WO2008069367A1

WO2008069367A1 - A x-ray photographing apparatus comprising cephalo sensors

Info

Publication number: WO2008069367A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/000770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang Joon Ro; Tae Woo Kim
Original assignee: E-Woo Technology Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2006-12-04
Filing date: 2007-02-13
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: KR100964646B1; KR20090053768A; KR20080050930A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an X-ray photographing apparatus. The X-ray photographing apparatus includes an X-ray light source part for generating X-rays and an X-ray sensor part opposing the X-ray light source and for detecting X-rays which are generated from the X-ray light source. The X-ray sensor part includes a plurality of cephalo sensors apart as far as a predetermined distance each other. The X-ray photographing apparatus includes the plurality of cephalo sensors, so that it is possible to take a photograph within a short time. In addition, there is an advantage in that X-ray covering amount with respect to a subject becomes reduced due to a short photographing.

Description

A X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHING APPARATUS COMPRISING

CEPHALO SENSORS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing apparatus with cepahlo sensors. Background Art

[2] In the field of the medical diagnosis, conventionally, an X-ray photographing apparatus is a photographing apparatus in which an X-ray beam of a predetermined amount is transmitted to a patient s site to be photographed, the transmitted X-ray amount is measured by an X-ray sensor and the measured data is recorded in a memory, and an X-ray absorbing rate of each point of the captured bodily region of the patient is obtained by a computer and is reconstructed into an image.

[3] Among X-ray photographing apparatus, in particular, an X-ray photographing apparatus with a cephalo sensor is an apparatus for photographing cephalo of a patient for surgical operation or straightening teeth. This apparatus is frequently referred to as a cephalo photographing apparatus.

[4] The X-ray photographing apparatus with the cephalo sensor detects X-ray irradiated to the cephalo of a patient from an X-ray sensor part and obtains images of a hard tissue and a soft tissue of a skull of a patient.

[5] The hard tissue is a region in which X-ray transmits a skull and a skin of a patient, and the soft tissue is a region in which X-ray transmits only skins such as a nose, a cheek, etc., except a skull.

[6] A conventional X-ray photographing apparatus with a cephalo sensor includes one cephalo sensor in a sensor part. Accordingly, the cephalo sensor photographs whole cephalo with moving sides of cephalo. Hence, there are several disadvantages in that long time is needed to scan whole cephalo.

[7] For this reason, X-ray covering amount with respect to a subject becomes increased.

As a result, there is a higher possibility that this is very harmful to human body.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray photographing apparatus capable of reducing photographing time for cephalo X-ray photographing.

[9] It is another object of the present invention to provide an X-ray photographing apparatus capable of reducing X-ray covering amount irradiated to a subject. Technical Solution

[10] Embodiments of the present invention provide an X-ray photographing apparatus comprising an X-ray light source part for generating X-rays and an X-ray sensor part opposing the X-ray light source and for detecting X-rays which are generated from the X-ray light source. The X-ray sensor part includes a plurality of cephalo sensors arranged as far as a predetermined distance each other.

[11] In some embodiments, the X-ray sensor part comprises a sensor case and the cephalo sensor therein. The sensor case is formed as one and the plurality of cephalo sensors are arranged as far as a predetermined distance in a certain location of the sensor case.

[12] In other embodiments, the X-ray sensor part comprises the sensor case and the cephalo sensor therein. The sensor case is formed as many as the number of the cephalo sensors, and the plurality of cephalo sensors are formed in the cephalo sensors.

[13] In further embodiments, collimators are further included. The collimators are located between the X-ray light source part and the X-ray sensor and changing the applied X-ray into a horizontal beam.

[14] In other embodiments, a collimator is further included. The collimator is located between the X-ray light source part and the X-ray sensor and changing the applied X- ray into a horizontal beam. The collimator includes multiple slits therein.

[15] In yet other embodiments, the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein. The light source slit comprised of the multiple slits, and several X- ray beams passing through the multiple slits are irradiated to the collimators.

[16] In further embodiments, the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein. The light source slit is comprised of a single slit, and an X-ray beam passing through the single slit is irradiated to the collimators.

[17] In other embodiments, the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein. The light source slit is comprised of a single slit, and an X-ray beam passing through the single slit is irradiated to the collimators.

[18] In further embodiments, the X-ray light source part, the X-ray sensor part, and the collimators take a photograph with simultaneously moving in the same direction.

[19] In other embodiment, the cephalo sensors are comprised of a first cephalo sensor and a second cephalo sensor. The X-ray photographing apparatus stops photographing if a position of the first cephalo sensor is moved to an initial position of the second cephalo sensor after starting photographing.

[20]

Advantageous Effects

[21] According to the present invention, an X-ray photographing apparatus is capable of reducing photographing time for cephalo X-ray photographing.

[22] In addition, the X-ray photographing apparatus is capable of dramatically reducing

X-ray covering amount irradiated to a subject.

[23] While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[24] FIG. 1 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[25] FIG. 2 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[26] FIG. 3 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[27] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of an X-ray light source part according to the present invention.

[28] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of an X-ray light source part according to the p resent invention.

[29] FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[30] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[31] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[32]

[33] <Explanation on essential reference numerals in drawings>

[34] 100: X-ray light source part

[35] 200: X-ray sensor part

[36] 300: collimator

[37] 400: cephalo fixing means

[38] 500: indicator

[39] 210: sensor case

[40] 221,222: cepahlo sensor

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[41] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments of the present invention but can be embodied in other various forms. The same reference numerals designate the same parts in the present invention.

[42] FIG. 1 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[43] Referring to FIG. 1, an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray light source part 100, an X-ray sensor part 200, a collimator 300, a cephalo fixing means 400, and an indicator 500.

[44] The X-ray sensor part 200 is opposite to the X-ray light source part 100 and detects

X-ray irradiated from the X-ray light source part 100 to transfer it to an image processing part (not shown). The image processing part controls an amplifier gain by an amplifier gain control unit (not shown) and processes a signal as an image. Then, the image processing part performs a function to transmit the processed signal to a doctor personal computer to store it.

[45] Additionally, the X-ray sensor part 200 includes a plurality of sensor cases 210 and cephalo sensors 221 and 222. The plurality of cephalo sensors 221 and 222 is included in the respective sensor cases 210.

[46] In a first embodiment of the X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention, two cephalo sensors 221 and 222, and two sensor cases 210 are included.

[47] The cephalo sensors 221 and 222 include a first cephalo sensor 221 and a second cephalo sensor 222. The number of plurality sensor cases 210 is two the same as the number of the cephalo sensors 221 and 222.

[48] The first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 222 are apart as far as a predetermined distance. Preferably, the first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 22 are apart as far as half the size of cephalic side length of the public.

[49] The reason for this is that the first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 222 take a photograph with respectively moving as far as half the size of cephalo.

[50] In a side view of cephalo, the first cephalo sensor 221 take a photograph in a range from an initial part where a nose is positioned to a middle part where ears are positioned. The second cephalo sensor 222 takes a photograph in a range from the middle part to end part being a back of the head.

[51] As a result, photographing time is fast as many as double as compared to a conventional technology in which the initial part and the end part are photographed using one sensor.

[52] Also, the first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 222 control the distance using a means for controlling sensor distance (not shown).

[53] Therefore, the distance between the first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 222 is controlled to be photographed depending on the cephalo size of a subject. [54] The sensor case 210 is removable.

[55] Accordingly, a CT photographing and a panoramic photographing are possible by installing a CT sensor and a panoramic sensor. [56] The X-ray light source part 100 is opposed to the cephalo sensor part 200, and generates X-ray and irradiates it to the X-ray sensor part 200. [57] The X-ray light source part 100 performs a function as X-ray light source in a panoramic photographing, a CT photographing as well as a cephalo photographing. [58] The collimator 300 makes an irradiated X-ray a horizontal beam. The horizontal beam is irradiated to the cephalo sensors 221 and 222, respectively. [59] The collimator 300 is referred as a telescope. A slit is disposed on a focus of an object lens, so that the collimator performs a function to make X-ray applied through narrow opening horizontal beam. [60] The collimator 300 is opposed to the cephalo sensors 221 and 222 and disposed between the X-ray light source part 100 and the X-ray sensor part 200. [61] The number of the collimators 300 is two the same as that of the cephalo sensors

221 and 222. The horizontal beams passing through the collimator 300 are irradiated to the first and second cephalo sensors 221 and 222, respectively. [62] The cephalo fixing means 400 fixes a head of a subject.

[63] The indicator 500 is a means for controlling an amplifier gain of a detected X-ray signal. Based on the indicator 500, it is possible to control an amplifier gain of an X- ray signal applied from the cephalo sensor 220. For example, the indicator 500 includes metallic material (not shown). In case that the cephalo sensor 220 detects X- ray passing through the metallic material, the indicator 500 takes a photograph controlling the amplifier gain of the detected X-ray signal. [64] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of an X-ray light source part according to the present invention. [65] The X-ray light source part 100 is opposed to the cephalo sensor part 200, and generates X-ray and irradiates it to the X-ray sensor part 200. [66] The X-ray light source part 100 performs a function as X-ray light source in a panoramic photographing, a CT photographing as well as a cephalo photographing. [67] The X-ray light source part 100 consists of light source 110, a light source slit 120, and a lens 130.

[68] The light source slit 120 is double-slit.

[69] Accordingly, X-ray from the light source 110 is passed through the light source slit

120 to be two X-ray beams. The two X-ray beams pass through the lens 130 to be irradiated to the respective collimators 300. [70] The X-ray beams are irradiated as cone-shaped beam and generally referred to as a CONE BEAM .

[71] It is preferable that the X-ray beam is moved together with the X-ray sensor part

200 and the collimator 300 at the same time in X-ray photographing.

[72] FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[73] Referring to FIG. 6, photographing is initialized with an X-ray light source part

100, a collimator 300, a subject 10, and an X-ray sensor part 200 arranged in a line.

[74] The subject 10 is photographed with the X-ray light source 100, the collimator 300, and the X-ray sensor part 200 moved in the same direction simultaneously.

[75] The X-ray sensor part 200 includes two sensor cases 210 and two cephalo sensors

221 and 222. The cephalo sensor 221 and 222 are apart as far as a predetermined distance.

[76] Preferably, the cephalo sensors 221 and 222 are apart as far as the half the size of cephalic side length of public.

[77] The collimator 300 makes irradiated X-ray beam horizontal beams, and the horizontal beams are irradiated to the cephalo sensors 221 and 222, respectively.

[78] The X-ray light source part 100 is equivalent to the X-ray light source part 100 according to the second embodiment of the X-ray light source part of the present invention described as above.

[79] Before photographing, in a side view of cephalo, the first cephalo sensor 221 is located in a cephalo initial part in which a nose is placed, and the second cephalo sensor 222 is located in a cephalo middle part in which ears are placed.

[80] Once photographing initializes, the first cephalo sensor 221 is moved from the cephalo initial part toward the right and takes a photograph from the cephalo initial part to the cephalo middle part. The second cephalo sensor 222 is moved from the cephalo middle part toward the right and takes a photograph from the cephalo middle part to the cephalo end part being a back part of a head.

[81] In other words, after photographing, in case that the first cephalo sensor 221 is moved toward the cephalo middle part being an initial part of the second cephalo sensor 222, photographing is closed.

[82] Therefore, photographing is performed in a half time as compared to a conventional technology for photographing from the cephalo initial part to the cephalo end part using one cephalo sensor.

[83] As a result, photographing time is fast as many as double as compared to a conventional technology in which the initial part and the end part are photographed using one sensor. Mode for the Invention [84] FIG. 2 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [85] Hereinafter, same elements of the first embodiment of the X-ray photographing apparatus of the present invention will be omitted to avoid description duplication. [86] Referring to FIG. 2, an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an X-ray light source part 100, an X-ray sensor part 200, a collimator 300, a cephalo fixing means 400, and an indicator 500. [87] The X-ray sensor part 200 includes one sensor case 210 and a plurality of cephalo sensors 221 and 222. The cephalo sensors 221 and 222 are apart as far as a predetermined distance in one sensor case 210. [88] Preferably, the cephalo sensors 221 and 222 are apart as far as the half size of cephalo side length of the public. [89] The cephalo sensors 221 and 222 consists of a first cephalo sensor 221 and a second cephalo sensor 222. [90] FIG. 3 shows an X-ray photographing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [91] Hereinafter, same elements of the second embodiment of the X-ray photographing apparatus of the present invention will be omitted to avoid description duplication. [92] Referring to FIG. 3, an X-ray apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an X-ray light source part 100, an X-ray sensor part 200, a collimator 300, a cephalo fixing means 400, and an indicator 500. [93] The collimator 300 makes an irradiated X-ray a horizontal beam. The horizontal beam is irradiated to the cephalo sensors 221 and 222, respectively. [94] The collimator 300 is referred as a telescope. A slit is disposed on a focus of an object lens, so that the collimator performs a function to make X-ray applied through narrow opening horizontal beam. [95] The collimator 300 is opposed to the cephalo sensors 221 and 222 and disposed between the X-ray light source part 100 and the X-ray sensor part 200. [96] In the third embodiment of the present invention according to the present invention, a double-slit is included in one collimator 300. [97] The collimator 300 is made up a single. The horizontal beams passing through the double-slit of the collimator 300 are irradiated to the first and second cephalo sensors

221 and 222, respectively. [98] Although X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention has been described herein with reference to a specific preferred embodiment, an X-ray photographing apparatus with an X-ray sensor part including a collimator with a double- slit and two sensor cases will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined only by the following claims.

[99] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of an X-ray light source part according to the present invention.

[100] Referring to FIG. 5, an X-ray light source part 100 includes an X-ray light source

110, a light source slit 120a, and a lens 130.

[101] The light source slit 120a is made up a single slit.

[102] One X-ray beam is generated from the light source slit 120a, and X-ray beam is irradiated to the collimator 300.

[103] The X-ray beam is fixed until photographing is closed with the collimator 300 of the X-ray photographing apparatus moving. Then, the X-ray beam irradiates a whole moving track.

[104] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[105] The same elements and photographing methods the same as the X-ray photographing method according to the fist embodiment will be omitted hereinafter.

[106] Referring to FIG. 7, a collimator 300, a subject 10, and an X-ray sensor part 200 are arranged in a line, and an X-ray light source part 100 is arranged on the same line as the second cephalo sensor 222 thereof. Then, photographing is initialized.

[107] The X-ray light source part is fixed. The X-ray sensor part 200 and the collimator

300 are simultaneously moved toward the same direction to photograph the subject 10.

[108] At this time, the X-ray light source part 100 is equivalent to the X-ray light source part 100 of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

[109] Accordingly, the X-ray light source part 100 irradiates X-ray into a whole moving track until photographing is closed with the collimator 300 and the X-ray sensor part 200 moving.

[110] Resultantly, it is not necessary for the X-ray light source part 100 to be moved.

[I l l] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a photographing method of an X-ray photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

[112] The same elements and photographing methods the same as the X-ray photographing method according to the fist and second embodiments will be omitted hereinafter.

[113] Referring to FIG. 8, the X-ray light source part 100 is disposed on the same line as the second cephalo sensor as shown in FIG. 7 to initialize photographing.

[114] However, a double-slit is included in the X-ray light source part 100.

[115] The double-slit is moved toward a certain direction by a slit driving means (not shown).

[116] The double-slit is moved from side to side by the slit driving means (not shown) in the X-ray light source part 100.

[117] The double-slit may be moved in a fan-shaped arc track.

[118] Once a photographing is initialized with the collimator 300 and the X-ray sensor part 200 simultaneously moved, the double-slit is moved so as to respectively irradiate X-ray beam into the collimator 300.

[119] Under the condition that the X-ray light source part 100 is not moved, therefore, only the double-slit, the collimator 300, and the X-ray sensor part 200 are moved to the same direction to take a photograph.

[120] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the plurality of X-ray sensors and collimators are arranged from side to side in a line, and accordingly, a method for horizontally photographing an initial part where a nose is placed to an end part where a back of a head is placed is disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention.

[121] The invention, however, is not limited. The plurality of X-ray sensors and the collimators are arranged from up to down in a line, and accordingly, it is possible to vertically photograph the subject from a neck to a top of a head at the same time.

[122] In the preferred embodiments described above, some of the exemplary methods and structures in realizing the present invention are disclosed and presented herein. Those who are knowledgeable in the art should be able to easily derive other methods and structures within the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the methods and structures in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments presented and described here.

[123] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the X-ray photographing apparatus and the-X-ray light source will be combined, and the combined X-ray photographing apparatus is combined with the embodiments of the photographing methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined only by the following claims. Industrial Applicability

[124] As described above, photographing time can be dramatically reduced by including a plurality of cephalo sensors in an X-ray cephalo photographing.

[125] In addition, an X-ray photographing apparatus is capable of reducing X-ray covering amount irradiated to a subject.

[126] Furthermore, the X-ray photographing apparatus is applicable to the medical diagnosis field as well as industrial non-destructive verifying field. The photographing time is reduced, thereby shortening process time and inspection time.

[127]

[128]

Claims

[1] An X-ray photographing apparatus comprising: an X-ray light source part for generating X-rays; and an X-ray sensor part opposing the X-ray light source and for detecting X-rays which are generated from the X-ray light source, wherein the X-ray sensor part includes a plurality of cephalo sensors arranged as far as a predetermined distance each other.

[2] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray se nsor part comprises a sensor case and the cephalo sensor therein, and wherein the sensor case is formed as one and the plurality of cephalo sensors are arranged as far as a predetermined distance in a certain location of the sensor case.

[3] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray sensor part comprises the sensor case and the cephalo sensor therein, and wherein the sensor case is formed as many as the number of the cephalo sensors, and the plurality of cephalo sensors are formed in the sensor cases.

[4] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 3, further comprising collimators located between the X-ray light source part and the X-ray sensor and changing the applied X-ray into a horizontal beam.

[5] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 3, further comprising a collimator located between the X-ray light source part and the X- ray sensor and changing the applied X-ray into a horizontal beam, wherein the collimator includes multiple slits therein.

[6] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein, wherein the light source slit comprised of the multiple slits, and several X-ray beams passing through the multiple slits are irradiated to the collimators.

[7] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein, wherein the light source slit comprised of a single slit, and an X-ray beam passing through the single slit is irradiated to the collimators.

[8] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the X-ray light source includes a light source and a light source slit therein, wherein the light source slit comprised of a single slit, and an X-ray beam passing through the single slit is irradiated to the collimators.

[9] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the X-ray light source part, the X-ray sensor part, and the collimators take a photograph with si- multaneously moving in the same direction. [10] The X-ray photographing apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the cephalo sensors are comprised of a first cephalo sensor and a second cephalo sensor, wherein the X-ray photographing apparatus stops photographing if a position of the first cephalo sensor is moved to an initial position of the second cephalo sensor after starting photographing.