KR20180025675A - Multi Array X-ray Source Module and Portable X-ray Apparatus Having the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable x-ray photographing apparatus having a multi array x-ray source module. The portable x-ray photographing apparatus can comprise a control part configured to control to supply a selected voltage to a plurality of x-ray sources individually in response to the plurality of x-ray sources arranged in a source frame, a photographing button, and activation of the photographing button.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-array X-ray source module and a portable X-

The present invention relates to a multi-array X-ray source module for a portable X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a multi-array X-ray source module for acquiring a plurality of two- will be.

Background of the Invention [0002] Today's dental X-ray apparatus is widely used as an important means for acquiring images of a tooth structure. CT (computed tomography) systems and tomosynthesis systems are known as dental X-ray imaging apparatuses. These systems transmit X-rays to an object to be imaged at various angles, and the transmitted X-rays are detected by a flat panel X-ray detector and converted into electrical signals. Digital conversion, and the like, thereby acquiring a sectional image of the object to be imaged.

In particular, in the case of the Tomo Synthesis system, it is possible to obtain a plurality of projected images while changing the X-ray irradiation angle to the object to be imaged by moving the X-ray generator around the object to be imaged, Unlike the CT system, which rotates 360 degrees, the Tomo Synthesis system generates a sectional image after obtaining a projection image by rotating only a limited angle of 15 degrees to 50 degrees. However, since it has a disease detection capability superior to that of the existing CT system, . However, the Tomo Synthesis system is inconvenient because the whole volume is large and it is not easy to move.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable X-ray imaging apparatus having a multi-array X-ray source module capable of obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional X-ray images without moving at various angles for tomosynthesis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable X-ray imaging apparatus having a multi-array X-ray source module, which is capable of imaging tomosynthesis and minimizing the volume and facilitating movement.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other matters not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect, there is provided a portable X-ray generator having a plurality of X-ray sources. The multi-array X-ray source module may include a source frame, a plurality of source mounts mounted on the source frame, and an X-ray source mounted on each of the plurality of source mounts. Each of the plurality of source mounting portions may include a power connection terminal for supplying power to the corresponding X-ray source. The portable X-ray generator includes a plurality of X-ray sources, a source frame to which the plurality of X-ray sources are mounted, a power connection terminal provided in the source frame and corresponding to each of the plurality of X- , The plurality of X-ray sources can irradiate the X-ray source at various angles.

In one embodiment, the plurality of x-ray sources may be arranged to face the object in a loop form in the source frame.

In one embodiment, the plurality of source mounts may be arranged in a straight or arced shape in the source frame towards the object.

In one embodiment, the position and orientation of the X-ray sources may be adjustable.

In one aspect, a portable X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The portable X-ray imaging apparatus may include a guide path for providing a movement path of a source, a source mounting section movable along the guide path, and an X-ray source mounted on the source mounting section.

In one embodiment, the guide path may be looped, straight, or arc shaped.

In one aspect, a portable X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The portable X-ray imaging apparatus includes a plurality of X-ray sources arranged in a source frame, a photographing button, and a control unit configured to control to supply a predetermined voltage to the plurality of X-ray sources individually in response to activation of the photographing button .

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of X-ray sources may be mounted to the source mount and arranged in the source frame.

In one embodiment, each of the source mounts may be provided with a power connection terminal for supplying the predetermined voltage to the corresponding X-ray source.

In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to control the predetermined voltage to be separately supplied to the power connection terminals of the source mounts in response to activation of the shooting button.

In one aspect, a portable X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The portable X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source mounted so as to be movable along a guide path of a source frame, a photographing button, and an X-ray source moving along the guide path in response to activation of the photographing button, And a control unit configured to control the source to periodically supply a predetermined voltage.

In one embodiment, the X-ray source may be mounted on a source mount and mounted on the source frame.

In one embodiment, the source mounting portion may be provided with a power connection terminal for supplying the predetermined voltage to the X-ray source.

In one embodiment, the control section may be further configured to control the predetermined voltage to be periodically supplied to the power connection terminal of the source mounting section in response to activation of the shooting button.

According to the portable X-ray imaging apparatus having the multi-array X-ray source module according to the embodiments of the present invention, for the Tomo Synthesis imaging, a plurality of two-dimensional X- It is possible to obtain an image, and convenience of photographing is provided.

In addition, according to the portable X-ray imaging apparatus having the multi-array X-ray source module according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to take Tomo Synthesize, but it is small in volume, light and easy to carry.

1 is a schematic view of a portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with a multi-array X-ray source module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A to 2C are views schematically showing a configuration of a multi-array X-ray source module according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
3A to 3C are views schematically showing a configuration of a multi-array X-ray source module according to fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing a state in which the field emission devices of FIGS. 2 and 3 are mounted on a source mounting portion.
5A to 5C are views for explaining a procedure for acquiring a plurality of X-ray images using the portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with the multi-array X-ray source module according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing examples of photographs of a two-dimensional X-ray image obtained using a portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with a multi-array X-ray source module according to embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an electromechanical module housed in the body of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an electromechanical module housed in the body of Figure 1;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to a person skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

As used herein, the term " module " or " module " means a functional part that performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module except for 'module' or 'module' which needs to be implemented by specific hardware, and may be implemented by at least one processor.

In addition, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed as meaning consistent with meaning in the context of the related art and may be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the specification of the present invention It does not.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions will not be described in detail if they obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

1 is a schematic view of a portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with a multi-array X-ray source module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A portable X-ray imaging apparatus 100 equipped with a multi-array X-ray source module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 150, a handle 120 coupled to the main body 150, And a cone 110 protruding by a predetermined length and coupled to the main body 150. As illustrated, the cone portion 110 may be designed in the form of a body tube, but the shape of the cone portion 110 is not limited thereto. For example, the cone portion 110 may be integrally formed with the main body 150 in a tapered shape having a larger diameter toward the main body 150. X-rays (X-rays) are generated in a predetermined pattern in response to a user's operation (an operation in which the user holds the knob 120 by hand and presses the photographing button 140 provided on the handle 120) Ray source module (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can radiate a plurality of rays sequentially or individually multiple times. The X-rays sequentially or individually radiated may be guided along the longitudinal direction of the cone portion 110 to be emitted to the outside. An electromechanical module (not shown) necessary for the operation of the portable X-ray imaging apparatus 100 can also be accommodated in the inside of the main body 150. In one embodiment, the portable X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may be formed in the form of a gun or a camera so that the photographer can grasp the X-ray in various directions freely by hand, But is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in the figures, an X-ray detector may be used in conjunction with the use of the apparatus 100. The X-ray detector is configured to detect an X-ray transmitted through a subject, and may be installed opposite to the multi-array X-ray source module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ray source module according to an embodiment of the present invention while positioning the object between the apparatus 100 and the X-ray detector and keeping the apparatus 100 and the X-ray detector facing each other, The lines can be irradiated multiple times at different angles. The principle and configuration of the X-ray detector are well known and will not be described in detail here.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are views schematically showing a configuration of a multi-array X-ray source module according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

2A, the multi-array X-ray source module 200a according to the first embodiment includes a circular source frame 210 and a plurality of X-ray sources 215 mounted on the source frame 210, Ray source 215. In one embodiment, the plurality of X-ray sources 215 may be arranged at regular intervals in the source frame 210. [ In one embodiment, the plurality of X-ray sources 215 are arranged such that an X-ray emitted from the X-ray sources 215 extends from a point on an imaginary central axis extending from the center point of the source frame 210 Center point) of the source frame 210 and can be mounted on the source frame 210. The X-ray source 215 is an X-ray source that emits X-rays as voltage is applied thereto. The X-ray source 215 is a field emission type X-ray source including a device such as a carbon nanotube (CNT) Emission Type X-ray Source), but it may be an X-ray source using tungsten if it can be lightweight and compact. The X-ray source 215 may be transmissive or reflective. Each of the plurality of X-ray sources 215 may be mounted on a source mounting portion (not shown) and mounted in a fixed or detachable manner on the source frame 210.

The second embodiment 200b of the multi-array X-ray source module according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2B is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that the source frame 220 has a polygonal shape . It should be appreciated that although the source frame 220 is shown in Figure 2b as being rectangular, the shape of the source frame 220 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, the source frame 220 may be implemented as a polygon such as a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or the like, and may be implemented in any form of various loop shapes. The third embodiment 200c of the multi-array X-ray source module according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2C is also substantially the same as the first and second embodiments, but the source frame 230 is in the form of an open- Which is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment. It should be noted that the source frame 230 is shown in FIG. 2C in the form of a bar, but the shape of the source frame 230 is not limited thereto. For example, the source frame 230 may be embodied in any of a variety of forms other than an arc type, a curved type, a winged V-shaped loop type, and the like.

In any of the first embodiment 200b to the third embodiment 200c of the multi-array X-ray source module according to the present invention, the X- The field emission devices can be arranged in the source frame so that X-ray irradiation is possible from 5 to 60 degrees.

3A to 3C are views schematically showing a configuration of a multi-array X-ray source module according to fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

3A, the multi-array X-ray source module 300a according to the fourth embodiment may include a circular source frame 310 and an X-ray source 215 mounted on the source frame 310 have. The X-ray source 215 may be mounted on the source frame 310 to be movable along a guide path (not shown) provided in the source frame 310. The X-ray source 215 may be mounted on a source mount (not shown) and mounted on the source frame 310 in a movable manner.

The fifth embodiment 300b of the multi-array X-ray source module according to the present invention shown in FIG. 3B is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment, but differs from the fourth embodiment in that the source frame 320 is a polygonal shape . The fifth embodiment 300b differs from the first and third embodiments in that the X-ray source 215 is movable in the source frame 320. [ It should be appreciated that although the source frame 320 is shown in Figure 3b as being rectangular, the shape of the source frame 320 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, the source frame 320 may be implemented as a polygon such as a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or the like, or may be implemented in any form of various loop shapes. The sixth embodiment 300c of the multi-array X-ray source module according to the present invention shown in FIG. 3C is substantially the same as that of the fourth and fifth embodiments, but the source frame 330 is an open-ended date Which is different from the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment. The sixth embodiment 300c is different from the first and third embodiments in that the field emission device 215 is movable in the source frame 330. [ It should be appreciated that although the source frame 330 is shown in FIG. 3C in the form of a bar, the shape of the source frame 330 is not limited thereto. For example, the source frame 330 may be implemented in any of a variety of forms, such as arc-shaped, curved, wedge-like V-shaped, not loop-shaped.

In the fourth to sixth embodiments described above, one X-ray source 215 is mounted on the source frame, but the number of X-ray sources 215 that can be mounted on the source frame is one But is not limited to. For example, two or more X-ray sources 215 may be mounted on the source frame in a state in which they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing a mounting state diagram for illustrating a state in which the X-ray source of FIGS. 2 and 3 is mounted on a source mount.

4A and 4B, the X-ray source 215 may be inserted and mounted into the housing 422 of the source mount 420, for example, in a detachable manner. The source mounting portion 420 may include a power connection terminal 424 provided at an inner end of the housing 422. When the X-ray source 215 is mounted on the source mount 420 as shown in FIG. 3B, the power connection terminal 424 is coupled to the X-ray source 215 so that the X- As shown in FIG.

5A to 5C are views for explaining a procedure for acquiring a plurality of X-ray images using the portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with the multi-array X-ray source module according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG.

As shown, the X-ray sources 215 are arranged such that an X-ray radiating from the X-ray sources 215 extends from a virtual point (e.g., a center point of the subject 512) extending from the center point of the source frame 210 And is mounted on the source frame 210. The tilting angle of the source frame 210 is set at a predetermined angle. When the shooting button 140 is pressed, X-rays are emitted from one X-ray source 215 at a time, as illustrated in Figs. 5A to 5C, under the control of an electromechanical module (not shown). The emitted X-rays pass through the subject 512 and the X-rays passing through the subject 512 are detected by the X-ray detector 515. The detected X-rays are processed by an image processing apparatus or the like to obtain two-dimensional X-ray images. The X-ray sources 215 are activated sequentially or individually to emit X-rays, so that a plurality of two-dimensional X-ray images can be obtained.

The X-ray images centered on this virtual point are used to obtain tomosynthesis images. To be suitable for obtaining a tomosynthesis image, a plurality of X-ray sources may be aligned in a virtual point or any object direction. The image processing for this purpose can be performed by an external separate apparatus. The tilted angle and a virtual point (arbitrary object direction) for adjusting the tomosynthesis image can be adjusted by the source frame 210. It also has a function of checking whether the arrangement of the X-ray sources 215 is directed to a virtual point (any object direction).

The obtained two-dimensional images may be images reflecting different depth information (the two-dimensional X-rays acquired using the portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with the multi-array X-ray source module according to the embodiments of the present invention 6A and 6B illustrating embodiments of photographs of images), one or more images that best represent the region of interest may be selected and used for diagnostic purposes. In addition, a tomographic image can be reconstructed by applying a tomosynthesis reconstruction technique to a plurality of acquired two-dimensional images. Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to acquire a tomographic image of a tooth or the like without a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) system.

Although a procedure for acquiring a plurality of X-ray images using the portable X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with the multi-array X-ray source module according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A has been described above, It is possible to acquire a plurality of X-ray images by the same or similar procedure using the portable X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an electromechanical module housed in the body of Figure 1;

The electromechanical module 700 may be configured to be suitable for driving the multi-array X-ray source module illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C. The electromechanical module 700 may include a control unit 710, a power supply unit 720, and a power supply module 730. The power supply unit 720 may be configured to output a predetermined voltage. In one embodiment, the power supply 720 may be an adapter that converts an external AC voltage to a DC voltage. In another embodiment, the power supply 720 may be a battery that outputs a predetermined DC voltage. The control unit 710 may be configured to control the power supply module 730 in response to a photographing button activation signal generated as the photographing button 140 is pressed. The power supply module 730 may have a number of output lines 730-1 to 730-N corresponding to the number of X-ray sources mounted on the source frame of the multi-array X-ray source module. The output lines 730-1 to 730-N may be respectively connected to the power connection terminals of the source mounting portions on which the X-ray sources are mounted. In response to receiving the power supply command signal from the controller 710, the power supply module 730 sequentially or individually outputs the selected voltage from the power supply 720 through the output lines 730-1 to 730-N . The X-ray sources of the multi-array X-ray source module sequentially or individually radiate X-rays as the predetermined voltages from the power source section 720 are sequentially or individually output to the output lines 730-1 to 730-N . In one embodiment, it is also possible to implement the power supply module 730 as a part of the functions of the control unit 710.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an electromechanical module housed in the body of Figure 1;

Electromechanical module 800 may be configured to be suitable for driving the multi-array X-ray source module illustrated in Figs. 3A-3C. The electromechanical module 800 may include a controller 810, a power unit 820, a power supply module 830, and a driver 840. The power supply unit 820 may be configured to output a predetermined voltage. In one embodiment, the power supply 820 may be an adapter that converts an external AC voltage to a DC voltage. In another embodiment, the power supply unit 820 may be a battery that outputs a predetermined DC voltage. The controller 810 may be configured to control the driver 840 in response to a photographing button activation signal generated when the photographing button 140 is pressed. In response to receiving the drive signal from the controller 810, the driver 840 is configured to drive the source mount so that the source mount mounted on the source frame of the multi-array X-ray source module moves along the guide path provided in the source frame . The control unit 810 may be further configured to control the power supply module 830 in response to a photographing button activation signal generated by pressing the photographing button 140. [ The output of the power supply module 830 may be connected to the power connection terminal of the source mounting portion on which the field emission device is mounted. The power supply module 830 may be configured to periodically output a predetermined voltage from the power supply unit 820 in response to receiving the power supply command signal from the control unit 810. [ As the predetermined voltage from the power source unit 820 is periodically output, the X-ray source of the multi-array X-ray source module periodically emits X-rays while being moved by the driving unit 840. In one embodiment, it is also possible to implement the power supply module 830 as a part of the functions of the control unit 810. [

In the embodiments disclosed herein, the arrangement of the components shown may vary depending on the environment or requirements in which the invention is implemented. For example, some components may be omitted or some components may be integrated into one. In addition, the arrangement order and connection of some components may be changed.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined only by the appended claims.

100: Portable X-ray apparatus
110:
120: Handle
140: Shooting button
150:
200a, 200b, 200c: Multi-array X-ray source module
300a, 300b, 300c: Multi-array X-ray source module
210, 220, 230, 310, 320, 330: source frame
215: X-ray source
420: source mounting portion
422: housing
424: Power connection terminal
512: Subject
515: X-ray detector
710, 810:
720, 820:
730, 830: power supply module
730-1 ~ 730-N: Output line
840:

Claims (14)

A portable X-ray generator having a plurality of X-ray sources,
A source frame on which the plurality of X-ray sources are mounted; And
And a power connection terminal provided in the source frame and corresponding to each of the plurality of X-ray sources,
Wherein the plurality of X-ray sources are configured to irradiate X-ray sources at different angles. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of x-ray sources are arranged to face the object in a loop shape in the source frame. . The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of X-ray sources are arranged in a straight line or an arc shape in the source frame so as to face the object. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the plurality of X-ray sources are adjustable in position and direction. As a portable X-ray imaging apparatus,
A guide path for providing a movement path of the source;
A source mount capable of moving along the guide path; And
And an X-ray source mounted on the source mount. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the guide path is a loop type, a linear type, or an arc type. As a portable X-ray imaging apparatus,
A plurality of X-ray sources arranged in a source frame,
Shooting button, and
And a control unit configured to control so that a predetermined voltage is individually supplied to the plurality of X-ray sources in response to the activation of the photographing button. 8. The method of claim 7,
And each of the plurality of X-ray sources is mounted on the source mounting portion and arranged on the source frame. 9. The method of claim 8,
And each of the source mounting portions is provided with a power connection terminal for supplying the predetermined voltage to the corresponding X-ray source. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the control unit is further configured to control the predetermined voltage to be sequentially supplied to the power connection terminals of the source mounting portions in response to activation of the shooting button. As a portable X-ray imaging apparatus,
An X-ray source mounted so as to be movable along a guide path of the source frame,
Shooting button, and
And a control unit configured to control the X-ray source to move along the guide path and to control the X-ray source to periodically supply a predetermined voltage in response to activation of the photographing button. 12. The method of claim 11,
And the X-ray source is mounted on the source frame and mounted on the source frame. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the source mounting portion is provided with a power connection terminal for supplying the predetermined voltage to the X-ray source. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the control section is further configured to control the predetermined voltage to be periodically supplied to the power connection terminal of the source mounting section in response to activation of the shooting button.

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