saving mode.

6 is an example of a case where the X-ray apparatus 500 selects the first X-ray detector 610. FIG.

6, the X-ray apparatus 500 is configured to detect the orientation of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, The X-ray detector 610 can be selected. The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the selected first X-ray detector 610 as the power consumption mode. The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the second X-ray detector 620 and the third X-ray detector 630, which are unselected X-ray detectors, as the power saving mode.

FIG. 7 is an example of a case where the X-ray apparatus 500 selects the third X-ray detector 630. FIG.

7, the X-ray apparatus 500 is configured to detect the orientation of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, The X-ray detector 630 can be selected. The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the selected third X-ray detector 630 as the power consumption mode. The X-ray apparatus 500 can determine the power mode of the first X-ray detector 610 and the second X-ray detector 620, which are unselected X-ray detectors, as the power saving mode.

Thus, the X-ray apparatus 500 selects one of the X-ray detectors 610, 620 and 630, determines the power mode of the selected X-ray detector as the power consumption mode, The power saving mode can be determined as the power saving mode. This can reduce power unnecessarily consumed in the X-ray apparatus 500 and the at least one X-ray detector 610, 620, 630.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining orientation information obtained in the X-ray apparatus 500 according to some embodiments. In FIG. 8, only one X-ray detector 600 is shown around the X-ray apparatus 500. However, this is for convenience of illustration and description, and the number of X-ray detectors existing around the X-ray apparatus 500 is not limited.

Referring to FIG. 8, the X-ray apparatus 500 can obtain orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and orientation information of the X-ray detector 600. The orientation information may include at least one of location information and direction information.

The location information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may include information such as (x, y, z) coordinates, but is not limited thereto.

The direction information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may include information indicating an X-ray irradiating direction or LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510. Alternatively, the direction information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may include information indicating the normal N1 of the X-ray irradiating unit 510. [ The direction information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 may include an angle formed by the X-ray irradiating unit 510 with respect to a vertical plane or a horizontal plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The position information of the X-ray detector 600 may include information such as (x, y, z) coordinates, but is not limited thereto.

The direction information of the X-ray detector 600 may include information indicating whether the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 is present on the X-ray detector 600. Alternatively, the direction information of the X-ray detector 600 may include information indicating the degree of coincidence between the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector 600. For example, the degree of correspondence may be related to the area of the LOS of the X-ray irradiator 510 on the X-ray detector 600. The direction information of the X-ray detector 600 may include information indicating the normal N2 of the X-ray detector 600. [ Alternatively, the direction information of the X-ray detector 600 may include an angle formed by the X-ray detector 600 with respect to the vertical plane or the horizontal plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The X-ray apparatus 500 may further include an orientation information obtaining unit (not shown) for obtaining orientation information of at least one of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector 600. For example, the orientation information obtaining unit may include a photographing apparatus, a laser light source, a gyroscope, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a GPS sensor, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The orientation information obtaining unit may obtain the orientation information of at least one of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector 600 in various ways using light, radio waves, sound waves, magnetic fields, electric fields,

The X-ray detector 600 may also include an orientation information obtaining unit (not shown) for obtaining orientation information of at least one of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector 600. The X-ray detector 600 can transmit the orientation information obtained by the orientation information obtaining unit to the X-ray apparatus 500. The X-ray detector 600 can transmit orientation information in various ways such as wire or wireless. To this end, the X-ray apparatus 500 and the X-ray detector 600 may each further include a communication unit (not shown).

The X-ray apparatus 500 can select the X-ray detector 600 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the orientation information of the X-ray detector 600.

For example, the X-ray apparatus 500 can select an X-ray detector 600 that meets the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510. That is, when the LOS of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 is on the X-ray detector 600, the X-ray detector 500 can select the X-ray detector 600.

The X-ray apparatus 500 can select the X-ray detector 600 based on the degree of coincidence between the normal N1 of the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the normal N2 of the X-ray detector 600. [ Alternatively, the X-ray apparatus 500 may select the X-ray detector 600 based on the degree of alignment with the X-ray irradiating unit 510. The degree of alignment with the X-ray irradiating unit 510 is determined by the distance between the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector, the degree of parallelism between the X-ray irradiating unit 510 and the X-ray detector, Based on at least one of the degree of matching.

Thus, the X-ray apparatus 500 can select the X-ray detector 600 facing the X-ray irradiating unit 510 in various ways. However, the selection method of the X-ray detector 600 is not limited thereto.

According to some embodiments, the x-ray detector 600 may be coupled to the receptor (280, 290 of Figure 2) or may not be coupled to the receptor. Next, referring to FIG. 9, a description will be given of the case where an X-ray detector coupled to the receptor and an X-ray detector not coupled to the receptor exist.

9 is a view for explaining an X-ray apparatus according to some embodiments. The x-ray apparatus 700 of Fig. 9 may be some embodiment of the x-ray apparatus 500 described above.

9, x-ray detectors 810, 820, 830 present around the x-ray device 700 may be coupled to the receptors 780, 790 or may not be coupled to the receptors 780, 790. The receptors 780 and 790 may be connected to the x-ray device 700 in a variety of ways, such as wired or wireless. Although the receptors 780 and 790 are shown as separate devices separate from the x-ray device 700 in Fig. 9, the receptors 780 and 790 may be included in the x-ray device 700. Fig.

9, the first X-ray detector 810 is a portable X-ray detector that can be present at any position without being coupled to any receptor, the second X-ray detector 820 is coupled to the table type receptor 780, The X-ray detector 830 is coupled to the stand type receptor 790. However, the present invention is not limited to the combination of the X-ray detectors 810, 820 and 830 and the receptors 780 and 790 existing around the X-ray apparatus 700. In particular, in FIG. 9, the portable X-ray detector has only one first X-ray detector 810, but the portable X-ray detector does not exist or a plurality of X-ray detectors exist.

The position and direction of the receptors 780 and 790 may be fixed or may be varied within a predetermined range.

The table type receptor 780 may include a movement driver (not shown). The movement driving unit may move the table type receptor 780 in the first direction A1. Thus, the height of the second x-ray detector 820 coupled to the table type receptor 780 can be adjusted. In addition, the movement driving unit may move the second X-ray detector 820 in the second direction A2. That is, the direction of the table type receptor 780 can be fixed, and the position can be changed only within a predetermined range due to the movement in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2.

The stand type receptor 790 may also include a movement driver (not shown). The movement driving unit may move the third X-ray detector 830 coupled to the stand type receptor 790 in the third direction A3. Accordingly, the height of the third X-ray detector 830 can be adjusted. In addition, the movement driving unit may rotate the third X-ray detector 830 in the fourth direction A4. That is, the direction of the stand type receptor 790 can be changed within a predetermined range due to the rotation in the fourth direction A4, and the position can be changed within a predetermined range due to the movement in the third direction A3 can be changed.

As such, each of the receptors 780 and 790 may include a movement driver capable of linearly moving or rotating the combined x-ray detectors 820 and 830. For example, the movement driving unit may include a motor and a motor driving unit for driving the motor. Hereinafter, the term "movement" in the specification is used as a concept including linear movement and rotation.

In addition, each of the receptors 780 and 790 may further include a power supply (not shown). The power supply may provide power to the movement driver and the associated x-ray detectors 820, 830. The power supply may receive power from the X-ray apparatus 700 or receive power from the X-ray apparatus 700.

In FIG. 9, the X-ray irradiator 710 faces the second X-ray detector 820 coupled to the table type receptor 780. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus 700 can select the second X-ray detector 820 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 710 and the orientation information of the plurality of X-ray detectors 810, 820 and 830. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus 700 can determine the power mode of the second X-ray detector 820 as the power consumption mode and determine the power mode of the first X-ray detector 810 and the third X-ray detector 830 as the power saving mode have.

The orientation information of the X-ray detectors 810, 820 and 830 may include information indicating whether the X-ray detectors 810, 820 and 830 are coupled with the receptors 780 and 790. Since the position and direction of the receptors 780 and 790 are fixed or changed within a predetermined range, the position and direction of the X-ray detector coupled to the receptors 780 and 790 may also be fixed or changed only within a predetermined range. Thus, the coupling with the receptors 780 and 790 can indicate the orientation of the x-ray detectors 810, 820 and 830.

The orientation information of the second X-ray detector 820 may include information indicating that it is coupled with the table type receptor 780 and the orientation information of the third X-ray detector 830 may include information indicating that the orientation information is coupled with the stand type receptor 790 . ≪ / RTI > The orientation information of the first X-ray detector 810 may include information indicating that it is not coupled to the receptor. Alternatively, the orientation information of the first X-ray detector 810 may include information indicating that the first X-ray detector 810 is a portable X-ray detector.

Orientation information of the X-ray irradiator 710 can be acquired based on the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700. [ The positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus 700 may include a stand mode, a table mode, and a portable mode. When the positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus 700 is the table mode, the x-ray irradiator 710 will face the table type receptor 780. When the positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus 700 is the stand-by mode, the x-ray irradiator 710 will face the stand-type receptor 790. When the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700 is the portable mode, the X-ray irradiating unit 710 will face the third X-ray detector 830, which is a portable X-ray detector. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus 700 can acquire the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 710 based on the positioning mode.

Ray apparatus 700 can determine the power mode of the receptors 780 and 790 to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detectors 820 and 830 coupled to the receptors 780 and 790. That is, in the X-ray apparatus 700, the power mode of the receptor combined with the X-ray detector determined as the power saving mode can also be determined as the power saving mode, and the power mode of the receptor coupled with the X- have.

9, the X-ray apparatus 700 can determine the power mode of the table type receptor 780 coupled to the second X-ray detector 820 determined to be the power consumption mode to be the power consumption mode, The power mode of the stand type receptor 790 combined with the third X-ray detector 830 can be determined as the power saving mode. The X-ray apparatus 700 may cut off power supplied to the stand type receptor 790, supply reduced power, or transmit a signal indicating the power save mode to the stand type receptor 790. Thus, the stand type receptor 790 can operate in the power saving mode. When the stand type receptor 790 is operated in the power saving mode, power consumption in the movement driving part and power supply included in the stand type receptor 790 can be prevented.

FIG. 10 illustrates an x-ray device 700 in accordance with some embodiments. The x-ray apparatus 700 of Fig. 10 may be some embodiment of the x-ray apparatus 700 of Fig.

Referring to FIG. 10, the X-ray apparatus 700 may include an X-ray irradiating unit 710 and an operating unit 720. The operation unit 720 provides an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 700, and may include an input unit and an output unit. Since the operation unit 720 corresponds to the operation unit 140 of FIG. 1, a duplicate description will be omitted.

The X-ray apparatus 700 may include a guide rail 730, a moving carriage 740, and a post frame 750 provided to linearly move the X-ray irradiating unit 710. The guide rail 730, the moving carriage 740 and the post frame 750 correspond to the guide rail 220, the moving carriage 230, and the post frame 240 described in FIG. 2, .

The X-ray apparatus 700 can rotate the X-ray irradiating unit 710. To this end, a rotational joint (250 in FIG. 2) may be disposed between the X-ray irradiating unit 710 and the post frame 740.

The X-ray apparatus 700 may include a movement driving unit that can move or rotate the X-ray irradiating unit 710 linearly. For example, the movement driving unit may include a motor and a motor driving unit for driving the motor.

The operation unit 720 of the X-ray apparatus 700 may receive a user input indicating a positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700. Alternatively, a week station connected to the x-ray apparatus 700 and controlling the x-ray apparatus 700 may receive user input indicating the positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus 700.

The X-ray apparatus 700 can determine whether the X-ray apparatus 700 is in the positioning mode, the table mode, or the portable mode based on the user input received through the operation unit 720 or the workstation.

When the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700 is the table mode, the X-ray apparatus 700 can linearly move or rotate the X-ray irradiating unit 710 so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 faces the table type receptor 780 . The X-ray apparatus 700 may automatically move the X-ray irradiating unit 710 so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 faces the table-type receptor 780.

When the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700 is in the stand mode, the X-ray apparatus 700 can linearly move or rotate the X-ray irradiating unit 710 so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 faces the stand type receptor 790 . The X-ray apparatus 700 may automatically move the X-ray irradiating unit 710 so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 faces the stand-type receptor 790.

When the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus 700 is in the portable mode, the X-ray apparatus 700 linearly moves the X-ray irradiating unit 710 so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 faces the first X-ray detector 810, which is a portable X- Or rotate. The movement of the X-ray irradiating unit 710 can be performed by a manual operation by a user. Alternatively, at least one of the X-ray apparatus 700 and the work station receives the information necessary for the movement of the X-ray irradiating unit 710, and moves the X-ray irradiating unit 710 based on the received information. Alternatively, the X-ray apparatus 700 may acquire the orientation information of the first X-ray detector 810 and automatically move the X-ray irradiating unit 710 based on the obtained orientation information, so that the X-ray irradiating unit 710 may detect the orientation of the first X- 810).

Fig. 11 is an example of the operation when the positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus 700 of Fig. 10 according to some embodiments is determined to be the table mode.

10 and 11, the X-ray apparatus 700 determined to be in the table mode is configured to guide the X-ray irradiator 710 to the guide rail 730, the movable carriage 740, and the post frame 740, 750 can be moved. Thus, the X-ray irradiator 710 can be moved from the orientation of FIG. 10 to the orientation of FIG.

The X-ray apparatus 700 can acquire the orientation information of the X-ray irradiator 710 based on the positioning mode being the table mode. The x-ray device 700 may also obtain orientation information of the second x-ray detector 620 that includes information indicating that the second x-ray detector 620 is coupled to the table type receptor 780.

The X-ray apparatus 700 detects the orientation of the second X-ray detector 620 of the first through third X-ray detectors 610, 620, 630 based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 710 and the orientation information of the second X- ) Can be selected. The X-ray apparatus 700 can determine the power mode of the second X-ray detector 620 as the power consumption mode and the power mode of the other X-ray detectors 610 and 630 as the power saving mode. Also, the power mode of the stand type receptor 790 coupled to the third X-ray detector 630 may also be determined as the power saving mode.

Fig. 12 shows examples of the operation unit 720 included in the X-ray apparatus 700 of Fig.

11 and 12, the operation unit 720 may include an output unit 721 and an input unit 722. [ The input unit 722 means means for the user to input data for controlling the X-ray apparatus 700. [ The input unit 722 can receive a command for operation of the X-ray apparatus 700 and various information related to X-ray imaging from the user. 12, the output unit 721 and the input unit 722 included in the operation unit 720 are shown as being separated from each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A portion of the input portion 722 or the input portion 722 may be implemented in the output portion 721. For example, if input 722 includes a touch screen, the touch screen may be implemented in output 721.

Referring to Fig. 12 (a), the input unit 722 may include buttons 21 to 23 for selecting each positioning mode. The first button 21 corresponds to the table mode, the second button 22 corresponds to the stand mode, and the third button 23 corresponds to the portable mode. When the input unit 722 receives an input from the user that one of the buttons 21 to 23 is selected, the X-ray apparatus 700 can be determined as the positioning mode corresponding to the selected button. For example, when the first button 21 is selected by the user, the X-ray apparatus 700 can determine the positioning mode as the table mode.

Referring to FIG. 12 (b), the output unit 721 may output a UI 30 on the screen on which a user can select one of a plurality of positioning modes. The user can select one of the table mode 31, the stand mode 32 and the portable mode 33 via the UI 30. [ For example, when the table mode 31 is selected by the user, the X-ray apparatus 700 can determine the positioning mode as the table mode.

12 is intended to be merely illustrative of the manner in which the user may select the positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus, but is not limited thereto.

13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments.

13, the X-ray apparatus 900 includes an X-ray irradiator 910 and a controller 920. The X- The above-described contents may be applied to the respective components of the X-ray apparatus 900. [

The X-ray irradiator 910 may be configured to irradiate the X-rays.

The control unit 920 can obtain the orientation information of the X-ray irradiator 910 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector. The control unit 920 can select one of the at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit 910 and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector. The controller 920 can determine the power mode of the selected X-ray detector as the power consumption mode. The control unit 920 can determine the power mode of the unselected X-ray detector as the power saving mode.

If at least one of the x-ray detectors has an x-ray detector associated with the receptor, the controller 920 may determine the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detector coupled to the receptor.

The orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector may include information indicating whether the X-ray detector is coupled to the receptor.

The control unit 920 can obtain the orientation information of the X-ray irradiator 910 based on the positioning mode including the stand mode, the table mode, and the portable mode.

X-ray device 900 may further include an input (e. G., 721 in FIG. 12) that receives a user input for selecting a positioning mode.

Alternatively, the X-ray apparatus 900 may further include an orientation information obtaining unit (not shown) for obtaining orientation information of at least one of the X-ray irradiating unit 910 and at least one X-ray detector. Each of the X-ray detectors may also include an orientation information obtaining unit for obtaining orientation information of at least one of the X-ray irradiator 910 and the X-ray detector. Since the orientation information obtaining unit has already been described with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Thus, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented by the X-ray apparatus 900 determining the power mode of each of the at least one X-ray detector. According to some embodiments, only one selected x-ray detector to be used for photographing operates in the power consumption mode, and the other x-ray detector operates in the power saving mode, so that unnecessary power consumption can be saved as a whole in the x-ray system. Further, the receptors coupled with the X-ray detector determined to be in the power saving mode also operate in the power saving mode, so that the power consumption can be minimized. The x-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments may differentially provide a power mode such as a power consumption mode and a power saving mode. Thus, a configuration included in the x-ray apparatus 900, such as an x-ray detector and a receptor, or a configuration connected to the x-ray apparatus 900 may operate in a power mode suitable for the purpose of each configuration. As a result, energy efficiency can be improved.

The x-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments may operate in one of a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes may include a sleep mode and a use mode.

The sleep mode may be referred to as a low power mode. The sleep mode is an operation mode in which the X-ray apparatus 900 consumes a minimum amount of power.

The use mode may be an operation mode in which the X-ray apparatus 900 prepares for scanning the object or scans the object. "Scan" may mean radiography.

The use mode may include a scan mode in which the X-ray apparatus scans an object to generate a medical image, and a ready-to-scan mode in a state between each scan. In the scan mode, the X-ray apparatus 900 performs X-ray irradiation preparation, X-ray irradiation, and the like. In the scan mode, the X-ray apparatus 900 can perform the mechanical movement of the X-ray apparatus 900 such as the movement of the X-ray irradiator 910, the movement of the receptor, and the like.

The plurality of operation modes may further include an off mode in addition to the sleep mode and the use mode. Off mode is an operation mode in which the X-ray apparatus 900 is not turned off while the X-ray apparatus 900 is turned off.

The controller 920 may determine the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 and may control the X-ray apparatus 900 to operate according to the determined operation mode. The power consumption of the X-ray apparatus 900 will increase in the order of the off mode, the sleep mode, the scan standby mode, and the scan mode.

In some embodiments described above, when the x-ray device 900 determines the power mode of each of the at least one x-ray detector, the x-ray device 900 may operate in use mode. At this time, the X-ray apparatus 900 can operate in the scan standby mode during the use mode.

The controller 920 according to some embodiments may set a condition for switching the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 to the sleep mode.

The control unit 920 can set the threshold time as a condition for switching to the sleep mode. The control unit 920 can switch the operation mode to the sleep mode when the unused time of the X-ray apparatus 900 exceeds the threshold time. For example, if the X-ray apparatus 900 does not receive any user input during the set threshold time, the controller 920 may determine that the X-ray apparatus 900 has exceeded the threshold time. Examples of the user input include a command for operating the X-ray apparatus 900 and various information related to X-ray imaging, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the X-ray apparatus 900 is connected to the work station, the controller 920 can switch the operation mode to the sleep mode when both the X-ray apparatus 900 and the work station are not used for the set threshold time. At this time, the workstation can also be switched to the sleep mode.

The control unit 920 according to some embodiments may set the threshold time for switching to the sleep mode based on the user input.

Alternatively, the controller 920 according to some embodiments may adaptively set the threshold time for switching to the sleep mode. The control unit 920 may adaptively set the critical time through a method of learning the usage pattern of the X-ray apparatus 900 by the user. For example, after the initial threshold time is set by the user input, the control unit 920 may update the initial threshold time through learning of the usage pattern of the X-ray apparatus 900. For this purpose, the controller 920 can monitor the use time and the unused time of the X-ray apparatus 900. The control unit 920 can obtain the "use time distribution function" as a monitoring result.

14 is an example of a usage time distribution function obtained by the x-ray apparatus 900 of Fig. 13 according to some embodiments.

13 and 14, the usage time distribution function is the frequency of use of the x-ray apparatus 900 with respect to the time interval between shots of the x-ray apparatus 900. [ The control unit 920 can acquire the usage time distribution function by monitoring the usage time and the unused time of the X-ray apparatus 900 for a predetermined period. The control unit 920 may obtain a threshold time for entering the sleep mode based on the usage time distribution function.

To refer to use the distribution function in D (t), the controller 920 may on the basis of the operating time distribution function D (t) obtained the following utility function E (t ₀₎ such as.

In Equation (1), w1 is a first weight and w2 is a second weight. The utility function E (t ₀ ) will depend on t ₀ . The control unit 920 can obtain the time t ₀ that maximizes the utility function E (t ₀ ). The control unit 920 may set the time t ₀ , which maximizes the utility function E (t ₀ ), as the threshold time for entering the sleep mode.

The control unit 920 according to some embodiments may continuously update the usage time distribution function D (t) that has been already obtained by continuously monitoring the use time and the unused time of the X-ray apparatus 900. [

If the controller 920 obtains the operating time distribution is continuously updated as the function D (t), the utility function is critical because the time difference E (t ₀₎ can also be updated. In this case, the controller 920 may reset the threshold time for entering the sleep mode to the updated threshold time. Controller 920 may periodically update the used time distribution function D (t), the utility function E (t ₀₎ and the threshold time.

Accordingly, the X-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments can optimize the threshold time by adaptively setting the threshold time, which is the time for entering the sleep mode. The optimal threshold time will depend on the circumstances, such as the time, place, and the like when the x-ray apparatus 900 is used. For example, the use time distribution function of the x-ray apparatus 900 disposed in a general radiography room and the use time distribution function of the x-ray apparatus 900 disposed in the emergency room will be different. Also, as the x-ray apparatus 900 is used for a long period of time, the usage time distribution function may also vary.

Accordingly, if the threshold time is adaptively set by continuously updating the use time distribution function of the X-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments, the controller 920 can obtain the optimized threshold time.

When the control unit 920 switches the X-ray apparatus 900 from the sleep mode to the use mode, a certain transition time will be required. However, if the critical time is too short, the X-ray apparatus 900 will frequently be switched to the sleep mode. This can cause inconvenience to the user during the transition time from the sleep mode to the use mode. If the threshold time is too long, unnecessary power will be consumed in the X-ray apparatus 900. Thus, if an optimal threshold time is set by analyzing the usage pattern of the X-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments, the efficiency of power consumption can be maximized.

In addition to setting the threshold time, the controller 920 according to some embodiments may further set other conditions for switching to the sleep mode. For example, the control unit 920 may set a condition for entering the sleep mode based on a user input. The control unit 920 receives a user's input of a time period during which the frequency of use of the X-ray apparatus 900 is not high, such as lunch time and nighttime, and the control unit 920 can switch the operation mode to the sleep mode have. In this manner, the X-ray apparatus 900 can enter the sleep mode according to the scheduling of the user. That is, the user can set or adjust the sleep mode entry condition of the X-ray apparatus 900.

The X-ray apparatus 900 may further include a sensor. The sensor may include a sensor capable of sensing a user or object. For example, it may be a PSD (Position Sensing Device) sensor, but is not limited thereto. When the sensor detects a user or a target object, the controller 920 can operate in the use mode and can operate in the sleep mode if the user or the object is not detected for a predetermined time.

Alternatively, the sensor may include a sensor capable of sensing illumination. For example, if the illuminance is below the threshold value, the controller 920 can operate in the sleep mode. Alternatively, if the illuminance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the controller 920 can operate in the use mode.

When the X-ray apparatus 900 operating in the sleep mode receives a user input or the sensor detects a specific condition, the controller 920 can switch the operation mode from the sleep mode to the use mode. The sensor included in the X-ray apparatus 900 operating in the sleep mode can perform the minimum sensing operation.

As described above, the X-ray apparatus 900 according to some embodiments can switch to the sleep mode if the specific condition is satisfied, thereby minimizing energy consumption. In addition, the X-ray apparatus 900 can adaptively set the threshold time for switching to the sleep mode, thereby obtaining the optimized threshold time.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the X-ray apparatus 900 of FIG.

15, the X-ray apparatus 900 may further include a mode indicator 930 in addition to the X-ray irradiator 910 and the controller 920.

The mode indicator 930 may indicate the current operating mode of the plurality of operating modes of the x- The mode indicator 930 may be attached anywhere on the outer surface of the x-ray apparatus 900 that enters the user's field of view. For example, the mode indicator 930 may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element may be a light emitting diode (LED) element.

For example, the mode indicator 930 may emit in a specific manner corresponding to the current operating mode. As a specific example, when the current operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 is the sleep mode, the mode indicator 930 may be repeatedly flickering at a predetermined speed or less. That is, the light emitting element of the mode indicator 930 can switch the ON state and OFF state to a predetermined speed or less. The mode indicator 930 of the X-ray apparatus 900 is blinking slowly so that the user can intuitively recognize that the X-ray apparatus 900 has entered the sleep mode. When the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 is the off mode, the light emitting element of the mode indicator 930 can be turned off. When the X-ray apparatus 900 is in the use mode, the light emitting element of the mode indicator 930 does not blink, and can maintain the ON state.

Alternatively, by assigning different colors to a plurality of operation modes, the mode indicator 930 may indicate the current operation mode. For example, the sleep mode may correspond to red, and the use mode may correspond to blue.

Alternatively, the mode indicator 930 may distinguish only one of the plurality of operation modes from the other operation modes. For example, the mode indicator 930 may indicate that the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 is the sleep mode only in the sleep mode, and may not display anything in the other operation mode.

However, the operation of the above-described mode indicator 930 is only an example, and the mode indicator 930 may indicate the current operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 900 in various other ways.

Figure 16 illustrates some embodiments of an x-ray device including a mode indicator.

Referring to FIG. 16, the x-ray apparatus 700 may include a mode indicator 760. Mode indicator 760 is shown attached to moving carriage 740, but is not limited thereto. The mode indicator 760 may indicate the current operation mode of the X-ray apparatus 700 in various ways such as the emission color, the emission mode, and the like, as described with reference to FIG.

The X-ray apparatus 700 shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the X-ray apparatus 700 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, except that it further includes a mode indicator 760, and thus a duplicate description will be omitted.

Some of the operations of the x-ray apparatus according to some embodiments so far described may also be performed at the workstation. Hereinafter, a workstation according to some embodiments will be described.

17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a workstation according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 17, the workstation 2000 may include a communication unit 2100 and a control unit 2200. The communication unit 2100 is a means configured to communicate with an external device such as an X-ray device, an X-ray detector, a server, and a portable terminal. The communication unit 2100 may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The communication unit 2100 can receive the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation information of at least one X-ray detector. The communication unit 2100 can receive the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit from the X-ray apparatus. Further, the communication unit 2100 can receive the orientation information of each X-ray detector from at least one X-ray detector. Alternatively, the communication unit 2100 may receive the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and the orientation information of at least one X-ray detector from the X-ray apparatus.

The control unit 2200 can select one of the at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation information of at least one X-ray detector. The control unit 2200 can determine the power mode of the selected X-ray detector as the power consumption mode. The control unit 2200 can determine the power mode of the unselected x-ray detector to be the power saving mode.

The orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector may include information indicating whether the X-ray detector is coupled to the receptor.

If at least one of the x-ray detectors has an x-ray detector associated with the receptor, the controller 2200 may determine the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detector coupled to the receptor.

The control unit 2200 can obtain the orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit based on the positioning mode of the X-ray apparatus, including the stand mode, the table mode, and the portable mode. Workstation 2000 may further include an input (e.g., 112 of FIG. 1) that receives a user input that selects a positioning mode of the x-ray apparatus.

The control unit 2200 can supply power to each X-ray detector, reduce power supplied, or shut off power so that each X-ray detector operates in a determined power mode. Alternatively, the control unit 2200 may control the communication unit 2100 to transmit a signal indicating the determined power mode to each X-ray detector. Otherwise, the control unit 2200 can transmit a signal indicating the determined power mode to each X-ray detector to the X-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus can control each of the X-ray detectors to operate in a determined power mode based on the received signal.

The control unit 2200 can switch the operation mode of the x-ray apparatus and the work station 2000 to the sleep mode when the unused time of the x-ray apparatus and the work station 2000 exceeds the threshold time. The control unit 2200 can adaptively set the threshold time. The control unit 2200 can set the threshold time in a manner that adaptively sets the threshold time described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

In addition, the control unit 2200 corresponds to the control unit 113 of FIG. 1, and the contents described with reference to FIG. 1 may be applied.

As such, the workstation 2000 in accordance with some embodiments can increase the energy efficiency of an x-ray system that includes an x-ray device and a workstation 2000.

18 is a flowchart of an operation method (SlOO) of the X-ray system.

Referring to FIG. 18, the X-ray system can obtain the orientation information of the X-ray irradiator and the orientation information of at least one X-ray detector (S110).

The X-ray system can select one of the at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector (S120).

The X-ray system can determine the power mode of each X-ray detector (S130). The x-ray system can determine the power mode of the selected x-ray detector as the power consumption mode. The x-ray system can determine the power mode of the unselected x-ray detector to the power saving mode.

If at least one of the x-ray detectors has an x-ray detector associated with the receptor, the x-ray system can determine the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detector coupled to the receptor.

The orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector may include information indicating whether the X-ray detector is coupled to the receptor.

The x-ray system can obtain the orientation information of the x-ray examination unit based on the positioning mode including the stand mode, the table mode and the portable mode.

The x-ray system can receive user input selecting a positioning mode.

The x-ray system can supply or block power to each x-ray detector so that each x-ray detector operates in a determined power mode. Alternatively, the x-ray system may deliver a signal indicative of the power mode determined by each x-ray detector.

The x-ray system can switch the operation mode of the x-ray system to the sleep mode when the unused time of the x-ray system exceeds the threshold time.

The operation method (SlOO) of the X-ray system of FIG. 18 can be performed in the X-ray system, X-ray apparatus, workstation, and the like of the above-described drawings. Each step of the operation method of the X-ray system can be performed in the manner described above.

Meanwhile, the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in a general-purpose digital computer that can be created as a program that can be executed by a computer and operates the program using a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer readable recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc., an optical reading medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD and a carrier wave such as the Internet Lt; / RTI > transmission).

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the above and the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It will be understood. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

Claims (20)

An x-ray irradiator configured to irradiate the x-ray; And
Acquiring orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector,
Selecting one of the at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector,
And a controller for determining the power mode of the selected X-ray detector as the power consumption mode and determining the power mode of the unselected X-ray detector as the power saving mode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein if there is an x-ray detector coupled to the receptor of the at least one x-ray detector, the controller determines the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detector coupled to the receptor. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the orientation information of the at least one x-ray detector includes information indicating whether the at least one x-ray detector is coupled to the receptor. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit obtains orientation information of the X-ray irradiating unit based on a positioning mode including a stand mode, a table mode, and a portable mode. 5. The method of claim 4,
And an input for receiving a user input for selecting the positioning mode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit switches the operation mode to the sleep mode and adaptively sets the threshold time when the unused time of the X-ray apparatus exceeds the threshold time. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the control unit obtains a usage time distribution function that is a frequency of use of the X-ray apparatus with respect to a time interval between shots of the X-ray apparatus, acquires a utility function based on the usage time distribution function, To the critical time. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the control unit updates the use time distribution function, the utility function, and the threshold time. The method according to claim 6,
And a mode indicator indicating that the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus is the sleep mode. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the mode indicator includes a light emitting element and the light emitting element repeats flashing below a predetermined speed when the operation mode of the X-ray apparatus is the sleep mode. A communication unit for receiving orientation information of an X-ray irradiator included in the X-ray apparatus and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector; And
Selecting one of the at least one X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation information of the at least one X-ray detector,
And a controller for determining the power mode of the selected X-ray detector as the power consumption mode and the power mode of the unselected X-ray detector as the power saving mode. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein if there is an x-ray detector coupled to the receptor of the at least one x-ray detector, the controller determines the power mode of the receptor to be the same as the power mode of the x-ray detector coupled to the receptor. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the orientation information of the at least one x-ray detector includes information indicating whether the at least one x-ray detector is coupled to the receptor. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the control unit obtains the orientation information of the X-ray examination unit based on a positioning mode of the X-ray device, including a stand mode, a table mode, and a portable mode. 15. The method of claim 14,
And an input for receiving a user input for selecting the positioning mode. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the control unit switches the operation mode to the sleep mode and adaptively sets the threshold time when the unused time of the X-ray apparatus and the work station exceeds the threshold time. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the control unit obtains a usage time distribution function that is a frequency of use of the X-ray apparatus with respect to a time interval between shots of the X-ray apparatus, acquires a utility function based on the usage time distribution function, To the threshold time. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the control unit updates the usage time distribution function, the utility function, and the threshold time. Obtaining orientation information of the X-ray irradiation unit and orientation information of at least one X-ray detector;
Selecting one of the at least one x-ray detector based on the orientation information of the x-ray irradiator and the orientation information of the at least one x-ray detector; And
Determining a power mode of the selected x-ray detector as a power consumption mode, and determining a power mode of the unselected x-ray detector as a power saving mode. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for implementing the method of claim 19 is recorded.

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