KR102366255B1 - X ray apparatus and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an X-ray apparatus that processes a photographed image of an object obtained using a camera attached to an X-ray apparatus and uses the photographed image as an image marker in the X-ray photographed image.
In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an X-ray apparatus for controlling a position of an apparatus of an X-ray apparatus by image processing a photographed image of an object obtained using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus.
Also, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an X-ray apparatus that controls a photographing environment of the X-ray apparatus by image processing a photographed image of an object obtained using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus.

Description

X-ray apparatus and operation method {X RAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME}

The present disclosure relates to an X-ray apparatus and an operating method, and more particularly, an X-ray apparatus capable of acquiring a photographed image of an object using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus and using the acquired photographing image for X-ray imaging and to a method of operation.

X-ray is an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of 0.01 to 100 angstroms (Å) in general, and has a property of penetrating an object, so it is generally used in medical equipment for imaging the inside of a living body or non-destructive testing equipment in general industry. It can be widely used.

An X-ray apparatus using X-rays may transmit X-rays emitted from an X-ray source to an object, and an X-ray detector may detect a difference in intensity of the transmitted X-rays to obtain an X-ray image of the object. The X-ray image may identify an internal structure of the object and diagnose the object. The X-ray apparatus has an advantage in that the internal structure of the object can be easily identified by using the principle that the transmittance of X-rays varies according to the density of the object and the atomic number of atoms constituting the object.

Recently, many efforts have been made to attach a camera to an X-ray apparatus. An object may be photographed with a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus to obtain a photographed image of the object, and the obtained photographed image may be image-processed to be used for X-ray imaging or a method of setting a photographing environment.

An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an X-ray apparatus and an operating method for processing a photographic image of an object obtained using a camera attached to an X-ray apparatus and using the photographed image as an image marker in an X-ray photographed image.

An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an X-ray apparatus and an operating method for controlling a position of instrument equipment of an X-ray apparatus by image processing a photographed image of an object obtained using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus .

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an X-ray apparatus and an operating method for controlling a photographing environment of an X-ray apparatus by image processing a photographed image of an object obtained using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatus.

A first embodiment of the present disclosure provides an X-ray source configured to irradiate an X-ray to an object, an imaging unit coupled to the X-ray source to obtain a representative still image of the object, and an X-ray image of the object to be obtained An X-ray detector for receiving X-rays passing through, a controller for generating an image marker by applying image processing to a representative still image obtained from an image capturing unit, and generating the X-ray image, and the and an image output unit displaying an image marker overlapping the first region of the X-ray image.

The image capturing unit is configured to acquire a plurality of still images of the object by continuously taking pictures of the object, and the representative still images are representative of the X-ray imaging target portion of the object among the plurality of still images It may be a photographic video.

The representative still image may be a still image obtained by taking a picture immediately before obtaining the X-ray image of the object from among the plurality of still images.

The controller may adjust a direction in which the representative still image is displayed on the image output unit.

The controller may adjust the direction of the representative still image based on preset direction information.

The controller may adjust the direction of the representative still image by using geometric information and an image algorithm.

The controller may generate an image marker by applying an image processing technique of blur or mosaic processing to the representative still image.

The controller may generate an image marker by applying an image processing technique of displaying the representative still image as a cartoon image.

The control unit detects a shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the object by image processing the representative still image, selects an image similar to the detected shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the object from among pre-stored images, and selects the selected similarity Images can be created as image markers.

The controller may generate a guide image indicating a direction or a positional relationship of the object in the image marker.

The first embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an X-ray apparatus including an image capturing unit for photographing an object to obtain a representative still image of the object and an image marker ( An X-ray system may be provided, comprising: a controller that generates an image marker), overlaps the image marker on a first region of the X-ray image of the object, and an image output unit that displays the X-ray image and the image marker.

A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides the steps of obtaining a representative still image of the object by photographing the object, generating an image marker using the representative still image using an image processing technique, and X-rays of the object Obtaining an image, and overlapping the image marker on a first area of the X-ray image to display, comprising the step of providing an operating method of the X-ray apparatus.

The obtaining of the representative still image may include: acquiring a plurality of still images of the object by continuously photographing the object; and a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of the object among the plurality of still images may include the step of selecting

The representative still image may be a still image obtained by taking a picture immediately before obtaining the X-ray image of the object from among the plurality of still images.

The method may further include, after selecting the representative still image, adjusting a display direction of the representative still image.

The adjusting the direction of the representative still image may include adjusting the direction of the representative still image based on direction information preset in the X-ray apparatus.

The adjusting the direction of the representative still image may include adjusting the direction of the representative still image by using geometric information and an image algorithm of the X-ray apparatus.

The image marker may include the same image as the representative still image.

The generating of the image marker may include generating the image marker by applying an image processing technique of blurring or mosaicing the representative still image.

In the generating of the image marker, an image processing technique of displaying the representative still image as a cartoon image may be applied to generate the image marker.

The generating of the image marker may include image processing the representative still image to detect a shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the object, and the detected shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the image stored in the X-ray apparatus It may include selecting an image similar to , and generating the selected similar image as an image marker.

The method may further include generating a guide image indicating a direction or positional relationship of the object in the first area within the image marker.

The guide image may include at least one of an illustration, a cartoon image, a figure image, and text.

The first region may be determined based on preset information according to an X-ray imaging target portion of the object.

Displaying the image marker may include image processing the X-ray image to detect clinical information, and determining an area in the X-ray image in which clinical information is not detected as the first area. there is.

A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides an image capture unit configured to acquire a photographed image of the object by photographing an object, and an X-ray photographing target area of the object and the object by applying an image processing technique to the obtained photographed image A thumbnail image is generated by recognizing a central point of , and overlapping a user interface indicating a central point of the X-ray radiator and a shape of the radiation region of the X-ray radiator on the recognized center point of the X-ray imaging target area and the object, A control unit for calculating a shape of an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and a position of the X-ray irradiation unit for making the X-ray imaging target area of the object and the center point of the object coincide with the X-ray irradiation unit irradiation area and the center point of the X-ray irradiation unit, respectively; and An X-ray apparatus including an image output unit for displaying a thumbnail image is provided.

An irradiation area of the X-ray emitter and a center point of the X-ray emitter that match the X-ray imaging target area and the center point of the object, respectively, include a plurality of X-ray emitter areas and a plurality of X-ray emitter center points, and the control unit includes the plurality of The X-ray emitter irradiation area and the center points of the plurality of X-ray emitters may overlap each other on the photographed image to generate a plurality of thumbnail images.

The image output unit displays the plurality of thumbnail images, the X-ray apparatus receives a user input for selecting one of the plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the image output unit, and a user input unit based on the user input The X-ray irradiator may further include a driving unit for adjusting the irradiation area and the position of the X-ray irradiator.

The user input unit may be a touch screen that receives a touch input of a user who touches a thumbnail image among the plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the output unit.

The control unit may convert a shape of an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and a center point of the X-ray irradiation unit into a virtual graphic UI, respectively, and the image output unit may overlap the virtual graphic UI on the photographed image to be displayed. .

The image output unit may display a user interface in which a center point of the object is displayed as a first marker and a center point of the X-ray irradiator is displayed as a second marker.

The position of the second marker may be modified based on a user input.

The control unit identifies a user who uses the X-ray apparatus, obtains setting information about an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and a center point of the X-ray irradiation unit preferred by the identified user, and selects the thumbnail based on the setting information You can create an image.

The X-ray apparatus further includes a storage unit configured to store setting information regarding an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and a center point of the X-ray irradiation unit input by the user, and the control unit analyzes the setting information stored in the storage unit to determine the preference of the user. It is possible to obtain information about an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and a central point of the X-ray irradiation unit.

The controller may generate the thumbnail image based on preset information regarding a photographing protocol of the object.

A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure provides an X-ray imaging target area of the object and an X-ray imaging target area of the object by applying an image processing technique to the acquired picture-taking image by taking a picture of the object to obtain a picture-taking image of the object A central point is recognized, and the shape of the irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and the position of the X-ray irradiation unit are calculated so that the recognized center point of the X-ray imaging target area and the object matches the irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and the center point of the X-ray irradiation unit, respectively generating a thumbnail image by overlapping the calculated information on the shape of the irradiation area of the X-ray radiator and the location of the X-ray radiator on the photographic image, and displaying the thumbnail image. Provided is a method of controlling a position of an X-ray irradiator included in an X-ray apparatus by photographing an object using an apparatus and image processing the photographed image.

An irradiation area of the X-ray emitter and a center point of the X-ray emitter matching the X-ray imaging target area and the center point of the object, respectively, include a plurality of X-ray emitter radiation areas and a plurality of X-ray emitter center points, and generating the thumbnail image may generate a plurality of thumbnail images by overlapping each of the plurality of X-ray radiators and the center points of the plurality of X-ray radiators on the photographic image.

The displaying of the thumbnail image may include displaying the plurality of thumbnail images and receiving a user input for selecting any one of the plurality of thumbnail images, and based on the user input, an irradiation area of the X-ray irradiator and The method may further include adjusting a position of the X-ray irradiator.

The generating of the thumbnail image may include converting the shape of the irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit and the center point of the X-ray irradiation unit into virtual graphics, respectively, and displaying a user interface in which the virtual graphic overlaps on the photographed image. may include the step of

The displaying of the thumbnail image may include displaying a user interface in which a center point of the object is displayed as a first marker and a center point of the X-ray irradiator is displayed as a second marker.

The position of the second marker may be modified based on a user input.

The generating of the thumbnail image may include: identifying a user who uses the X-ray apparatus; Based on setting information about an irradiation area of the X-ray emitter preferred by the identified user and a center point of the X-ray emitter, the thumbnail image may include the step of creating

The generating of the thumbnail image may include generating the thumbnail image based on preset information regarding a photographing protocol of the object.

A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure provides an image capturing unit configured to acquire a photographic image of a photographing room or an object and a peripheral area of the object by photographing a photographing room in which an X-ray apparatus is located , and an X-ray imaging environment including illuminance of the photographing room, illuminance and color of the object and a peripheral area of the object by applying an image processing technique to the acquired photographic image, and based on the detected X-ray imaging environment to provide an X-ray apparatus including a control unit configured to change at least one photographing option setting among photographing option settings of the X-ray apparatus including illuminance setting of the imaging room, illuminance setting of the X-ray irradiation area, and color setting of the X-ray irradiation area .

The image capturing unit is attached to the photographing room, and is disposed on one side of a first camera for photographing the illuminance of the entire photographing room and a user using the X-ray apparatus, and the collimator, the X-ray irradiation area and the peripheral area of the object It may include a second camera for taking pictures.

The X-ray apparatus may include a light emitting diode (LED) illumination, and may further include a collimator for adjusting an irradiation area of X-rays irradiated to the object.

The controller may detect a difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area, and adjust the illumination of the imaging room or the illumination of the collimator based on the difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area.

The controller may adjust the color or brightness of the light emitting diode illumination based on the sensed color of the object and the color of a peripheral area of the object.

The controller may process a picture taken of a user obtained from the first camera to detect a location of the user, and may adjust the illuminance of the recording room according to the sensed location of the user.

The first camera obtains a photographed image of the user by photographing a user who controls an irradiation area of X-rays irradiated to the object by manipulating a collimator, and the control unit converts the obtained photographic image into an image By processing, the user's manipulation action of the collimator may be detected, and the illuminance or color of the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator may be changed according to the detected manipulation action of the user.

A sixth embodiment of the present disclosure provides the steps of acquiring a photographic image of each of the photographing room or the object and the surrounding area of the object by photographing the photographing room or the object and the surrounding area of the object in which the X-ray apparatus is located , detecting an X-ray imaging environment including the illuminance of the photographing room, the illuminance and color of the object and a surrounding area of the object by applying an image processing technique to the acquired photographic image, and the detected X-ray imaging environment changing at least one option setting among imaging option settings of the X-ray apparatus including the illuminance of the imaging room, the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area, and the color of the X-ray irradiation area based on an object or an X-ray imaging environment A method of changing an imaging setting of an X-ray apparatus is provided.

The detecting of the X-ray imaging environment may include detecting a difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area, and changing the imaging setting of the X-ray apparatus may include: Based on the difference in illuminance of the irradiation area, the illumination of the imaging room or the illumination of the collimator may be adjusted.

The detecting of the X-ray imaging environment may include image processing a photographed image of the photographing room to detect the location of the user included in the photographed image, and changing the photographing setting of the X-ray apparatus may include: It is possible to adjust the illuminance of the recording room according to the user's location.

The obtaining of the photographic image may include: acquiring a photographed image of the user by photographing a user who controls a radiation area of X-rays irradiated to the object by manipulating a collimator, and sensing the X-ray photographing environment , detecting the manipulation behavior of the collimator by the user by image processing the acquired photo-taking image, and changing the imaging setting of the X-ray apparatus, includes X-ray irradiation of the collimator based on the detected manipulation behavior of the user You can change the luminance or color of the area.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray system.
2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of generating an image marker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating an image marker by an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining a method of correcting a photographed image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
7A to 7D are diagrams for explaining an image processing method of generating an image marker from a representative still image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating an image marker by the X-ray system shown in FIG. 8 .
10 is an X-ray image including an image marker and a guide image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating, by an X-ray apparatus, an image marker including a guide image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a position of an image marker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a position of an image marker by an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of adjusting positions of instruments of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 is a flowchart for explaining a method of adjusting the position of the instrument equipment of the X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
16 is a diagram illustrating a manipulation unit for displaying an instrument equipment setting guide UI according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
17 to 19 are views for explaining a method of adjusting the instrument equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
20 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of controlling an X-ray imaging environment by image-processing a photographic image obtained by photographing an object by an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
22 is a flowchart for explaining a method of changing an imaging option setting according to an imaging environment by the X-ray apparatus illustrated in FIG. 21 .
23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of changing, by an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an imaging setting according to illuminance of an imaging room and illuminance of an X-ray irradiation area.
24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining a method in which the X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. 21 controls a photographing option setting by recognizing a user's behavior and an object's behavior.
25 is a flowchart for explaining the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B.
26 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become 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 different forms, and only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Terms used in this specification will be briefly described, and the present invention will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present invention have been selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but these may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

As used herein, “image” may refer to multi-dimensional data composed of discrete image elements (eg, pixels in a two-dimensional image and voxels in a three-dimensional image). Examples of the image may include a medical image of an object obtained by an X-ray apparatus, a CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, an ultrasound apparatus, and other medical imaging apparatuses.

Also, as used herein, an “object” may be a human or an animal, or a part of a human or animal. For example, the object may include at least one of organs such as liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, abdomen, and blood vessels. Also, the “object” may be a phantom. A phantom refers to a material that is very close to the density and effective atomic number of an organism and is very close to the volume of an organism, and may include a spherical phantom having properties similar to a body.

Also, in the present specification, a “user” may be a medical professional, such as a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a medical imaging specialist, or a technician repairing a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

An X-ray apparatus is a medical imaging apparatus that transmits X-rays through a human body to obtain an image of an internal structure of the human body. The X-ray apparatus has advantages in that it is convenient and can acquire a medical image of an object within a short time compared to other medical imaging apparatuses including an MRI apparatus and a CT apparatus. Accordingly, 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 an X-ray system 1000 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , an X-ray system 1000 includes an X-ray apparatus 100 and a workstation 110 . The X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a stationary X-ray apparatus or a mobile X-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus 100 may include an X-ray irradiation unit 120 , a high voltage generator 121 , a detection unit 130 , a manipulation unit 140 , and a control unit 150 . The controller 150 may control the overall operation of the X-ray apparatus 100 .

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

The X-ray irradiator 120 receives the high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 121 to generate X-rays and guides the path of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 122 and the X-ray source 122 to form an X-ray irradiation area. It may include a collimator 123 to adjust.

The X-ray source 122 includes an X-ray tube, and the X-ray tube may be implemented as a dipole vacuum tube having an anode and a cathode. The inside of the X-ray tube is made in a high vacuum of about 10 mmHg, and the filament of the cathode is heated to a high temperature to generate hot electrons. A tungsten filament can be used as the filament, and a voltage of 10V and a current of 3-5A can be applied to the electric wire connected to the filament to heat the filament.

And when a high voltage of about 10-300 kVp is applied between the cathode and the anode, the hot electrons are accelerated and collide with the target material of the anode to generate X-rays. The generated X-rays are irradiated to the outside through the window, and a berium thin film may be used as a material of the window. At this time, most of the energy of the electrons colliding with the target material is consumed as heat, and the remaining energy is converted into X-rays.

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

The voltage applied between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube is referred to as a tube voltage, which is applied by the high voltage generator 121 , and its magnitude may be expressed as a crest value kVp. When the tube voltage is increased, the speed of the hot electrons is increased, and as a result, the energy of the X-rays (energy of the photons) generated by colliding with the target material is increased. The current flowing in the X-ray tube is called tube current and can be expressed as an average value of mA. As the tube current increases, the number of hot electrons emitted from the filament increases, and as a result, the amount of X-rays generated by colliding with the target material (the number of X-ray photons) increases. do.

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

The detector 130 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 120 and transmitted through the object. The detection unit 130 may be a digital detection unit. The detection unit 130 may be implemented using a TFT or a CCD. Although the detector 130 is illustrated as being included in the X-ray apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 , the detector 130 may be an X-ray detector that is a separate device connectable to the X-ray apparatus 100 .

Also, the X-ray apparatus 100 may further include a manipulation unit 140 that provides an interface for manipulating the X-ray apparatus 100 . The manipulation unit 140 may include an output unit 141 and an input unit 142 . The input unit 142 may receive a command for operating the X-ray apparatus 300 and various information regarding X-ray imaging from the user. The controller 150 may control or operate the X-ray apparatus 100 based on information input to the input unit 142 . The output unit 141 may output a sound indicating photographing-related information, such as X-ray irradiation, under the control of the controller 150 .

The workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 may be connected to each other wirelessly or by wire, and when connected wirelessly, may further include a device (not shown) for synchronizing clocks therebetween. The workstation 110 may exist in a space physically separated from the X-ray apparatus 100 .

The workstation 110 may include an output unit 111 , an input unit 112 , and a control unit 113 . The output unit 111 and the input unit 112 provide an interface for manipulating the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 to a user. The controller 113 may control the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 .

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

Although the control unit 113 of the workstation 110 and the control unit 150 of the X-ray apparatus 100 are separately illustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 is only an example. As another example, the control units 113 and 150 may be implemented as one integrated control unit, and the integrated control unit may be included in only one of the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 . Hereinafter, the controllers 113 and 150 refer to the controller 113 of the workstation 110 and/or the controller 150 of the X-ray apparatus 100 .

The output unit 111 and the input unit 112 of the workstation 110 and the output unit 141 and the input unit 142 of the X-ray apparatus 100 provide an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 100 to the user, respectively. can In FIG. 1 , each of the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 is illustrated as including output units 111 and 141 and input units 112 and 142 , but is not limited thereto. The output unit or the input unit may be implemented in only one of the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 .

Hereinafter, the input units 112 and 142 mean the input unit 112 of the workstation 110 and/or the input unit 142 of the X-ray apparatus 100 , and the output units 111 and 141 of the workstation 110 . It refers to the output unit 111 and/or the output unit 141 of the X-ray apparatus 100 .

Examples of the input units 112 and 142 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, and the like, and may include other input devices obvious to those skilled in the art. A user may input a command for X-ray irradiation through the input units 112 and 142 , and a switch for inputting such a command may be provided in the input units 112 and 142 . The switch may be provided so that an irradiation command for X-ray irradiation is input only when the switch is pressed twice.

That is, when the user presses the switch, a preparation command for instructing preheating for X-ray irradiation is input to the switch, and when the switch is pressed deeper in that state, an irradiation command for actual X-ray irradiation is inputted. In this way, when the user operates the switch, the controllers 113 and 150 generate a signal corresponding to a command input through the switch operation, that is, a preparation signal, and transmit it to the high voltage generator 121 that generates a high voltage for X-ray generation. do.

The high voltage generator 121 starts preheating upon receiving the preheating signal transmitted from the controllers 113 and 150 , and when the preheating is completed, transmits the ready complete signal to the controllers 113 and 150 . In addition, the detector 130 also needs to prepare for X-ray detection for X-ray detection. The controllers 113 and 150 preheat the high voltage generator 121 and prepare the detector 130 to detect the X-ray that has passed through the object. It transmits a preparation signal to the detection unit 130 to do so. When the detection unit 130 receives the preparation signal, it prepares to detect the X-ray, and when the detection preparation is completed, the detection unit 130 transmits the detection preparation completion signal to the controllers 113 and 150 .

The preheating of the high voltage generating unit 121 is completed, the X-ray detection preparation of the detecting unit 130 is completed, the controllers 113 and 150 transmit an irradiation signal to the high voltage generating unit 121 , and the high voltage generating unit 121 . generates a high voltage and applies it to the X-ray source 122, and the X-ray source 122 irradiates the X-rays.

When transmitting the irradiation signal, the control unit 113, 150 transmits a sound output signal to the output units 111 and 141 so that the object can know the X-ray irradiation, so that a predetermined sound is output from the output units 111 and 141 can In addition, the output units 111 and 141 may output a sound indicating other imaging-related information in addition to X-ray irradiation. 1 illustrates that the output unit 141 is included in the operation unit 140, but is not limited thereto, and the output unit 141 or a portion of the output unit 141 is different from the point at which the operation unit 140 is located. may be located at the point. For example, it may be located on a wall of an imaging room in which X-ray imaging of an object is performed.

The controllers 113 and 150 control the positions of the X-ray irradiator 120 and the detector 130, imaging timing, and imaging conditions according to imaging conditions set by the user.

Specifically, the controllers 113 and 150 control the high voltage generator 121 and the detector 130 according to commands input through the input units 112 and 142 to control the X-ray irradiation timing, X-ray intensity, and X-ray irradiation area. control the back. In addition, the controllers 113 and 150 adjust the position of the detector 130 according to a predetermined shooting condition, and control the operation timing of the detector 130 .

Also, the controllers 113 and 150 generate a medical image of the object by using the image data received through the detector 130 . Specifically, the controllers 113 and 150 receive image data from the detector 130, remove noise from the image data, and adjust dynamic range and interleaving to generate a medical image of the object. can

The output units 111 and 141 may output medical images generated by the controllers 113 and 150 . The output units 111 and 141 may output information necessary for the user to operate the X-ray apparatus 100 , such as a user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Examples of the output units 111 and 141 include speakers, printers, CRT displays, LCD displays, PDP displays, OLED displays, FED displays, LED displays, VFD displays, DLP displays, FPD displays, 3D displays, transparent displays, and the like. and may include various output devices within the range apparent to those skilled in the art.

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

The communication unit may be connected to a network 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 an object through a network, and may also transmit/receive medical images captured by another medical device 164 such as a CT, MRI, or X-ray apparatus. Furthermore, the communication unit may receive a diagnosis history or a treatment schedule of a patient from the server 162 and utilize it for diagnosis of an object. In addition, the communication unit may perform data communication not only with the server 162 or the medical device 164 in the hospital, but also with the portable terminal 166 such as a mobile phone, PDA, or laptop computer of a doctor or 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. Examples of short-range communication technology according to an embodiment of the present invention include wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared Communication (IrDA, Infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Fie1214 Communication), etc. may include, but are not limited thereto.

A wired communication module means a module for communication using an electrical signal or an optical signal, and examples of the wired communication technology may include a wired communication technology using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, etc. Obvious wired communication techniques may be included.

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

The X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a plurality of digital signal processing apparatuses (DSPs), ultra-small arithmetic processing apparatuses, and special uses (eg, high-speed A/D conversion, high-speed Fourier transformation, array processing, etc.) processing circuitry and the like.

On the other hand, communication between the workstation 110 and the X-ray apparatus 100 is a high-speed digital interface such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), asynchronous serial communication such as a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), erroneous synchronous serial communication, or CAN A low-delay type network protocol such as (Controller Area Network) may be used, and various communication methods may be used within the range apparent to those skilled in the art.

2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of generating an image marker by the X-ray system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the X-ray system 1000 may include an X-ray apparatus 100 and a workstation 110 . The X-ray apparatus 100 includes an X-ray irradiator 120 for irradiating X-rays to the object 10 , a detector 130 for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 120 and passing through the object 10 , and the X-ray apparatus 100 . It may include a manipulation unit 140 providing a user interface (UI) for manipulation of the , and an image capturing unit 160 attached to one side of the X-ray irradiator 120 to take a picture of the object 10 .

The image capture unit 160 may acquire a plurality of still images of the object 10 by continuously photographing the object 10 . The plurality of still images are images obtained by photographing through the image capturing unit 160 , and are distinguished from X-ray images obtained by X-ray imaging of the object 10 . The image capture unit 160 may be implemented as a camera, which is a general image acquisition device. The image capturing unit 160 may include, for example, at least one of a CMOS module, a CCD module, and a moving image capturing device. The image capturing unit 160 may be attached to one side of the collimator 123 (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the X-ray irradiation unit 120 .

The workstation 110 may include an output unit 111 and a control unit 113 . The controller 113 may be connected to the X-ray apparatus 100 by wire or wirelessly. Although the control unit 113 is illustrated as being included in the workstation 110 in FIG. 2 , this is exemplary. In an embodiment, the workstation 110 may be included in the X-ray apparatus 100 .

The control unit 113 selects a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of the object 10 from among a plurality of still images obtained by continuously taking pictures by the image capturing unit 160, and processes the selected representative still image. It can be created with an image marker (180). In the X-ray apparatus 100 , the detection unit 130 detects that the X-rays irradiated to the object 10 by the X-ray irradiation unit 120 have passed through the object 10 , and the control unit 113 of the workstation 110 is the detection unit An X-ray image 170 of the object 10 may be obtained by receiving image data through 130 and performing image processing on the received image data. In an embodiment, the controller 113 may display the image marker 180 overlapping on the first area of the X-ray image 170 .

The output unit 111 of the workstation 110 may overlap the image marker 180 on the X-ray image 170 to display it together with the X-ray image 170 . In an embodiment, the X-ray image 170 and the image marker 180 may also be displayed on the manipulation unit 140 of the X-ray apparatus 100 .

In general, in X-ray imaging, various clinical regions are photographed in a predetermined imaging direction according to a diagnostic purpose of the object 10 . In this case, the photographing direction of the object 10 is AP (Antereo-Posterior) photographing from front to back, PA (Postero-Anterior) photographing from back to front, Lateral R/L (Right/Left) photographing from the side, and diagonally. There may be a method such as Oblique R/L. The user of the X-ray system 1000, for example, the X-ray image 170 photographed by a radiologist, may be oriented or flipped before being delivered to the diagnostician. In this case, a marker that can be identified by the diagnostician (marker) is required. However, if the marker preset in the X-ray system 1000 is different from the actual imaging situation or when the radiologist makes a mistake, the wrong marker may be used at any time, which may lead to a medical accident.

The X-ray system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generates a still image obtained by photographing the object 10 by the image capturing unit 160 as an image marker 180 to overlap the X-ray image 170 . can be displayed. In the X-ray system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image capturing unit 160 takes a picture of the object 10 at the time of photographing itself, and directly converts the still image of the object 10 as an image marker. By using, the user (radiologist or diagnostician) can easily recognize and confirm whether the X-ray image 170 is photographed in the normal photographing direction, whether it is flipped, and whether the X-ray image 170 is upside down, left and right inverted. there is an effect Accordingly, a medical accident caused by a user, particularly a diagnostician, erroneously recognizing the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the X-ray image 170 and erroneously treating the object 10 can be prevented in advance.

3 is a block diagram of the X-ray apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the X-ray apparatus 100 may include an X-ray irradiation unit 120 , a detection unit 130 , a control unit 150 , an image acquisition unit 160 , and an image output unit 162 . The X-ray irradiator 120 and the detector 130 are the same as the X-ray irradiator 120 and the detector 130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The image capturing unit 160 may include a camera attached to one side of the X-ray irradiation unit 120 . The camera is disposed toward the object 10 (refer to FIG. 2) and includes a camera sensor that converts the image of the object 10 into an electrical signal, and a signal processing unit that converts an analog image signal photographed from the camera sensor into digital data can The camera sensor may be a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and the signal processing unit may be implemented as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The camera sensor may photograph the object 10 , and the signal processing unit may acquire a photographing image of the object 10 . In an embodiment, the camera sensor may continuously take pictures of the object 10 , and the signal processing unit may acquire a plurality of still images of the object 10 .

The controller 150 may select any one of a plurality of still images of the object 10 obtained by the image capturing unit 160 and generate a representative still image. The representative still image may be a still image representing the X-ray imaging target portion of the object 10 .

The controller 150 may generate an image marker 180 (refer to FIG. 2 ) using an image processing technique for a photographed image of the object 10 . In an embodiment, the controller 150 may generate an image marker by image processing a representative still image selected from among a plurality of still images obtained by photographing the object 10 by the image capturing unit 160 . In an embodiment, the controller 150 may generate the representative still image itself as the image marker 180 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the controller 150 may generate an image marker by applying an image processing technique including blur and/or mosaic to the representative still image. The controller 150 may also generate an X-ray image 170 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the object 10 and overlap the image marker 180 on the generated X-ray image 170 . In an embodiment, the controller 150 may make the size of the image marker 180 smaller than that of the X-ray image 170 to overlap the first region in the X-ray image 170 .

The control unit 150 may be composed of a hardware component such as an FPGA or an ASIC. For example, the controller 150 may be a hardware device including at least one of a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphic processing unit, and a hardware unit including a memory.

The controller 150 may control the X-ray image 170 and the image marker 180 to be displayed on the image output unit 162 . In an embodiment, the controller 150 may store the image marker 180 in a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine header (DICOM header) without displaying the image marker 180 simultaneously with the X-ray image 170 . When the image marker 180 is stored in the DICOM header, the controller 150 may determine whether to display the image marker 180 according to a user's option setting.

The image output unit 162 may display the X-ray image 170 overlapping the image marker 180 to the user. The image marker 180 may be displayed to overlap the first area in the X-ray image 170 .

In an embodiment, the image output unit 162 may display a user interface (UI) for operating the X-ray apparatus 100 with respect to the displayed X-ray image 170 and the image marker 180 . When the image output unit 162 displays the X-ray image 170 , the image marker 180 , and the user interface, the image output unit 162 may be configured as a touch screen that receives a user's touch input.

4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the X-ray apparatus 100 ′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the X-ray apparatus 100 ′ may include a workstation 110 , an X-ray radiator 120 , a detector 130 , an image capture unit 160 , and an image output unit 162 . The X-ray irradiator 120 , the detector 130 , the image capture unit 160 , and the image output unit 162 illustrated in FIG. 3B have the same configuration as those illustrated in FIG. 3 , and thus overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The workstation 110 may include a control unit 113 . The controller 113 may generate an image marker 180 (refer to FIG. 2 ) by image processing the photographed image of the object 10 obtained from the image capturing unit 160 . Also, the controller 113 generates an X-ray image 170 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the object based on the X-ray detected by the detector 130 , and overlaps the image marker 180 on the generated X-ray image 170 . can

In all embodiments described herein, the control unit 113 may perform the same functions and operations as those of the control unit 150 illustrated in FIG. 3 . Accordingly, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating an image marker by the X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. 3 .

In operation S501, the X-ray apparatus acquires a photographic image of the object by photographing the object, and selects a representative still image representing an X-ray photographing target portion of the object. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus may acquire a plurality of still images of the object by continuously photographing the object. An image obtained by photographing an object may be an image different from an X-ray image obtained by X-ray photographing of the object. A plurality of still images may be implemented through a camera, which is a general image acquisition device. In an embodiment, the image capture unit 160 (refer to FIG. 3 ) may acquire a plurality of still images of the object 10 by continuously taking pictures of the object 10 (refer to FIG. 2 ).

The X-ray apparatus may select a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of an object from among a plurality of still images. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus may image-process all of the plurality of still images, recognize an image clearly captured by the camera precisely focusing on the X-ray imaging portion of the object, and determine the recognized image as a representative still image.

In step S502, the X-ray apparatus generates an image marker by image processing the photographed image. In an embodiment, the image marker may be generated by applying an image processing technique of blurring a photographed image as if the image is blurred or mosaic processing. In an embodiment, the image marker may recognize the shape of the object included in the photographed image through an image processing process for the photographed image, and may be replaced with a cartoon image similar to the recognized shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the image marker may be the photographed image itself or may include the same image as the photographed image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) may generate an image marker by applying an image processing technique to a representative still image among a plurality of still images of the object.

In operation S503, the X-ray apparatus synthesizes the image marker into the X-ray image of the object. In an embodiment, the size of the image marker may be smaller than the size of the X-ray image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) may synthesize the image marker into the X-ray image so that the image marker overlaps and is displayed in the first region of the X-ray image.

6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining a method of correcting a still image of an object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 6A , the vertical direction of the first representative still image 181 may be switched to generate a first corrected image 181 ′. The first corrected image 181 ′ may be an image in which the vertical direction of the object 10 included in the first representative still image 181 is inverted. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A , the object 10 may be a chest of a patient, and the first representative still image 181 may be an image in which the head 12 of the object 10 faces downward. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) recognizes a portion of the patient's head 12 included in the first representative still image 181 , and performs the first operation such that the patient's head 12 is disposed upward. The vertical direction of the representative still image 181 may be reversed. The first corrected image 181 ′ is generated by correcting the direction in which the patient's head 12 included in the first representative still image 181 is arranged to face upward, so that the user can determine the direction of the patient, that is, the object 10 . can be intuitively recognized.

Referring to FIG. 6B , the vertical direction of the second representative still image 182 may be reversed like the first representative still image 181 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B , the object 11 may be a patient's hand, and the second representative still image 182 is changed to the second corrected image 182 ′ by inverting the vertical direction so that the finger faces upward. can be In an embodiment, when the position of the object 11 included in the second representative still image 182 is not located in the center of the second representative still image 182 , the position of the second corrected image 182 ′ is corrected by correcting the position. ) can be created. The controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) may generate the second corrected image 182 ′ by correcting the direction and/or position of the second representative still image 182 .

Referring to FIG. 6C , left and right sides of the third representative still image 183 are inverted to generate a third corrected image 183 ′. The third corrected image 183 ′ may be a flip-processed image in which the left and right sides of the object 10 included in the third representative still image 183 are inverted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C , the object 10 is a region including the patient's right chest and right shoulder, and in reality, the right chest and right shoulder of the object were X-rayed. However, the X-ray image is the left chest and left shoulder. When it is recognized by a user (eg, a diagnostician) as if X-rays were taken, the third representative still image 183 may be flip-processed to generate a third corrected image 183 ′ in order to help the intuitive understanding of the user. In an embodiment, arrow-shaped symbols indicating left and right sides indicating that the left and right sides are inverted may be displayed on the third corrected image 183 ′. Also, the English characters of “Flip”, which means that the left and right sides of the image are inverted, may be displayed on the third corrected image 183 ′. Although not limited thereto, although not shown in FIG. 6C , the third corrected image 183 ′ may include the English letter “R” to mean that it is an image obtained by photographing the right chest and right shoulder of the object 10 . can

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) controls the image capturing unit 160 (refer to FIG. 3 ) to continuously photograph the object to represent the X-ray imaging target area among a plurality of still images of the object. A representative still image can be selected. The controller 150 may select a still image obtained immediately before X-ray imaging from among a plurality of still images as a representative still image. In one embodiment, the controller 150 may image-process all of the plurality of still images to recognize an image clearly captured by the camera precisely focusing on the X-ray imaging portion of the object, and determine the recognized image as a representative still image. there is. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may image-process all of the plurality of still images to recognize an image in which an X-ray imaging portion of the object is the brightest, and determine the recognized image as a representative still image.

The controller 150 may also correct the direction and/or position of the representative still image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may image-process the representative still image to recognize an object included in the representative still image, and may recognize vertical/left/right direction information and/or photographed location information of the object. The controller 150 may also correct the representative still image based on the recognized direction information and/or location information. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may perform image pre-processing for adjusting the brightness or dynamic range of the representative still image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may correct the direction and/or position of the representative still image by using the direction and position information preset in the X-ray apparatus 100 or the workstation 110 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the controller 150 may correct the direction and/or position of the representative still image through geometric information and an image processing algorithm of the system.

The controller 150 may generate an image marker by image processing the representative still image. The controller 150 may blur or mosaic the representative still image, and generate the blurred or mosaic-processed representative still image as an image marker. The controller 150 may image-process the representative still image to recognize an outline or shape of an object included in the representative still image, and generate a cartoon image having the recognized outline or shape as an image marker.

7A to 7D are diagrams for explaining an image processing method of generating an image marker from a representative still image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7A , the representative still image itself may become an image marker 180a without a separate image processing process for the representative still image. The image marker 180a may overlap the first area of the X-ray image 170 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A , the representative still image is an image obtained by photographing an X-ray image of the patient's right chest and right shoulder of the object 10, and is an image marker 180a by itself. , there is an effect that the user (in this case, a diagnostician) can intuitively know which part of the patient and how the X-ray was taken when reading the X-ray image.

Referring to FIG. 7B , a representative static still image 180b ′ may be blurred to be generated as an image marker 180b. The outline and shape of the object 10 included in the representative still image 180b ′ is such that only minimal information about a position where the object 10 is disposed on the detection unit 130 or a photographing site to be X-rayed can be confirmed. It can be blurred. The blurred image marker 180b ′ may overlap the first region of the X-ray image 170 to be displayed together with the X-ray image 170 .

Referring to FIG. 7C , a representative still image 180c ′ may be mosaic-processed to be generated as an image marker 180c. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C , the outline and shape of the object 10 included in the representative still image 180c ′ is mosaic so that only the X-ray imaging target portion of the object 10 or the position at which the imaging target portion is placed can be identified. can be processed. The mosaic-processed image marker 180c ′ may overlap the first region of the X-ray image 170 to be displayed together with the X-ray image 170 .

7B and 7C, the object 10 included in the representative still images 180b' and 180c' by dimming or mosaicing the representative still images 180b' and 180c', that is, The user (radiologist or diagnostician) cannot recognize the photographed image of the patient, in order to prevent the possibility of infringing on the patient's privacy in advance. Specifically, there is a possibility that the patient does not want to expose the rest of the area except for the area to be X-rayed, or there is a possibility that the patient's physical secret is exposed. By blurring or mosaicing the photographed image of the patient, including the affected area, there is an effect that can prevent the above-mentioned possession that may infringe on privacy.

Referring to FIG. 7D , the representative still image 180d ′ may be changed to a cartoon image, and the changed cartoon image may become an image marker 180d. In an embodiment, a cartoon image may be generated through an image processing process that simplifies the outline and shape of the object 10 included in the representative still image 180d' to be made of lines and planes, and the representative still image converted into a cartoon image. This may be the image marker 180d. In another embodiment, the representative still image 180d' is image-processed to recognize the contour and shape of the object 10 included in the representative still image 180d', and the recognized contour and shape of the object 10 are data Through a process of comparison with an image previously stored in a storage unit such as a base, the most similar cartoon image becomes the image marker 180d and may be overlapped with the X-ray image 170 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 7D is a cartoon image of the subject 10 included in the representative still image 180d', that is, a photograph taken of a patient by image processing, and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C As in the example, it has the effect of preventing the possibility of infringing on the patient's privacy in advance.

8 is a block diagram of an X-ray apparatus 100 ″ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8 , the X-ray apparatus 100 ″ includes an X-ray irradiation unit 120 , a detection unit 130 , a control unit 150 , an image capturing unit 160 , an image output unit 162 , and a storage unit 164 . may include Descriptions of the X-ray irradiator 120 , the detector 130 , the image capture unit 160 , and the image output unit 162 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 3 , and thus overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The control unit 150 selects a representative still image from among a plurality of still images obtained by continuously photographing an object by the image capturing unit 160, and an image processing method including blur processing, mosaic processing, and cartoon imaging of the representative still image can be applied to create an image marker. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may generate the representative still image itself as an image marker without applying a separate image processing method to the representative still image. When the controller 150 image-processes the representative still image so that a user (eg, a radiologist or a diagnostician) cannot recognize the contour or shape of the object, the patient's privacy is violated as described in FIGS. 7B to 7D . This is to avoid the possibility that In an embodiment, the controller 150 may select any one of the above-described image processing methods, for example, blur processing, mosaic processing, and cartoon imaging methods according to an option setting of the X-ray apparatus 100 ″.

The storage unit 164 may store a cartoon image or an object sample image that can replace the representative still image. In an embodiment, the storage unit 164 includes a volatile memory (eg, dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, One Time Programmable (OTPROM)). ROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), Mask ROM, Flash ROM, etc.), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or Solid State Drive (SSD) may include In an embodiment, the storage unit 164 may include a database.

The controller 150 image-processes the representative still image to recognize the contour and shape of the object included in the representative still image, and compares the recognized contour and shape with the cartoon image or the object sample image stored in the storage unit 164 . can The controller 150 may select an image most similar to the object included in the representative still image from among the cartoon image or the object sample image stored in the storage unit 164 , and generate an image marker using the selected image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may overlap the generated image marker on the X-ray image and display it together with the X-ray image.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating an image marker by the X-ray apparatus 100 ″ shown in FIG. 8 .

In operation S901, the X-ray apparatus acquires a plurality of still images by continuously taking pictures of the object, and selects a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of the object from among the plurality of still images. The representative still image may be a still image obtained by photographing an X-ray imaging target portion of an object among still images acquired immediately before X-ray imaging among a plurality of continuous still images. The step of acquiring a plurality of still images and selecting a representative still image is the same as that described in step S501 of FIG. 5 , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S902, the representative still image is image-processed to recognize the shape of the X-ray imaging target portion of the object. The X-ray apparatus may recognize the outline and shape of the object included in the representative still image by applying the image processing method to the representative still image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 8 ) may recognize an object included in a representative still image using a well-known image recognition technology.

In step S903, an image similar to the shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the recognized object is selected from among the images previously stored in the storage unit. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 8 ) recognizes the contour and shape of an X-ray imaging target portion of the object included in the representative still image by applying image recognition technology, and stores the recognized outline and shape of the object in the storage unit (164, see FIG. 8) can be compared with the image previously stored. In addition, the controller 150 compares the recognized outline and shape of the object with a cartoon image and/or a sample image of the object stored in the storage unit 164, and the recognized cartoon image and/or the object sample image. An image most similar to the outline and shape of the object may be selected. The storage unit 164 may be a memory included in the workstation 110 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the storage unit 164 may be an external database.

In step S904, the selected similar image is generated as an image marker. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 8 ) may generate an image marker using the cartoon image or the object sample image selected in step S903.

In step S905, the image marker is synthesized in the X-ray image of the object. The image marker synthesized in the X-ray image may overlap the X-ray image and may be displayed together with the X-ray image on the image output unit 162 (refer to FIG. 8 ) or the output unit 111 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the workstation 110 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the image marker may be stored in the DICOM header, and may not be displayed on the image output unit 162 or the output unit 111 based on a user's display option setting.

10 is an X-ray image including an image marker and a guide image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an image marker 180 is formed in an area of the X-ray image 170 , and a guide image 190 may be included in the image marker 180 . The guide image 190 may be an image for recognizing the vertical/left/right directions of the image marker 180 . In one embodiment, the guide image 190 may be composed of a figure image including text and/or arrows, or may be composed of a cartoon image.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the guide image 190 may be implemented as a cartoon image. The guide image 190 is displayed together with the image marker 180 in one area of the image marker 180 , so that the user can determine in what form the X-ray imaging of the object 10 is performed according to the left/right side of the image marker 180 . (For example, a diagnostician) has the effect of making it easier to recognize. In an embodiment, the guide image 190 may be displayed on the image marker 180 by at least one of an arrow, a figure, and an English letter (Flip) indicating that the X-ray image 170 is an image in which the X-ray image 170 is flipped left and right.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) selects a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target area among a plurality of still images of an object obtained by continuously photographing the object by the image capturing unit 160 . An image marker may be generated by selecting and processing the selected representative still image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may blur or mosaic the representative still image, and generate the blurred or mosaic-treated representative still image as an image marker.

The controller 150 may generate a guide image capable of recognizing an X-ray imaging direction of an object included in the image marker. In an embodiment, the guide image may be any one of text, arrow, and figure images for recognizing vertical/left/right directions of an image marker. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may image-process the image marker, process it into a cartoon image, and generate a guide image using the processed cartoon image. The controller 150 may generate a cartoon image using an image recognition technology for recognizing the outline and shape of an image of an object included in the image marker. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the controller 150 may generate a guide image including arrow marks or English characters (Flip) so that the user can recognize whether the image marker is flipped left and right.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating an image marker including a guide image by the X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 .

In step S1101, the X-ray apparatus acquires a plurality of still images by continuously taking pictures of the object, and selects a representative still image from among the plurality of still images of the obtained object. The steps of acquiring a plurality of still images and selecting the representative still images are the same as those described in step S501 of FIG. 5 , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S1102, an image marker is generated by image processing a representative still image. In an embodiment, the image marker may be an image processed by blurring or mosaic processing of a representative still image. The step of generating the image marker is the same as step S502 described with reference to FIG. 5 , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S1103, the X-ray apparatus generates a guide image indicating the direction or positional relationship of the object. In an embodiment, the controller 150 included in the workstation 110 may image-process the image marker generated in step S1102 and process it into a cartoon image, and may generate a guide image using the processed cartoon image. However, the guide image is not limited to a cartoon image, and may be any one of text, an arrow, and a figure image for recognizing vertical/left/right directions of an image marker.

In operation S1105, the X-ray apparatus synthesizes the image marker and the guide image with the X-ray image of the object. The guide image may be synthesized to overlap one area of the image marker. The image marker in which the guide image is synthesized may overlap a region of an X-ray image obtained by X-ray imaging of an object, and may be displayed simultaneously with the X-ray image.

12 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a position of an image marker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , an X-ray image 170 obtained by performing X-ray imaging of an object may include spaces in a first area 170 - 1 to a fourth area 170 - 4 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , the object may be a right chest and a right shoulder region of a patient. The first region 170-1 to the fourth region 170-4 exemplarily divide the X-ray image 170 of the object by region, and the X-ray image 170 is divided in the same manner as shown in FIG. 12 . It is not limited to being. Also, the X-ray image 170 may be divided into two or more regions instead of four regions.

In one embodiment, the first region 170-1 and the second region 170-2 may contain less clinical information than the third region 170-3 and the fourth region 170-4. can The image marker may overlap the first region 170 - 1 or the second region 170 - 2 including relatively little clinical information about the object in the X-ray image 170 . For this reason, the image marker overlaps the X-ray image 170 and is displayed simultaneously with the X-ray image 170 , thereby preventing the user from interfering with obtaining clinical information of the object displayed on the X-ray image 170 . . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the image marker may be automatically overlapped and displayed in a region preset in the X-ray apparatus.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) selects a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target area among a plurality of still images of an object obtained by continuously photographing the object by the image capturing unit 160 . An image marker may be generated by selecting and processing the selected representative still image. The controller 150 may determine a region where the image markers overlap in the X-ray image. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may determine a position in the X-ray image where the image markers overlap based on information preset according to an X-ray imaging target portion of the object or an imaging protocol.

In an embodiment, the controller 150 image-processes an X-ray image obtained by taking an X-ray image of the object, detects a region in the X-ray image containing relatively little clinical information on the object, and overlaps the image marker on the detected region can make it For example, the controller 150 may determine the position of the image marker so that the image marker overlaps the background portion or the empty corner region of the X-ray image.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a position of an image marker by the X-ray apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 .

In step S1301, the X-ray apparatus acquires a plurality of still images by continuously taking pictures of the object, and selects a representative still image. The step of acquiring a plurality of still images and selecting a representative still image is the same as that described in step S501 of FIG. 5 , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S1302, an image marker is generated by image processing the representative still image. In an embodiment, the image marker may be an image processed by blurring or mosaic processing of a representative still image. The step of generating the image marker is the same as step S502 described with reference to FIG. 5 , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

In operation S1303, the X-ray apparatus acquires an X-ray image of the object and detects clinical information by image processing the X-ray image. The X-ray apparatus may recognize an object included in an X-ray image by using image recognition technology, and the like, and may detect clinical information about the object. In an embodiment, the controller 150 (refer to FIG. 3 ) may divide the X-ray image into an arbitrary number of regions, and recognize the amount of clinical information of the object included in each of the divided regions. Also, the controller 150 may detect a region containing the least clinical information among a plurality of regions divided into an arbitrary number.

In operation S1304, the X-ray apparatus determines an area in which clinical information is not detected in the X-ray image as the first area. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the controller 150 may determine the region detected in step S1304, that is, a region containing the least clinical information on the object among a plurality of arbitrarily divided regions as the first region.

In step S1305, the X-ray apparatus synthesizes the image marker on the first area. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus may cause the image markers to overlap and be displayed on the first area of the X-ray image of the object.

14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of adjusting positions of instruments of the X-ray apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the X-ray apparatus 200 includes an X-ray irradiator 220 that generates X-rays to irradiate the object 10 , an X-ray detector 230 that detects X-rays that have passed through the object 10 , and the object 10 . It may include an image capture unit 260 for obtaining a photographed image of the object 10 by taking a picture, and a manipulation unit 270 for providing an interface for operating the X-ray apparatus 200 . The X-ray irradiator 220 and the X-ray detector 230 are the same as the X-ray irradiator 120 (refer to FIG. 1) and the detector 130 (refer to FIG. 1) illustrated and described in FIG.

The X-ray apparatus 200 includes a first motor, a second motor, and a third motor 211M, 212M, and 213M, and first to third motors 211M to 213M that provide a driving force for moving the X-ray radiator 220 . It may include a first guide rail 211 , a second guide rail 212 , a moving carriage 213 , and a post frame 214 provided to move the X-ray irradiator 220 by each driving force.

The first guide rail 211 and the second guide rail 212 may be connected in a direction perpendicular to each other. The second guide rail 212 may be installed on the ceiling of the X-ray imaging room. The first guide rail 211 may be disposed below the second guide rail 212 , and may be slidably mounted on the second guide rail 212 . A roller (not shown) movable along the second guide rail 212 may be installed on the first guide rail 211 . The first guide rail 211 may be connected to the roller (not shown) to move along the second guide rail 212 . A first direction D1 is defined in a direction in which the first guide rail 211 extends, and a second direction D2 is defined in a direction in which the second guide rail 212 extends. Accordingly, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be orthogonal to each other and may be parallel to the ceiling of the examination room.

The moving carriage 213 may be disposed below the first guide rail 211 to be movable along the first guide rail 211 . A roller (not shown) provided to move along the first guide rail 211 may be installed in the moving carriage 213 . Accordingly, the moving carriage 213 is movable in the first direction D1 together with the first guide rail 211 and is movable in the second direction D2 along the first guide rail 211 .

The post frame 240 may be fixed to the moving carriage 213 and positioned below the moving carriage 213 . The length of the post frame 214 may increase or decrease in the third direction D3 while being fixed to the moving carriage 213 . The third direction D3 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, respectively.

The X-ray irradiation unit 220 is provided to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the ceiling of the examination room. A motor (not shown) for moving the X-ray radiator 120 in the first direction D1 to the third direction D3 may be provided. The motor may be an electrically driven motor, and the motor may include an encoder.

An image capturing unit 260 may be attached to one side of the X-ray irradiation unit 220 . The image capture unit 260 may acquire a photographic image of the object 10 by photographing the object 10 . A photographic image of the object 10 obtained by the imaging unit 260 is distinguished from an X-ray image obtained by X-ray photographing of the object 10 . The image capture unit 160 may be implemented as a camera, which is a general image acquisition device. In an embodiment, the image capturing unit 260 may be attached to one side of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 22 ) of the X-ray irradiation unit 220 .

A manipulation unit 270 may be provided on one side of the X-ray irradiation unit 220 . The manipulation unit 270 may include a display unit 271 and an input unit 272 .

14 illustrates a fixed X-ray apparatus connected to the ceiling of the examination room, the X-ray apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 14 is only for convenience of understanding, and the X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 14 . It is not limited to the fixed X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. The X-ray apparatus 200 may include an X-ray apparatus having various structures within a range apparent to those skilled in the art, such as a C-arm type X-ray apparatus and an angiography X-ray apparatus.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , the X-ray apparatus 200 may control the position of the X-ray radiator 220 by image processing an image obtained by photographing the object 10 . Specifically, the image capturing unit 260 obtains a photographed image of the object 10 by photographing the object 10 , and the X-ray apparatus 200 applies an image processing technique to the obtained photographed image to the object The X-ray imaging target area and the center point of the object 10 of (10) are recognized, and the recognized X-ray imaging target area and the center point of the object 10 are the radiation area of the X-ray radiator 220 and the center point of the X-ray radiator 220 The shape of the irradiation area of the X-ray emitter 220 and the position of the X-ray emitter 220 may be controlled to match. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 200 may display on the display unit 271 a user interface that displays information on the irradiation area of the X-ray emitter 220 and the central point of the X-ray emitter 220 to overlap the photographed image. there is. In an embodiment, the irradiation area of the X-ray emitter 220 and the center point information of the X-ray emitter 220 may be implemented in a plurality of combinations, and the plurality of combinations are respectively overlapped with the photographed image to form a plurality of thumbnail images 270- 1 to 270-4) may be formed. The plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4 may be displayed on the display unit 271 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , the image capturing unit 260 , that is, a camera is used to take a photo of the object 10 , and the photo-taking image obtained thereby is image-processed, and the irradiation area and location of the X-ray irradiation unit 220 . By providing a guide user interface (Guide UI) for controlling can do. In addition, in the X-ray apparatus 200 according to an embodiment, when a user operates the X-ray apparatus 200 , the instrument equipment is heavy and causes a lot of fatigue in the shoulder and the like when operating the equipment, and the equipment must be operated every time during shooting. It is possible to improve the shooting efficiency by reducing the hassle. Also, the X-ray apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment may improve the quality of an X-ray image by accurately controlling the position of the X-ray radiator 220 and controlling the X-ray irradiation area.

A method of controlling an irradiation area and a position of the X-ray irradiator 220 for an image processing method according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , and a method of providing a guide UI will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19 .

15 is a flowchart for explaining a method of adjusting the position of the X-ray radiator 220 of the X-ray apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 14 .

In step S1501 , the X-ray apparatus 200 (refer to FIG. 14 ) photographs the object 10 to obtain a photographed image of the object. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 200 may acquire a plurality of still images of the object by continuously photographing the object. An image obtained by photographing an object may be an image different from an X-ray image obtained by X-ray photographing of the object. In an embodiment, the image capturing unit 260 determines only a region on the detector 230 (refer to FIG. 14 ), rather than the entirety of the object 10, as a region of interest (ROI) to determine the region of interest (ROI) of the object corresponding to the region of interest (ROI). It is also possible to photograph only the part of 10).

In operation S1502 , the X-ray apparatus 200 image-processes a photographed image of the object 10 to detect an X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 and a center point of the object 10 . In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 200 detects the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 and the center point of the object 10 from the photographed image of the object 10 using a general image analysis technique or image recognition technique. can do. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 200 may limit the portion included in the region of interest in the detector 230 (refer to FIG. 14 ) to the X-ray imaging target region, and the object 10 included in the region of interest. It is possible to detect the central point of the region of In an embodiment, the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 and the center point of the object 10 may overlap on the photographed image in the form of a virtual graphic UI, and may be displayed on the display unit 271 (refer to FIG. 14 ). can

In step S1503, the location of the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 (refer to FIG. 20) is determined based on the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 and the center point of the object 10 Calculate. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 200 is positioned to match the X-ray imaging area of the object 10 and the center point of the object 10 with the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 , respectively. value can be calculated. The position value may be calculated as two-dimensional coordinates (x,y) or three-dimensional coordinates (x,y,z). On the display 271 , a center point of the object 10 and a center point of the X-ray tube 222 may be displayed as markers on the photographed image of the object 10 . In addition, the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 and the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 may overlap and be displayed on the picture taken image on the display unit 271 in the form of a graphic UI.

The method of matching the X-ray imaging area of the object 10 and the center point of the object 10 with the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 may be implemented in at least one embodiment. and a detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19 .

In step S1504, a plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4 for displaying the photographed image, the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20), and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 (refer to FIG. 20) as a graphic UI. , see FIG. 14). In an embodiment, information on the irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 may be obtained by image processing a photographic image of the object 10 to recognize the shape or size of the object 10 . In an embodiment, the information on the irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 is a shutter-blade shape of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20 ) frequently used by the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 . It can be obtained based on user experience learning to analyze. In an embodiment, information about the irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 may be obtained based on an imaging protocol for the object 10 . In an embodiment, information about the irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 may be obtained based on information (eg, favorite information) input by the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 in advance.

A plurality of combinations may overlap each of the photographed images to form a plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4 (refer to FIG. 14 ). The number of the plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4 is not limited to four.

Information on the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 is displayed on the display unit 271 by overlapping the photographed image with markers in the form of virtual lines and dots, respectively. can However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point information UI of the X-ray tube 222 may not be displayed on the display 271 according to an option set by the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 . may be

In step S1505, the positions of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) and the X-ray tube 222 (refer to FIG. 20) are adjusted according to a user input. In an embodiment, the display unit 271 may be a touch screen capable of receiving a user's touch input. In an embodiment, the display unit 271 displays a plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4 (refer to FIG. 20), and among the plurality of thumbnail images 270-1 to 270-4, The position of the X-ray radiator 220 (refer to FIG. 20 ) may be controlled according to the calculated values of the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point 222 of the X-ray tube displayed in the selected thumbnail image. In an embodiment, a shutter-blade of the collimator 224 may be adjusted to determine the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 according to a calculated value displayed on the thumbnail image selected according to the user input.

16 is a diagram illustrating a manipulation unit 270 for displaying an instrument equipment setting guide UI according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the manipulation unit 270 may include a display unit 271 and an input unit 272 . The display unit 271 may display the first thumbnail image 270-1. The display unit 271 may include, for example, a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, an FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a DLP display, an FPD display, a 3D display, a transparent display, and the like.

The first thumbnail image 270-1 is a photographic image of the object 11, the detector 230, the center point marker 222C of the X-ray tube, the X-ray irradiation area 224A of the collimator, and the manual adjustment UI 272M are displayed. can be In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 , the object 11 is a patient's hand and may be positioned so as to be biased toward the right side of the detection unit 230 instead of the center. The photographed image of the object 11 is overlapped and displayed on the detection unit 230, and the X-ray irradiation area 224A of the collimator on the detection unit 230 overlaps the X-ray photographing area of the photographed image. Can be displayed there is. The central point of the object 11 may coincide with the central point 222C of the X-ray tube.

In the manual adjustment UI 272M, a user using the X-ray apparatus 200 may directly adjust the center point of the X-ray tube and the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator. In one embodiment, the manual adjustment UI 272M may be a touch UI supported on a touch screen.

17 to 19 are views for explaining a method of adjusting the instrument equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

17A to 17C are diagrams for explaining a method of generating, by the X-ray apparatus 200, a first thumbnail image 270-1 displaying an instrument equipment setting guide UI based on instrument coordinates. Referring to FIG. 17A , a photographic image of the object 11 may be displayed on the display unit 271 . A UI indicating a region of interest may be displayed on the photographed image.

Referring to FIG. 17B , a photographic image of the object 11 , a center point marker 222C ′, and collimator coordinates 224B may be displayed on the display unit 271 . The X-ray apparatus 200 may calculate the coordinates of the collimator coordinates 224B for calculating the coordinates of the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator and the coordinate values of the center point 222C' of the object 11 to calculate the coordinates of the center point of the X-ray tube. In an embodiment, the collimator coordinates 224B may be coordinates for adjusting a shutter-blade capable of adjusting an X-ray irradiation area of the collimator. The collimator coordinates 224B and the center point 222C' may overlap and be displayed on the photographic image of the object 11 in the form of a graphic UI.

Referring to FIG. 17C , the X-ray apparatus 200 matches the center point of the X-ray tube with the center point marker 222C' of the object 11, and the first capable of adjusting the shutter blade of the collimator based on the collimator coordinates 224B. A thumbnail image 270-1 may be generated. In an embodiment, when the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 operates the X-ray tube 222 (refer to FIG. 20) or the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20), the first thumbnail image 270-1 may be updated in real time. there is.

18A to 18C are for explaining a method of generating a second thumbnail image 270 - 2 for displaying the instrument equipment setting guide UI by image processing the photographing image of the object 11 by the X-ray apparatus 200 It is a drawing.

Referring to FIG. 18A , a photographic image of the object 11 may be displayed on the display unit 271 . A UI indicating a region of interest may be displayed on the photographed image.

Referring to FIG. 18B , a photographic image of the object 11 , a center point marker 222C'', and an X-ray imaging area UI 240A may be displayed on the display unit 271 . The X-ray apparatus 200 may image-process a photographed image of the object 11 to recognize a central point of the object 11 and an X-ray photographing target area of the object 11 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18B , the X-ray apparatus 200 image-processes a photographic image including the patient's hand to recognize the outline and shape of the hand, and according to the recognized hand outline and shape, the center point of the hand and It is possible to detect an area outside the hand, that is, an X-ray imaging target.

Referring to FIG. 18C , the X-ray apparatus 200 may generate a second thumbnail image 270 - 2 including the center point marker 222C'' of the object 11 and the X-ray imaging area UI 240A. In an embodiment, in the X-ray apparatus 200, the center point of the X-ray tube 222 (refer to FIG. 20) coincides with the center point marker 222C'', and the shutter blade of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) is the X-ray imaging area UI. It can be controlled to coincide with 240A.

19A to 19D illustrate a method in which the X-ray apparatus 200 generates a third thumbnail image 270 - 3 and a fourth thumbnail image 270 - 4 based on user experience learning data of the object 12 . It is a drawing for Different guide UIs may be displayed on the third thumbnail image 270 - 3 and the fourth thumbnail image 270 - 4 according to a shooting protocol. Referring to FIG. 19A , a photographic image of the object 12 may be displayed on the display unit 271 .

Referring to FIG. 19B , the display unit 271 may display a photographic image of the object 12 , and UIs of the first X-ray imaging target area 240B and the second X-ray imaging target area 240C. The X-ray apparatus 200 determines whether the shutter blade of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) matches the first X-ray imaging target area 240B based on the imaging protocol for the object 12, and determines whether the shutter blade of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) matches the second X-ray imaging target area ( 240C), a UI for whether or not to match the shutter blades of the collimator 224 may be overlapped and displayed on the photographic image of the object 10 . 18B shows an embodiment of L-Spine imaging, and there may be cases in which the shutter blade of the collimator 224 is photographed so that the entire body of the patient is visible (240B), and the patient's spine is mainly set to be thin and long. There may also be cases (in case of 240C).

19C shows a third thumbnail image 270-3 providing a guide UI when the shutter blades of the collimator 224 (refer to FIG. 20) match the first X-ray imaging target region 240B on the photographic image of the object 12. ), and FIG. 19D is a diagram illustrating a fourth thumbnail image 270-4 providing a guide UI when the shutter blades of the collimator 224 are matched to the second X-ray imaging target area 240C. . In one embodiment, the third thumbnail image 270 - 3 is an image for guiding to set the shutter blade of the collimator 224 to X-ray the entire body of the patient, and the fourth thumbnail image 270 - 4 is the patient's This is a guide image for setting the shutter blades of the collimator 224 to take a long X-ray mainly on the L-Spine. In an embodiment, the third thumbnail image 270 - 3 and the fourth thumbnail image 270 - 4 may be obtained by a user (eg, a radiologist) using the X-ray apparatus 200 according to an imaging protocol of the object 12 . In the case of X-ray imaging, data on the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 that is frequently used may be acquired, and may be generated through user experience learning data that analyzes the shutter blade shape preferred by the user. In an embodiment, the third thumbnail image 270 - 3 and the fourth thumbnail image 270 - 4 may display a UI capable of distinguishing priorities based on user experience learning data. The priority discrimination UI may include at least one of text, a color, and a marker.

20 is a block diagram of the X-ray apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the X-ray apparatus 200 may include an X-ray irradiation unit 220 , a control unit 250 , a driving unit 254 , an image capturing unit 260 , a display unit 271 , and a manipulation unit 272 . . The X-ray irradiation unit 220 may include an X-ray tube 222 and a collimator 224 . The X-ray tube 222 and the collimator 224 are the same as the X-ray source 122 and the collimator 123 shown in FIG. 1 , and thus overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The image capturing unit 260 may acquire a photographic image of the object by photographing the object. The image capturing unit 260 may be attached to one side of the collimator 224 . The image capturing unit 260 may include a general camera. The camera is disposed toward the object, a camera sensor that converts an image of the object into an electrical signal, and a camera sensor that converts an analog image signal photographed from the camera sensor into digital data It may include a signal processing unit. The camera sensor may be a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and the signal processing unit may be implemented as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The photographic image of the object obtained by the imaging unit 260 is distinguished from an X-ray image obtained by X-ray photographing of the object.

The control unit 250 recognizes an X-ray imaging target area of the object and a center point of the object by applying an image processing technique to a picture taken image obtained by photographing an object by the image capturing unit 260, and recognizes the X-ray imaging target area and A thumbnail image may be generated by overlapping a user interface indicating the shape of the central point of the X-ray radiator 220 and the shape of the radiation area of the X-ray radiator 220 on the central point of the object.

The control unit 250 may be configured of a hardware component such as an FPGA or an ASIC. For example, the controller 250 may be a hardware device including at least one of a hardware unit including a central processing unit, a microprocessor, and a graphic processing unit. The controller 250 may include an image processing processor capable of performing known image processing technologies such as image recognition technology and image analysis technology.

In an embodiment, the controller 250 selects the shutter blade area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 on the X-ray imaging target area of the object and the center point of the object recognized by image processing the photographed image, respectively. A thumbnail image can be created by overlapping the displayed graphic UI. In an embodiment, the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222 each match the X-ray imaging target area of the object and the center point of the object, and the control unit 250 may include a plurality of center points. A plurality of thumbnail images may be generated by overlapping the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 and the center point of the plurality of X-ray tubes 222 on the photographic image of the object.

The controller 250 may calculate the shape of the X-ray irradiation area of the X-ray irradiation unit 220 and the position of the center point that correspond to the X-ray imaging target area of the object and the center point of the object, respectively, and control the X-ray irradiation unit 220 . The controller 250 controls the position of the X-ray tube 222 so that the center point of the X-ray tube 222 matches the center point of the object recognized by image processing the photographed image, and the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224, that is, The collimator 224 may be controlled so that the shape of the shutter blade matches the X-ray imaging target area of the object.

In an embodiment, the controller 250 may calculate a target position value required to make the X-ray imaging target area of the object and the center point of the object coincide with the X-ray irradiation area of the collimator 224 and the center point of the X-ray tube 222, respectively. . The position value may be calculated as two-dimensional coordinates (x,y) or three-dimensional coordinates (x,y,z). Also, the controller 250 may calculate a position control amount required to match the center point of the X-ray tube 222 with the center point of the object.

In an embodiment, the controller 250 may calculate the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 and the position of the center point of the X-ray tube 222 based on information about the shape or size of the object. Specifically, the controller 250 performs an image analysis process on a photographed image of the object to recognize an X-ray imaging target area suitable for the shape and size of the object and a center point of the object, and the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 and the X-ray tube 222 ) may be controlled to coincide with the X-ray imaging target area of the object recognized through the image analysis process and the center point of the object, respectively.

In an embodiment, the control unit 250 may acquire it based on user experience learning to analyze the shutter-blade shape of the collimator 224 frequently used by the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 . The control unit 250 analyzes the number of times according to the shape and shape of the shutter blade of the collimator 224 that the user uses according to the photographing protocol for photographing the object, and the shutter blade of the collimator 224 that the user prefers according to the photographing protocol. shape can be recognized.

In an embodiment, the controller 250 determines the shutter blade shape of the collimator 224 and the central point position of the X-ray tube 222 based on information (eg, favorite information) input by the user of the X-ray apparatus 200 in advance. can be controlled by

In FIG. 20 , the controller 250 is illustrated as a component included in the X-ray apparatus 200 , but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the control unit 250 may be included in the workstation. In this case, the workstation may control the driving unit 254 , the image capturing unit 260 , the display unit 271 , and the manipulation unit 272 of the X-ray apparatus 200 through the control unit 250 .

The driving unit 254 may drive the X-ray irradiator 220 to a specific position on the object according to the position information value calculated by the control unit 250 . The driver 254 may include an X-ray tube driver 254 - 1 and a collimator driver 254 - 2 . The X-ray tube driving unit 254 - 1 is implemented as a driving device such as a motor, and according to a target position value for matching the center point of the X-ray tube 222 calculated by the controller 250 to the center point of the object and a position control value, the X-ray tube The position of (222) can be adjusted. The collimator driver 254 - 2 may adjust the collimator according to a shutter blade shape of the collimator that matches the X-ray imaging target area of the object calculated by the controller 250 .

The display unit 271 may output the thumbnail image generated by the control unit 250 . In an embodiment, the display 271 may output a plurality of thumbnail images. In an embodiment, the display unit 271 may include at least one of a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, an FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a DLP display, an FPD display, a 3D display, and a transparent display. there is. In an embodiment, the display unit 271 may be a touch screen that receives a user's touch input for selecting one thumbnail image from among a plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the display unit 271 . The manipulation unit 272 may be a button for operating a function of the X-ray apparatus 200 .

21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of controlling an X-ray imaging environment by image-processing a photographic image obtained by photographing the object 10 by the X-ray apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the X-ray apparatus 300 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 320 , a collimator illumination unit 322 , a detection unit 330 , a manipulation unit 340 , a first camera 360-1, and a second camera 360-2. ) and a table 380 . In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may further include an imaging room lighting 370 . The X-ray irradiator 320 , the detector 330 , and the manipulation unit 340 are the same components as the X-ray irradiator 120 , the detector 130 , and the manipulation unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 , respectively, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The first camera 360 - 1 may be attached to an imaging room in which the X-ray apparatus 300 is located. The first camera 360 - 1 may be a camera that is attached to the ceiling of a recording room and is a general image acquisition device. The first camera 360 - 1 may photograph the entire recording room or the object 10 , and may acquire a photographing image of the entire recording room or the object 10 .

The second camera 360 - 2 may be attached to one side of the X-ray radiator 320 . In an embodiment, the second camera 360 - 2 may be attached to the collimator of the X-ray radiator 320 . The second camera 360 - 2 may acquire a photographic image of the object 10 and the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 by taking a picture of the object 10 and the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 . there is.

The collimator lighting 322 is formed on one side of the X-ray irradiator 320 and may be configured as a light emitting diode (LED) lighting. In an embodiment, the collimator illumination 322 may be integrally formed with the collimator of the X-ray irradiator 320 . The collimator lighting 322 may provide the LED lighting 324 to the X-ray imaging target area of the object 10 . The LED light 324 may be implemented in a specific color.

The imaging room lighting 370 is attached to the ceiling of the imaging room located in the X-ray apparatus 300 , and may be composed of light emitting diode lighting.

The X-ray apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 21 takes a picture of the object 10 or a photographing environment of a photographing room in which the X-ray apparatus 300 is located with a first camera 360 - 1 and/or a second camera 360 - 2 . Detecting a photographing environment including the illuminance and color of the X-ray irradiation area of the photographing room and/or the object 10 by image processing the photographed image obtained thereby, and collimator lighting 322 according to the sensed photographing environment And/or it is possible to automatically set the shooting option including the illuminance and color of the lighting 370 of the shooting room. Specifically, the X-ray apparatus 300 recognizes the illuminance of the entire recording room by image processing the photographing chamber photo image obtained by the first camera 360-1 photographing the photographing room, and the object 10 or the user 20 in the photographing room; The movement of FIGS. 24A and 24B ) may be detected. The X-ray apparatus 300 image-processes a photographic image of the object 10 photographed by the second camera 360 - 2 , thereby illuminance and color of the X-ray irradiation area of the object 10 and the surrounding area of the object 10 . can be recognized Here, the peripheral area of the object 10 may mean at least one of the detector 330 , the table 380 , and the entire imaging room. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 image-processes a photographic image acquired through the first camera 360-1 and the second camera 360-2 to form an X-ray irradiation area of the object 10 and the object ( 10), it is possible to recognize the difference in illuminance in the peripheral area, and control the collimator lighting 322 or the recording room lighting 370 according to the illuminance difference.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the X-ray apparatus 300 performs an imaging option of the X-ray apparatus 300 according to the imaging environment including the illumination of the imaging room and the illumination of the object 10 and the area around the object 10 , that is, the imaging room. The lighting 370 and/or the collimation lighting 322 may be automatically set, thereby providing convenience to the user. In addition, there is an effect of accurately setting the collimation area. The embodiment shown in FIG. 21 may be used not only for the X-ray apparatus 300 but also for other medical imaging apparatuses.

22 is a flowchart for explaining a method of changing the imaging option setting according to the imaging environment by the X-ray apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 21 .

In step S2201 , the X-ray apparatus 300 acquires a photographic image of the photographing room, the object, or a peripheral area of the object by photographing the photographing room or the object. In an embodiment, the peripheral area of the object may include at least one of a detector 330 (refer to FIG. 21 ) in which the object is positioned, a table 380 (refer to FIG. 21 ), and an X-ray imaging target area of the object. The photographed image may be an image different from an X-ray image obtained by X-ray imaging of the object. In an embodiment, the photographing image of the shooting room is acquired through the first camera 360 - 1 (see FIG. 23 ), and the photographing image of the object or the surrounding area of the object is obtained through the second camera 360 - 2 can be obtained.

In operation S2202, the X-ray apparatus 300 performs image processing on the photographed image to detect an X-ray imaging environment including the illuminance of the photographing room, the object, and the illuminance and color of the object and the surrounding area of the object. The X-ray apparatus 300 may detect an X-ray photographing environment using a well-known image recognition technology for a photographed image. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may acquire information about the illuminance of a recording room by applying an image recognition technology to a photographic image of a photographing room obtained by photographing the photographing room. In addition, the X-ray apparatus 300 may obtain illuminance and color information of the object and/or a peripheral area of the object by applying an image recognition technology to a photographed image of the object obtained by photographing the object. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 image-processes a photographed image obtained by photographing a peripheral region of the object to perform image processing on the peripheral region of the object, for example, the detector 330 (refer to FIG. 21 ), the table 380 ( FIG. 21 ). See), and the color of the instrument including the stand may be detected.

In operation S2203, the X-ray apparatus 300 changes at least one of X-ray imaging option settings including the illuminance of the imaging room, the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area, and the color of the X-ray irradiation area based on the X-ray imaging environment. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 sets the illuminance/color setting value of the imaging room lighting 370 (refer to FIG. 21 ) and/or the collimator lighting 322 based on the difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area. can be changed In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 detects the user's position or the user's collimator adjustment action, and changes the setting value of the illumination/color of the imaging room lighting 370 (refer to FIG. 21 ) and/or the collimator lighting 322 . can In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may change the LED color of the collimator light 322 when determining that the color of the object is similar to the color of the surrounding area of the object.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a method of changing the imaging settings according to the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area by the X-ray apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 21 .

In operation S2301, the X-ray apparatus 300 acquires a photographic image of the photographing room, the object, or a peripheral area of the object by photographing the photographing room or the object. Since the step S2301 for obtaining a photo-taking image is the same as the step S2201 of FIG. 22 , a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S2302, the X-ray apparatus 300 processes the photographed image to detect a difference between the illuminance of the photographing room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area according to the X-rays irradiated to the object. In one embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 obtains illuminance information of the recording room by applying a known image recognition technology to the photographic image of the photographing room obtained from the first camera 360 - 1 , and the second camera 360 - 2 The illuminance information of the X-ray irradiation area of the object may be obtained by applying a well-known image recognition technology to the photographed image of the object including the X-ray irradiation area of the object obtained from

In step S2303 , the X-ray apparatus 300 adjusts the imaging room lighting 370 (refer to FIG. 21 ) or the collimator lighting 322 (refer to FIG. 21 ) based on the difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area. In an embodiment, when the difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the peripheral area of the object is small enough to be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye of the user, the X-ray apparatus 300 brightly adjusts the illumination brightness of the collimator lighting 322, and illuminates the imaging room. The brightness of the lighting of 370 can be adjusted to be dark.

24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining a method in which the X-ray apparatus 300 recognizes the action of the user 20 using the X-ray apparatus 300 and the action of the object 10 to control the setting of imaging options , FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B .

In step S2501, the X-ray apparatus 300 acquires a photographic image of a user located in the photographing room by photographing the photographing room or the object. 24A and 24B , the user 20 who uses the X-ray apparatus 300 may be, for example, a radiologist or a diagnostician. Except for the location of the user 20 in the recording room, the method of obtaining a photographic image for the recording room is the same as that described in step S2201, and a redundant description will be omitted.

In step S2502, the X-ray apparatus 300 image-processes the photographed image to obtain user location information or user behavior information. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may recognize location information or behavior information of a user included in a photographed image by applying a well-known image recognition technology. Referring to FIG. 24A , the X-ray apparatus 300 may recognize an action of the user 20 operating the X-ray radiator 320 . In an embodiment, the user 20 may manipulate the shutter blade of the collimator to adjust the X-ray irradiation area of the object 10 , and the X-ray apparatus 300 recognizes the action of the user 20 as an image. It can be recognized through technology. Referring to FIG. 24B , the X-ray apparatus 300 may recognize the action of the user 20 standing and talking with the object 10 . In the case of FIG. 24B , the action of the user 20 may mean that X-ray imaging is finished. In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may recognize the behavior of the object 10 as well as the behavior of the user 20 . In an embodiment, the X-ray apparatus 300 may recognize the current location of the user 20 , ie, whether it is located in front of a door of an imaging room, or whether it is located in front of the X-ray apparatus 300 .

In operation S2503, at least one of X-ray imaging option settings including the illuminance of the imaging room, the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area, and the color of the X-ray irradiation area is changed based on the user's location information or the user's behavior information. Referring to FIG. 24A , the X-ray apparatus 300 recognizes the action of the user 20 operating the shutter blade of the collimator, determines that X-ray imaging will be started soon, and illuminates the collimator lighting 322 (refer to FIG. 21 ) It is possible to control the brightness to be bright, and to control the lighting of the shooting room (370 (refer to FIG. 21) to be dark). Referring to FIG. 24B , the X-ray apparatus 300 recognizes an action in which the user 20 is spaced apart from the X-ray apparatus 30 by a predetermined distance and the object 10 also rises to have a conversation with the user 20, and performs X-ray imaging. It is determined that this is over, and the lighting brightness of the collimator lighting 322 can be controlled to be dark, and the lighting brightness of the shooting room lighting 370 can be controlled brightly. In one embodiment, the brightness of the lighting of the shooting room lighting 370 may be controlled for each section or the whole of the shooting room.

26 is a block diagram of the X-ray apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 26 , it may include a control unit 350 and an image capturing unit 360 . The image capturing unit 360 may include a first camera 360 - 1 (refer to FIG. 23 ) and a second camera 360 - 2 (refer to FIG. 23 ). Since the first camera 360 - 1 and the second camera 360 - 2 are the same as those shown in FIG. 23 , overlapping descriptions will be omitted. Although it is illustrated in FIG. 26 that the X-ray apparatus 300 includes only the controller 350 and the image capture unit 360 , the present invention is not limited thereto. The X-ray apparatus 300 may further include an X-ray irradiation unit 320 , a collimator illumination 322 , a detection unit 330 , a manipulation unit 340 , and a table 380 (refer to FIG. 21 above). The above components are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 21 , and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The control unit 350 processes a photographic image obtained by photographing a photographing room, an object, or a peripheral area of the object in the image photographing unit 360 to detect the illuminance of the recording room, the object and the illuminance and color of the object and the peripheral area of the object. can The controller 350 may be a hardware device that performs an image processing function, for example, a well-known image recognition function. For example, the controller 350 may be a hardware device including at least one of a hardware unit including a central processing unit, a microprocessor, and a graphic processing unit. In FIG. 26 , the controller 350 is illustrated as a component included in the X-ray apparatus 300 , but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the controller 350 may be included in the workstation.

In an embodiment, the controller 350 may detect a difference between the illuminance of the photographing room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area according to the X-rays irradiated to the object by image processing the photographed image. In an embodiment, the control unit 350 may recognize the location information or behavior information of the user included in the photographing room photographic image by applying the image recognition technology to the photographing room photographic image obtained by photographing the photographing room. In an embodiment, the controller 350 may detect a user's operation of the collimator or a movement of the location.

Based on the X-ray imaging environment, the controller 350 may control at least one of imaging option settings including illuminance setting of the imaging room, illuminance setting of the X-ray irradiation area, and color setting of the X-ray irradiation area. In one embodiment, the control unit 350 may control the shooting room lighting (370, see FIG. 21) and the collimator lighting (322, FIG. 21). The controller 350 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the photographing room lighting 370 and/or the collimator lighting 322 , and may transmit an electrical control signal to the photographing room lighting 370 and/or the collimator lighting 322 .

In an embodiment, the controller 350 controls the illumination/color of the imaging room lighting (370, see FIG. 21) and/or the collimator lighting 322 (refer to FIG. 21) based on the difference between the illuminance of the imaging room and the illuminance of the X-ray irradiation area. You can change the setting value. In one embodiment, the controller 350 may change the setting value of the illuminance/color of the shooting room lighting 370 and/or the collimator lighting 322 according to the user's location or the user's collimator adjustment behavior. In an embodiment, the controller 350 may change the LED color of the collimator light 322 when it is determined that the color of the object is similar to the color of the surrounding area of the object.

On the other hand, some of the above-described embodiments can be written as a program that can be executed on 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 includes a storage medium such as at least one of a magnetic storage medium (eg, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and an optically readable medium (eg, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) do.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the above and the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can practice the present invention in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. You will understand that there is Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims (58)

An X-ray apparatus for photographing an object and obtaining an X-ray image of the object, the X-ray apparatus comprising:
an X-ray source configured to irradiate X-rays to the object;
an image capturing unit coupled to the X-ray source and configured to acquire a representative still image of the object by photographing the object;
an X-ray detector for receiving X-rays passing through the object to obtain an X-ray image of the object;
a controller for generating an image marker by applying image processing to the representative still image obtained from the image capturing unit, and generating the X-ray image; and
an image output unit overlapping and displaying the image marker on a first area of the X-ray image;
including,
The control unit detects a first characteristic of the object in the representative still image to which an image processing technique is applied, and selects an image having a second characteristic similar to the detected first characteristic from images previously stored in a memory; An X-ray apparatus for generating an image marker based on the selected image.
According to claim 1,
The image capturing unit acquires a plurality of still images of the object by continuously photographing the object,
The control unit may be configured to select, as the representative still image, a photographic image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of the object from among the plurality of still images.
3. The method of claim 2,
The representative still image is a still image obtained by photographing immediately before obtaining the X-ray image of the object from among the plurality of still images. According to claim 1,
The control unit, the X-ray apparatus, to adjust the direction in which the representative still image is displayed on the image output unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit, the X-ray apparatus to adjust the direction of the representative still image based on preset direction information. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit, the X-ray apparatus, the X-ray apparatus to adjust the direction in which the representative still image is displayed by using the geometric information and the image algorithm.
According to claim 1,
The controller is configured to generate the image marker by applying an image processing technique of blur or mosaic processing to the representative still image.
According to claim 1,
The controller is configured to generate an image marker by applying an image processing technique for converting the representative still image into a cartoon image.
According to claim 1,
The controller performs image processing on the representative still image to detect a shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the object, selects an image similar to the detected shape of the X-ray imaging target part of the object from among pre-stored images, and An X-ray apparatus that generates an image marker based on a pre-stored image.
According to claim 1,
The control unit is configured to generate a guide image indicating a direction or a positional relationship of the object in the image marker.
A method of photographing an object using an X-ray apparatus, the method comprising:
acquiring a representative still image of the object by photographing the object;
generating an image marker from the representative still image using an image processing technique; and
acquiring an X-ray image of the object and displaying the image marker overlapping a first area of the X-ray image;
including,
The step of generating the image marker comprises:
detecting a first characteristic of the object in the representative still image to which the image processing technique is applied;
selecting an image having a second characteristic similar to the first characteristic from among images previously stored in the X-ray apparatus; and
generating the image marker based on the pre-stored image;
A method comprising
12. The method of claim 11,
The step of obtaining the representative still image comprises:
acquiring a plurality of still images of the object by photographing the object; and
selecting a representative still image representing an X-ray imaging target portion of the object from among the plurality of still images;
including,
The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging target region is a region of the object to be imaged by X-rays.
13. The method of claim 12,
The step of obtaining the representative still image comprises:
A method of acquiring a representative still image by photographing the object from among the plurality of still images immediately before acquiring an X-ray image of the object.
13. The method of claim 12,
after selecting the representative still image, adjusting a display direction of the representative still image;
A method further comprising:
15. The method of claim 14,
The adjusting the direction of the representative still image may include: adjusting the direction of the representative still image based on preset direction information in the X-ray apparatus;
A method further comprising:
12. The method of claim 11,
The step of generating the image marker comprises:
generating the image marker by applying an image processing technique of blur or mosaic processing to the representative still image;
A method further comprising:
12. The method of claim 11,
The step of generating the image marker comprises:
generating the image marker by applying an image processing technique for converting the representative still image into a cartoon image;
A method further comprising:
12. The method of claim 11,
The step of generating the image marker comprises:
detecting a shape of an X-ray imaging target portion of the object by image processing the representative still image;
selecting an image similar to a shape of an X-ray imaging target portion of the detected object from among the images previously stored in the X-ray apparatus; and
generating the image marker based on the pre-stored image;
A method further comprising:
12. The method of claim 11,
The method is
generating a guide image indicating a direction or positional relationship of the object in the image marker;
A method further comprising:
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to execute the method according to claim 11 is recorded.
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