KR20170093515A - X-ray image apparatus and method for sensing performance degradation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for sensing the performance degradation of the detector and the X-ray source of the X-ray imaging apparatus. To this end, the apparatus of the present invention comprises: a plurality of X-ray sources for sequentially emitting X-rays, an X-ray detector for providing a unit pixel sensor for generating electric signals corresponding to each of the X-rays, and a performance diagnosis device for comparing the electric signal values with a predetermined performance deterioration reference value and determining the performance degradation of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray image capturing apparatus and method for detecting a performance degradation,

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus and method for detecting degradation of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector of an X-ray imaging apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a mammography system as an X-ray imaging apparatus of the prior art.

As shown in Fig. 1, an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a main body 2, a gantry 3 capable of moving up and down along the main body 2, a gantry 3 mounted on one side of the gantry 3, An X-ray generator 4 mounted on the other side of the gantry 3 for receiving X-rays, a pressure panel 7 for pressurizing the object between the X-ray generator 4 and the X-ray detector 7 5, and preferably further includes a support panel 6 for supporting the object between the pressure panel 5 and the X-ray detector 7. [

The X-ray generator 3 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 irradiates X-rays to the subject with a single X-ray source.

On the other hand, an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 having a single X-ray source can continuously and continuously rotate the gantry 3 within a certain angle range or rotate the gantry 3 discontinuously, Directional x-ray is irradiated on the specimen and the irradiated x-ray is received by the x-ray detector 7, thereby obtaining a multi-directional x-ray image of the inspected object.

On the other hand, when the gantry 3 is continuously or stepwise rotated in a certain angle range, the X-ray generating section 3 also rotates continuously or stepwise within a certain angle range. When the X-ray generating section 3 is continuously rotated A continuous-shoot system in which a subject is photographed is subject to a motion blur phenomenon in which the boundaries of obtained x-ray images are unclear, resulting in deterioration of image quality, and the x- In the stop-and-shoot method of photographing while rotating stepwise, the entire imaging time is lengthened because the X-ray photographing must be performed and moved in a completely stopped state at a predetermined angular interval, And noise is generated.

To solve this problem, an X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of X-ray sources has recently been developed.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of conventional X-ray sources.

2, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes a support column 111 in the form of a vertical column and a body 110 installed to be vertically movable along the support column 111, Ray generator 120 for irradiating X-rays to a subject in a range of a predetermined angle with respect to the subject is provided at the upper end of the main body 110. The X-ray generator 120 and the X- Ray detector 130 for receiving an X-ray irradiated by the X-ray generating unit 120 is installed.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 irradiates an X-ray at a predetermined position from a plurality of X-ray sources of the X-ray generator 120, and the X-ray detector 130 receives the X- Images can be acquired. Therefore, since the physical movement of the X-ray generator 120 can be eliminated, the problem of the prior art by the continuous or stepwise rotation of the X-ray generator is solved.

However, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 having a plurality of X-ray sources, the performance degradation points of the X-ray sources are different from each other, that is, the lifespan differs for each X-ray source, and it is difficult to replace the X- .

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and method for detecting degradation of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a plurality of X-ray sources for sequentially irradiating X-rays, an X-ray detector for providing a unit pixel sensor for generating an electric signal corresponding to each X-ray, And a performance diagnostic device for comparing the predetermined performance deterioration reference value with each other to determine degradation of the performance of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of detecting an X-ray, comprising the steps of: (a) sequentially irradiating an X-ray source with a plurality of X-ray sources; (b) And (c) comparing the electrical signal value with a predetermined deterioration reference value to determine a degradation in performance of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector.

In addition, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for realizing a method for detecting degradation in performance of an X-ray imaging apparatus is recorded.

Therefore, the present invention can accurately detect when the performance of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector deteriorates, so that the user can replace the X-ray source and the X-ray detector at an appropriate time.

FIG. 1 illustrates an X-ray imaging apparatus having an X-ray source according to the prior art,
FIG. 2 illustrates an X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of conventional X-ray sources,
3 is a view illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a layout diagram of unit pixel sensors,
5 is a configuration diagram of a performance diagnostic device,
6 is a diagram showing a general sensing mode and a special sensing mode of the performance diagnostic device,
7 is a diagram specifically showing the step S200,
8 is a view showing the positions of reference unit pixel sensors among the unit pixel sensors,
9 is a diagram specifically illustrating the step S600, and Fig.
10 is a diagram specifically showing the step S700.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, It can be easily carried out. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

And throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another part in between. Also, when a component is referred to as " comprising "or" comprising ", it does not exclude other components unless specifically stated to the contrary . In addition, in the description of the entire specification, it should be understood that the description of some elements in a singular form does not limit the present invention, and that a plurality of the constituent elements may be formed.

3 is a view illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3, an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n for irradiating X-rays, respectively Ray detector 130 and an X-ray detector 130 that receive the X-ray emitted from the X-ray generator 120 and convert the received X-rays into electric signals corresponding to the received X-ray intensity, A performance diagnosis device 150 for comparing the value of the performance degradation reference value with the performance degradation reference value to determine an abnormality of the X-ray imaging apparatus, and a control unit 140 for controlling them.

3, the X-ray generator 120 covers a certain angle range around the X-ray detector 130, and the X-ray generator 120 is provided with a plurality of X-ray sources 123-1 to 123 -n and 124-1 to 124-n. At this time, preferably, each of the x-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n may be detachably mounted on the x-ray generator 120. The X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n of the X-ray generator 120 sequentially irradiate the X-rays according to a predetermined rule, and preferably hold their own numbers. For convenience, it is assumed that the X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n sequentially scan the X-rays from one side to the other side for convenience.

The x-ray detector 130 includes an x-ray sensor. The X-ray detector 130 is a planar sensor having a predetermined area. The X-ray detector 130 is a type in which each unit pixel sensor constituting the X-ray sensor is arranged in a two-dimensional array, that is, to be.

4 is a view schematically showing the arrangement of unit pixel sensors.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i has a matrix of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each of the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i senses the X-rays and converts them into electric signals corresponding to the intensity of the sensed X-rays, respectively, and preferably retains the unique numbers.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a performance diagnostic device 150. FIG.

5, the performance diagnostic device 150 compares the performance degradation reference value with the electrical signals converted from some or all of the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i of the X-ray detector 130 A performance decreasing judging unit 170 for judging the performance degradation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the comparison result of the comparing unit 160 and the comparing unit 160, and a notification for notifying the user of the performance degradation of the X- (180).

Hereinafter, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the comparator 160 compares the value of the electric signal converted from the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i of the X-ray detector 130 with the performance degradation reference value, The number of the X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n that irradiate the X-ray corresponding to the electric signal, and the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131- i may be stored in a memory (not shown). On the other hand, the performance deterioration reference value is a value of an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of an arbitrary x-ray that can determine the performance degradation of the x-ray sensor 120 and / or the x- For example, when an X-ray beam of 1mAs is irradiated for each of the X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n, the intensity of the X-ray of about 95% or less, for example, 0.95mAs, May be set to the performance degradation reference value. In addition, each unique number is a predetermined number for identifying the x-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n and the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i.

The performance degradation determination unit 170 determines the performance degradation of the X-ray imaging apparatus based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 160. [ A specific determination process of the performance degradation determination unit 170 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The notification unit 180 includes a display device and / or a speaker device. When an abnormality occurs in the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus (that is, when the performance deterioration of the X-ray imaging apparatus is judged) (For example, red light) on the display device and / or broadcast the notification sound through the speaker device. Accordingly, the user can sense an abnormality of the X-ray imaging apparatus through the notification of the notification unit 180.

Hereinafter, the general sensing mode and the special sensing mode of the performance diagnostic device 150 will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the general detection mode is a preliminary mode for roughly sensing the performance degradation of the X-ray imaging apparatus together with a general X-ray imaging for acquiring an X-ray image of the subject. In the special sensing mode, the X- And when it is judged, it is a precision mode in which the X-ray imaging is performed without the body to accurately detect the deterioration of the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a general sensing mode and a special sensing mode of the performance diagnostic device 150. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the performance diagnostic device 150 at the time of taking an X-ray image of the subject starts the normal sensing mode in step S100. Then, in step S200, the performance diagnostic device 150 roughly detects degradation of the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

7 is a diagram specifically showing the step S200.

7, under the control of the control unit 140, among the x-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n of the x-ray generator 120, Ray source irradiates the x-ray toward the x-ray detector 130.

Subsequently, in step S220, the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i of the X-ray detector 130 receive the irradiated X-ray and, under the control of the control unit 140, Signal (e.g., voltage).

8) of the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i, which are received by the reference unit pixel sensors 132-1 to 132-6 (shown in Fig. 8), in step S230, And compares the value of the electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the reference signal with the reference value of the performance degradation.

Preferably, the reference unit pixel sensors 132-1 to 132-6 are selected as the unit pixel sensors on the X-ray detector 130 where the subject is not expected to be positioned. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the subject is the breast of the subject, the subject will not be positioned at the corner of the X-ray detector 130, so that the unit pixel sensors at that point are located at the reference unit pixel sensors 132 -1 to 132-6), and the number of the reference unit pixel sensors 132-1 to 132-6 is not particularly limited.

If the electric signal converted by the reference unit pixel sensor is equal to or less than the predetermined performance deterioration reference value ("YES") as a result of the comparison in step S230, the flow proceeds to step S240. However, if the electric signal converted by the reference unit pixel sensor exceeds the predetermined performance deterioration reference value ("NO" determination result) in step S230, the process proceeds to step S250. At this time, preferably, the electric signal converted by the reference unit pixel sensor can be one-to-one compared with the predetermined performance deterioration reference value.

In step S240, the comparing unit 160 compares the unique numbers of the x-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n and the unit pixel sensors 131-1 To 131-i are stored in the control unit 140 or in a separately provided memory (not shown).

Next, in step S250, the control unit 140 determines whether the x-ray source that has recently examined the x-ray is the last x-ray source.

If it is determined as the last X-ray source in step S250 ("YES" determination), the process proceeds to step S300. If the X-ray source is not the last X-ray source (NO determination), the process proceeds to step S260.

On the other hand, in step S260, the control unit 140 controls the next x-ray source of the x-ray source having recently examined the x-ray to irradiate the x-ray toward the x-ray detector 130.

6, in step S300, the performance degradation determination unit 170 determines the state of the X-ray imaging apparatus using the results of steps S230 and S240. For example, when there is an electric signal smaller than the performance degradation reference value, the performance degradation determination unit 170 determines the x-ray image pickup apparatus to be in the preliminary performance degradation state.

If it is determined in step S300 that the state of the X-ray imaging apparatus is in the preliminary performance deterioration state (YES), the process proceeds to step S400. If the preliminary state of the X-ray imaging apparatus is not in the degraded state (NO) .

Next, in step S400, the notification unit 180 generates a first notification informing the user of the performance degradation state of the X-ray imaging apparatus. For example, the first notification may consist of displaying a notification text or color light (e.g., red light) on a display device and / or broadcasting a notification sound through a speaker device.

Next, in step S500, the performance diagnostic device 150 ends the normal sensing mode, and starts a special special sensing mode in a state in which there is no separate object. At this time, the special sensing mode may be started by a separate instruction from the user.

Then, in step S600, the performance diagnostic device 150 precisely detects degradation of the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

9 is a diagram specifically showing the step S600.

9, under the control of the control unit 140, in step S610, the first of the X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n of the X-ray generator 120 The x-ray source irradiates the x-ray toward the x-ray detector 130.

Subsequently, in step S620, the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i of the X-ray detector 130 receive the irradiated X-ray and, under the control of the control unit 140, Signal (e.g., voltage).

Next, in step S630, the comparing unit 160 compares the value of the electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the X-ray received by the unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i with the performance degradation reference value. Here, the performance degradation reference value used in the general detection mode may be the same or different from the performance degradation reference value used in the special detection mode.

As a result of the comparison in step S630, if the electric signal converted by the unit pixel sensor is less than the predetermined performance deterioration reference value (YES), the process proceeds to step S640. However, if it is determined in step S630 that the electric signal converted by the unit pixel sensor has exceeded the predetermined performance degradation reference value ("NO"), the process proceeds to step S650.

In step S640, the comparison unit 160 compares the unique numbers of the x-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n and the unit pixel sensors 131-1 To 131-i are stored in a memory (not shown).

Then, in step S650, the control unit 140 determines whether the X-ray source having recently examined the X-ray is the last X-ray source.

If the result of the determination in step S650 is the last X-ray source (YES), the process proceeds to step S700. If the X-ray source is not the last X-ray source (NO), the process proceeds to step S660.

On the other hand, in step S660, the control unit 140 controls the X-ray source of the X-ray source having recently examined the X-ray to irradiate the X-ray toward the X-ray detector 130.

6, in step S700, the performance degradation determination unit 170 determines whether the X-ray image pickup apparatus is in a specific degraded state.

10 is a diagram showing in detail the step S700.

In step S710, the performance degradation determination unit 170 determines whether the number of electric signals determined to be equal to or lower than the performance degradation reference value, that is, the number of unit pixels is equal to or less than the reference count value. Here, the reference count value is a predetermined value for determining whether the x-ray image capturing apparatus in the preliminary performance deterioration state is in a degraded state of the x-ray detector 130 or in a degraded state of the x-ray sensor 120. The reference count value can be preset to correspond to the number of unit pixel sensors 131-1 to 131-i of the X-ray detector 130. [ That is, for example, the reference count value can be preset to approximately 90% or 100% of the number of unit pixel sensors.

If it is determined in step S710 that the number of electric signals determined to be equal to or less than the performance degradation reference value is equal to or less than the reference count value (YES), the process proceeds to step S720. If the number of electric signals If the reference count value is exceeded ("NO" determination), the flow proceeds to step S740. On the other hand, in step S740, the performance degradation determination unit 170 updates the state of the corresponding X-ray source to the degraded state and stores it in the memory. Here, the corresponding x-ray source is an x-ray source which has examined the x-ray corresponding to the electric signal currently being determined.

Next, in step S720, the performance degradation determination unit 170 determines whether the number of electric signals determined to be equal to or less than the performance degradation reference value is zero.

If it is determined in step S720 that the number of electric signals determined to be equal to or less than the performance degradation reference value is 0 (YES), the process proceeds to step S800. If the number of electric signals determined to be equal to or less than the performance degradation reference value is 0 Otherwise ("NO" determination), the flow proceeds to step S730.

Then, in step S730, the performance degradation determination unit 170 updates the state of the X-ray detector to the degraded state and stores the state in the memory.

Finally, in step S800, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the X-ray sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n indexed as the degraded state and / And generates a second notification (i.e., a specific degradation notification) informing the user of the information about the detector 130 together. For example, the second notification can be displayed on the display device and / or broadcast the notification sound through a speaker device, and at the same time the performance of the x-ray detector 130 and / And displaying the unique number of the x-ray source in the state on the display device.

In the meantime, when the X-ray detector 130 of the X-ray imaging apparatus is in a degraded state, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention as described above is capable of detecting a degradation criterion by using a known bad pixel correction algorithm, It is possible to correct the intensity of the output electric signal of the pixels determined to be equal to or smaller than the value.

Further, in the x-ray image pickup apparatus according to the present invention as described above, when the x-ray source 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n of the x- X-ray imaging of the sources 123-1 to 123-n and 124-1 to 124-n is excluded.

Meanwhile, the method for detecting the degradation of the X-ray source and the detector according to the present invention may be implemented in a form of a program command which can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magnetic media such as floppy disks; Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. The medium may be a transmission medium such as an optical or metal line, a wave guide, or the like, including a carrier wave for transmitting a signal designating a program command, a data structure, or the like. Examples of program instructions include machine language code such as those generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, Various permutations, modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described, but should be determined by the scope of the appended claims, as well as the appended claims.

Claims (11)

(a) sequentially irradiating X-rays to a plurality of X-ray sources;
(b) a unit pixel sensor of the X-ray detector sequentially generating an electric signal corresponding to each X-ray; And
(c) comparing the electrical signal value with a predetermined performance degradation reference value to determine a degradation in performance of the x-ray source or the x-ray detector
And detecting the degradation of the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the performance degradation reference value includes a first degradation reference value and a second degradation reference value,
The step (c)
(d) comparing the electrical signal value obtained in a state where the subject is placed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and the first performance degradation reference value;
(e) if the electrical signal value obtained in the step (d) is lower than the first performance degradation reference value, an electrical signal value obtained in a state in which the subject is not placed between the x-ray source and the x- Comparing the second performance degradation reference value; And
(f) determining a degradation of the x-ray source or the x-ray detector according to the comparison result.
Detection of performance degradation of X - ray imaging device.
3. The method of claim 2,
The step (d)
And comparing the electric signal value of the unit pixel sensor in which the subject is not placed among the unit pixel sensors with the first performance degradation reference value.
3. The method of claim 2,
The step (e)
Comparing a number of unit pixel sensors having an electric signal value equal to or less than the second performance degradation reference value with a predetermined reference count value,
The step (f)
If the number of unit pixel sensors generating the electric signal value equal to or less than the second performance degradation reference value is less than the reference count value, it is determined that the X-ray detector is in a degraded state, Ray source is in a degraded state when the number of unit pixels having a value exceeds the reference count value,
Detection of performance degradation of X - ray imaging device.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising the step of generating a performance degradation notification through at least one of a display device and a speaker device when the X-ray source or the X-ray detector is determined to be in a degraded state in step (c) Way.
A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing a method for detecting degradation in performance of an X-ray image photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A plurality of X-ray sources sequentially irradiating X-rays;
An X-ray detector for providing a unit pixel sensor for generating an electric signal corresponding to each X-ray; And
A performance diagnostic device for comparing the electric signal value with a predetermined performance deterioration reference value to determine the performance degradation of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector
Ray imaging apparatus.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the performance degradation reference value includes a first degradation reference value and a second degradation reference value,
The performance diagnostic device
Comparing the electric signal value obtained in a state where the subject is placed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and a first performance degradation reference value, and if the value of the electric signal is lower than the first performance degradation reference value, A comparison unit comparing an electric signal value obtained in a state where the subject is not placed between the X-ray detector and the second performance deterioration reference value; And
And a performance deterioration judging section for judging the performance degradation of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector in accordance with the comparison result of the comparing section
X-ray imaging device.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
Comparing the electric signal value of the unit pixel sensor of the unit pixel sensor in which the subject does not exist and the first performance deterioration reference value
X-ray imaging device.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
Comparing the number of the unit pixel sensors that generate the electric signal value equal to or less than the second performance deterioration reference value with a predetermined reference count value,
The performance deterioration judging section judges,
If the number of unit pixel sensors generating the electric signal value equal to or less than the second performance degradation reference value is less than the reference count value, it is determined that the X-ray detector is in a degraded state, Ray source determines that the x-ray sources are in a degraded state when the number of unit pixel sensors that generate the value exceeds the reference count value,
X-ray imaging device.
8. The method of claim 7,
And an informing unit for displaying a state of degradation of the X-ray source or the X-ray detector through a display device or a speaker device.

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