KR20140141249A

KR20140141249A - X-ray imaging system and method for controlling detecting area of the same

Info

Publication number: KR20140141249A
Application number: KR20130062780A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 유종현; 윤권하; 주수종; 정창원; 이진석
Original assignee: 원광대학교산학협력단
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2014-12-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and an X-ray detection area control method for improving the convenience of a medical staff and information reliability,
The system comprises an x-ray generator for generating and emitting x-rays; A diaphragm positioned in front of the x-ray generator for determining an x-ray emitting area; An x-ray detector for radiating x-rays transmitted from the x-ray generator to the patient and generating an x-ray image of the patient; A camera for photographing an X-ray detection area of the detector; A photographing table for locating the patient; A photographing table support for supporting the photographing table and determining a position of the photographing table; And a controller for controlling at least one of the diaphragm and the photographing table support so that the X-ray detection area is corrected to the area of interest when a part of the X-ray detection area is selected as an area of interest after displaying the X- . &Lt; / RTI >

Description

X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DETECTING AREA OF THE SAME [0002]

The present invention relates to a medical X-ray technique, and more particularly, to an X-ray imaging system and a method of controlling an X-ray detection area, which enable more convenient and easy adjustment of the X-ray detection area.

In recent years, thanks to the development of science technology and medical technology, the field of radiation related equipments has been rapidly growing as diagnostic equipment, and for most patients, radiological examination has become a generalized diagnosis method. X-ray imaging systems are used to visualize anatomical structures and detect the presence of pathologies, diseases, or abnormal anatomical structures.

This X-ray system places the patient between the x-ray generator and the detector, and after the x-ray detector radiates from the x-ray generator, the x-ray transmitted through the patient is received to generate an x-ray image. Generally, It is installed in a separate room, and its controller controls it externally.

In order for the medical staff to adjust the x-ray detection area, the user has to enter the room and manually adjust the positions of the x-ray generator and the detector.

In addition, since the positions of the x-ray generator and the detector are manually adjusted according to the subjective judgment of the medical staff, the x-ray detection area can be adjusted incorrectly. This can be grasped only after the x-ray image has been acquired. In the worst case, Problems can arise.

Therefore, in the present invention, an X-ray detection area is photographed and provided by a camera so that a medical staff can confirm the X-ray detection area in advance and remotely adjust the X-ray detection area on the basis of the X-ray detection area, thereby improving the convenience of the medical staff and information reliability. System and a method of controlling an X-ray detection area.

As means for solving the above problems, an x-ray imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an x-ray generator for generating and emitting x-rays; A diaphragm positioned in front of the x-ray generator for determining an x-ray emitting area; An x-ray detector for radiating x-rays transmitted from the x-ray generator to the patient and generating an x-ray image of the patient; A camera for photographing an X-ray detection area of the detector; A photographing table for locating the patient; A photographing table support for supporting the photographing table and determining a position of the photographing table; And a controller for controlling at least one of the diaphragm and the photographing table support so that the X-ray detection area is corrected to the area of interest when a part of the X-ray detection area is selected as an area of interest after displaying the X- . &Lt; / RTI >

The controller is configured to determine a Z-axis movement value of the imaging table from a relative size of the ROI for the X-ray detection area to an X-axis and Y-axis movement value of the imaging table from a relative position of the ROI for the X- Can be calculated.

Further, the controller can calculate the opening / closing amount of the iris from the relative size of the region of interest with respect to the x-ray detection region, and the opening / closing position of the iris from the relative position of the region of interest with respect to the x- ray detection region.

The controller can determine the size and position of the region of interest through one of the screen touch value input by the medical staff, the click and drag values of the mouse cursor, and the center coordinate value and the size value of the ROI input by the medical staff, Detects at least one candidate region by automatically analyzing the image of the X-ray detection region, and displays the candidate region selected by the medical staff as a region of interest Area can be detected.

As a means for solving the above problems, an X-ray detection area control method of an X-ray imaging system for acquiring an X-ray image of a patient fixed in position by a radiographic table through an X- Ray detecting area of the X-ray detector and then displaying the X-ray detecting area on the screen; A setting step of setting, as a region of interest, a partial area within the x-ray detection area displayed on the screen; An adjusting step of adjusting the position of the photographing table so that the area of interest and the X-ray detecting area coincide with each other; And an imaging step of acquiring an x-ray image of a patient lying on the imaging table by driving the x-ray generator and the x-ray detector.

The adjusting step may further include adjusting an X-ray emission range by controlling an opening / closing amount and an opening / closing position of the iris based on the region of interest.

As a means for solving the above problems, an X-ray detection area control method of an X-ray imaging system for acquiring an X-ray image of a patient fixed in position by a radiographic table through an X- A display step of photographing an X-ray detection area of the X-ray detector through a camera and displaying the X-ray detection area on a screen; A setting step of setting, as a region of interest, a partial area within the x-ray detection area displayed on the screen; Controlling an opening and closing amount and an open / close position of the diaphragm based on the region of interest to adjust an x-ray emission range; And an imaging step of driving the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector to acquire an x-ray image of a body part corresponding to the area of interest.

The adjusting step may further include a step of adjusting the position of the photographing table based on the region of interest.

In the present invention, the X-ray detection area is photographed and displayed by a camera, and the X-ray detection area can be remotely adjusted through the displayed screen. This allows the medical staff to easily change the x-ray detection area without having to go back and forth in a separate room with an x-ray generator and detector.

In addition, since the current x-ray detection area is visually confirmed and the x-ray is taken, the medical staff can always obtain the x-ray image of the body part desired by himself.

In addition, the X-ray emission area adjustment function allows X-rays to be radiated only to a part of the body requiring detection of an X-ray image, thereby preventing the patient's body from being unnecessarily exposed to the X-rays.

1 is a view for explaining a medical X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 and 3 are views illustrating a method of controlling an X-ray detection region according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an X-ray detection region according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 and 6 are views illustrating a method of controlling an X-ray detection area according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a medical X-ray photographing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing an embodiment of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing an example of an X-ray image obtained through a medical X-ray imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a medical X-ray photographing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. Even if the terms are the same, it is to be noted that when the portions to be displayed differ, the reference signs do not coincide.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The terms first, second, etc. in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components 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.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All terms used herein, including but not limited to technical, technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and are to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present application Do not.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements in the drawings and redundant explanations for the same constituent elements are omitted.

1 is a view for explaining a medical X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1, the X-ray imaging system of the present invention includes a photographing table 10, a photographing table support 15, an X-ray generator 20, an X-ray detector 30, a camera 40, And the like.

The photographing table 10 fixes the position of the patient. The photographing table 10 at this time may be embodied in a bad form as shown in FIG. 1, but it may be implemented in a standing form if necessary. Further, the photographing table 10 may be embodied as a handy type portable and movable by a medical staff.

The photographing table support 15 supports the photographing table 10 and can adjust the position of the photographing table 10 three-dimensionally under the control of the controller 50. [ The photographing table support 15 for this purpose includes a cylinder for supporting the photographing table 10 and moving the photographing table 10 up and down (that is, moving in the Z-axis direction), a cylinder for moving the cylinder forward / backward and left / , X-axis and Y-axis directions), and the like.

The X-ray generator 20 is installed on the upper side of the photographing table 10 and emits X-rays, that is, X-rays, to the photographing table 10 so as to face the lying patient.

The X-ray detector 30 is installed on the lower surface of the photographing table 10, receives X-rays transmitted through the patient after being emitted from the generator 20, and generates an X-ray image.

The camera 40 is installed on the photographing table 10 so as to look at the patient lying on the photographing table 10, and obtains an image, that is, an X-ray detecting area, for an area where the X- 1, the camera 30 is disposed adjacent to the X-ray generator 20 facing the photographing table 10. However, the installation position of the camera can be freely changed within a range in which the X-ray detection area of the X- .

The controller 50 controls the overall operation of the x-ray imaging system to acquire the x-ray image of the patient.

In particular, the controller 50 of the present invention displays an image of the X-ray detection area on a monitor screen so that a medical staff can select an area of interest based on an image, Ray detector 30 to obtain only the x-ray image of the body part desired by the medical staff.

The controller 50 of the present invention can change the photographing time of the camera 40 according to the position of the photographing table 10 so that the camera 40 is always located in the X- Ray detection area of the X-ray detection area. However, it is preferable that the camera 40 for this purpose is implemented by a pan / tilt / zoom camera capable of varying the shooting time.

The controller 50 may be implemented not only in a desktop or a notebook computer, but also in a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC. If necessary, a plurality of controllers may perform the above operations in cooperation with each other.

2 and 3 are views illustrating a method of controlling an X-ray detection region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the controller 50 acquires an image of a patient's body part, that is, an image of the X-ray detection area, on which the X-ray detector 20 performs X-ray detection, via the camera 40, and displays it on the monitor screen (S11 ).

When the medical staff sets an area of interest within the X-ray detection area as a region of interest (S12) based on the X-ray detection area displayed on the screen in step S11, the controller 50 controls the imaging table 10 (Step S13).

For step S12, the medical practitioner can touch and drag a finger on the screen on which the x-ray detection area is displayed, or click and drag after placing the mouse cursor, or manually input the center coordinate value and the magnitude value of the region of interest through the keypad , And the area of interest.

Further, in step S13, the controller 50 calculates the Z-axis movement value of the photographing table from the relative size of the region of interest with respect to the X-ray detection region, from the relative position of the region of interest with respect to the X- You will be able to calculate the value.

Subsequently, the photographing table support 15 moves the photographing table 10 three-dimensionally in accordance with the position adjustment value calculated in the step S13 (S14), and the controller 50 judges whether the movement of the photographing table 10 is completed The X-ray generator 20 and the X-ray detector 30 are driven to generate and output an X-ray image of a region of interest (S15).

As described above, in the present invention, the medical staff can check and adjust the X-ray detection area in advance through the monitor screen before the X-ray image is acquired, thereby allowing the medical staff to more accurately acquire the X-ray image of the desired body part more accurately.

In addition, in the above description, the medical staff directly sets a region of interest by directly dragging a predetermined region in the X-ray detection region displayed on the monitor screen, but this may be variously changed as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an X-ray detection area according to another embodiment of the present invention, which allows the medical staff to adjust the X-ray detection area by inputting a name of a body part rather than an area drag method.

First, the controller 50 acquires an image of the patient's body part, that is, an image of the X-ray detection area, on which the X-ray detector 20 performs the X-ray detection, through the camera 40, and displays it on the monitor screen ).

Then, a body part selection window for allowing the medical staff to select a body part requiring X-ray imaging is additionally displayed (S22). When a specific body part is selected through the body part selection window (S23), an image corresponding to the body part And detects the included region as the region of interest (S24). For example, the controller 50 may be provided with shape information per body part in advance, and may automatically detect an area of interest by analyzing the image of the X-ray detection area based on the shape information of the body part selected by the medical staff.

Then, the controller 50 compares and analyzes the X-ray detection area and the ROI to calculate the position adjustment value of the photographing table 10 (S25), and adjusts the position of the photographing table 10 accordingly (S26).

Thereafter, when the position adjustment of the photographing table 10 is completed, the controller 50 drives the x-ray generator 20 and the x-ray detector 30 to generate and output an x-ray image for the region of interest (S27).

That is, the X-ray system of FIG. 4 allows a medical staff to input body part information to set an area of interest, so that an untrained medical staff can stably perform an X-ray image acquisition operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of controlling an X-ray detection region according to another embodiment of the present invention, which recommends a candidate region and adjusts the X-ray detection region in such a manner that a medical staff selects one of the candidate regions.

First, the controller 50 acquires an image of the body part of the patient, that is, an image of the X-ray detection area, on which the X-ray detector 20 performs the X-ray detection through the camera 40, and displays it on the monitor screen (S31 ).

The controller 50 analyzes the image of the X-ray detection region and automatically detects at least one candidate region (S32). For example, the controller 50 includes shape information for each part of the body in advance, analyzes the image of the X-ray detection area based on the shape information, and recognizes various body parts existing in the image of the X-ray detection area, At least one candidate region may be automatically detected in such a manner as to obtain candidate regions to be obtained.

When at least one candidate region is automatically detected, each candidate region is overlaid on the image of the X-ray detection region as shown in FIG. 6 (S33).

When the medical care provider selects one candidate region (S34), the controller 50 sets the candidate region as the region of interest (S35), and compares and analyzes the x-ray detection region and the region of interest, The adjustment value is calculated (S36), and the position of the photographing table 10 is adjusted accordingly (S37).

Thereafter, when the position adjustment of the imaging table 10 is completed, the controller 50 drives the x-ray generator 20 and the x-ray detector 30 to generate and output an x-ray image for the region of interest (S38).

In this manner, the X-ray system of FIG. 5 can allow the medical staff to simply select a candidate region overlaid on the X-ray detection region to set the region of interest, thereby further enhancing the convenience of the medical staff.

However, if the X-ray detection area is changed by moving the radiographic table as described above, the patient may be positioned too close to the X-ray generator, so that the X-ray intensity radiated to a specific body part of the patient may be increased. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, instead of the photographing table, the X-ray emitting area is varied to prevent the occurrence of such a problem in advance.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a medical X-ray photographing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7, the X-ray imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the imaging table 10, the imaging table support 15, the X-ray generator 20, the X-ray detector 30, the camera Ray generator 20 in addition to the controller 50 and the diaphragm 60 which can freely adjust the position and size of the X-ray radiation area according to the area of interest of the medical staff have.

As shown in FIG. 8, the diaphragm 60 of the present invention can adjust its own open / close position and opening / closing amount according to the position and size of the X-ray emitting area. For this purpose, the " And the diaphragm 61 of the "a" shape. Of course, the method of implementing the diaphragm is not limited to this, but may be variously changed within a range in which the opening / closing position and the opening / closing amount can be adjusted.

That is, the controller 50 of FIG. 7 displays the patient image photographed through the camera 40 so that the medical staff can select the region of interest using the patient image, The opening and closing amount of the diaphragm 60 and the amount of opening and closing of the diaphragm 60 are exposed to the patient's body part corresponding to the area of interest.

Then, the X-ray detector 30 receives the X-ray passing through the patient's body part corresponding to the area of interest and arriving at the X-ray detector 30, thereby generating and thrusting an X-ray image corresponding to the patient's body part corresponding to the area of interest. As shown in FIG. 9, the x-ray image at this time may be processed by darkening the area other than the area of interest, or by cutting out only the area of interest.

In addition, the x-ray photographing system of the present invention can adjust the position of the diaphragm 60 and the photographing table 10 as shown in Fig. 10 to change the x-ray detecting area.

In order to reduce the X-ray detection area by moving only the photographing table 10, the X-ray photographing system has to reduce the X-ray detecting area of the X-ray detector 30 by raising and lowering the photographing table 10 as shown in FIG. When the iris 60 and the photographing table 10 are simultaneously adjusted to reduce the X-ray detection area, the X-ray radiation area is reduced through the diaphragm 60 as shown in FIG. 10 (b) The X-ray detection area of the X-ray detector 30 can be reduced.

That is, by adjusting the positions of the diaphragm 60 and the photographing table 10, it is possible to reduce the intensity of the X-rays emitted to the patient, unlike the case where only the position of the photographing table 10 is adjusted.

The X-ray imaging system of the present invention further includes a position adjusting device (not shown) for positioning the X-ray generator 20 or the X-ray detector 30, It is also possible to adjust the X-ray detection area by directly adjusting it.

The position variable device at this time is a cylinder which is coupled to the X-ray detector 30 to move the X-ray generator 20 or the X-ray detector 30 up and down (that is, moves in the Z-axis direction) And a rail that moves the cylinder forward / backward and leftward / rightward (i.e., moves in the X and Y axis directions).

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but to limit the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

An x-ray generator for generating and emitting x-rays;
A diaphragm positioned in front of the x-ray generator for determining an x-ray emitting area;
An x-ray detector for radiating x-rays transmitted from the x-ray generator to the patient and generating an x-ray image of the patient;
A camera for photographing an X-ray detection area of the detector;
A photographing table for locating the patient;
A photographing table support for supporting the photographing table and determining a position of the photographing table; And
A controller for controlling at least one of the diaphragm and the photographing table support to correct the x-ray detection area to the area of interest when a part of the x-ray detection area is selected as an area of interest after displaying the x- Including an x-ray imaging system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller
Calculating a Z-axis movement value of the photographing table from a relative size of the region of interest with respect to the X-ray detection region and an X-axis and Y-axis movement value of the photographing table from a relative position of the region of interest with respect to the X- And an X-ray imaging system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller
And calculates the opening / closing amount of the diaphragm from the relative size of the region of interest with respect to the x-ray detecting region, and the opening / closing position of the diaphragm from the relative position of the region of interest with respect to the x-ray detecting region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller
And the size and position of the region of interest are identified through one of the screen touch value input by the medical staff, the click and drag value of the mouse cursor, and the center coordinate value and the size value of the ROI input by the medical staff. system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller
And an area including an image corresponding to a body part selected by a medical staff is detected as an area of interest.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller
Ray detection area, and automatically detects and displays at least one candidate area, and detects a candidate area selected by the medical staff as an area of interest.

A method of controlling an X-ray detection area of an X-ray imaging system, which acquires an X-ray image of a patient fixed in position by a radiographic table through an X-ray generator and an X-
A display step of photographing an X-ray detection area of the X-ray detector through a camera and displaying the X-ray detection area on a screen;
A setting step of setting, as a region of interest, a partial area within the x-ray detection area displayed on the screen;
An adjusting step of adjusting the position of the photographing table so that the area of interest and the X-ray detecting area coincide with each other; And
And an imaging step of driving the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector to acquire an X-ray image of a patient lying on the imaging table.

8. The method of claim 7,
And adjusting an X-ray emission range by controlling an opening / closing amount and an opening / closing position of the diaphragm based on the region of interest.

A method of controlling an X-ray detection area of an X-ray imaging system, which acquires an X-ray image of a patient fixed in position by a radiographic table through an X-ray generator and an X-
A display step of photographing an X-ray detection area of the X-ray detector through a camera and displaying the X-ray detection area on a screen;
A setting step of setting, as a region of interest, a partial area within the x-ray detection area displayed on the screen;
Controlling an opening and closing amount and an open / close position of the diaphragm based on the region of interest to adjust an x-ray emission range; And
And an imaging step of driving the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector to acquire an X-ray image of a body part corresponding to the region of interest.

10. The method according to claim 9,
And adjusting the position of the photographing table based on the region of interest.