WO2016105105A1

WO2016105105A1 - Digital radiography detector and power management method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016105105A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/014132
Authority: WO
Inventors: 신철우; 박은홍; 강차군; 임성훈
Original assignee: 주식회사 디알텍
Priority date: 2014-12-24
Filing date: 2015-12-22
Publication date: 2016-06-30
Also published as: KR101639396B1; KR20160077725A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital radiography detector having excellent portability and improved stability and reliability of power supply, and a power management method therefor. The digital radiography detector according to the present invention comprises: a constant power supply target unit to which power is always supplied; an optional power supply target unit to which power is selectively supplied; a power supply unit including a main power unit and an auxiliary power unit for supplying power to the constant power supply target unit or the optional power supply target unit; and a power management unit for monitoring and controlling the power supply unit. When the main power unit is determined to be in an abnormal state, the power management unit blocks the main power unit and controls the auxiliary power unit to supply power only to the constant power supply target unit.

Description

Digital Radiation Detector and Power Management Method Therefor

The present invention relates to a digital radiation detector and a power management method of a digital radiation detector, and more particularly, to a digital radiation detector having excellent portability and improved power supply stability and reliability, and a power management method therefor.

A digital radiation detector (hereinafter, referred to as a 'detector') is an apparatus that acquires image information by electrically detecting radiation such as X-rays transmitted through a human body or an object without a film. That is, by converting the image information obtained by irradiating radiation into an electrical signal and detecting it, it is possible to check whether there is an abnormality in the skeleton or organ of the human body or an object crack. The detector is classified into a direct method and an indirect method according to a method of detecting a radiographic image. The direct method typically uses an amorphous selenium (or amorphous silicon) and a thin film transistor (TFT) to directly detect an electric signal generated by radiation transmitted through the human body, and the indirect method uses radiation as visible light. The optical signal generated by a fluorescent material such as cesium iodide (CsI), which is converted into a light source, is obtained by using a light receiving device.

In recent years, such a digital radiation detector is separated from a radiographic apparatus provided in various places, such as a hospital for a human body or an animal, or an industrial site that requires non-destructive inspection of various structures, and can be moved separately. It is being developed into a cassette type digital radiation detector which is configured to be inserted into a device and to perform radiographic imaging freely in time and space.

Unlike the fixed digital radiography detector fixed to the radiographic apparatus that can be stably supplied by being connected to an external power source, the cassette-type digital radiation detector frequently moves to a radiography apparatus by carrying it for radiography. It is essential to secure a technology for stably supplying power for radiography using a cassette-type digital radiation detector or transmitting acquired photographing information without increasing weight or volume for easy carrying or moving.

(Prior art document)

(Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0413946

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, by using an auxiliary power supply for selectively supplying power digital radiation detector with excellent portability and improved stability and reliability of power supply and power management method therefor To provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the digital radiation detector according to the embodiment of the present invention is always powered power supply unit; An optional power supply target unit to which power is selectively supplied; A power supply unit including a main power supply unit and an auxiliary power supply unit supplying power to the constant power supply target unit or the selective power supply target unit; And a power management unit for monitoring and controlling the power supply unit. When the power management unit determines that the main power unit is in an abnormal state, the power management unit cuts off the main power unit, and the auxiliary power supply unit is configured to supply only the regular power supply target unit. It can be controlled to supply power.

The auxiliary power supply may be a battery that can be charged by wire or wirelessly.

The constant power supply target unit includes a radiation sensing unit for generating an electrical signal that changes according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation, or a central processing unit for operating the digital radiation detector; Or a network unit connected to the central processing unit and communicating with the outside.

The selective power supply target unit may include an amplifier for amplifying an analog signal which varies according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation; An A / D converter converting the amplified analog signal into a digital signal; And an integrated circuit unit which converts the digital signal into an image signal and generates a driving signal.

When the power manager determines that the main power supply unit is in a normal state, the power management unit may control the main power supply unit to supply power to the constant power supply target unit and the selective power supply target unit.

The main power supply unit may be connected to an external power supply unit by wire or wirelessly, and the auxiliary power supply unit may be charged via the main power supply unit.

The power manager may control the auxiliary power supply to supply power to the always-on power supply target and the selective power supply target before supplying power only to the power supply target.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power management method of a digital radiation detector, the method comprising: determining a power supply state of a main power supply unit; And supplying power according to the power supply state. In the supplying of power, when the main power supply is in a normal state, the main power supply is always provided to the power supply target and the selective power supply target. When power is supplied and the main power supply unit is in an abnormal state, the main power supply unit is cut off, and power is supplied only to the always-on power supply target unit by the auxiliary power supply unit.

When the main power supply unit is in a normal state, the main power supply unit may further include charging the auxiliary power supply unit.

In the determining of the power supply state of the main power supply unit, when the main power supply unit is not connected to the external power supply unit by wire or wirelessly, or when the output voltage of the main power supply unit is lower than a predetermined voltage value, it may be determined as an abnormal state.

The constant power supply target unit includes a radiation sensing unit for generating an electrical signal according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation, or a central processing unit for operating the digital radiation detector; Or a network unit connected to the central processing unit and communicating with the outside.

Before supplying power only to the constant power supply target unit, the auxiliary power supply unit may supply power to the constant power supply target unit and the selective power supply target unit.

According to the digital radiation detector according to the present invention and a power management method therefor, the main power supply unit supplies power to the entire digital radiation detector, and when the main power supply unit abnormal state occurs by selectively supplying power using the auxiliary power supply unit It is possible to supply power with excellent portability and stability and reliability.

Further, even when an abnormal state of the main power supply occurs, the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the digital radiation detector, so that the power supply target part of the digital radiation detector is not disconnected, thereby rebooting or initializing the digital radiation detector. In addition to being very convenient in use, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality due to the offset change due to the reboot of the digital radiation detector.

In addition, the auxiliary power supply selectively supplies power to only a part of the digital radiation detector when an abnormal state of the main power supply occurs, thereby supplying sufficient power even with a small capacity battery that is not bulky or bulky, and thus digital Radiation Detector The weight and volume of the entire system can be suppressed, providing a portable or mobile digital radiation detector.

1 is a schematic diagram of a digital radiography apparatus including a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing a power supply unit of a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an explanatory diagram showing a power supply mode of the digital radiation detector according to the embodiment of the present invention.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a power supply mode of a digital radiation detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of a digital radiation detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the endoscope according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. Only embodiments of the present invention are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The drawings may be exaggerated in size to describe embodiments, and like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a schematic diagram of a digital radiography apparatus including a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram of a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is an embodiment of the present invention 4 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply unit of a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a power supply mode of a digital radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a digital radiation detector according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the power supply aspect of a detector.

1 to 5, the digital radiography apparatus according to the present invention includes a radiation generator (not shown), a cassette-type digital radiation detector 20, a digital radiation detector support unit 10, and a user interface 30. do.

The radiation generator is a device that generates radiation such as X-rays, alpha rays, α-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, and the like to the test object 40.

The cassette type digital radiation detector 20 includes a radiation detector 100, an amplifier 200, an A / D converter 300, an integrated circuit unit 400, a central processing unit 500, a network unit 600, and a power supply unit. And 700.

The radiation detecting unit 100 generates an electrical signal that varies according to the intensity or amount of radiation incident through the object 40 when the radiation emitted from the radiation generator is passed. The radiation detector 100 may include a plurality of sensing pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to generate an electrical signal in response to radiation, and a thin film transistor configured to output an electrical signal generated at each sensing pixel through a data line ( Thin Film Transistor (TFT). The sensing pixel of the radiation detector 100 is not particularly limited to a direct conversion method using a photoelectric material or an indirect conversion method using a scintillator when digitally detects radiation.

The amplifier 200 receives and amplifies an analog electric signal that changes according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation from the radiation detector 100, and the A / D converter 300 amplifies the analog amplified by the amplifier 200. The signal is converted into a digital signal and output, and the integrated circuit unit 400 converts the digital signal output from the A / D converter 300 into an image signal and generates a driving signal of the radiation detector 100. The integrated circuit unit 400 may be configured as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like which can be changed as necessary.

The central processing unit 500 operates a digital radiation detector system, and the network unit 600 is connected to the central processing unit 500 to communicate with an external user interface 30 by wire or wirelessly to transmit or receive information. .

The power supply unit 700 supplies power required by the radiation detecting unit 100, the amplifying unit 200, the A / D converter 300, the integrated circuit unit 400, the central processing unit 500, and the network unit 600. The power supply unit 700 may be connected to the external power supply 800 to receive electricity by wire or wirelessly.

The power supply unit 700 includes a power management unit 710, a main power supply unit 720, a charging unit 730, an auxiliary power supply unit 740, and a load multiplexer 750.

The main power supply 720 is connected to the external power supply 800 by wire or wirelessly to supply electricity to various loads of the digital radiation detector 20, and the auxiliary power supply 740 may be charged by wire or wirelessly. The secondary battery or battery is supplied to assist the main power supply unit 720, and detailed operations of the main power supply unit 720 and the auxiliary power supply unit 740 will be described later.

The charging unit 730 may be connected to the main power supply 720 to charge the auxiliary power supply 740 when necessary. The ratio of electricity supplied to the various loads 900 and the charging unit 730 of the digital radiation detector is necessary. It can be adjusted accordingly. The load multiplex 750 transfers power supplied from the main power supply 720 or the auxiliary power supply 740 to the load 900.

The power manager 710 is connected to the main power supply 720, the charging unit 730, the auxiliary power supply 740, and the load multiplex 750 to monitor and control the state of each component.

The digital radiation detector 20 according to the present invention includes a power supply unit 910 which is always supplied with power; An optional power supply target unit 920 to which power is selectively supplied; A power supply unit including a main power supply unit 720 and an auxiliary power supply unit 740 to supply power to the constant power supply target unit 910 or the selective power supply target unit 920; And it may include a power management unit 710 for monitoring and controlling the power supply.

When the digital radiation detector 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15 of the digital radiation detector support unit 10, the electrical connection terminals provided to the digital radiation detector 10 and the digital radiation detector support unit 10 respectively contact each other, or provide a wireless electric supply. The transmitting end (digital radiation detector support side) and the receiving end (digital radiation detector side) for transmitting or receiving each other, or an external power supply 800 is electrically connected to the main power supply unit 720 by a separate power cable to be supplied with power, The main power supply 720 supplies power to the load 900 of the digital radiation detector 10.

At this time, when the digital radiation detector 20 needs to be carried and moved, and an event such as a short circuit of the electrical connection between the external power supply 800 and the main power supply 720 occurs, the power supplied by the main power supply 720 is lost. It is cut off. After the digital radiation detector 20 is completely turned off due to the power failure, in order to use the digital radiation detector again, it must be initialized through a reboot process.

During the initialization process, each sensing pixel of the radiation detector 100 is corrected by offset values using a dark image obtained by scanning with no radiation input to remove noise. The digital radiation detector 20 In case of rebooting, the reverse voltage applied to each sensing pixel is changed so that the offset values are changed, and the noise is increased while the noise is increased to be optimized by removing the noise through the initial initialization process, thereby degrading the quality of the radiographic image. .

On the other hand, even when a large capacity battery of 40 W or more is used as the main power source to improve the mobility of the digital radiation detector, the output voltage drops below a predetermined value due to the discharge of the large capacity battery, or the digital radiation is used to charge the discharged large capacity battery. In the case of replacing from the detector, the quality of the radiographic image may be deteriorated due to a change in offset values.

In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, the power management unit 710 monitors the main power unit 720 to determine whether the main power unit 720 is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and the main power unit 720 is in a normal state. If it is determined that the main power supply 720 may be controlled to supply power to the entire load 900 including the constant power supply target 910 and the optional power supply target 920 (see FIG. 4). . On the other hand, when the power management unit 710 detects an abnormal state of the main power supply unit 720, the power management unit 710 blocks the main power supply unit 720, and the auxiliary power supply unit 740 controls the radiographic image. In order to prevent the deterioration of the quality, such that the power supply is always supplied only to the power supply target unit 910, which should always be kept on, so that the reboot or initialization of the digital radiation detector can be excluded (see FIG. 5).

At this time, the power management unit 710 monitors the connection state of the main power unit 720 and the main power unit 720 and the external power 800, the main power unit 720 is not connected to the external power 800 by wire or wireless. Alternatively, when the output voltage of the main power supply 720 is monitored and the output voltage is lower than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the main power supply 720 is abnormal.

In order to prevent deterioration of the radiographic image or to improve the user convenience of the digital radiation detector, the constant power supply target unit 910, which must be always on, is offset as described above when each sensing pixel is turned off. It may include a radiation detection unit 100 that causes a change in the value and thereby lowering the quality of the radiographic image.

In addition, when the central processing unit 500 is off, it takes several minutes to reboot for stabilization and initialization. The network 600 connected to the central processing unit 500 may perform radiographic imaging while communicating with an external user interface 30. Since the status is checked (the user interface 30 is re-executed so that it can continue to be connected if communication with the network unit 600 fails, a large load is generated on the user interface 30), the radiation of the digital radiation detector 20 The central processing unit 500 and / or the network 600 are always on so that the radiograph can be immediately performed when the main power supply 720 supplies power to the entire load 900 by inserting the portable device after moving to the imaging device. It may be further included in the power supply subject 910 to maintain the state.

In addition, when the main power supply unit 720 is in a normal state, power is supplied to enable radiography. When the main power supply unit 720 is in an abnormal state, the quality of the radiographic image may be deteriorated even if the power supply is stopped. The selective power supply target unit 920 that does not affect user convenience may include an amplifier 200, an A / D converter 300, and / or an integrated circuit unit 400. The selective power supply target unit 920 does not affect the digital output or the image acquisition even if the supplied power is continuously turned on / off.

On the other hand, the power supply of the auxiliary power supply unit 740 may be variously changed as necessary, such as when the radiation digital detector is moved only a short distance to supply power to the entire load for a short period of time. For example, when the auxiliary power supply unit 740 has a sufficient charge amount, the auxiliary power supply unit 740 supplies power to the entire load 900 including the constant power supply unit 910 and the optional power supply unit 920. While supplying the power supply, when the charging amount of the auxiliary power supply unit 740 falls below a predetermined value, the control unit supplies power only to the always-on power supply target unit 910 which should always be kept on in order to prevent degradation of the quality of the radiographic image. You may. To this end, the power manager 710 may monitor the charging amount of the auxiliary power supply 740. In other words, when the power manager 710 detects an abnormal state of the main power unit 720, the power manager 710 cuts off the main power unit 720, and supplies power to the auxiliary power unit 740 at all times. Before supplying power only to the target unit 910, the auxiliary power supply unit 740 may control the power supply unit 910 and the optional power supply target unit 920 to be supplied with power.

According to the present invention, even when the main power supply 720 is in an abnormal state, when the main power supply 720 is turned off, the main power supply 720 is always provided to the power supply target unit 910 which directly affects the user convenience of the digital radiation detector 20 and the quality of the radiographic image. In this case, the power is continuously supplied by the auxiliary power supply unit 740, and the radiographic imaging can be performed by inserting the digital radiation detector support unit 10 directly at the time when the radiographic imaging is required without rebooting the digital radiation detector 20. In addition, the quality of the radiographic images due to the change of the offset values can be prevented.

In addition, the auxiliary power supply unit 740 selectively supplies power only to the constant power supply target unit 910 which is a part of the digital radiation detector only when an abnormal state of the main power supply unit 720 occurs. The battery can supply enough power. When power is supplied only to the power supply target unit 910 by using a small capacity battery of 10W or less, it can be kept on for several hours, so that it is appropriate even when moving is required for radiography. It can respond. On the other hand, when the battery is used as the main power supply requires a capacity of 40W or more, the weight and volume of the digital radiation detector can not only increase significantly, while in the case of using a small capacity battery as in the present invention, the entire digital radiation detector system The further increase in weight and volume can be largely suppressed, making it possible to provide a digital radiation detector with excellent portability or mobility.

Referring to FIG. 6, the power management method of the digital radiation detector 20 according to the present invention may include determining a power supply state of the main power supply unit 720; And supplying power according to the power supply state. In the supplying of power, when the main power supply unit 720 is in a normal state, the main power supply unit 720 is always powered. ) And the selective power supply target unit 920, and when the main power unit 720 is in an abnormal state, shut off the main power unit 720 and supply the power by the auxiliary power unit 740. Power is supplied only to the target unit 910.

When the main power supply unit 720 is in a normal state, the main power supply unit 720 may further include charging the auxiliary power supply unit 740 when it is necessary to charge the power supply unit 910. And the amount of electricity supplied to the charging unit 730 according to the electric load to be supplied to the selective power supply target unit 920.

In the determining of the power supply state of the main power supply unit 720, the main power supply unit 720 is not connected to the external power supply unit 800 by wire or wirelessly, or the output voltage of the main power supply unit 720 is greater than a predetermined value. If it is lowered, it can be determined as an abnormal state.

The constant power supply target unit 910 is a configuration that directly affects the user convenience of the digital radiation detector 20 and the quality of the radiographic image. The radiation generating unit generates electric signals that vary according to the intensity or amount of the incident radiation. A central processing unit 500 including a sensing unit 100 or operating the digital radiation detector; Or it may further include a network unit 600 connected to the central processing unit to communicate with the outside.

The selective power supply target unit 920 may include: an amplifier 200 for amplifying an analog signal which varies according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation; An A / D converter 300 for converting an amplified analog signal into a digital signal; And an integrated circuit unit 400 for converting the digital signal into an image signal and generating a driving signal.

On the other hand, the step of supplying power may vary the power supply sun of the auxiliary power supply 740 as necessary, such as when the radiation digital detector is moved only a short distance to supply power to the entire load for a short period of time. have. For example, when the charging amount of the auxiliary power supply unit 740 is monitored and the auxiliary power supply unit 740 has a sufficient charging amount, the auxiliary power supply unit 740 is always the power supply target unit 910 and the optional power supply target unit 920. While supplying power to the entire load 900 including the, when the charging amount of the auxiliary power supply unit 740 falls below a predetermined value, the constant power supply object that should always be on to prevent the degradation of the radiographic image quality, etc. It may be controlled to supply power only to the unit 910. That is, in the case of detecting an abnormal state of the main power supply unit 720, after the main power supply unit 720 is shut off, and before the power supply unit 910 is always supplied to the auxiliary power supply unit 740, the auxiliary power supply unit is supplied. The power supply unit 740 may further include supplying power to the constant power supply target unit 910 and the optional power supply target unit 920.

Although the description overlapping with the description of the digital radiation detector of the present invention described above is omitted, it may be used to understand the power management method of the digital radiation detector 20 according to the present invention.

When the digital radiation detector 20 moves away from the digital radiation detector support unit 10 when the digital radiation detector 20 moves to various radiography sites, the connection between the main power supply 720 and the external power supply 800 is disconnected. (I.e., an abnormal state of the main voltage unit 720 occurs), and thus, the auxiliary power supply unit 740 can supply power only to the always-on power supply target unit 910. Then, when the digital radiation detector 20 is inserted into the digital radiation detector support unit 10 again at the radiation photographing place, the connection between the main power supply 720 and the external power supply 800 is restored again (normal of the main power supply 720). State) The main power supply unit 720 supplies power to the entire load of the constant power supply target unit 910 and the optional power supply target unit 920. In this case, even when the portable digital radiation detector 720 is moved, radiography may be performed immediately without the need for a reboot or initialization.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Those skilled in the art will understand from this that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the claims below.

Claims

Always-on power supply subject the power is always supplied;

An optional power supply target unit to which power is selectively supplied;

A power supply unit including a main power supply unit and an auxiliary power supply unit supplying power to the constant power supply target unit or the selective power supply target unit; And

It includes a power management unit for monitoring and controlling the power supply unit,

And the power management unit blocks the main power supply unit and determines that the main power supply unit is in an abnormal state, and controls the power supply unit to supply power only to the regular power supply target unit by the auxiliary power supply unit.
The method according to claim 1,

The auxiliary power supply unit is a digital radiation detector that can be charged by wire or wireless.
The method according to claim 1,

The constant power supply target unit is a digital radiation detector including a radiation detector for generating an electrical signal that changes in accordance with the intensity or amount of incident radiation.
The method according to claim 3,

The always-on power supply target unit includes a central processing unit for operating the digital radiation detector; Or a network unit connected to the central processing unit to communicate with the outside.
The method according to claim 1,

The selective power supply target unit may include an amplifier for amplifying an analog signal which varies according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation; An A / D converter converting the amplified analog signal into a digital signal; And an integrated circuit unit configured to convert the digital signal into an image signal and generate a driving signal.
The method according to claim 1,

And the power manager controls the main power supply to supply power to the constant power supply target and the selective power supply target when the main power supply determines that the main power supply is in a normal state.
The method according to claim 1,

The main power supply unit is wired or wirelessly connected to an external power source, and the digital radiation detector is charged through the main power supply unit.
The method according to claim 1,

And the power management unit may control the auxiliary power supply unit to supply power to the always-on power supply unit and the selective power supply target unit before supplying power only to the power supply target unit.
Determining a power supply state of the main power supply unit; And

Supplying power according to the power supply state;

In the step of supplying power,

When the main power supply unit is in a normal state, the main power supply unit supplies power to the constant power supply target unit and the selective power supply target unit,

And the main power supply unit is cut off when the main power supply unit is in an abnormal state, and the auxiliary power supply unit supplies power only to the regular power supply target unit.
The method according to claim 9,

And when the main power supply unit is in a normal state, charging the auxiliary power supply unit further comprising charging the auxiliary power supply unit.
The method according to claim 9,

In the step of determining the power supply state of the main power supply unit,

The power management method of the digital radiation detector for determining whether the main power supply unit is not connected to an external power supply unit by wire or wirelessly, or when the output voltage of the main power supply unit is lower than a predetermined voltage value.
The method according to claim 9,

The constant power supply target unit power management method of the digital radiation detector including a radiation detector for generating an electrical signal that changes in accordance with the intensity or amount of incident radiation.
The method according to claim 12,

The always-on power supply target unit includes a central processing unit for operating the digital radiation detector; Or a network unit connected to the central processing unit to communicate with the outside.
The method according to claim 9,

The selective power supply target unit may include an amplifier for amplifying an analog signal which varies according to the intensity or amount of incident radiation; An A / D converter converting the amplified analog signal into a digital signal; And an integrated circuit unit converting the digital signal into an image signal and generating a driving signal.
The method according to claim 9,

The power management method of the digital radiation detector which may supply power to the always-on power supply target and the selective power supply target by the auxiliary power supply unit before supplying power only to the power supply target.