KR101859450B1 - Mobile X RAY APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile x-ray apparatus for controlling the operation of a protection circuit for a lithium ion battery and an operation method thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus,

The present disclosure relates to a mobile x-ray apparatus including a lithium ion battery and a method of operation thereof.

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.

A mobile X-ray apparatus including a lithium ion battery and an operation method thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile X-ray apparatus comprising: an X-ray irradiating unit; A control unit for controlling the X-ray irradiation unit; And a power unit including a lithium ion battery for supplying operation power to the X-ray irradiating unit and the control unit, and a BMS (Battery Management System) for controlling the operation of the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery.

Further, the BMS can change the reference value for the operation of the protection circuit against the overcurrent when the X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the X-ray.

Further, the BMS can change the reference value for the operation of the protection circuit against overdischarge during the irradiation of the X-ray by the X-ray irradiator.

Further, the BMS can change the overcurrent reference value for the operation of the protection circuit to a higher value and lower the overdischarge reference value for the operation of the protection circuit, based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.

Further, the BMS can re-change the changed over-current reference value and the over-discharge reference value to the over-current reference value and the over-discharge reference value before the change based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.

Further, the BMS can control the protection circuit against at least one of the overcurrent and overdischarge during operation of the X-ray irradiation by the X-ray irradiating unit.

In addition, the BMS can control the operation of the protection circuit against at least one of over-discharge, over-current, over-heat and inter-cell unbalance of the lithium ion battery during X-ray irradiation, The behavior can be exceptionally controlled.

The mobile X-ray apparatus further includes a charging unit charging the lithium ion battery, and the charging unit can control the charging operation of the lithium ion battery when irradiating the X-ray by the X-ray irradiating unit.

Further, the charging unit can stop the charging operation for the lithium ion battery based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.

Further, the charging unit can resume the charging operation for the lithium ion battery based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.

The X-ray apparatus further includes a first current sensor for sensing a current of a relatively low intensity and a second current sensor for sensing a current of a relatively high intensity, , It is possible to detect an overcurrent by the X-ray irradiation using the second current sensor.

Further, the BMS can activate the second current sensor and deactivate the first current sensor based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.

Further, the BMS can activate the first current sensor and deactivate the second current sensor based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.

Further, the BMS and the control unit each include a communication interface, and the BMS and the control unit can communicate through the communication interface.

A method of operating a mobile x-ray apparatus including a lithium ion battery according to the second aspect includes the steps of: receiving a command for x-ray inspection from a user; And controlling the operation of the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery during X-ray irradiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an X-ray apparatus implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus. FIG.
2 is an external view of the X-ray detector.
Figure 3 illustrates an x-ray device according to one embodiment.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the operation of the protection circuit during X-ray irradiation.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the operation of the protection circuit against over-discharge (overvoltage) during X-ray irradiation.
6 illustrates an x-ray device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the charging unit controls the charging operation during X-ray irradiation.
7 illustrates an x-ray apparatus according to an embodiment.
8 illustrates an x-ray device according to an embodiment.
9 shows an embodiment in which the x-ray apparatus senses the current flowing in the lithium ion battery through the current sensor.
10 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the first current sensor and the second current sensor during X-ray irradiation.
11 is a view for explaining an operation method of the X-ray apparatus.

The present specification discloses the principles of the present invention and discloses embodiments of the present invention so that those skilled in the art can carry out the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. The present specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and redundant description between general contents or embodiments in the technical field of the present invention will be omitted. As used herein, the term " part " may be embodied in software or hardware, and may be embodied as a unit, element, or section, Quot; element " includes a plurality of elements. Hereinafter, the working principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The image herein may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an x-ray imaging device.

As used herein, the term " object " may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof as an object of photographing. For example, the object may comprise a part of the body (organ or organ) or a phantom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an X-ray apparatus implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus. FIG.

1, an X-ray apparatus 100 includes an X-ray examination unit 110 for generating and irradiating an X-ray, an input unit 151 for receiving a command from a user, a display unit 152 for providing information to a user, A control unit 120 for controlling the mobile X-ray apparatus 100 in accordance with an instruction from the user, and a communication unit 140 for communicating with an external device.

The X-ray irradiating unit 110 may include an X-ray source for generating an X-ray and a collimator for adjusting an irradiation region of the X-ray generated from the X-ray source.

When the X-ray apparatus 100 is implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus, the main body 101 to which the X-ray irradiating unit 110 is connected is freely movable and the arm 103 connecting the X-ray irradiating unit 110 and the main body 101 is also rotated and / The X-ray irradiating unit 110 can be moved freely in the three-dimensional space because the X-ray irradiating unit 110 can be linearly moved.

The input unit 151 can receive commands for photographing protocol, photographing conditions, photographing timing, position control of the X-ray irradiating unit 110, and the like. The input unit 151 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voice recognizer, and the like.

The display unit 152 may display a screen for guiding a user's input, an x-ray image, a screen showing the state of the x-ray apparatus 100, and the like.

The control unit 120 can control the photographing timing, photographing conditions, and the like of the X-ray irradiating unit 110 according to the control command input from the user, and can generate a medical image using the image data received from the X- have. The control unit 120 may control the position and posture of the X-ray irradiating unit 110 according to the imaging protocol and the position of the object P.

The control unit 120 may include a memory for storing a program for performing the above-described operations and operations described later, and a processor for executing the stored program. The control unit 120 may include a single processor and may include a plurality of processors. In the latter case, a plurality of processors may be integrated on one chip or may be physically separated.

The main body 101 may be provided with a storage unit 105 for storing the X-ray detector 200. In addition, a charging terminal capable of charging the X-ray detector 200 is provided in the storage unit 105 so that the X-ray detector 200 can be stored while being charged.

The input unit 151, the display unit 152, the control unit 120 and the communication unit 140 may be provided in the main body 101. The image data acquired by the X-ray detector 200 is transmitted to the main body 101, And may be displayed on the display unit 152 or transmitted to an external device through the communication unit 140. [

The control unit 120 and the communication unit 140 may be separately provided from the main body 101 and only a part of the components of the control unit 120 and the communication unit 140 may be provided in the main body 101. [

The X-ray apparatus 100 is connected to an external device (for example, an external server 31, a medical device 32 and a portable terminal 33 (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) So that data can be transmitted or received.

The communication unit 140 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module, for example.

Alternatively, the communication unit 140 may receive a control signal from an external device, transmit the received control signal to the control unit 120, and cause the control unit 120 to control the X-ray apparatus 100 in accordance with the received control signal It is possible.

The control unit 120 may also control the external device according to the control signal of the control unit by transmitting a control signal to the external device through the communication unit 140. [ For example, the external device can process data of the external device according to a control signal of the control unit 120 received through the communication unit 140. [

The communication unit 140 may further include an internal communication module that enables communication between the components of the X-ray apparatus 100. [ The external device may be provided with a program capable of controlling the X-ray apparatus 100, and the program may include an instruction to perform some or all of the operations of the control unit 120. [

The program may be installed in the portable terminal 33 in advance, or the user of the portable terminal 33 may download the program from the server that provides the application. The server providing the application may include a recording medium storing the program.

The communication unit 140 may further include an internal communication module that enables communication between the components of the X-ray apparatus 100. [

2 is an external view of the X-ray detector.

As described above, the X-ray detector 200 used in the X-ray apparatus 100 can be implemented as a portable X-ray detector. In this case, the X-ray detector 200 may operate wirelessly including a battery for supplying power, and the charging port 201 may be connected to a separate power supply unit by a cable (C) .

A case 203 for forming an outer appearance of the X-ray detector 200 is provided with a detection element for detecting an X-ray and converting it into image data, a memory for temporarily or temporarily storing image data, a control signal from the X- A communication module for receiving or transmitting image data to the X-ray apparatus 100, and a battery may be provided. In addition, image correction information of the detector and unique identification information of the X-ray detector 200 may be stored in the memory, and identification information stored when communicating with the X-ray apparatus 100 may be transmitted together.

Figure 3 illustrates an x-ray device according to one embodiment.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may include an X-ray irradiating unit 310, a control unit 320, and a power source unit 330. The X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. 3 can be implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, and only the components related to the present embodiment are shown. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other general-purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 3 may be further included. For example, the x-ray apparatus 100 may include a high voltage generator (not shown).

The X-ray irradiating unit 310 may include the contents of the X-ray irradiating unit 110 of FIG. 1, and redundant contents are omitted. In addition, the control unit 320 may include contents of the control unit 120 of FIG. 1, and redundant contents are omitted.

The power supply unit 330 may include a lithium ion battery 334 and a battery management system (BMS)

The lithium ion battery 334 is a kind of secondary battery, and can be divided into three parts such as an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. For example, lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4) may be used as the anode, and graphite may be used as the cathode. The lithium ion battery 334 may have a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are connected and coupled. For example, the lithium ion battery 334 may be composed of 88 serial connections and 4 parallel connections, and may consist of a total of 352 cells.

In addition, the lithium ion battery 334 is relatively small in size and weight compared to conventional lead acid batteries, and may be suitable for use in a mobile x-ray apparatus. For example, the total weight of the power unit 330 including the lithium ion battery 334 and the peripheral circuit may be 33.2 kg, which may be less than 35 kg, which is the air transportation regulation limit weight. Therefore, the power supply unit 330 can be air-transported in a single product.

The power supply unit 330 can supply operating power to the X-ray irradiating unit 310 and the control unit 320 through the lithium ion battery 334. In addition, the power supply unit 330 can supply operating power to each component requiring operation power from the X-ray apparatus 100 through the lithium ion battery 334. [ For example, the power supply unit 330 can supply operating power to the display unit 152 and the communication unit 140 of the input unit 151 of the X-ray apparatus 100 through the lithium ion battery 334. [

The battery management system (BMS) 332 can detect the state of the lithium ion battery 334, such as the voltage and the temperature. According to one example, the BMS 332 may include a circuit, such as a battery stack monitor, that can monitor the voltage of the lithium ion battery 334 and the battery cell temperature. The BMS 332 can control and manage the power supply unit 330 based on the state of the lithium ion battery 334. [ The BMS 332 can also operate the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery 334 based on the state of the lithium ion battery 334. [ In other words, the BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit to prevent a dangerous state of the lithium ion battery 334 based on the state of the lithium ion battery 334. [ Specifically, the BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit against at least one of overdischarge, overcurrent, overheat, and unbalancing between battery cells based on the state of the lithium ion battery 334. [

The BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit when the voltage of the lithium ion battery 334 is in an overdischarge state in which the voltage is lower than the reference value. For example, the BMS 332 may turn off the BMS 332 itself by operating a shutdown circuit, which is a protection circuit, when the voltage of the lithium ion battery 334 drops below 275 volts. Further, the BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit when the current of the lithium ion battery 334 is in an overcurrent state higher than a reference value. For example, the BMS 332 may turn off the BMS 332 itself by operating a shutdown circuit, which is a protection circuit, when the current of the lithium ion battery 334 is 40 A or greater. The BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit when the temperature of the lithium ion battery 334 is in the overheat state where the temperature is higher than the reference value. For example, the BMS 332 may operate the shutdown circuit to turn off the BMS 332 if the temperature of the lithium ion battery 334 is greater than 70 degrees. The BMS 332 can operate the protection circuit when the lithium ion battery 334 is in an unbalanced state between cells constituting the battery. For example, the BMS 332 may operate the shutdown circuit to turn off the BMS 332 itself if the voltage difference between the cells of the lithium ion battery 334 is greater than 0.5V for at least 10 seconds have. According to another example, if the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the voltages of each of the cells of the lithium ion battery 334 is greater than or equal to 0.5V for at least 10 seconds, the BMS 332 operates the shut- 332 may be turned off by themselves.

As another example, if at least one of overdischarge, overcurrent, overheat, and unbalancing between battery cells occurs based on the state of the lithium ion battery 334, the BMS 332 may operate the protection circuit The charge path and / or the discharge path may be blocked by using the charge control section and / or the discharge control section for controlling the charge path and / or the discharge path. The charge control section may include a charge FET, and the discharge control section may include a discharge FET.

The BMS 332 can control the operation of the protection circuit when the X-ray irradiating unit 310 irradiates the X-ray. During the X-ray irradiation by the X-ray irradiating unit 310, the lithium ion battery 334 may temporarily become overdischarged, overcurrent, overheat, or unbalanced between cells due to the instantaneous overcurrent, whereby the BMS 332 The protection circuit can be operated unnecessarily. In this case, the X-ray can not be irradiated due to the operation of the protection circuit. Therefore, in order to prevent the unnecessary protection circuit operation, the BMS 332 can exceptionally control the operation of the protection circuit when the X-ray is irradiated.

According to one embodiment, the BMS 332 may change the overcurrent reference value and / or over discharge reference value of the lithium ion battery 334 for protection circuit operation when the x-ray is irradiated. In other words, when the X-ray is irradiated, the BMS 332 can increase the current reference value for the protection circuit to operate due to the overcurrent, and lower the voltage reference value for operating the protection circuit due to over discharge have. Further, the BMS 332 can change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal. Specifically, the BMS 332 receives a signal from the control unit 320 that the X-ray will be irradiated, and can change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value based on the received signal. Subsequently, the BMS 332 can re-change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal. Specifically, the BMS 332 receives a signal indicating that the X-ray irradiation has been completed from the control unit 320, and can change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value changed based on the received signal. Similarly, the BMS 332 may change the overheat reference value and / or the inter-cell unbalance reference value of the lithium ion battery 334 for protection circuit operation when the X-ray is irradiated.

According to another embodiment, the BMS 332 can control the protection circuit against overdischarge and / or overcurrent when the X-ray is irradiated. More specifically, the BMS 332 receives a signal from the control unit 320 that the X-ray is to be irradiated, and controls the protection circuit against over-discharge and / or over-current based on the received signal. Then, the BMS 332 receives a signal indicating that the X-ray irradiation has been completed from the control unit 320, and can control the protection circuit against over-discharge or over-current based on the received signal. Similarly, the BMS 332 may control the protection circuit against overheating and / or inter-cell unbalance when the X-ray is irradiated.

The power supply unit 330 and the control unit 320 may each include a communication interface capable of communicating with each other. For example, the power supply unit 330 and the control unit 320 may communicate with each other via a CAN (Controller Area Network) through a communication interface. Communication between the power supply unit 330 and the control unit 320 may be performed by a high speed digital interface such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), asynchronous serial communication such as UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) A network protocol of a blocking type such as a communication can be used, and various communication methods can be used within a range that is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, the power supply unit 330 and the control unit 320 may be configured as separate modular units.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the operation of the protection circuit against overcurrent during X-ray irradiation.

In step s401, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 may acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal through the input unit 151. [ For example, when the input unit 151 is implemented by a two-step press-type hand switch, the user can press one end of the button of the hand switch, which is the input unit 151 indicating the X- The control unit 320 can receive the X-ray irradiation preparation signal through the one-step pressing of the button of the hand switch of the input unit 151. [

In step s403, the control unit 320 can transmit to the BMS 332 a control signal generated based on the received X-ray irradiation preparation signal. According to an example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal to the BMS 332 via the communication interface. In other words, the control unit 320 can transmit a control signal to the BMS 332 as a signal that the X-ray inspection is ready. According to another example, the BMS 332 can directly receive the irradiation preparation signal generated from the input unit 151 as a control signal. At this time, the irradiation preparation signal can be transmitted to the BMS without passing through the control unit.

In step s405, the BMS 332 may change the overcurrent reference value based on the received control signal. According to one embodiment, the BMS 332 may increase the current reference for operating the protection circuit due to the overcurrent. For example, the BMS 332 may change the current reference value from 40A to 300A or more.

In step s407, the control unit 320 can control the X-ray irradiating unit 310 to irradiate the X-ray. The control unit 320 receives the X-ray irradiation signal and outputs the X-ray irradiation signal to the X-ray irradiating unit 310. When the user presses the button of the input unit 151 in the first press state, Can be controlled to irradiate the X-rays. As the X-ray is irradiated, an overcurrent may occur in the lithium ion battery 334, but the BMS 332 may not operate the protection circuit based on the overcurrent reference value changed in S405. Accordingly, since the BMS 332 can prevent the unnecessary protection circuit operation, a current flows from the battery 334 to the X-ray irradiating unit 310 through the high voltage generating unit, and the X-rays generated from the X-ray irradiating unit 310 are irradiated .

In step s409, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal from the high voltage generator of the X-ray apparatus 100 or the X-ray detector. According to another embodiment, when the state where the user does not press the button of the input unit 151 for a certain period of time or when the button of the input unit 151 is released is canceled, the control unit 320 determines that the X- Signal can be received.

In step S411, the control unit 320 can transmit a control signal to the BMS 332 based on the received X-ray irradiation completion signal. According to one example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal to the BMS 332 via the communication interface.

In step s413, the BMS 332 can re-change the overcurrent reference value changed in step s405, based on the received control signal. That is, in order to exclusively operate the protection circuit only when the X-ray is irradiated, if the X-ray irradiation is completed, the BMS 332 can set the overcurrent reference value as usual. Therefore, by changing the overcurrent reference value, the BMS 332 can prevent the protection circuit from operating because the overcurrent does not reach the overcurrent reference value even if the overcurrent flows for generation of the x-ray, so that the x-ray can be irradiated.

As another example, the BMS 332 may be configured to change the overcurrent reference value to the original state after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), without the step of receiving the control signal of step S411.

As another example, the BMS 332 can control not to operate the protection circuit against the overcurrent without changing the reference value for the overcurrent in step s405. Therefore, even if the X-ray is irradiated in step S407, the BMS 332 is not turned off. Thereafter, when the BMS 332 receives the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal in step S411, the BMS 332 can control the protection circuit for the overcurrent to operate again in step S413.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the operation of the protection circuit against over-discharge (overvoltage) during X-ray irradiation.

In step s501, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal.

In step s503, the control unit 320 can transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal to the BMS 332. [

In step s505, the BMS 332 may change the over discharge reference value based on the received control signal. According to one embodiment, the BMS 332 may lower the voltage reference for operation of the protection circuit due to over discharge. For example, the BMS 332 may change the voltage reference from 275V to 200V or less.

In step s507, the control unit 320 can control the X-ray irradiating unit 310 to irradiate the X-ray. As the X-ray is irradiated, an over-discharge may occur in the lithium-ion battery 334, but the BMS 332 may not operate the protection circuit based on the over-discharge reference value changed in S505. Thus, the BMS 332 can prevent unnecessary protection circuit operation.

In step s509, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal. For example, the control unit 320 may receive the X-ray irradiation completion signal from the high voltage generator or the X-ray detector. As another example, the BMS 332 can directly receive the irradiation preparation signal generated from the input unit 320 as a control signal. At this time, the irradiation preparation signal may be transmitted to the BMS 332 without passing through the control unit 320.

In step s511, the control unit 320 can transmit to the BMS 332 a control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.

In step s513, based on the received control signal, the BMS 332 can re-change the over-discharge reference value changed in step s505. That is, in order to exclusively operate the protection circuit only when the X-ray is irradiated, if the X-ray irradiation is completed, the BMS 332 can set the over discharge reference value as usual.

As another example, the BMS 332 may be configured so that the overvoltage reference value changes to the original state after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed without the step of receiving the control signal of step s511.

As another example, the BMS 332 may control the protection circuit for overvoltage not to operate without changing the reference value for the overvoltage in step S505. Therefore, even if the X-ray is irradiated in step S507, the BMS 332 is not turned off. Thereafter, when the BMS 332 receives the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal in step S511, the BMS 332 can control the protection circuit for the overvoltage to operate again in step S513.

4 and 5, an embodiment has been described in which the BMS 332 controls the operation of the protection circuit for overcurrent and overdischarge, respectively. However, similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, the BMS 332 can be overheated and / The operation of the protection circuit with respect to the state can be controlled.

As another example, the BMS 332 can control the protection circuit not to operate based on the received control signal upon receiving the control signal generated based on the irradiation preparation signal from the control unit 320. [ In other words, the BMS does not generate a signal to cause the protection circuit to operate, either when overcurrent, overdischarge, overheating, or unbalanced state is received from the sensor during X-ray irradiation.

6 illustrates an x-ray device according to an embodiment.

The X-ray apparatus 100 of FIG. 6 may further include a charging unit 510.

The charging unit 510 can charge the power supply unit 330. [ More specifically, the charging unit 510 may supply the charging power source so that the lithium ion battery 334 of the power source unit 330 is charged. At this time, the charging power source may be a power source generated by the charging unit 510. According to one embodiment, the charger 510 is configured to be coupled to an external power supply, and can receive power from the power supply. Then, the charging unit 510 can supply the charging power to the lithium ion battery 334 by controlling the received power according to the input of the user or the calculation inside the apparatus.

The charging unit 510 can control the charging operation when the X-ray irradiating unit 310 irradiates X-rays. The charging unit 510 can stop the charging operation when the X-ray irradiating unit 310 irradiates the X-ray. When the charging unit 510 is connected to the power supply unit 330 and performs the charging operation, when the X-ray is irradiated, the charging unit 510 may be damaged due to instantaneous overload. Therefore, when the X-ray irradiating unit 310 irradiates the X-ray to prevent damage due to instantaneous overload, the charging unit 510 may exceptionally suspend the charging operation. The charging unit 510 can resume the charging operation when the X-ray irradiation is completed.

The power supply unit 330, the charging unit 510, and the control unit 320 may each include a communication interface capable of communicating with each other. For example, the power supply unit 330, the charging unit 510, and the control unit 320 may communicate with each other via a communication interface (CAN). Communication between the power supply unit 330, the charger unit 510 and the control unit 320 may be performed by using a high-speed digital interface such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), asynchronous serial communication such as a UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) A network protocol of a blocking type such as a communication or an error synchronous serial communication can be used and various communication methods can be used within a range that is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, each of the power source unit 330, the charging unit 510, and the control unit 320 may be configured as separate modular units. Since the power supply unit 330, the charging unit 510 and the control unit 320 are configured in different modular units, the control unit 320 does not need to directly monitor the high voltage. Therefore, There is no need, and as a result, the risk due to the high-voltage circuit can be reduced, which is effective in terms of stability.

Specifically, in a mobile X-ray apparatus using a conventional lead-acid battery, a control unit may include a circuit for monitoring a high voltage, thereby damaging the control unit due to a high voltage. In the present invention, The BMS can monitor the high voltage state and transmit the high voltage state to the control unit 320, so that this risk factor can be reduced.

Each of the power unit 330, the charging unit 510 and the control unit 320 may be configured in different modular units so that the power unit 330, the charging unit 510, And thus a common platform design may be possible. The power unit 330, the charger unit 510 and the controller unit 320 may be configured in different modular units so that the power source unit 330, the charger unit 510 and the control unit 320 are respectively provided with a shield case ), It is possible to prevent EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) / EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) noise that may occur between each other.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the charging unit controls the charging operation during X-ray irradiation.

In step s601, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 may acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal through the input unit 151. [ For example, when the input unit 151 is implemented as a hand switch, the user can press some buttons of the input unit 151 indicating the X-ray survey command, and the control unit 320 X-ray irradiation ready signal can be obtained.

In step s603, the control unit 320 can transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal to the charging unit 510. [ According to an example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal to the charging unit 510 through the communication interface.

As another example, the charging unit 510 can directly receive the irradiation preparation signal generated from the input unit 151 as a control signal. At this time, the irradiation preparation signal may be transmitted to the charging unit 510 without passing through the control unit 320. [

In step s605, the charging unit 510 can stop the charging operation with respect to the power supply unit 330 based on the received control signal.

In step s607, the control unit 320 may control the X-ray irradiating unit 310 to irradiate the X-ray. According to one embodiment, if the user completely depresses the button of the partially pressed input section 151, the control section 320 may control the X-ray irradiating section 310 to irradiate the X-ray. As the X-ray is irradiated and the charging unit 510 stops the charging operation, the charging unit 510 can prevent damage due to instantaneous overload.

In step s609, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal from the high voltage generator of the X-ray apparatus 100 or the X-ray detector. According to another embodiment, when the state in which the user does not press the button of the input unit 151 for a certain period of time continues, the control unit 320 may acquire a signal indicating that the X-ray irradiation has been completed.

In step s611, the control unit 320 can transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal to the charging unit 510. [ According to an example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal received through the communication interface to the charging unit 510, and the charging unit 510 may receive the control signal.

In step s613, based on the received control signal, the charging unit 510 can resume the suspended charging operation. That is, the charging unit 510 may stop the charging operation exceptionally only when the X-ray is irradiated.

As another example, the charging unit 510 can be configured to resume the charging operation after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), without the charging unit 510 receiving the control signal of step s613.

8 illustrates an x-ray device according to an embodiment.

The power supply unit 330 includes a lithium ion battery 334, a BMS 332, a discharge FET (Field Effective Transistor) 760, a charge FET 770, a shutdown circuit 710, A first current sensor 730, a second current sensor 740, a DC-DC converter 720, and a fuse 780. In addition, the x-ray apparatus 100 may include a third current sensor 750. The first and second current sensors 730 and 740 may include a Hall sensor (Hall sensor), and the shutdown circuit 710, which is a protection circuit, may include a switching circuit such as a FET.

 The BMS 332 can control the charging path and the discharging path by using the charging FET 770 as the charging control part and the discharging FET 760 as the discharging control part. That is, the BMS 332 can control on / off of the charging FET 770 and the discharging FET 760 to control the charging path and the discharging path.

The BMS 332 may communicate with the control unit 320 via the communication interface in connection with the status of the power supply unit 330. [

The discharging FET 760 may have a plurality of FETs arranged in parallel. Since the over-current may be discharged to the X-ray irradiating unit 310 during the X-ray irradiation by the X-ray irradiating unit 310, the discharge FET 760 may have the FETs of a predetermined capacity arranged in parallel. For example, when an X-ray irradiation by the X-ray irradiating unit 310 is performed, an overcurrent of 300 A or more may flow in the power supply unit 330, so that the discharge FET 760 may include four 100- Lt; / RTI >

The discharge FET 760 and the charge FET 770 may be composed of N-channel FETs according to an example.

The discharge FET 760 and the charge FET 770 can control the path of the discharge current or charge current when the lithium ion battery 334 is discharged or charged. According to one embodiment, when the lithium ion battery 334 is discharged, the charge FET 770 can be turned off and a discharge current loop through the discharge FET 760 in an on state is formed . According to another embodiment, when the lithium ion battery 334 is charged, the discharge FET 760 can be turned off and the body diode of the discharge FET 760 and the charging FET (on) 770 may be formed. Further, the lithium ion battery 334 can be discharged or charged simultaneously through the discharging FET 760 and the charging FET 770.

As another example, the BMS 332 can sequentially advance the discharging and charging by controlling the discharging FET 760 and the charging FET 770 in sequence.

The BMS 332 can sense the current of the lithium ion battery 334 using different current sensors 730 and 740. The BMS 332 may sense the current flowing through the lithium ion battery 334 using the first current sensor 730. The first current sensor 730 may be a low capacity sensor for sensing a current of relatively low intensity. In other words, the first current sensor 730 may be a sensor for sensing a current of an intensity below the reference value. For example, the first current sensor 730 may be a sensor for sensing a current of 50 A or less. In addition, when an overcurrent flows through the lithium ion battery 334, it is difficult to accurately detect an overcurrent with the first current sensor, so that the BMS 332 uses the second current sensor 740 to charge the lithium ion battery 334 It can sense over current flowing. The second current sensor may be a high capacity sensor for sensing a current of relatively high intensity. In other words, the second current sensor may be a sensor for sensing a current of an intensity greater than or equal to the reference value. For example, the second current sensor may be a sensor for sensing a current of 300 A or more. Thus, the first and second current sensors 730, 740 can be configured to sense different current capacities, e.g., the second current sensor can sense a current higher than the first current sensor.

According to one embodiment, the BMS 332 activates the first current sensor 730 and deactivates the second current sensor 740 so that the first current sensor 730 is enabled to flow through the lithium ion battery 334 using the first current sensor 730 Current can be detected. The BMS 332 then deactivates the first current sensor 730 and activates the second current sensor 740 so that the second current sensor 740 can be activated using the second current sensor 740 It can detect the over current that occurs during X-ray irradiation. Then, when the x-ray irradiation is completed, the BMS 332 deactivates the second current sensor 740 and activates the first current sensor 730 so that the first current sensor 730 is used to activate the lithium ion battery 334 ) Of the current flowing through the transistor.

The BMS 332 may activate the second current sensor 740 to sense the overcurrent while activating the first current sensor 730 as well, The signal received from the first current sensor 730 can be ignored. After the completion of the X-ray irradiation, the second current sensor 740 may be inactivated.

As another example, the first current sensor 730 and the second current sensor 740 can be kept on regardless of whether or not the X-ray irradiation is performed. At this time, the BMS 332 can selectively use signals received from the first current sensor 730 and the second current sensor 740 according to whether the X-ray irradiation is performed. For example, the BMS 332 controls the power supply unit 330 based on the signal transmitted from the first current sensor 730, before receiving the X-ray irradiation preparation related signal and after receiving the X-ray irradiation completion related signal . Also, the BMS 332 can control the power supply unit 330 based on the signal transmitted from the second current sensor 740 until the X-ray irradiation completion related signal is received after receiving the X-ray irradiation preparation related signal.

The BMS 332 can check the remaining amount of the lithium ion battery 334 through the amount of current sensed using the different current sensors 730 and 740. Specifically, the BMS 332 can check the remaining amount of the lithium ion battery 334 using the current integration method (Coulomb Counting Based Gauging) through the detected current amount.

In addition, the X-ray apparatus 100 may further include a third current sensor 750 for measuring the charging current. That is, the X-ray apparatus 100 may further include a third current sensor 750 on the output terminal side of the charging unit 510. When the lithium ion battery 334 is charged and discharged at the same time, the current measured by the first current sensor 730 or the second current sensor 740 may be the sum of the discharging current and the charging current. Accordingly, in order to measure the accurate discharge current and charge current, the x-ray apparatus 100 can measure the charge current using the third current sensor 750. [

The BMS 332 may itself be turned off using the shut down circuit 710. [ As a result of detecting the state of the lithium ion battery 334, the BMS 332 recognizes a dangerous situation such as overdischarge and overcharge, and can be turned off by using the shutdown circuit 710, which is a protection circuit. When the BMS 332 is turned off, the current supply can be stopped through the charge path and the discharge path as the charge control unit and the discharge control unit are turned off, and the power supplied to the control unit 320 is also stopped, Off.

The fuse 780 is a device that prevents excessive current from exceeding a predetermined value in the power supply unit 330, thereby protecting the battery cell in an external short circuit of the lithium ion battery 322.

The DC-DC converter 720 may convert the voltage of the lithium ion battery 334 to a DC power supply for the operating power of the BMS 332.

Also, although a load 406 that receives power from the lithium ion battery 334 through the charge path and / or the discharge path is shown as including the control unit 320 and the X-ray irradiating unit 310, May further include respective components that require power in the X-ray apparatus 100. [ For example, the load 406 may include a high voltage generator, a motor driver for moving the x-ray apparatus, and the like.

9 shows an embodiment in which the x-ray apparatus senses the current flowing in the lithium ion battery through the current sensor.

In step s901, the X-ray apparatus 100 can sense the current flowing in the lithium ion battery through the first current sensor. The x-ray apparatus 100 can activate the first current sensor and sense current flowing in the lithium ion battery through the activated first current sensor. The X-ray apparatus 100 can sense current flowing through the lithium ion battery through the first current sensor at normal times. The sensed current value is transmitted to the BMS 332.

In step s903, the X-ray apparatus 100 can sense an overcurrent flowing through the lithium ion battery through the second current sensor during X-ray irradiation. The X-ray apparatus 100 can activate the second current sensor at the time of irradiating the X-ray to sense the overcurrent flowing through the lithium ion battery through the activated second current sensor. The X-ray apparatus 100 senses a current flowing through the lithium ion battery through the first current sensor, and can detect an over current flowing through the second current sensor when the X-ray is irradiated.

10 shows an embodiment in which the BMS controls the first current sensor and the second current sensor during X-ray irradiation.

In step s1001, the BMS 332 may activate the first current sensor 730. [ At this point the BMS 332 may deactivate the second current sensor 740 with the activation of the first current sensor 730 to prevent the BMS 332 from receiving a signal from the second current sensor 740 have. Accordingly, the BMS 332 can sense the current flowing in the lithium ion battery 334 using the first current sensor 730. [

In another example, if the second current sensor 740 is kept active, the BMS 332 may be configured to disregard or ignore the signal received from the second current sensor 740 for control of the power supply 330 .

In step s1003, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation preparation signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 may acquire an X-ray irradiating preparation signal from the high voltage generating unit or the X-ray detector, or may acquire an X-ray irradiating preparation signal through the input unit 151. For example, when the input unit 151 is implemented as a hand switch, the user can press some buttons of the input unit 151 indicating the X-ray survey command, and the control unit 320 X-ray irradiation ready signal can be obtained.

In step s1005, the control unit 320 can transmit to the BMS 332 a control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal. According to an example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal to the BMS 332 via the communication interface.

In step s1007, the BMS 332 can activate the second current sensor based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal. At this time, the BMS 332 may deactivate the first current sensor 730 so that the BMS 332 does not receive a signal from the first current sensor 730. [

As another example, when the first current sensor 730 is kept in the activated state, the BMS 332 may be configured to disregard or ignore the signal received from the first current sensor for control of the power supply 330.

In step s1009, the control unit 320 can control the X-ray irradiating unit 310 to irradiate the X-ray. According to one embodiment, if the user completely depresses the button of the partially pressed input section 151, the control section 320 may control the X-ray irradiating section 310 to irradiate the X-ray. As the X-ray is irradiated, an overcurrent may occur in the lithium ion battery 334, and the BMS 332 may sense the current of the lithium ion battery 334 through the activated second current sensor 740.

In step s1011, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit 320 can acquire an X-ray irradiation completion signal from the high voltage generator of the X-ray apparatus 100 or the X-ray detector. According to another embodiment, when the state in which the user does not press the button of the input unit 151 for a certain period of time continues, the control unit 320 may acquire a signal indicating that the X-ray irradiation has been completed.

In step s1013, the control unit 320 can transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal to the BMS 332. [ According to one example, the control unit 320 may transmit the control signal generated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal to the BMS 332 via the communication interface.

In step s1015, the BMS 332 may activate the first current sensor 730 based on the received control signal. At this time, the BMS 332 may deactivate the second current sensor 740 with the first current sensor 730 activated. In other words, the BMS 332 can activate the second current sensor 740 exceptionally only when the X-ray is irradiated, so that the BMS 332 can sense the overcurrent.

In another example, when the second current sensor 740 is kept active, the BMS 332 may be configured to disregard or ignore the signal received from the second current sensor for control of the power supply 330. [

11 is a view for explaining an operation method of the X-ray apparatus.

The method shown in FIG. 11 may be performed by each component of the x-ray apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 8, and redundant description is omitted.

In step S1101, the X-ray apparatus 100 can receive a command for X-ray inspection from the user. According to one embodiment, the x-ray apparatus 100 may receive a command for x-ray irradiation from the user through the input of the x-ray apparatus 100. For example, when the input unit is implemented as a hand switch, the user can press a hand switch button indicating an x-ray inspection command, and the x-ray apparatus 100 can receive an x-ray inspection command from the user via the pressed button. In addition, according to one embodiment, the user may press some of the hand switch buttons indicating the x-ray survey command, and the x-ray apparatus 100 may receive the x-ray survey preparation command from the user via some pressed buttons, 100) can receive a command for the X-ray inspection from the user through the entirely pressed button.

In step s1103, the X-ray apparatus 100 can control the operation of the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery during X-ray irradiation. Specifically, during the X-ray irradiation, the lithium ion battery may temporarily become overdischarged, overcurrent, overheat, or unbalanced between cells due to instantaneous overcurrent, which causes the X-ray apparatus 100 to unnecessarily operate the protection circuit . Therefore, in order to prevent the unnecessary protection circuit operation, the X-ray apparatus 100 can exceptionally control the operation of the protection circuit when the X-ray is irradiated.

According to one embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 100 can change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value of the lithium ion battery for the protection circuit operation when the X-ray is irradiated. In other words, when the X-ray is irradiated, the X-ray apparatus 100 can raise the current reference value for the protection circuit to operate due to the overcurrent, and / or the voltage reference value for operating the protection circuit due to overdischarge It can be lower than the existing one.

Further, in the X-ray apparatus 100, the X-ray can change the overcurrent reference value and / or the over discharge reference value based on the irradiation preparation signal. For example, when the input unit is implemented as a hand switch, the X-ray apparatus 100 can acquire an X-ray irradiating preparation signal through a part of the pressed button. Subsequently, the X-ray apparatus 100 can change the changed overcurrent reference value and the overdischarge reference value back to their original values based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal. For example, the X-ray apparatus 100 can acquire an X-ray irradiated completion signal from the high voltage generator in the X-ray apparatus 100. Similarly, when the X-ray is irradiated, the X-ray apparatus 100 can change the overheat reference value and / or the inter-cell unbalance reference value of the lithium ion battery for the protection circuit operation.

According to another embodiment, when the X-ray is irradiated, the X-ray apparatus 100 can control so that the protection circuit against over-discharge and / or over-current does not operate. More specifically, the X-ray apparatus 100 can control the protection circuit against overdischarge and / or overcurrent based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal. Subsequently, the X-ray apparatus 100 can control so that a protection circuit against over-discharge or over-current can be operated based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal. Similarly, the x-ray apparatus 100 can control the protection circuit against overheating and / or inter-cell unbalance when the x-ray is irradiated.

The X-ray apparatus 100 can control the charging operation for the lithium ion battery when irradiating the X-ray. The X-ray apparatus 100 can stop the charging operation based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal. Subsequently, the X-ray apparatus 100 can resume the charging operation based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a computer-readable recording medium for storing instructions and data executable by a computer. The command may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by the processor, may generate a predetermined program module to perform a predetermined operation. In addition, the instructions, when executed by a processor, may perform certain operations of the disclosed embodiments.

The embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings have been described above. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (26)

In a mobile x-ray apparatus,
X - ray examination department;
A control unit for controlling the X-ray irradiation unit;
A lithium ion battery for supplying operating power to the X-ray irradiator and the controller;
A protection circuit that protects the lithium ion battery from overcurrent or overdischarge; And
And a BMS (Battery Management System) for controlling the operation of the protection circuit based on status information of the lithium ion battery,
Wherein the BMS receives an X-ray irradiation preparation signal from the control unit and controls the protection circuit so as not to operate based on the received X-ray irradiation preparation signal.
The method according to claim 1,
The BMS receives an X-ray irradiation completion signal from the control unit and controls the operation of the protection circuit to resume based on the received X-ray irradiation completion signal.
The method according to claim 1,
The BMS controls the operation of the protection circuit for at least one of overdischarge, overcurrent, overheating and intercell cell unbalance of the lithium ion battery, and the operation of the protection circuit for the at least one based on the x- The mobile x-ray apparatus exceptionally stops the mobile x-ray apparatus.
The method according to claim 1,
A charging unit charging the lithium ion battery; Further comprising:
The charging unit includes:
And controls charging operation for the lithium ion battery when irradiating the X-ray by the X-ray irradiating unit.
5. The method of claim 4,
And the charging unit stops the charging operation for the lithium ion battery based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.
6. The method of claim 5,
And the charging unit resumes the charging operation for the lithium ion battery based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.
The method according to claim 1,
The BMS and the control unit each include a communication interface,
Wherein the BMS and the control unit communicate via a communication interface.
In a mobile x-ray apparatus,
X - ray examination department;
A control unit for controlling the X-ray irradiation unit;
A lithium ion battery for supplying operating power to the X-ray irradiator and the controller;
A protection circuit for protecting the lithium ion battery; And
And a BMS (Battery Management System) for controlling the operation of the protection circuit based on status information of the lithium ion battery,
Wherein the BMS changes an operation parameter value of the protection circuit to prevent the protection circuit from being operated while the object is being irradiated with X-rays by the X-ray irradiation unit.
9. The method of claim 8,
The BMS,
Upon irradiation of the X-ray by the X-ray irradiating unit,
And changes a reference value for operation of the protection circuit against overcurrent.
9. The method of claim 8,
The BMS,
Upon irradiation of the X-ray by the X-ray irradiating unit,
And changes the reference value for the operation of the protection circuit against overdischarge.
9. The method of claim 8,
The BMS,
Ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overcurrent reference value for operating the protection circuit is changed to a higher value and the over-discharge reference value for operation of the protection circuit is changed to a lower value based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.
12. The method of claim 11,
The BMS,
And changes the changed overcurrent reference value and the overdischarge reference value back to the overcurrent reference value and the overdischarge reference value before the change based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.
9. The method of claim 8,
Further comprising a first current sensor for sensing a current of relatively low intensity and a second current sensor for sensing a current of relatively high intensity,
The BMS,
Upon irradiation of the X-ray by the X-ray irradiating unit,
Wherein the second current sensor is used to detect an overcurrent by irradiation of the X-ray.
14. The method of claim 13,
The BMS,
And activates the second current sensor and deactivates the first current sensor based on the X-ray irradiation preparation signal.
15. The method of claim 14,
The BMS,
And activates the first current sensor and deactivates the second current sensor based on the x-ray irradiation completion signal.
9. The method of claim 8,
The BMS and the control unit each include a communication interface,
Wherein the BMS and the control unit communicate via a communication interface.
A method of operating a mobile x-ray apparatus comprising a lithium ion battery,
Receiving an instruction for an x-ray survey from a user; And
Stopping the operation of the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery when irradiating the X-ray based on the received command;
. ≪ / RTI >
18. The method of claim 17,
Resuming operation of the protection circuit when the X-ray irradiation is completed;
≪ / RTI >
18. The method of claim 17,
And controlling charging operation for the lithium ion battery during the X-ray irradiation.
20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the controlling the charging operation comprises:
Stopping the charging operation based on an X-ray irradiation preparation signal; And
And resuming the charging operation based on the x-ray irradiation completion signal. A method of operating a mobile x-ray apparatus comprising a lithium ion battery,
Receiving an instruction for an x-ray survey from a user; And
Controlling the operation of the protection circuit for the lithium ion battery upon X-ray irradiation based on the received command; Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the controlling step includes changing an operation parameter value for controlling the protection circuit to prevent the protection circuit from being operated while irradiating the object with X-rays.
22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the controlling comprises:
Changing an overcurrent reference value and an overdischarge reference value for operation of the protection circuit based on an X-ray irradiation preparation signal; And
Changing the changed overcurrent reference value and the overdischarge reference value back to the overcurrent reference value and the overdischarge reference value before the change based on the X-ray irradiation completion signal.
22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the controlling comprises:
Controlling the operation of the protection circuit against at least one of over discharge, overcurrent, overheating and inter-cell unbalance of the lithium ion battery; And
And when the X-ray is irradiated, exceptionally controlling the operation of the protection circuit for the at least one.
22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the controlling comprises:
Wherein during the X-ray irradiation, a protection circuit for at least one of an overcurrent and an overdischarge is not operated.
22. The method of claim 21,
And controlling charging operation for the lithium ion battery during the X-ray irradiation.
26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein the controlling the charging operation comprises:
Stopping the charging operation based on an X-ray irradiation preparation signal; And
And resuming the charging operation based on the x-ray irradiation completion signal.

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