KR102057198B1 - Method and apparatus for storing x-ray data to at least one x-ray detection module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for storing all or part of X-ray data of an object obtained from at least one of a plurality of mutually communicable X-ray detection modules in the plurality of X-ray detection modules. Activating at least one X-ray detection module of the X-ray detection modules, acquiring X-ray data through the activated X-ray detection module, and all or part of the obtained X-ray data other than the activated X-ray detection module A method and apparatus for transmitting to at least one other X-ray detection module.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING X-RAY DATA TO AT LEAST ONE X-RAY DETECTION MODULE}

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus therefor for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module including a storage device.

The X-ray detector may include a plurality of X-ray detection modules. The X-ray detection module receiving the X-ray data transmits the X-ray data to a storage device external to the X-ray detector, and the external storage device may store the received X-ray data.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus therefor for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispersing all or a part of X-ray data of an object obtained from at least one of a plurality of X-ray detection modules that can communicate with each other.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for storing all or part of X-ray data of an object obtained from at least one of a plurality of X-ray detection modules that are communicable with each other is provided in the plurality of X-ray detection modules.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of acquiring X-ray data through an X-ray detection module and transferring all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the X-ray detection module It may include the step of transmitting.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include activating at least one X-ray detection module among the plurality of X-ray detection modules, and obtaining the X-ray through the activated X-ray detection module. Acquiring data, and transmitting may include transmitting all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the activated X-ray detection module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the activating may include activating at least one X-ray detection module included in a predetermined X-ray detection range according to the size of the object among the plurality of X-ray detection modules. Can be.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the acquiring may further include storing the acquired X-ray data in a storage device of the X-ray detection module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitting may include selecting at least one of the plurality of detection modules and transmitting X-ray data obtained by the selected detection module.

Selecting according to an embodiment of the present invention includes grouping a plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups and selecting at least one of the plurality of groups, and transmitting comprises: selecting at least one The method may include transmitting the obtained data to a group of.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the selecting may include grouping a plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input, and selecting at least one of the plurality of groups and transmitting the group. May include transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the selecting may include randomly grouping a plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups, and selecting at least one of the plurality of groups. And transmitting the obtained data to at least one group.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include storing all or part of the obtained X-ray data in the storage device of the at least one other X-ray detection module.

The method may further include outputting the obtained X-ray data from at least one of an activated X-ray detection module and another X-ray detection module.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for storing all or a portion of X-ray data of an object obtained from at least one of a plurality of X-ray detection modules that are communicable with each other is provided in the plurality of X-ray detection modules.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention detects at least one other X-ray other than an acquirer for acquiring X-ray data through the X-ray detection module and all or part of the acquired X-ray data other than the activated X-ray detection module It may include a transmission unit for transmitting to the module.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an activation unit for activating at least one X-ray detection module of the plurality of X-ray detection modules, and the acquisition unit is configured to generate X-ray data through the activated X-ray detection module. The acquiring and transmitting unit may transmit all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the activated X-ray detection module.

 The activation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may activate at least one X-ray detection module included in a predetermined X-ray detection range according to the size of the object among the plurality of X-ray detection modules.

The acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may cause the storage device of the X-ray detection module to store the obtained X-ray data.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission unit may include a selection unit that selects at least one of the plurality of detection modules, and the transmission unit may transmit the X-ray data obtained to the selected detection module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the selector may group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups, select at least one of the plurality of groups, and the transmitter may transmit the acquired data to the selected at least one group. have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the selector groups the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input, selects at least one of the plurality of groups, and the transmitter acquires the selected at least one group. Data can be transferred.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the selecting unit randomly groups a plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups, selects at least one of the plurality of groups, and the transmitting unit selects at least one group of the acquired data. Can transmit

The acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may cause the storage device of the at least one other X-ray detection module to store all or part of the obtained X-ray data.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an output unit configured to output the obtained X-ray data from at least one of an activated X-ray detection module and another X-ray detection module.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the above-described method on a computer can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a general X-ray apparatus.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 (a) and 3 (b) are diagrams for describing a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams for describing a method of transmitting X-ray data to X-ray detection modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams for describing a method of transmitting X-ray data for each X-ray detection module group, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to another exemplary embodiment.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various forms, and only the embodiments of the present invention make the disclosure of the present invention complete and the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Terms used herein will be briefly described and the present invention will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present invention have been selected as widely used general terms as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of the person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies and the like. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the present invention, rather than the names of the simple terms.

When any part of the specification is to "include" any component, this means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, the term "part" as used herein refers to a hardware component, such as software, FPGA or ASIC, and "part" plays certain roles. But wealth is not limited to software or hardware. The 'unit' may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to play one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a "part" refers to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, Subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays and variables. The functionality provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts".

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention.

As used herein, “image or image” shall mean multi-dimensional data consisting of discrete image elements (eg, pixels in a two-dimensional image and voxels in a three-dimensional image). Can be. For example, the image may include a medical image of the subject acquired by the X-ray diagnostic system, and the like.

In addition, the term "object" herein may include a person or an animal, or a part of a person or an animal. For example, the subject may include organs such as the liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, abdomen, or blood vessels. In addition, the "object" may include a phantom. Phantom means a material having a volume very close to the density and effective atomic number of an organism, and may include a sphere phantom having properties similar to the body.

In addition, in the present specification, the "user" may be a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a medical imaging specialist, a radiologist, or the like, and may be a technician who repairs a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

The X-ray apparatus is a medical imaging apparatus that acquires an internal structure of the human body by transmitting X-rays through the human body. The X-ray apparatus is simpler than other medical imaging apparatuses including an MRI apparatus, a CT apparatus, and the like, and has an advantage of obtaining a medical image of an object in a short time. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus is widely used for simple chest imaging, simple abdominal imaging, simple skeletal imaging, simple sinus imaging, simple neck soft tissue imaging and mammography.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a general X-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a fixed X-ray apparatus or a mobile X-ray apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray apparatus 100 may include a workstation 110, an X-ray radiator 120, a high voltage generator 121, and a detector 130.

The workstation 110 includes an input unit 111 through which a user may input a command for operating the X-ray apparatus 100 including X-ray irradiation, and a controller 112 that controls the overall operation of the X-ray apparatus 100. .

The high voltage generator 121 generates a high voltage for generating X-rays and applies the high voltage to the X-ray source 122.

The X-ray radiator 120 receives the high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 121 to generate an X-ray and generate a X-ray source 122 and a collimator 123 guiding a path of X-rays radiated from the X-ray source 122. Include.

The detector 130 detects X-rays radiated from the X-ray radiator 120 and transmitted through the object. The detector 130 may include a plurality of detection modules.

The detector 130 may be referred to as an X-ray detector. A general X-ray detector may be classified into a direct conversion method and an indirect conversion method according to a method of converting X-rays into electrical signals. The direct conversion method may use a semiconductor compound that generates an electrical signal without going through an intermediate step by X-ray absorption. When X-rays are irradiated, carriers of electron-hole pairs may be temporarily generated inside the mixture semiconductor. The carrier of the electron-hole pair can move electrons to the anode and holes to the cathode by an electric field applied across the material. In the indirect conversion method, X-rays passing through a subject react with scintillators to emit photons having a wavelength in the visible light region, which are received by a photodiode and converted into electrical signals, thereby converting the data into DAS (Data Aquisition). It can be sent to external PC via System. In the indirect detector, the signal from the light receiving element is converted to digital through an analog to digital converter (ADC) of the DAS, and data can be transmitted. The detector does not have a separate memory and can take advantage of the memory functions built into the ADC. The performance of the conventional X-ray detector has a limitation in detecting high resolution images, and there is no difficulty in data transmission even when no additional storage device is installed in the detector module. However, when the pixel size becomes smaller (eg, 500 μm or less) and continuously photographs a high resolution image, it is difficult to obtain a clear image using only a detector according to the prior art.

In addition, the X-ray apparatus 100 may further include an operation unit 140 including a sound output unit 141 for outputting sound representing photographing related information such as X-ray irradiation under the control of the controller 112.

The workstation 110, the X-ray radiator 120, the high voltage generator 121, and the detector 130 may be connected to each other wirelessly or by wire, and, when wirelessly connected, an apparatus for synchronizing clocks with each other (not shown). It may further include.

The input unit 111 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, and the like, and may include an input device apparent to those skilled in the art. The user may input a command for X-ray irradiation through the input unit 111, and the input unit 111 may be provided with a switch for inputting such a command. The switch may be pressed twice so that an irradiation command for X-ray irradiation is input.

That is, when the user presses the switch, the switch may have a structure in which a preparation command for instructing preheating for X-ray irradiation is input, and when the switch is pressed deeper in this state, an irradiation command for actual X-ray irradiation is input. When the user operates the switch as described above, the input unit 111 generates a signal corresponding to a command input through the switch operation, that is, a preparation signal and an irradiation signal, to the high voltage generator 121 generating a high voltage for X-ray generation. Output

The high voltage generator 121 receives a preparation signal output from the input unit 111 and starts preheating. When the preheating is completed, the high voltage generator 121 outputs the preparation completion signal to the controller 112. In addition, the X-ray detection unit 130 also needs to prepare for X-ray detection. When the high voltage generator 121 receives a preparation signal output from the input unit 111, the detection unit 130 transmits the object together with its own preheating. The preparation signal is output to the detector 130 so as to prepare for detecting one X-ray. When the detection unit 130 receives the preparation signal, the detector 130 prepares to detect the X-ray, and when the detection preparation is completed, the detection unit 130 outputs the detection preparation completion signal to the high voltage generator 121 and the controller 112.

When the preheating of the high voltage generator 121 is completed, the X-ray detection preparation of the detector 130 is completed, and the irradiation signal is output from the input unit 111 to the high voltage generator 121, the high voltage generator 121 is a high voltage. Is generated and applied to the X-ray source 122, and the X-ray source 122 irradiates X-rays.

When the irradiation signal is output from the input unit 111, the controller 112 outputs a sound output signal to the sound output unit 141 so that the subject knows the X-ray irradiation so that a predetermined sound is output from the sound output unit 141. can do. In addition, the sound output unit 141 may output a sound representing other shooting related information in addition to X-ray irradiation. Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the sound output unit 141 is included in the manipulation unit 140, the sound output unit 141 is not limited thereto, and the sound output unit 141 may be located at a point different from that at which the manipulation unit 141 is located. For example, the image may be included in the workstation 110 or may be located on a wall of an imaging room where X-ray imaging of the object is performed.

The controller 112 controls the position, the imaging timing, and the shooting conditions of the X-ray radiator 120 and the detector 130 according to the shooting conditions set by the user.

Specifically, the controller 112 controls the high voltage generator 121 and the detector 130 according to a command input through the input unit 111 to control X-ray irradiation timing, X-ray intensity, X-ray irradiation region, and the like. . In addition, the controller 112 adjusts the position of the detector 130 according to a predetermined shooting condition and controls the operation timing of the detector 130.

In addition, the controller 112 generates a medical image of the object by using the image data received from the detector 130. In detail, the controller 112 may receive image data from the detector 130, remove noise of the image data, and adjust a dynamic range and interleaving to generate a medical image of the object. .

The X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may further include an output unit (not shown) for outputting a medical image generated by the controller 112. The output unit may output information necessary for the user to manipulate the X-ray apparatus 100, such as a user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Outputs may include printers, CRT displays, LCD displays, PDP displays, OLED displays, FED displays, LED displays, VFD displays, DLP displays, PFD displays, 3D displays, transparent displays, etc. It may include a variety of output devices in.

The workstation 110 shown in FIG. 1 may further include a communication unit (not shown) that may be connected to the server 162, the medical device 164, the portable terminal 166, and the like through the network 150.

The communication unit may be connected to the network 150 by wire or wirelessly to communicate with an external server 162, an external medical device 164, or an external portable terminal 166. The communication unit may transmit / receive data related to diagnosis of the object through the network 150, and may also transmit / receive medical images photographed by other medical devices 164 such as CT, MRI, and X-ray apparatus. In addition, the communication unit may receive a diagnosis history, a treatment schedule, and the like of the patient from the server 162 and use the same to diagnose the object. In addition, the communication unit may perform data communication with not only the server 162 and the medical device 164 in the hospital, but also a portable terminal 166 such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a notebook or the like of a doctor or a customer.

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

The short range communication module refers to a module for performing short range communication with a device located within a predetermined distance. Local area communication technology according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), infrared communication ( IrDA (Infrared Data Association), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Fie1214 Communication (NFC), and the like, but are not limited thereto.

The wired communication module means a module for communication using an electrical signal or an optical signal, and the wired communication technology may include a wired communication technology using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, etc. Wired communication technology may be included.

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

The X-ray apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used for a plurality of digital signal processing apparatuses (DSPs), ultra-compact processing apparatuses, and special applications (for example, fast A / D conversion, fast Fourier transform, array processing, etc.). Processing circuits and the like.

Meanwhile, communication between the workstation 110 and the X-ray radiator 120, the workstation 110, the high voltage generator 121, and the workstation 110 and the detector 130 may include LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) or the like. High-speed digital interface, asynchronous serial communication such as universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), fault-synchronous serial communication, or low latency network protocols such as controller area network (CAN) can be used. Communication methods can be used.

Prior to the description of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described first as shown in FIG. 7.

7 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an exemplary embodiment.

The apparatus 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an acquirer 710 and a transmitter 720. Operation of each component 710 or 720 of the apparatus 700 is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In operation S200, the acquirer 710 may acquire X-ray data through the X-ray detection module. The X-ray data may include information about the object obtained from the X-rays passing through the object.

Each X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one storage device. The acquirer 710 may store all or part of the obtained X-ray data in the storage device of the X-ray detection module.

In operation S210, the transmission unit 720 may transmit all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the X-ray detection module. As described above, the X-ray detection module may include at least one storage device. At least one storage device may be controlled by a storage device controller included in the X-ray detection module. That is, the storage device controller may cause all or part of the X-ray data received from the X-ray detection module to be stored in the storage device of at least one other X-ray detection module other than the X-ray detection module.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are diagrams for describing a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the X-ray generator 300 may be a device that generates X-rays. When the X-ray generator 300 generates X-rays, X-rays may be irradiated over a predetermined range. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the size of the object 310 may be previously determined through the scout view. The activator 705 may determine the X-ray detectable range according to the size of the object using the scout view obtained in a conventional manner. The activation unit 130 may activate at least one X-ray detection module 320 included in the X-ray detection range of the plurality of X-ray detection modules. X-ray data may be obtained through the activated X-ray detection module 320. As described above, X-ray data may be obtained only through the activated X-ray detection module 320 included in the X-ray detection range in which X-rays passing through the object are detected. In other words, the inactive X-ray detection module 330 may not acquire X-ray data. The activated X-ray detection module 320 may transmit X-ray data to the deactivated X-ray detection module 330.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the first X-ray detection module 350, the second X-ray detection module 360, and the third X-ray detection module 370 may include at least one image processor that processes input data. (processor) 380 and at least one storage device 395. Each X-ray detection module 350, 360, 370 may include a storage device controller 390 that controls the storage device 395.

The first X-ray detection module 350 may be an activated X-ray detection module, and the second X-ray detection module 360 and the third X-ray detection module 370 may be inactive X-ray detection modules. Referring to FIG. 3B, since the first X-ray detection module 350 is an activated X-ray detection module, X-ray data may be input. Since the second X-ray detection module 360 and the third X-ray detection module 370 are inactive X-ray detection modules, they may not receive input of X-ray data. The first X-ray detection module 350 may transmit the received X-ray data to the storage device controller 390.

The first X-ray detection module 350 may store all or part of the input X-ray data in the storage device 395 included in the first X-ray detection module 350 under the control of the storage device controller 390. have. X-rays obtained by the first X-ray detection module 350 according to an applied data transfer command from the transmission unit 720 of the apparatus 700 to the storage device control unit 390 of the first X-ray detection module 350. All or part of the data may be transmitted to the second X-ray detection module 360 or the third X-ray detection module 370. The second X-ray detection module 360 or the third X-ray detection module 370 each including a storage device transmits the received X-ray data to the storage device of each X-ray detection module 360 or 370. Can be stored. The storage of the received X-ray data may be performed by the storage device controller 390 included in each of the second X-ray detection module 360 and the third X-ray detection module 370. The storage device controller 390 may transmit the received X-ray data to the image processor 380. The image processor 380 may convert the received X-ray data into data about an image of the object and then output the converted X-ray data.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

8 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to another exemplary embodiment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 700 for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module includes an activator 705, an acquirer 710, a transmitter 720, and a selector 725. And an output unit 730.

In operation S400, at least one X-ray detection module of the plurality of X-ray detection modules may be activated by the activator 705 of the apparatus 700 according to an exemplary embodiment.

An X-ray detector according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of X-ray detection modules. Each X-ray detection module may be capable of communicating with each other. The activation unit 705 of the device 700 may activate to receive X-ray data for all or part of the plurality of X-ray detection modules. For example, only one X-ray detection module may be activated so that only one of the plurality of X-ray detection modules acquires the X-ray data. In addition, the activator 705 may deactivate the X-ray data not to be received for each of the plurality of X-ray detection modules. In addition, the activator 705 may activate at least one X-ray detection module included in a predetermined X-ray detection range according to the size of the object among the plurality of X-ray detection modules. A scout view can be used to determine the size of the subject prior to irradiating the X-rays with the subject. The scout view may include a digital perspective image for positioning to be photographed, which is obtained in advance in order to accurately photograph a cross section of a target portion during X-ray imaging. The scout view may be used to determine an X-ray detectable range according to the size of the object.

In operation S410, the acquirer 710 may acquire X-ray data through the activated X-ray detection module. The X-ray data may include information about the object obtained from the X-rays passing through the object.

As described above, each X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be independently activated, and the X-ray data of the object is obtained through the activated X-ray detection module among the plurality of X-ray detection modules. Can be. In other words, the X-ray data of the object may be obtained only through the activated X-ray detection module. Each X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one storage device. The acquirer 710 may store all or part of the obtained X-ray data in the storage device of the activated X-ray detection module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of transmitting (S420) may include selecting at least one of the plurality of detection modules (S422) and transmitting the obtained X-ray data to the selected detection module (S424). Can be.

In operation S422, the selector 725 may select at least one of the plurality of detection modules. When the selector 725 selects at least one of the plurality of detection modules, the selector 725 may select at least one X-ray detection module adjacent to the activated X-ray detection module. The selector 725 may group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups and select at least one of the plurality of groups. When the size of the object is large, the selector 725 may group the plurality of detection modules. When the size of the object is large, the selector 725 may group the plurality of activated X-ray detection modules and group the unactivated X-ray detection modules to efficiently transmit or store X-ray data.

In operation S424, the transmitter 740 may transmit X-ray data obtained to the selected detection module. The transmitter 740 may group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input, select at least one of the plurality of groups, and transmit the acquired data to the selected at least one group. The external input may include a user input for grouping at least one X-ray detection module received through an external input receiver (not shown). For example, the external input may include an input of information about a group that the user wants to group. For example, the external input may include an input for causing a detection module to be grouped in which the remaining space of the storage device exceeds a predetermined criterion. It may be an input to cause at least one module in which the remaining space of the storage device exceed 50% to be grouped.

The transmitter 740 may transmit X-ray data to another X-ray detection module when space of the storage device in the activated X-ray detection module is insufficient. The lack of space of the storage device may be set in advance by the user, such as 0% remaining, 10% remaining, or the like. The transmitter 720 may transmit the X-ray data acquired to the X-ray detection module having the most storage space of the storage device among other X-ray detection modules.

The output unit 730 may output X-ray data from at least one of an activated X-ray detection module and another X-ray detection module. The output unit 730 may include an X-ray image display device.

5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams for describing a method of transmitting X-ray data to X-ray detection modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. Blocks 500 of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C may be the first X-ray detection module 350 of FIG. 3B. In addition, block 510 may be the second X-ray detection module 360 of FIG. 3B, and block 520 may be the third X-ray detection module 370 of FIG. 3B. Block 530 may be a fourth X-ray detection module, and block 540 may be a fifth X-ray detection module. Referring to FIG. 5A, the first X-ray detection module 500 may receive X-ray data. The first X-ray detection module 500 may transmit the obtained X-ray data to the second X-ray detection module 510 or the third X-ray detection module 520. Also, referring to FIG. 5B, the first X-ray detection module 500 may receive X-ray data. The first X-ray detection module 500 may transmit the obtained X-ray data to the fourth X-ray detection module or the fifth X-ray detection module. Also, referring to FIG. 5C, the first X-ray detection module 500 may receive X-ray data. The second X-ray detection module 510 may transmit the X-ray data received from the first X-ray detection module 350 to the fourth X-ray detection module 530. The third X-ray detection module 520 may also transmit X-ray data received from the first X-ray detection module 350 to the fifth X-ray detection module 540. The X-ray detection module may transmit the X-ray data to the at least one X-ray detection module other than the X-ray detection module receiving the X-ray data.

6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams for describing a method of transmitting X-ray data for each X-ray detection module group according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the square blocks 600 to 660 illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C may represent the aforementioned X-ray detection module. For convenience of description, the following description will be made of the first X-ray detection module 600, the second X-ray detection module 610, the third X-ray detection module 620, the fourth X-ray detection module 630, and the fifth. The X-ray detection module 640, the sixth X-ray detection module 650, and the seventh X-ray detection module 660 will be described.

The selector 725 may group the plurality of X-ray detection modules into a plurality of groups. In addition, the selector 725 may group the plurality of X-ray detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input. Referring to FIG. 6A, the selector 725 includes the first X-ray detection module 600 and the second X-ray detection module 610 in the first group 670, the third X-ray detection module 620, and the fourth. The X-ray detection module 630 and the fifth X-ray detection module 640 are the second group 680, the sixth X-ray detection module 650, and the seventh X-ray detection module 660 are the third group 690. ) Can be grouped together. The selector 725 may group the plurality of X-ray detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input.

For example, the selector 725 may be grouped according to a user's input. It is also possible to group non-adjacent X-ray detection modules. Referring to FIG. 6B, the first X-ray detection module 600, the second X-ray detection module 610, and the third X-ray detection module 620 may be divided into a first group 670 and a fourth X-ray detection module ( 630 and the sixth X-ray detection module 650 may be grouped into the second group 680, the fifth X-ray detection module 640, and the seventh X-ray detection module 660 into the third group 690. have.

Also, referring to FIG. 6C, the selector 725 may randomly group the plurality of X-ray detection modules into a plurality of groups. For example, the selector 725 randomly selects a plurality of X-ray detection modules from the first X-ray detection module 600 and the third X-ray detection module 620 in the first group 670 and the second X-ray detection. The module 610, the fourth X-ray detection module 630, and the sixth X-ray detection module 650 in the second group 680, the fifth X-ray detection module 640, and the seventh X-ray detection module 660. ) May be grouped into a third group 690.

The transmitter 720 may transmit or receive X-ray data between groups. Referring to FIG. 6, X-ray data is input to a fourth X-ray detection module 630 belonging to the second group 680, and the fourth X-ray detection module 600 receives the obtained X-ray data in a first manner. Transmit to group 670.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an exemplary embodiment.

The apparatus 700 for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module may include an acquirer 710 and a transmitter 720.

The acquirer 710 may acquire X-ray data through the X-ray detection module. The acquirer 710 may cause the storage device of the at least one other X-ray detection module to store all or part of the received X-ray data. The acquirer 710 may cause the storage device of the X-ray detection module to store the obtained X-ray data. The storage device may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g. SD or XD memory), RAM , Random Access Memory (SRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) magnetic memory, Magnetic disks, Optical disks It may include at least one type of storage medium. In addition, a web storage or a cloud server that performs a storage function of a storage device may be operated on the Internet.

The transmitter 720 may transmit all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the X-ray detection module.

8 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 The apparatus 700 for storing X-ray data in at least one X-ray detection module includes an activator 705, an acquirer 710, a transmitter 720, a selector 725, and an output 730. can do. The obtaining unit 710 and the transmitting unit 720 are as described with reference to FIG. 7.

The activation unit 705 may activate the X-ray detection module to obtain X-ray data among the plurality of X-ray detection modules. The activation unit 705 may deactivate the X-ray detection module so that X-ray data cannot be obtained. The activation unit 705 may activate at least one X-ray detection module included in a predetermined X-ray detection range in accordance with the size of the object among the plurality of X-ray detection modules. The activator 705 may measure the size of the object through the scout view, and transmits the object by using the size of the object, the distance and angle of the X-ray generator, and the distance and angle of the X-ray detection module. The range in which X-rays can be detected can be determined in advance.

The acquirer 710 may acquire X-ray data through the activated X-ray detection module. The acquirer 710 may cause the storage device of the at least one other X-ray detection module to store all or part of the received X-ray data. The acquirer 710 may cause the storage device of the activated X-ray detection module to store the obtained X-ray data.

The transmitter 720 may transmit all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the activated X-ray detection module.

The transmitter 720 may further include a selector 725. The selector 725 may select at least one X-ray detection module adjacent to the activated X-ray detection module. The selector 725 may group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input and select at least one of the plurality of groups. The selector 725 may randomly group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups and select at least one of the plurality of groups.

The output unit 730 may cause the obtained X-ray data to be output from at least one of an activated X-ray detection module and another X-ray detection module. The output unit 730 may output X-ray data to display on a display. The output unit 730 may include a printer, a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, a FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a DLP display, a PFD display, a 3D display, a transparent display, and the like. Various output devices may be included within the obvious range. In addition, the output unit 730 may output the X-ray data and store the X-ray data in an external storage device.

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

The computer-readable recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium (for example, a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc.), an optical reading medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD, etc.) and a carrier wave (for example, the Internet). Storage medium).

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. You will understand that. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims (17)

A method for storing all or part of X-ray data of an object obtained from at least one of a plurality of mutually communicable X-ray detection modules included in an X-ray detector in the plurality of X-ray detection modules,
Activating at least one X-ray detection module included in an X-ray detection range within which X-rays passing through the object of the plurality of X-ray detection modules are detected;
Acquiring the X-ray data transmitted through the object through the activated X-ray detection module; And
Transmitting all or part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the activated X-ray detection module,
The transmitting comprises transmitting data acquired by the activated X-ray detection module to an unactivated X-ray detection module. The method of claim 1,
The obtaining step,
Storing the obtained X-ray data in a storage device of the X-ray detection module. The method of claim 1,
The transmitting step,
Selecting at least one of the plurality of detection modules; And
Transmitting the obtained X-ray data to the selected detection module. The method of claim 3, wherein
The selecting step,
Grouping the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups; And
Selecting at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmitting step,
Transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 3, wherein
The selecting step,
Grouping the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input; And
Selecting at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmitting step,
Transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 3, wherein
The selecting step,
Randomly grouping the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups; And
Selecting at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmitting step,
Transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 1,
Storing all or part of the obtained X-ray data in a storage device of the at least one other X-ray detection module. The method of claim 1,
And outputting the obtained X-ray data from at least one of the activated X-ray detection module and the other X-ray detection module. In the X-ray detector for storing all or a portion of the X-ray data of the object obtained from at least one of the plurality of X-ray detection modules that the X-ray detector includes in the plurality of X-ray detection modules ,
An activator for activating at least one X-ray detection module included in an X-ray detection range in which X-rays passing through the object among the plurality of X-ray detection modules are detected;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the X-ray data through the activated X-ray detection module; And
A transmission unit which transmits all or a part of the obtained X-ray data to at least one other X-ray detection module other than the activated X-ray detection module,
And the transmission unit transmits data acquired by the activated X-ray detection module to an unactivated X-ray detection module. The method of claim 9,
The obtaining unit,
Said X-ray detector for causing a storage device of said X-ray detection module to store said obtained X-ray data. The method of claim 9,
The transmission unit,
A selection unit to select at least one of the plurality of detection modules,
The transmission unit,
The X-ray detector for transmitting the obtained X-ray data to the selected detection module. The method of claim 11,
The selection unit,
Grouping the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups, selecting at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmission unit,
The X-ray detector for transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 11,
The selection unit,
Group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups based on an external input, select at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmission unit,
The X-ray detector for transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 11,
The selection unit,
Randomly group the plurality of detection modules into a plurality of groups, select at least one of the plurality of groups,
The transmission unit,
The X-ray detector for transmitting the obtained data to the selected at least one group. The method of claim 9,
The obtaining unit,
Said X-ray detector causing a storage device of said at least one other X-ray detection module to store all or part of said obtained X-ray data. The method of claim 9,
And an output unit configured to output the obtained X-ray data from at least one of the activated X-ray detection module and the other X-ray detection module. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing the method of claim 1.

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