WO2015076581A1

WO2015076581A1 - X-ray image capturing device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015076581A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/011193
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김종필; 김일환
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2013-11-22
Filing date: 2014-11-20
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Also published as: KR20150059450A

Abstract

Disclosed are an X-ray image capturing device and method adapted to allow diagnosis and treatment to be carried out relatively accurately and easily while at the same time minimising exposure to X-rays, by irradiating X-rays with the use of pixels corresponding to an X-ray irradiation zone preset with reference to an object, in an array comprising a plurality of pixels.

Description

X-ray imaging apparatus and method

An X-ray imaging apparatus and method.

X-rays (X-rays) is a transparent electromagnetic wave having a wavelength corresponding to the intermediate wavelength between gamma rays and ultraviolet rays. When X-rays are irradiated to a certain object, the transmittance of X-rays varies according to the material of the object and the thickness of the object. By using this principle, an X-ray image may be generated.

As the technology for the X-ray imaging apparatus has been developed, the time required for photographing a single X-ray image is shortened, and further, the X-ray image can be used for real-time diagnosis and treatment.

However, when exposed to radiation such as X-rays for a long time, the tissue of the cell is abnormally changed by X-ray exposure, it can cause a serious problem that the gene is modified.

The present invention provides an X-ray imaging apparatus and method for acquiring an excellent X-ray image to minimize the exposure of X-rays and to perform diagnosis and treatment more accurately and easily. The technical problem to be achieved by the present embodiment is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and further technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments.

According to an aspect, an X-ray imaging apparatus may include: an X-ray generator including an array of a plurality of pixels, a controller configured to control X-ray irradiation using pixels corresponding to an X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of an object; And a detector for detecting the irradiated X-ray and an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an X-ray imaging method may include: setting an X-ray irradiation area in consideration of an object, irradiating X-rays using pixels corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation area in an array composed of a plurality of pixels, Detecting the irradiated X-ray, and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing the X-ray imaging method is provided.

The X-ray exposure of the patient may be reduced by irradiating X-rays in consideration of the object to the object region to which the X-ray image is to be taken.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a diagram for describing a controller of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a diagram for describing an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 is a diagram for describing an array included in an X-ray generator and a pixel driving signal control module included in a controller, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which pixels of an array included in an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment are controlled according to a pixel driving signal.

6 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of an array included in an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view of an array included in an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams illustrating embodiments of a channel forming unit included in an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

9 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an X-ray imaging method, according to an exemplary embodiment.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of photographing X-ray images, according to another exemplary embodiment.

12 is a detailed flowchart of setting an X-ray irradiation area of an X-ray imaging method according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a case in which an X-ray irradiation area is set based on an ROI estimated in setting an X-ray irradiation area in an X-ray imaging method according to another exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the present invention by way of example only. The following examples of the present invention are intended to embody the present invention, but not to limit or limit the scope of the present invention. From the detailed description and examples of the present invention, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily be interpreted as belonging to the scope of the present invention.

Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein are not necessarily to be construed as including all of the various components, or the various steps described in the specification, some of the components or some of the steps Should not be included, or should be construed to further include additional components or steps.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as 'first' or 'second' as used herein 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.

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an X-ray imaging apparatus and method, and detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments belong will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. Those skilled in the art may understand that other general purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may include a controller 100, an X-ray generator 200, a detector 300, and an image processing apparatus 400.

The controller 100 is responsible for the overall control of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. The controller 100 may control operations of other components of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. For example, the controller 100 may control X-ray irradiation of the X-ray generator 200. In other words, the controller 100 may set a region (hereinafter, referred to as an X-ray irradiation region) to generate X-rays from the X-ray generator 200 or adjust X-ray irradiation intensity. The controller 100 may apply a driving signal to the X-ray generator 200 in consideration of the X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of the object and the X-ray irradiation intensity adjusted according to the thickness or component of the object. In addition, the controller 100 may control signal transmission between other components of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. For example, the controller 100 may control to transmit data generated by the detector 300 to the image processing apparatus 400.

The controller 100 may control the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 based on information input from the outside. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may control the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 by using information input through a communication interface (not shown) or information stored in a storage (not shown).

The X-ray generator 200 generates X-rays and radiates X-rays toward the object. The X-ray generator 200 may generate X-rays according to a driving signal applied from the controller 100 in consideration of the X-ray irradiation area and the X-ray irradiation intensity, and irradiate X-rays toward the object. The X-ray generator 200 may include an array of a plurality of pixels, and may radiate X-rays for each pixel.

The detector 300 detects X-rays passing through the object. X-rays detected by the detector 300 are generated in the form of an electrical signal. The electrical signal generated by the detector 300 may be converted into image data according to a predetermined reference, and the image data may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 400.

The image processing apparatus 400 acquires an X-ray image of the object based on the X-rays detected by the detector 300. That is, the image processing apparatus 400 may generate an X-ray image containing the internal information of the object using the image data received from the detector 300.

The image processing apparatus 400 may generate a moving image by accumulating the generated X-ray image. That is, the image processing apparatus 400 may generate an X-ray video for diagnosing an object by generating several to several tens of X-ray images per second. Such X-ray video may be used for diagnosis and treatment requiring an X-ray image in real time.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, the entire X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may move according to the position of the object that captured the X-ray image, and the X-ray generator 200 may be moved by the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. And the position of the detector 300 may be adjusted.

2 is a diagram for describing a controller of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. Those skilled in the art can understand that other general purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 100 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a pixel driving signal control module 110, an X-ray irradiation intensity adjusting module 130, and an X-ray irradiation region setting module 150. The ROI estimation module 170 may be included. Such modules may be generated by a single chip, but may be implemented as separate processors, and may be separately located in modules in appropriate places within the X-ray imaging apparatus 10.

The pixel driving signal control module 110 controls the pixel driving signal for driving each pixel of the array including a plurality of pixels included in the X-ray generator 200. The array is composed of a plurality of pixels, and the pixel driving signal control module 110 may control a pixel driving signal capable of independently turning on / off each pixel included in the array. For example, the pixel driving signal control module 110 may apply a pixel driving signal to pixels to be turned on among a plurality of pixels constituting the array. If the irradiation intensity of X-rays to be irradiated from the pixels to be turned on is different from each other, the pixel driving signal control module 110 may adjust the intensity of the pixel driving signal to be applied based on the X-ray irradiation intensity of each pixel. have.

The pixel driving signal control module 110 may apply a pixel driving signal to each pixel corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area set by the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 and turn on only the pixel to which the pixel driving signal is applied. The pixel driving signal control module 110 adjusts the intensity of the pixel driving signal according to the X-ray irradiation intensity adjusted by the X-ray irradiation intensity adjusting module 130, and applies a pixel driving signal of the adjusted intensity to each pixel, thereby applying The intensity of X-ray radiation to be irradiated can be adjusted.

For example, when the array of the plurality of pixels included in the X-ray generator 200 uses a cold cathode electron source, in order to emit electrons from the cold cathode electron source formed in the substrate, A gate voltage may be applied to a gate electrode stacked on a gate insulator formed on the same substrate. In this case, the gate voltage applied to the gate electrode may be a pixel driving signal. That is, the pixel driving signal control module 110 may generate an X-ray among a plurality of pixels included in the array and control the gate voltage application and the intensity of the gate voltage to be applied to some pixels to be irradiated.

The X-ray irradiation intensity adjusting module 130 adjusts the X-ray irradiation intensity of each pixel included in the array so that the pixel driving signal control module 110 may control the intensity of the pixel driving signal. The X-ray irradiation intensity adjusting module 130 may adjust the irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel included in the array according to the thickness or the component of the object. In this case, information about the thickness or the component of the object may be obtained from an X-ray image or a pre-diagnosis image obtained by irradiating the object with the same irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel. When there is an X-ray irradiation area set by the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150, the X-ray irradiation intensity adjusting module 130 adjusts the X-ray irradiation intensity of some pixels set as the X-ray irradiation area among a plurality of pixels included in the array. I can regulate it.

The X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 generates X-rays of the plurality of pixels included in the array so that the pixel driving signal control module 110 may determine whether the pixel driving signal is applied to each pixel. Set to the irradiation area. The X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 may set an X-ray irradiation area based on information input from the outside or information stored therein.

For example, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 may automatically set the X-ray irradiation area by using an image of the object. That is, when an object is photographed using a camera and an image photographing the object is input to the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 through a communication interface (not shown) of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10, the object is photographed. The object may be recognized in the image, and the X-ray irradiation area may be automatically set in consideration of the recognized object.

For another example, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 receives an area to be irradiated with X-rays from an X-ray image of the first image of the object and sets an area of the array corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area, or an image representing the structure of the array. In this case, an area for irradiating X-rays may be input to be set as an X-ray irradiation area.

As another example, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 may set the X-ray irradiation area based on the information transmitted from the ROI estimation module 170. When the data regarding the region of interest estimated by the ROI estimation module 170 is transferred, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 may set the X-ray irradiation area based on the ROI. When the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 receives a signal for setting the X-ray irradiation area from the ROI estimation module 170 using information input from the outside, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 may set the X-ray irradiation area using the information input from the outside. have.

The region of interest estimation module 170 estimates a region of interest from the X-ray image acquired by the image processing apparatus 400. The ROI estimation module 170 may estimate the ROI of the X-ray images of all the frames generated by the image processing apparatus 400, or may estimate the ROI of the X-ray image according to a predetermined period.

The ROI estimation module 170 may compare the estimated ROI with a degree different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame. In this case, the previous frame may be the immediately preceding frame or may be a frame before several frames according to a predetermined period. The ROI estimating module 170 considers whether the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level, and accordingly, the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 determines the X-ray irradiation area. Delivers the signals needed for configuration. The ROI estimation module 170 may input information from the outside of the X-ray irradiation area to the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 when the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level. Signals to set using. On the contrary, if the ROI estimated by the region of interest does not differ from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level, the ROI estimation module 170 may determine the region of interest estimated by the X-ray irradiation region setting module 150. Passing data about

3 is a diagram for describing an X-ray generator of an X-ray imaging apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. Those skilled in the art may understand that other general purpose components may be further included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may include an array 210 and a channel forming unit 230.

The array 210 is composed of a plurality of pixels. The array 210 may radiate X-rays for each pixel. The array 210 receives a pixel driving signal for each pixel from the pixel driving signal control module 110 of the controller 100, and the pixel to which the pixel driving signal is applied is turned on and the pixel driving signal is not applied. Pixels that are not turned off. The area occupied by the pixels turned on in the array 210 may correspond to the X-ray irradiation area set by the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 of the controller 100. X-rays are irradiated on the pixels that are turned on. In this case, the irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from the on-pixel may be proportional to the intensity of the pixel driving signal applied to the pixel. That is, a small pixel driving signal may be applied to pixels for which the irradiation intensity of X-rays is weak, and a large pixel driving signal may be applied to pixels for which the irradiation intensity of X-rays should be strong.

The channel forming unit 230 is disposed in front of the array 210 to form a channel through which X-rays generated in pixels constituting the array 210 pass. The channel forming unit 230 serves to prevent scattering in an arbitrary direction and reaching the surface of the detector 300 while X-rays generated from any pixel constituting the array 210 are irradiated. In other words, the X-rays generated at any pixel constituting the array 210 form a channel that blocks X-rays scattered in any direction so as to vertically reach the surface of the detector 300 and passes X-rays that go straight through. Accordingly, the X-rays radiated from the pixels generating X-rays among the pixels constituting the array 210 may vertically reach the detector 300 by passing through channels parallel to each other. The channel forming unit 230 is formed by combining a plurality of unit cells, and any unit cell constituting the channel forming unit 230 forms one channel through which X-rays radiated from one pixel of the array 210 pass. can do. Channels formed by each unit cell of the channel forming unit 230 may be considered to be parallel to each other. The size of each unit cell of the channel forming unit 230 may be smaller than the size of each pixel of the array 210.

4, the array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 and the pixel driving signal control module 110 included in the controller 100 are connected. It is showing.

Since the array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 is a two-dimensional array, the pixel driving signal control module 110 included in the controller 100 may control the rows and columns of the array 210, respectively. The pixel driving signal control module 110 may be separated from each other. For example, when a pixel corresponding to a row of the array 210 is to be controlled, a pixel driving signal may be applied to the row. In order to control a pixel corresponding to a column of the array 210, a pixel driving signal may be applied to the column. In order to control a pixel corresponding to a specific row and column of the array 210, a pixel driving signal may be applied to the row and the column, respectively.

The pixel driving signal control module 110 may vary the intensity of the pixel driving signal applied to each pixel constituting the array 210. For example, when the pixel driving signal is a gate voltage for the gate electrode in each pixel, as the magnitude of the gate voltage to be applied increases, more electrons are emitted from the cold cathode electron source.

Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment has a two-dimensional shape. Since there are 20 rows and columns of the array 210, the number of pixels constituting the array 210 is 400. However, the shape or size of the array 210 is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5, the pixels constituting the array 210 may be distinguished from being on and off. The pixel turned on in the array 210 is the pixel driving signal applied by the pixel driving signal control module 110 of the controller 100, and the pixel turned off is the pixel driving signal being not applied. . In this case, the area occupied by the pixels turned on in the array 210 corresponds to the X-ray irradiation area set by the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 of the controller 100. Since the X-ray irradiation area set by the X-ray irradiation area setting module 150 of the controller 100 is set in consideration of the shape of the object, the area occupied by the pixels turned on in the array 210 also looks like the shape of the object. Indicates. Since only pixels corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of the object in the array 210 are turned on, the amount of X-ray exposure of the patient may be minimized.

The array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a substrate 211, an anode target 213, and a gate insulator. 215, a gate electrode 217, and an electron source 219. In this case, the electron source 219 is a cold cathode electron source, carbon nanotube (CNT), diamond (diamond) or graphene (graphene), etc. may be used as a material, in addition to all types Of cold cathode electron source can be used.

X-ray generators using cold cathode electron sources have very fast on / off switching speeds and can increase fps (frame per second) when driving pulses. It may be advantageous to obtain. And, by adjusting the electron emission from the electron source to the gate voltage applied to the gate, it is possible to drive a rectangular pulse with almost no wave tail, thereby minimizing invalid exposure to the patient. can do.

The electron source 219 may be formed in the form of a plurality of lines on the substrate 211, and the gate insulator 215 may also be formed in the form of a line between the electron sources 219. That is, the plurality of line-shaped electron sources 219 and the plurality of line-type gate insulators 215 may be alternately positioned on the substrate 211. The gate electrode 217 may be stacked on the gate insulator 215. The gate electrode 217 may be a grid-shaped electrode, and may be divided into unit pixels constituting the array 210 according to each unit grid of the gate electrode 217. When a gate voltage is applied to the gate electrode 217, electrons are emitted from the electron source 219 included in each partitioned pixel, and the emitted electrons move toward the anode target 213 disposed to face the substrate 211. Done. The moved electrons hit the anode target 213 to generate X-rays. That is, the electron source 219 included in each of the plurality of pixels partitioned by the grating-shaped gate electrode 217 emits electrons when the gate voltage is applied, and the emitted electrons are the electrons emitted by the anode target. The X-rays may be irradiated by hitting 213 to generate X-rays.

Referring to FIG. 7, a cross section of a portion of the array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may be checked. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the array 210 includes a substrate 211, an anode target 213, a gate insulator 215, a gate electrode 217, An electron source 219 may be included, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electron source 219 in the form of a plurality of lines and a cut in a direction perpendicular to each line of the gate insulator 215 in the form of a plurality of lines. will be.

Referring to FIG. 7, the gate insulator 215 and the electron source 219 are alternately positioned on the substrate 211, and the gate electrode 217 is stacked on the gate insulator 215, and the substrate 211 is provided. It can be seen that the anode target 213 is located opposite to. At this time, when a gate voltage is applied to the gate electrode 217, electrons emitted from the electron source 219 move to the anode target 213 and collide with each other, and X-rays may be irradiated to the opposite side of the anode target 213 where the electrons collide. Can be.

The X-ray image expresses information inside the object by grasping the degree of attenuation of light transmitted through the object until the X-ray irradiated by the X-ray generator 200 reaches the detector 300. Therefore, if the X-rays arriving at the detector 300 are X-rays incident from an arbitrary direction, the information inside the object may not be accurately understood. In practice, however, the X-rays irradiated from any pixel of the array 210 do not go straight to the surface of the detector 300 but are scattered in various directions by scattering. To this end, in order to minimize the effects of scattering of X-rays in front of the array 210 for irradiating X-rays, it is necessary to form respective channels through which X-rays generated at each pixel of the array 210 must go straight. There is. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the channel forming unit forming channels through which X-rays generated at each pixel pass, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C.

The channel forming unit 230 included in the X-ray generator 200 forms a channel through which the X-rays generated by the pixels constituting the array 210 reach the detector 300. The channel forming unit 230 is formed by combining a plurality of unit cells, and any unit cell constituting the channel forming unit 230 forms one channel through which X-rays radiated from one pixel of the array 210 pass. can do. The channels formed by the unit cells of the channel forming unit 230 are parallel to each other so that all X-rays emitted from the array 210 may be incident perpendicularly to the detector 300. Depending on the shape of each unit cell of the channel forming unit 230, there may be various types of channel forming unit 230 as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, and the shape of the channel forming unit 230 is illustrated in FIG. It is not limited to 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C.

FIG. 8A illustrates a part of the channel forming unit 230 when the unit cell of the channel forming unit 230 has a rectangular shape. Arbitrary unit cells 230-1 constituting the channel forming unit 230 are coupled to neighboring unit cells and pass X-rays having linearity among X-rays emitted from arbitrary pixels constituting the array 210. Can be. As shown in FIG. 8A, since the X-rays passing through each unit cell have straightness, channels through which the X-rays pass, formed by each unit cell formed on the same plane, may be parallel to each other.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a part of the channel forming unit 230 when the unit cell of the channel forming unit 230 has a hexagonal shape. Arbitrary unit cells 230-1 constituting the channel forming unit 230 are coupled to neighboring unit cells and pass X-rays having linearity among X-rays emitted from arbitrary pixels constituting the array 210. Can be. As shown in FIG. 8B, since the X-rays passing through each unit cell have straightness, channels through which the X-rays pass, formed by each unit cell formed on the same plane, may be parallel to each other.

8C is a diagram illustrating a part of the channel forming unit 230 when the shape of each unit cell of the channel forming unit 230 is the cause. Arbitrary unit cells 230-1 constituting the channel forming unit 230 are coupled to neighboring unit cells and pass X-rays having linearity among X-rays emitted from arbitrary pixels constituting the array 210. Can be. However, unlike FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in the case of FIG. 8C, since each unit cell constituting the channel forming unit 230 has a circular shape, even if any unit cell 230-1 is combined with neighboring unit cells, There is a gap between them. In such a pore, a unit cell 230-2 having a different size may be disposed in consideration of the pore size. When another gap occurs between the unit cell 230-1 and the unit cell 230-2 of a different size, another unit cell of another size may be further disposed. As shown in FIG. 8C, since the X-rays passing through each unit cell have a straightness, channels through which the X-rays pass, formed by each unit cell formed on the same plane, may be parallel to each other.

In order to prevent scattering of the X-rays emitted from the pixels constituting the array 210, the thickness of the cell wall that controls the height of the channel forming unit 230 of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C or forms a unit cell is formed. Can be adjusted. Adjusting the height of the channel forming unit 230 is to increase the distance X-rays must pass in the channel forming unit 230, and to control the thickness of the cell wall of the unit cell constituting the channel forming unit 230 It is to reduce the area through which the X-rays pass. Increasing the distance that X-rays should pass through and reducing the area through which X-rays pass in the channel forming unit 230 may reduce the influence of scattering in any direction of the X-rays. In the channel forming unit 230 of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, an area of each unit cell may be smaller than that of each pixel of the array 210.

According to an embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may detect and treat a disease while irradiating X-rays such as angiography or stent insertion. X-ray images may be generated and provided in real time for treatment. For example, if the patient's vascular condition is very complex, angiography is performed for a long time, which may cause an increase in X-ray exposure of the patient. In addition, in the case of stent insertion, a problem may occur in which the stent may not be clearly observed. In this case, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment irradiates X-rays in consideration of an X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of an object and an X-ray irradiation intensity adjusted according to a thickness or a component of the object, thereby reducing a patient's exposure amount. In addition, X-ray irradiation intensity of the part where the stent is inserted and the part that is not inserted can be controlled independently to obtain a clearer image of the stent insertion path while minimizing the exposure of the patient.

9 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment. Those skilled in the art may understand that other general purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 9, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may include a controller 100, an X-ray generator 200, a detector 300, an image processing apparatus 400, and a user interface 500. The user interface 500 may be connected to the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 by wire or wirelessly. The description of the controller 100, the X-ray generator 200, the detector 300, and the image processing apparatus 400 may be applied as it is, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

The user interface 500 may receive information from the outside of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. For example, the user interface 500 may receive control information regarding X-ray imaging from a user of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. The user interface 500 may receive information from the user or output the information to provide the information to the user. For example, the user interface 500 may output an X-ray image or an X-ray video obtained by the image processing apparatus 400 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. The user interface 500 may be a device such as a touch screen.

The user interface 500 may be used when the control unit 100 sets the X-ray irradiation area. In detail, when an X-ray image is first photographed with respect to the object or when the object is changed during X-ray image recording, the X-ray irradiation area considering the object needs to be set. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation area may be set through the user interface 500. You can receive the necessary information.

For example, the user interface 500 may display an X-ray image of the first image of the object, and may receive a region from which the X-ray is to be irradiated from the user from the displayed X-ray image. When the user interface 500 is a touch screen, the user interface 500 displays an X-ray image photographed for the first time, and the user may touch and select a portion of the X-ray image displayed on the touch screen that requires X-ray irradiation.

As another example, the user interface 500 may display an image representing the structure of the array 210 and receive an input of an area to irradiate X-rays from the user from the displayed image. When the user interface 500 is a touch screen, the user interface 500 displays an image representing the structure of the array 210, and the user generates X-rays from the image representing the structure of the array 210 displayed on the touch screen. The pixels can be selected by touching them.

The controller 300 may set the X-ray irradiation area using information input to the user interface 500. In detail, the controller 300 receives an area to be irradiated with X-rays from an X-ray image of the first image of the object and sets an area of the array corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area, or an area to irradiate X-rays in an image representing the structure of the array. Can be input to the X-ray irradiation area.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an X-ray imaging method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The above description of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may be applied to the X-ray imaging method as it is, even if omitted below.

In operation 1010, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an X-ray irradiation area in consideration of the object. The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an X-ray irradiation area using various information about the shape of the object. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may input information about an object recognized in an image of photographing an object, information about an ROI estimated from an X-ray image of the object, and an input from a user in an X-ray image of the object. The X-ray irradiation area may be set using information on a region to which the received X-rays are to be irradiated, information about a region to be irradiated with X-rays input from a user in an image showing the structure of the array 210.

In operation 1020, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may radiate X-rays using pixels corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation area in the array 210 of the plurality of pixels. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 does not generate and radiate X-rays from all the pixels constituting the array 210, but drives only the pixels corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of the object, so that X-ray imaging is performed. X-rays can be irradiated only to the subjects that need them. In this case, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may adjust the irradiation intensity of X-rays irradiated from each pixel according to the thickness or the component of the object. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 drives only the pixels corresponding to the array 210 according to the shape of the object, and adjusts the irradiation intensity of X-rays generated from the driven pixels according to the thickness or the component of the object. Can be. Information about the thickness or the component of the object may be obtained from an X-ray image or a pre-diagnosis image obtained by irradiating the object with the same irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel of the array 210.

In operation 1030, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may detect X-rays radiated toward the object. The X-rays transmitted through the object among the X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may be detected by the detector 300. Since the attenuation ratio of the X-rays is determined according to the shape, thickness, components, etc. of the object, based on the X-rays detected by the detector 300, data about the inside of the object may be acquired.

In operation 1040, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may acquire an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays. The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may generate an X-ray image by reconstructing data of the inside of the object.

According to the X-ray imaging method according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, one X-ray image may be acquired through steps 1010 to 1040. If X-ray images are taken at several to several tens of seconds, X-ray videos may be obtained. Such X-ray video may be used for diagnosis and treatment requiring an X-ray image in real time. When photographing an X-ray video, the pixels of the array 210 included in the X-ray generator 200 must be appropriately controlled to obtain an accurate and effective X-ray image every frame. To this end, it should be easy and accurate to set the X-ray irradiation area every frame. Hereinafter, an X-ray image capturing method will be described with reference to FIG. 11 when a plurality of X-ray images are acquired.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of photographing X-ray images, according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of repeatedly obtaining an X-ray image until an X-ray imaging end instruction is received at a predetermined time or a user input.

In operation 1110, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an X-ray irradiation area in consideration of the object. Hereinafter, the step of setting the X-ray irradiation area in consideration of the object will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

In operation 1210, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may determine whether the estimated ROI exists. If there is an estimated ROI, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may proceed to step 1290 and set an X-ray irradiation region based on the estimated ROI. For example, when the X-ray imaging is in progress, the region of interest may be estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation region to be used for X-ray imaging of the next frame may be set using the estimated ROI. You can try Hereinafter, an operation of setting an X-ray irradiation area based on the estimated ROI will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13.

In operation 1310, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may determine a degree to which the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame. In detail, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may determine whether the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level. In this case, the previous frame may be the immediately preceding frame or may be a frame before several frames according to a predetermined period.

If the region of interest estimated from the currently acquired X-ray image is different from the region of interest estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level, it may mean that the object that is the object of X-ray imaging has been changed. For example, X-ray imaging continues for a long time, such as angiography or stent insertion, and the position to irradiate X-rays moves along the insertion site of the catheter or stent. The region of interest estimated from the X-ray image of the current frame and the region of interest estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame may be slightly different, which may indicate a change in the position of the X-ray irradiation. In this case, it is preferable to set the X-ray irradiation area in consideration of the object at the current position at which the diagnosis or treatment is performed.

In operation 1320, when the estimated region of interest does not differ from the region of interest estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may analyze the region of the array corresponding to the estimated region of interest. It can be set as an irradiation area.

When the estimated region of interest differs from the region of interest estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 does not set the X-ray irradiation region of the next frame based on the estimated region of interest. The X-ray irradiation area may be set by newly receiving information about the changed object from the outside. That is, it may be treated as if the ROI estimated in step 1210 of FIG. 12 does not exist. Hereinafter, the process of setting the X-ray irradiation region by using the information input from the outside by the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 will be described again with reference to FIG. 12.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an X-ray irradiation area by using information input from the outside when there is no estimated ROI or it is inappropriate to use the estimated ROI for setting an X-ray irradiation area. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may include information about an object recognized in an image of photographing an object, information about an area to be irradiated with X-rays input from a user in an X-ray image of the object, and an array 210. An X-ray irradiation area may be set by using information about an area to irradiate X-rays input from a user in an image showing a structure. According to the type of information input to the X-ray imaging apparatus 10, the process of setting the X-ray irradiation region by the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 will be described.

In operation 1220, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may automatically set the X-ray irradiation area by using the image of the object. When the image photographing the object using the camera is input to the X-ray imaging apparatus 10, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 recognizes the object in the image photographing the object, and considers the recognized object to examine the X-ray irradiation area. Can be set automatically.

In operation 1230 to 1250, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 illustrates a process of setting an X-ray irradiation area by using information about an area to be irradiated with X-rays input from a user in an X-ray image of an object.

In operation 1230, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may display the X-ray image of the first photographing of the object on the user interface 500 and provide the same to the user. The X-ray image of the first image of the object may be an X-ray image of which the user's region of interest cannot be grasped.

In operation 1240, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may receive a region from which the X-ray is to be irradiated from the X-ray image displayed on the user interface 500 from the user. The user of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may directly input an area to be irradiated with X-rays to the user interface 500.

In operation 1250, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an area of the array 210 corresponding to an area to be irradiated with X-rays input from a user as an X-ray irradiation area.

In operation 1260 to step 1280, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 shows a process of setting an X-ray irradiation region using information about an area to irradiate X-rays input from a user in an image showing the structure of the array 210. .

In operation 1260, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may display an image representing the structure of the array on the user interface 500 and provide the image to the user. The image representing the structure of the array 210 may be an image representing all the pixels constituting the array 210.

In operation 1270, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may receive an input from the user of an area for radiating X-rays from the image displayed on the user interface 500. The user of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may directly input an area for irradiating X-rays to an image representing the structure of the array 210 displayed on the user interface 500.

In operation 1280, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may set an area for irradiating X-rays input from a user as an X-ray irradiation area.

Referring back to FIG. 11, in operation 1120, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may radiate X-rays using pixels corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation area in an array composed of a plurality of pixels. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may drive only the pixels corresponding to the X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of the object among all the pixels constituting the array 210, and irradiate X-ray only to the object requiring X-ray imaging. . In this case, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may adjust the irradiation intensity of X-rays irradiated from each pixel according to the thickness or the component of the object. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 drives only the pixels corresponding to the array 210 according to the shape of the object, and adjusts the irradiation intensity of X-rays generated from the driven pixels according to the thickness or the component of the object. Can be. Information about the thickness or the component of the object may be obtained from an X-ray image or a pre-diagnosis image obtained by irradiating the object with the same irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel of the array 210.

In operation 1130, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may detect X-rays radiated toward the object. The X-rays transmitted through the object among the X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may be detected by the detector 300. Since the attenuation ratio of the X-rays is determined according to the shape, thickness, components, etc. of the object, based on the X-rays detected by the detector 300, data about the inside of the object may be acquired.

In operation 1140, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may acquire an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays. The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may generate an X-ray image by reconstructing data of the inside of the object.

In operation 1150, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may determine whether to end X-ray imaging. When a predetermined time has elapsed or an X-ray imaging end instruction is input according to a user input, X-ray imaging may be terminated by determining that X-ray imaging is terminated. However, if diagnosis and treatment are not completed and an X-ray image of the subject is required, the process proceeds to step 1160.

In operation 1160, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may estimate an ROI from the obtained X-ray image. The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may estimate which part of the ROI is in the acquired X-ray image by considering values of each pixel of the acquired X-ray image. The estimated region of interest may be a portion corresponding to the object in the acquired X-ray image and has information indicating the object. The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 may use the estimated ROI in an X-ray irradiation area setting step when capturing an X-ray image of a next frame.

On the other hand, the X-ray imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention described above can be written as a program that can be executed in a computer, it can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer to operate such a program using a computer-readable recording medium. have. Such computer-readable recording media include storage media such as magnetic storage media (eg, ROMs, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (eg, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.).

So far, the embodiments of the X-ray imaging apparatus and method have been described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

An X-ray generator including an array of a plurality of pixels;

A controller configured to control X-ray irradiation using pixels corresponding to an X-ray irradiation area set in consideration of an object;

A detector for detecting the irradiated X-rays; And

An image processing apparatus which acquires an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays;

X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

And the control unit sets the X-ray irradiation area based on a region of interest estimated from the obtained X-ray image.
The method of claim 2,

And the controller sets the X-ray irradiation area in consideration of a degree to which the estimated ROI is different from an ROI estimated from an X-ray image of a previous frame.
The method of claim 3, wherein

And the controller sets the X-ray irradiation area using information input from the outside when the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level.
The method of claim 1,

And the controller automatically sets the X-ray irradiation area by using the image of the object.
The method of claim 1,

A user interface for displaying an X-ray image of the first image of the object and receiving a region from which the X-ray is to be irradiated from the displayed X-ray image from a user;

More,

And the control unit sets an area of the array corresponding to an area to which the input X-rays are to be irradiated as the X-ray irradiation area.
The method of claim 1,

A user interface for displaying an image representing the structure of the array and receiving an area from the user to irradiate X-rays on the displayed image;

More,

And the control unit sets an area to irradiate the input X-rays as the X-ray irradiation area.
The method of claim 1,

And the control unit adjusts an irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel according to a thickness or a component of the object.
The method of claim 8,

And the control unit obtains information on the thickness or component of the object from an X-ray image or a pre-diagnosis image obtained by irradiating the object with the same irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel.
The method of claim 1,

The X-ray generator,

And a channel forming unit for forming channels parallel to each other through which X-rays generated at each pixel pass.
Setting an X-ray irradiation area in consideration of an object;

Irradiating X-rays using pixels corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation area in an array composed of a plurality of pixels;

Detecting the irradiated X-rays; And

Acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the detected X-rays;

X-ray imaging method comprising a.
The method of claim 11,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

Estimating a region of interest from the acquired X-ray image; And

Setting the X-ray irradiation area based on the estimated region of interest;

X-ray imaging method comprising a.
The method of claim 12,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

And setting the X-ray irradiation area in consideration of a degree to which the estimated ROI is different from an ROI estimated from an X-ray image of a previous frame.
The method of claim 13,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

And setting the X-ray irradiation area using information input from the outside when the estimated ROI is different from the ROI estimated from the X-ray image of the previous frame by more than a predetermined level.
The method of claim 11,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

An X-ray imaging method of automatically setting the X-ray irradiation area by using the image of the object.
The method of claim 11,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

Displaying an X-ray image of the first image of the object;

Receiving an area from the user to be irradiated with X-rays on the displayed X-ray image; And

Setting an area of the array corresponding to an area to which the input X-rays are to be irradiated as the X-ray irradiation area;

X-ray imaging method comprising a.
The method of claim 11,

Setting the X-ray irradiation area,

Displaying an image representing the structure of the array;

Receiving an area from a user to irradiate X-rays on the displayed image; And

An X-ray imaging method of setting the area to irradiate the input X-rays to the X-ray irradiation area.
The method of claim 11,

Irradiating the X-rays,

X-ray imaging method of the irradiation by adjusting the irradiation intensity (intensity) of the X-rays irradiated from each pixel according to the thickness or components of the object.
The method of claim 18,

And information on the thickness or component of the object is obtained from an X-ray image or a pre-diagnosis image obtained by irradiating the object with the same irradiation intensity of X-rays radiated from each pixel.
20. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the method of any one of claims 11 to 19.