KR20130013193A - Method of obtaining x-ray image data and system for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A system executing digital X-ray image data in case of obtaining the digital X-ray image data is provided to measure bone density by using digital X-ray, thereby increasing accuracy and reducing time. CONSTITUTION: A power supply unit(100) supplies power to an X-ray generation unit(101). The X-ray generation unit transmits X-rays corresponding to current, which is applied in the power supply unit, to an image sensing unit(102). The image sensing unit generates an image signal by sensing the X-rays transmitted from the X-ray generation unit. A control unit(103) generates intensity distribution showing intensity of the X-rays from X-ray image data. The control unit controls the power supply unit and the current which is applied to the X-ray generation unit. [Reference numerals] (100) Power supply unit; (101) X-ray generation unit; (102) Image sensing unit; (103) Control unit; (104) Image transmission unit

Description

System for performing this when acquiring digital X-ray image data {METHOD OF OBTAINING X-RAY IMAGE DATA AND SYSTEM FOR THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a digital x-ray image data acquisition method and a system for executing the same. More particularly, the bone density in the x-ray image data acquisition method of obtaining the x-ray image data in which the intensity value of the pixel maintains the average value by adjusting the intensity of the X-rays It relates to a system for performing measurements simultaneously.

X-ray imaging apparatus has been widely used for a long time in that the accurate state can be known by displaying the affected part inside the patient's body as an X-ray image. In the conventional x-ray imaging apparatus, the picked-up image is taken on a film and the film is developed and viewed, so that a doctor cannot see the photographing result immediately and it takes at least 2 to 3 days to view through the developing process. Therefore, after the patient has to visit the hospital again two or three days later to listen to the diagnosis results of other doctors, both the doctor and the patient was very cumbersome and uncomfortable.

An apparatus for measuring bone density by transmitting X-rays to bone or adjacent tissues is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2009-28407.

Recently, a digital x-ray imaging apparatus for sensing a digital x-ray image by a sensor such as a detector using a solid state imaging device (CCD) or semiconductor technology has been introduced. In the field of medical care, an X-ray imaging apparatus transmits a certain amount of X-rays to a body part to be photographed, an X-ray sensor measures the amount of X-rays transmitted through the body part, records the measured signal in a memory, and photographs the body by a computer. It is a photographing device that obtains the X-ray absorption rate of each point of the site and reconstructs it into an image.

Such X-ray image data may be used for bone density test. Bone density test is a test to measure bone density. Osteoporosis is a normal bone composition (the ratio of inorganic matter and organic matter). Refers to a disease that causes fracture.

Qualitative bone density measurement methods include the Saville index and the Singh index. The Saville index and the Singh index are methods for measuring bone mineral density using changes in bone litter patterns in the lumbar lateral X-ray and femoral X-ray images, respectively. However, since this method depends on the experience of the doctor, the error between readers is large and the reproducibility by the same reader is also low.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, after acquiring digital X-ray image data in which the intensity of the pixel maintains an average value by adjusting the intensity of X-rays, the digital X-ray image data for measuring bone density is simultaneously executed using the data. Bone density measurement system is required.

An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a system for performing bone density measurement at the time of digital x-ray image data acquisition.

The existing technology is not able to measure the bone density in the digital X-ray equipment, the bone density measuring device also scans pixel by pixel, or by scanning the line takes a long time, another object of the present invention for solving the above problems is digital x-ray Using to measure the bone density after taking a shot to increase the accuracy, shorten the time, can reduce the manufacturing cost. Another object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray image data acquisition method for performing at least one function of X-ray imaging or bone density analysis according to a user input and a system for executing the same.

Image data acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object of the present invention, scanning the X-rays generated by the digital X-ray generator in the phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data, and passes through the phantom A first step of generating image data by accumulating one X-ray, a second step of generating an intensity distribution representing a distribution of the intensity of the X-rays using intensity values of all pixels of the image data, and a predetermined threshold at the intensity distribution A third step of determining whether there is a pixel above or below a value and when the pixel exists above or below the predetermined threshold value, the voltage supplied to the X-ray generator is controlled to control the voltage of the X-ray generator. And change the first stage until the intensity value of the pixel becomes an average value. Performing repeatedly to step 3 can comprise a fourth step of generating a bone material.

The image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray generator for scanning the X-ray according to the current applied from the power supply to the phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data, accumulating the X-ray passing through the phantom image An intensity detector representing the distribution of the intensity of the X-rays is generated by using an image sensor for generating data and intensity values of all pixels of the image data, and pixels present above or below a predetermined threshold in the intensity distribution are present. If present, the voltage supplied to the X-ray generator is controlled to change the intensity of the X-rays, and then the X-ray generator controls the X-rays to be scanned, and the image sensor accumulates X-rays to generate image data. Until the intensity values of the pixels are averaged After controlling the electromotive voltage, it can comprise an additional X-ray generation unit and an image sensing controller for controlling to generate the bone data by repeatedly performing the above process.

In the case of using the X-ray image data acquisition method and the system for executing the same according to the present invention as described above, all pixels of the X-ray image data have an intensity distribution of the average value based on a phantom for use as data for measuring bone density. Bone density data can be generated by controlling the intensity, and the user can use it when selecting a bone density analysis. In addition, there is an advantage that one of X-ray imaging and bone density analysis can be performed according to the user's selection. In addition, the bone density measuring device also takes a long time by scanning pixel by pixel or scanning by line. In order to solve the above problems, by measuring the bone density after taking a picture using digital X-ray at once, it improves the accuracy, reduces the time, and manufacture costs. Can reduce the cost.

1 illustrates an internal structure of an x-ray digital image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 illustrates an embodiment of a digital x-ray image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 illustrates X-ray image data generated by a CCD sensor or a detector of the X-ray image data acquisition system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates an X-ray image data acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Like reference numerals are used for like elements in describing each drawing.

The terms first, second, A, B, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component. And / or < / RTI > includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that other components may be present in between. Should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates an internal structure of a digital x-ray image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray image data acquisition system may include a power supply unit 100, an X-ray generator 101, an image detector 102, a controller 103, and an image transmitter 104. .

The power supply unit 100 is fixed at a predetermined tube voltage and tube current, and supplies power by applying current to the X-ray generator 101. Then, the X-ray generator 101 transmits the X-ray according to the current applied from the power supply unit 100 to the image sensing unit 102. For example, when a large amount of current is applied from the power supply unit 100, a large amount of X-rays are transmitted to the image sensing unit 102 according to the current, and when a small amount of current is applied from the power supply unit 100, Accordingly, a small amount of X-rays are transmitted to the image detector 102.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, a phantom (not shown) may be configured between the X-ray generator 101 and the image detector 102 as data for X-ray bone density measurement. Different thicknesses of aluminum may be installed inside the phantom for use as bone density data. In the present invention, aluminum of appropriate thickness is installed according to standard specimens determined through clinical trials of many people. For example, the younger the age, the thinner the thickness of the aluminum, the older the thickness of the aluminum may be installed, and vice versa. In addition, a thin aluminum may be installed in the case of a female, and a thick aluminum may be installed in the case of a male, and vice versa.

The image detector 102 may be implemented as a photo diode, a high sensitivity CCD sensor, or a semiconductor detector to detect X-rays transmitted from the X-ray generator 101 and transmitted through the phantom. In this case, the image detector 102 may detect an X-ray and generate an image signal.

That is, the CCD sensor, which is the image sensing unit 102 applied to the present invention, may include a detector plate for detecting an image and a substrate control unit for controlling the detector plate. In this case, the detector plate is composed of a plurality of pixels having a matrix structure, and an image signal generated inside each pixel is stored in a signal storage capacitor. Here, the CCD sensor, which is the image sensing unit 102, always detects external X-rays and stores them in the accumulation capacitor.

The X-ray generating unit 101 accumulates X-rays transmitted through the phantom. The degree of accumulation in the accumulation capacitor of the CCD sensor which is the image sensing unit 102 may be different. In addition, since the CCD sensor, which is the image sensing unit 102, always detects X-rays, ultraviolet rays or X-rays of indoor lighting may be naturally charged in the accumulation capacitor. In this case, the images stored in the accumulation capacitor may be periodically removed to photograph only X-rays transmitted from the X-ray generator 101.

Therefore, since the image detector 102 only photographs X-rays transmitted from the X-ray generator 101, the image detector 102 may acquire a pure and accurate image that is not distorted. The image captured by the image detector 102 may be converted into image data through an A / D converter (not shown). That is, the A / D converter may be installed to be connected between the image detector 102 and the controller 103 to convert the analog image signal detected by the image detector 102 into a digital signal. In this case, the converted data may be transmitted to an external device (not shown). As such, when an image is photographed by the image detector 102, the image photographed by the image transmitter 104 may be transmitted to the outside. In this case, the image transmitter 104 may be connected to an interface to transmit an image to an external PC. Here, the interface may be implemented by USB.

In addition, the image sensor 102 may further include a memory (not shown) for storing the X-ray image data photographed. That is, the X-ray image data photographed by the image detector 102 may be directly transmitted to the outside or may be stored in a memory. In this case, the X-ray image data stored in the memory may be transmitted to the external device according to the user's intention and utilized.

In this case, the intensity of the X-ray image data photographed by the image detector 102, that is, the light and dark, is represented by an intensity value representing the intensity of X-rays, and the intensity value is information on the amount of X-ray transmission, that is, the density content of bone. Indicates. For example, the greater the amount of X-ray transmission, the closer the intensity of the X-ray image data will be to the brighter side. In this case, the lower the density content of the bone, the lower the intensity of the X-ray image data will be closer to the darker side. If the bone density is high. This may reverse the image.

The controller 103 generates an intensity distribution representing the distribution of the intensity of the X-rays from the X-ray image data captured by the image detector 102 and stored in the memory. Here, the X axis of the intensity distribution is represented by a gray level, that is, a value between 0 and 255 in the degree of brightness, and the Y axis represents pixel coordinates. For example, the controller 103 may generate an intensity distribution indicating a distribution of the intensity of the X-rays by converting the brightness of the pixels constituting the X-ray image data stored in the memory into a value between 0 and 255.

Thereafter, the controller 103 determines whether an intensity value corresponding to a specific pixel is close to either 0 or 255 in the intensity distribution. The reason why the controller 103 determines whether the intensity value is close to either 0 or 255 is because if the intensity value corresponding to the normal bone density is 240, the bone density data of the specific user is determined by using the corresponding bone density data. When measuring abnormality, the range in which the user's bone density may exist is limited because it is an intensity value between 241 and 255.

Therefore, when the controller 103 determines that the intensity value corresponding to the pixel is present in the proximity of either 0 or 255, the power supply unit 100 controls the current applied to the X-ray generator 101. For example, if it is determined that an intensity value corresponding to a specific pixel is close to 255 in the intensity distribution, after controlling the power applied to the X-ray generator 101 by controlling the power supply unit 100, X-ray generation is performed. The unit 101 causes the X-ray to be scanned in the phantom. Thereafter, the controller 103 determines whether the intensity value corresponding to the pixel is close to the average value in the intensity distribution, and if the intensity value does not exist close to the average value, the controller 103 determines the intensity value corresponding to the pixel until the intensity value is close to the average value. Repeat the same process.

As such, the control unit 103 controls the power supply unit 100 to adjust the current applied to the X-ray generating unit 101 so that when the intensity value is an average value, for example, the first intensity value is 240, the value is close to 120. It can be used later as bone density measurement data. Next, an embodiment in which the bone density measurement data generated through the process of FIG. 1 is applied in the X-ray image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

2 illustrates an embodiment of an x-ray image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the X-ray generating unit 200, the CCD sensor 202, and the computer 203 may be configured.

The X-ray generator 200 scans the X-ray 201, the CCD sensor 202 is mounted on the front surface corresponding to the X-ray generator 200, and accumulates X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 200 to x-rays. Generate video data. The computer 203 includes software for analyzing bone density and growth plate by comparing the X-ray image data of the CCD sensor 202 with previously inputted data. Here, the input data is a result obtained by controlling the power supply unit 100 so that the controller 103 in the intensity distribution is the average value in the embodiment of FIG.

A mounting space part (not shown) for seating an inspection object between the X-ray generator 200 and the CCD sensor 202 may be configured to seat a specific part of the body, for example, a finger, a wrist, ankle, or a forehead. can do.

The user may select either X-ray imaging or bone density measurement through the computer 203. If the user selects X-ray photographing through the computer 203, the X-ray generator 200 generates X-rays as the inspection target, and the X-rays pass through the inspection target and accumulate in the CCD sensor 202 to store the X-ray image data. Create Thereafter, the X-ray image data generated by the CCD sensor 202 is transmitted to the computer 203, and the user may check the X-ray X-ray image data of the inspection target on the computer 203.

On the other hand, when the user selects the bone density measurement through the computer 203, the computer 203 that receives the X-ray image data generated by the CCD sensor 202 after undergoing the same process as when selecting the X-ray imaging is inputted. The collected data and the X-ray image data are compared and displayed on the screen after comparison using software for analyzing bone density and growth plate. For example, when the data generated in FIG. 1 indicates that the intensity value corresponding to a particular bone portion of a woman in her 40s is 155, the specific value is based on X-ray image data of a portion of the bone of a 43 year old woman. If it is determined that the intensity value corresponding to the bone portion is 200, it may be determined that the bone density is not normal. Next, X-ray image data generated by the CCD sensor of the X-ray image data acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 illustrates X-ray image data generated by a CCD sensor of an X-ray image data acquisition system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the CCD sensor 202 accumulates X-rays passing through the inspection object. X-rays can be classified into wavelengths of high energy and low energy of several tens of nm to 0.01 nm. The degree of X-ray absorption varies depending on the density of the material passing through the X-rays. By using the characteristics of the X-rays, it can be seen that the bone portion of the inspection target has much X-ray energy absorption, and the non-bone portion has less X-ray energy absorption than the bone portion. Therefore, the bone portion is close to the bright side because of the X-ray energy absorption much, and the non-bone portion is close to the dark side because of less X-ray energy absorption.

In addition, when X-rays pass through a specific portion of the inspection object, the X-rays are absorbed and replaced with values measurable by the CCD sensor 202 in proportion to the amount of X-rays absorbed. The X-ray image data generated by the CCD sensor 202 is a gray image having a different brightness, and since a small amount of X-rays are scanned at low energy, the brightness of the X-ray image data is close to a dark side, and a large amount of the X-ray image data is high. Since the X-rays are scanned, the brightness of the X-ray image data is generated closer to the bright side. Next, the X-ray image data acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

4 illustrates an X-ray image data acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the X-ray image data acquisition system scans X-rays generated by the X-ray generator to a phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data, and accumulates X-rays passing through the phantom to generate X-ray image data (S401). ).

The X-ray image data acquisition system generates an intensity distribution representing a distribution of the intensity of the X-rays using the intensity values of all the pixels of the image data (S402). Thereafter, the X-ray image data acquisition system determines whether there is a pixel that exists above or below the predetermined threshold in the intensity distribution (S403), and when the pixel that exists above or below the predetermined threshold exists as a result of the determination. The intensity of the X-rays is changed by controlling the voltage supplied to the X-ray generator (S404).

Thereafter, the X-ray image data acquisition system scans the end-rays with the changed X-ray intensity to the phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data, and accumulates X-rays passing through the phantom to generate X-ray image data (S401). An intensity distribution representing the intensity distribution of the X-rays is generated using the intensity values of all the pixels of the image data (S402). Then, when the intensity value of the pixel becomes the average value, the X-ray image data acquisition system generates the bone density data (S405) and ends, otherwise repeats the above process.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims It can be understood that

100: power supply 101, 200: X-ray generator
102: image detection unit 103: control unit
104: image transmission unit 202: CCD sensor
203: computer

Claims (9)

A first step of scanning the X-rays generated by the digital X-ray generator in a phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data and accumulating X-rays passing through the phantom to generate image data for bone density measurement;
Generating an intensity distribution representing a distribution of the intensity of the X-rays using the intensity values of all the pixels of the image data;
A third step of determining whether a pixel exists above or below a predetermined threshold value in the intensity distribution; And
If there is a pixel present above or below the predetermined threshold as a result of the determination, controlling the voltage supplied to the X-ray generation unit to change the intensity of the X-ray and the first step until the intensity value of the pixel becomes an average value. A fourth step of repeating step 3 to generate bone density data;
Digital x-ray image data acquisition method for measuring the bone density is configured to include. The method of claim 1,
And receiving at least one selection of a x-ray photograph or a bone density measurement from a user.
The method of claim 1,
And receiving an X-ray selection from a user, scanning the X-rays to an inspection object, and accumulating the X-rays passing through the inspection object to generate X-ray image data. The method of claim 1,
When receiving the selection of the measurement of bone density from the user, the step of transmitting the x-ray image data to a computer and comparing the bone density data predetermined by the data analysis software installed in the computer to measure the bone density, characterized in that further comprising Data Acquisition Method. An X-ray generator scanning X-rays according to a current applied from a power supply to a phantom for use as X-ray bone density measurement data;
An image detector configured to accumulate X-rays passing through the phantom to generate image data; And
The intensity distribution indicating the distribution of the intensity of the X-rays is generated using the intensity values of all the pixels of the image data, and when there is a pixel that exists above or below a predetermined threshold value in the intensity distribution, the X-ray generator generates the intensity distribution. When the intensity of the X-rays is changed by controlling the supplied voltage, the X-ray generation unit controls the X-rays to be scanned, the image sensing unit controls the accumulation of X-rays to generate image data, and the intensity value of the pixel becomes an average value. A control unit for controlling the voltage until the X-ray generation unit and the image sensing unit repeat the above process to generate bone density data;
Image data acquisition system comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein
And a computer connected to the control unit and receiving a selection of at least one of X-ray imaging and bone density measurement from a user. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the computer comprises:
And receiving software to analyze the bone density of the user who photographed the X-ray image data by comparing the X-ray image data with predetermined bone density data when receiving a selection of a bone density measurement from a user. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit,
When receiving a selection of X-ray imaging from a user, the X-ray generating unit is controlled to scan the X-rays to the inspection object, and the image detection unit is controlled to generate the X-ray image data by accumulating the X-rays passing through the inspection object Image Data Acquisition System. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit,
And receiving the selection of the bone density measurement from the user, and transmitting the x-ray image data to a computer to control the computer to analyze the bone density.

Images