WO2019143134A1

WO2019143134A1 - X-ray imaging device and method for controlling same

Info

Publication number: WO2019143134A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/000668
Authority: WO
Inventors: 허윤석; 김정하; 윤다은; 이예진
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2018-01-19
Filing date: 2019-01-17
Publication date: 2019-07-25
Also published as: KR20190088816A

Abstract

An X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment comprises: an X-ray source for emitting X-rays; a display unit; and a control unit for acquiring three-dimensional distribution data of stray radiation, corresponding to X-ray imaging conditions, generating a stray radiation distribution image by using the acquired three-dimensional distribution data of stray radiation and information on the relative position of an X-ray detector to the X-ray source, and performing control such that the display unit displays the generated stray radiation distribution image.

Description

X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof

Ray imaging apparatus for imaging the inside of a target object and a control method thereof.

The X-ray imaging apparatus is a device for irradiating X-rays to an object and analyzing the X-rays transmitted through the object to grasp the internal structure of the object. Since the x-ray transmittance differs depending on the organization constituting the object, the internal structure of the object can be imaged by using the attenuation coefficient which quantifies it.

On the other hand, excessive X-ray exposure can cause harm to the human body, so the radiation dose to the patient is managed according to the prescribed regulations.

However, at the time of radiography, not only a patient to be photographed but also a third person such as a radiologist, a doctor, or a guardian located in the vicinity of the x-ray imaging apparatus can be exposed to the x-ray. Therefore, it is also necessary to manage the dose of the x-rays scattered to the area other than the object to be imaged.

Provided is a x-ray imaging apparatus and a control method thereof that can minimize the radiation exposure of a third person by providing a distribution of scattering radiation generated at the time of x-ray photography to a user in a three-dimensional manner.

An X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray source for irradiating an X-ray; A display unit; Dimensional distribution data of a scatter radiation corresponding to an X-ray photographing condition is obtained, and the scattered radiation distribution image is obtained by using the relative positional information of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation And a controller for controlling the display unit to display the generated scattered radiation distribution image.

The control unit may display a first object representing the x-ray source on the scattering radiation distribution image, and display a distribution of scattering radiation based on the first object representing the x-ray source.

The controller may display the distribution of the scattering radiation on the scattering radiation distribution image based on the obtained three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation, and may display the color or brightness differently according to the dose of the scattering radiation .

The controller may display a second object representing the X-ray detector on the scattering radiation distribution image, and display the distribution of the scattering radiation on the basis of the first object and the second object.

And an input unit for receiving a selection of a section for generating the scattered radiation distribution image from a user.

The control unit may generate the scattering radiation distribution image representing the scattering radiation distribution in the selected cross section.

Wherein the X-ray imaging apparatus further comprises an input unit for receiving a selection of a distance from a center of the X-ray irradiation area by the user, wherein the control unit controls the X- The scattered radiation distribution image representing the scattered radiation distribution can be generated.

The display unit comprises: a first display provided in the workstation; And a second display provided on the sub-interface mounted on the X-ray source.

The x-ray imaging apparatus may further include a camera, and the control unit may obtain a positional relationship between the camera image taken by the camera and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation.

The control unit may map the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation to the camera image based on the obtained positional relationship.

The control unit may generate the scattered radiation distribution image by displaying the three-dimensional distribution data of the mapped scattering radiation on the camera image.

The control unit may obtain plane information corresponding to the camera image.

The control unit may obtain plane information corresponding to the camera image using the tilted direction or angle of the x-ray source indicated by the camera image.

The control unit may generate the scattered radiation distribution image corresponding to the obtained plane information.

The control unit may display guide information on the position or attitude of the user on the scattered radiation distribution image based on the obtained three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation.

The controller may control the display unit to display an X-ray imaging history including information on a user's accumulated X-ray exposure dose.

The X-ray imaging apparatus may further include a memory for storing three-dimensional distribution data of scattered radiation by X-ray imaging conditions.

A control method of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes setting an X-ray imaging condition; Acquiring three-dimensional distribution data of scatter radiation corresponding to the set X-ray imaging conditions; Generating scattered radiation distribution images using relative position information of the x-ray source and the x-ray detector and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation; And a controller for displaying the generated scattered radiation distribution image on a display of a workstation or a sub-interface provided in an X-ray source.

In the scattering radiation distribution image, a first object representing the x-ray source is displayed in the scattering radiation distribution image, and a distribution of scattering radiation may be displayed based on a first object representing the x-ray source.

The scattering radiation distribution image displays the distribution of the scattering radiation on the scattering radiation distribution image based on the obtained three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation, and displays the color or brightness differently according to the dose amount of the scattering radiation can do.

In the scattering radiation distribution image, a second object representing the X-ray detector is displayed, and the distribution of the scattering radiation may be displayed based on the first object and the second object.

The control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus may further include receiving a selection of a section for generating the scattered radiation distribution image from a user.

Generating the scattered radiation distribution image may include generating a scattered radiation distribution image representing a scattered radiation distribution at the selected cross section.

The method of controlling an X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a selection of a distance from a center of the X-ray irradiation area by a user; generating the scattering radiation distribution image comprises: And generating scattered radiation distribution images indicative of scattered radiation distributions at cross sections spaced by a selected distance.

Wherein the generating the scattering radiation distribution image comprises acquiring a positional relationship between the camera image and the obtained three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation, Or < / RTI >

The generating the scattering radiation distribution image may further include mapping the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation to the camera image based on the obtained positional relationship.

The generating the scattering radiation distribution image may include displaying the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation mapped on the camera image.

The control method of the x-ray imaging apparatus may further include displaying guide information on the position or attitude of the user on the scattering radiation distribution image based on the obtained three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation.

The control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus may further include displaying an X-ray imaging history including information on a user's accumulated X-ray exposure dose.

According to the X-ray imaging apparatus and the control method thereof according to the embodiment, the distribution of the scattering radiation generated at the time of X-ray imaging is three-dimensionally provided to the user, thereby minimizing the radiation exposure of the third person.

1 is a control block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration in which an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is implemented as a sealing type.

Figure 3 is an illustration of an example of a subinterface mounted on an x-ray source.

4 is an external view illustrating a configuration in which an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is implemented as a mobile type.

5 is a view showing an X-ray irradiation range from an X-ray source.

6 to 12 are views showing an example of a scattered radiation distribution image displayed on a display unit of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

13 is a control block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus including a camera in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views showing an example of a scattering radiation distribution image generated using a camera image.

16 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit for displaying radiation exposure information of a user.

17 and 18 are flowcharts of a method of controlling an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying a scattering radiation distribution on a camera image in a method of controlling an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. The present specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and redundant description between general contents or embodiments in the technical field of the present invention will be omitted. The term 'part, module, member, or block' used in the specification may be embodied in software or hardware, and a plurality of 'part, module, member, and block' may be embodied as one component, It is also possible that a single 'part, module, member, block' includes a plurality of components.

Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only the case directly connected but also the case where the connection is indirectly connected, and the indirect connection includes connection through the wireless communication network do.

Also, when an element is referred to as "comprising ", it means that it can include other elements as well, without departing from the other elements unless specifically stated otherwise.

Throughout the specification, when a member is positioned "before" or "behind " another member, this includes not only when a member is in contact with another member, but also when another member exists between the two members.

The singular forms " a " include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In each step, the identification code is used to identify each step and does not describe the order of the steps, and each step may be performed differently from the order specified unless the context clearly states a particular order.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an X-ray imaging apparatus and a control method thereof according to an aspect will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration in which an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is implemented as a sealing type. FIG. 4 is an external view illustrating a configuration in which an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is implemented as a mobile type. FIG.

1, an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment includes an X-ray source 110 for generating and irradiating an X-ray, a storage unit 130 for storing a distribution of scatter radiation according to X-ray imaging conditions, A display unit 140 for displaying an X-ray image or the like, an input unit 150 for receiving a user's input, and an X-ray photographing condition And a control unit 120 for displaying the obtained scattered radiation distribution on the display unit 140. [0033]

Hereinafter, specific operations of the components of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to external views.

2 is an example of an x-ray imaging apparatus 100, which is a ceiling type x-ray imaging apparatus in which an x-ray source 110 is connected to a ceiling of an examination room.

2, a guide rail 30 may be installed on an examination room ceiling where the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is disposed, and an X-ray source 110 may be installed on a moving carriage 40 moving along the guide rail 30 Ray source 110 to the position corresponding to the object.

The movable carriage 40 and the x-ray source 110 can be connected through the foldable post frame 50 and the height of the x-ray source 110 can be adjusted by shortening or stretching the length of the post frame 50.

A rotary joint 60 is disposed between the x-ray source 110 and the post frame 50. The rotary joint 60 may include a first rotary joint 61 connected to the post frame 50 and a second rotary joint 62 connected to the X-ray source 10.

The first rotary joint 61 can rotate in the fourth direction D4 and the second rotary joint 62 can rotate in the fifth direction D5. When the second rotary joint 62 is rotated in the fifth direction D5, the tilt angle of the x-ray source 110 can be adjusted. The attitude of the x-ray source 110 may be defined by a rotation angle in the fourth direction D4 or a tilt angle in the fourth direction D5.

When the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is implemented as a sealing type, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may include at least one motor for providing power necessary for linearly moving or rotating the X-ray source 110, and a driving circuit for driving the motor. The controller 120 controls the driving circuit to adjust the position and posture of the x-ray source 110.

The X-ray source 110 may include an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray and a collimator for adjusting an irradiation area of the X-ray generated in the X-ray tube. Therefore, the X-ray source 110 is also referred to as a tube head unit (THU).

The x-ray imaging apparatus 100 may include a workstation 70 provided at a position spaced apart from the x-ray source 110 and providing a user interface. A shielding film B is provided between the X-ray source 110 and the work station 70 to prevent unnecessary exposure of the user, such as a radiologist or physician.

The workstation 70 may be provided with a first display 141 for displaying various information and images and a first input device 151 for receiving a user's input. The display unit 140 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes a first display 141 provided in the workstation 70 and an input unit 150 includes a first input device 151 provided in the workstation 70 .

The first display 141 displays a screen for guiding the selection of the X-ray imaging protocol, a screen for guiding the setting of the X-ray irradiation condition, a screen for receiving the X-ray inspection timing or a position control command of the X-ray source 110 can do. Alternatively, it is also possible to display a screen showing the current state of the workflow constituting the X-ray imaging, to display the photographed camera image when the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes the camera, or to display the X-ray image of the object. The first display 141 may be implemented by at least one of various display devices such as an LCD, an LED, an OLED, a QLED, and a PDP.

The first input device 151 may receive an X-ray imaging protocol, an X-ray irradiation condition, an X-ray irradiation timing, a command for position and orientation control of the X-ray source 110, or a command for shooting a camera image. The first input device 151 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like.

The control unit 120 can control an X-ray irradiation timing, an X-ray irradiation condition, and the like according to a command input from a user, and can generate an X-ray image using data received from the X-ray detector 200.

The control unit 120 may control the position or attitude of the mounting

units

14 and 24 on which the x-ray source 110 or the x-ray detector 200 is mounted according to the x-ray imaging protocol and the position of the object P.

The control unit 120 may include at least one memory storing a program for performing the above-described operations and operations described later, and at least one processor for executing a stored program.

The control unit 120 may include a single processor and may include a plurality of processors. In the latter case, a plurality of processors may be integrated on one chip or may be physically separated.

When a plurality of processors are included in the control unit 120, a part of the plurality of processors is connected to the work station 70 and the other part is connected to the sub-user interface 80 provided in the X-ray source 110, the mobile carriage 40, But may be provided in another apparatus. For example, a processor provided in the workstation 70 performs control such as image processing for generating an x-ray image, and a processor provided in the sub-user interface 80 or the mobile carriage 40 is connected to the x- It is possible to perform the control related to the operation or movement of the X-ray detector 200. FIG.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may also be connected to an X-ray detector 200 or an external device (e.g., a portable terminal such as an external server for storing and managing medical images, other medical devices, tablet PCs, or wearable devices) And may further include a communication unit capable of transmitting or receiving data.

The communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module. The communication unit may include at least one component that enables communication with an external device.

It is also possible that the communication unit receives the control signal from the external device and transmits the received control signal to the control unit 120 so that the control unit 120 controls the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the received control signal .

The X-ray detector 200 may be implemented as a fixed X-ray detector fixed to the stand 20 or the table 10 or may be detachably attached to the mounting

portions

14 and 24 or a portable X-ray detector portable x-ray detector). Portable x-ray detectors can be implemented as wired or wireless type depending on the data transmission method and power supply method.

The X-ray detector 200 may be included as an element of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 or may not be included. In the latter case, the X-ray detector 200 can be registered in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for use.

A sub interface 80 may be provided on one side of the x-ray source 110 and some or all functions performed by the display unit 140 and the input unit 150 described below may be performed in the sub interface 80 have.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sub-interface 80 may include a second display 142 and a second input device 152. The display unit 140 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 further includes a second display 142 of the sub interface 80 and an input unit 150 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is connected to the sub- And may further include a second input device 152.

On the other hand, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 can be implemented as a mobile type as well as the sealing type described above. When the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is implemented as a mobile type, the main body 101 to which the X-ray source 110 is connected is freely movable and the X-ray source 110 and the main body 101 are connected The arm 103 can also be rotated and linearly moved so that the X-ray source 110 can be freely moved in a three-dimensional space.

The main body 101 may be provided with a storage unit 105 for storing the X-ray detector 200. In addition, a charging terminal capable of charging the X-ray detector 200 is provided in the storage unit 105 so that the X-ray detector 200 can be stored while being charged.

The input unit 150, the display unit 140 and the control unit 120 may be provided in the main body 101. The image data acquired by the X-ray detector 200 is transmitted to the main body 101, Unit 140, or may be transmitted to an external device through a communication unit.

5 is a view showing an X-ray irradiation range from an X-ray source.

As shown in Fig. 5, the X-ray tube 111 generates X-rays, which are limited by the collimator 113 and scattered.

Among the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 111, the X-rays incident on the

blades

113a and 113c of the collimator 113 are absorbed by the

blades

113a and 113c and the X-rays passing through the collimation region R are transmitted through the X- 200, or is incident on the X-ray detector 200 through the object P.

When the X-ray is spread in the form of a cone beam, the cross section of the X-ray irradiation area E parallel to the XY plane is gradually widened toward the X-ray detector 200 on the Z-axis. The control unit 120 can irradiate the X-ray to a desired range of the X-ray irradiation area E by adjusting the collimation area R based on the relationship between the two areas.

Meanwhile, some of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 110 may be scattered while hitting the constituent material of the dust particles or the object P in the air while reaching the X-ray detector 200. These x-rays are called scatter radiation.

The scattering radiation may deviate from the focused X-ray irradiation area E on the object P. Therefore, there is a risk that a third person such as a radiologist, a doctor, or a guardian located around the subject P is exposed to such scattering radiation. In this embodiment, the human body excluding the object to be x-rayed is assumed to be the third person. Also, a third party, such as a radiologist or a physician, who operates the x-ray imaging apparatus 100 to perform x-ray imaging of a target object, is referred to as a user.

The x-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment provides the user with information on the distribution of scattering radiation in order to minimize the exposure by the scattering radiation. Hereinafter, an operation of providing information on the distribution of scattering radiation will be described in detail based on the contents described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig.

The memory 130 may store distribution data of scattered radiation in advance according to the X-ray imaging conditions. That is, the scattered radiation distribution data may be stored in the memory 130 in a database. Here, the distribution of the scattering radiation may mean a three-dimensional distribution, and the distribution data of the scattering radiation may indicate the dose or the dose of the scattering radiation in the three-dimensional space in which the x-ray source 110 is located. For example, three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation can be stored in the form of a radiation distribution in a three-dimensional space.

In addition, the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation may include distribution data of normal x-rays. Therefore, when three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation is displayed on the display unit 140 according to an embodiment to be described later, the normal x-ray distribution and the scattering radiation distribution can be displayed together.

To this end, the x-ray imaging apparatus 100 may acquire the scattered radiation three-dimensional distribution data in advance according to the x-ray imaging conditions and store the acquired data in the memory 130. The X-ray imaging conditions may include an X-ray irradiation condition including a tube voltage (kVp), an X-ray dose (mAs), a size of a collimation region, information on a filter, Position or attitude information, and position information of the target object P.

The scattering radiation distribution according to the X-ray imaging conditions can be obtained through at least one of various methods such as simulation, experiment, statistics, and the like. In the embodiment of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, There is no restriction.

When a user such as a doctor or radiologist inputs an X-ray imaging condition through the input unit 150, the controller 120 searches the memory 130 and obtains a three-dimensional distribution of scattering radiation corresponding to the inputted X-ray imaging conditions .

For example, the X-ray imaging area may vary depending on the imaging protocol, and the proper X-ray irradiation conditions may be different for each X-ray imaging area. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation conditions can be stored by default in accordance with the imaging protocol. The default values for the x-ray irradiation conditions can also be stored in the memory 130.

The imaging protocol may be determined according to the X-ray imaging site, the posture of the object, and may include, for example, an entire body AP (Anterior Psterior), a full body PA (Psterior Anterior), a full body LAT, There may be a photographing protocol for photographing in AP, PA or LAT mode, and a photographing protocol for photographing a long bone such as a leg in AP, PA, or LAT mode. Abdominal erection may also be included in the photographic protocol.

When the user inputs a selection of the imaging protocol through the input unit 150, the controller 120 searches the memory 130 and acquires the X-ray irradiation condition corresponding to the selected imaging protocol. Also, the display unit 140 can display the X-ray irradiation condition corresponding to the selected imaging protocol, and the user can change the value of the X-ray irradiation condition displayed through the input unit 150 and set it.

In addition, the X-ray irradiation conditions may be stored by default according to the size of the object. When the user inputs a selection of the size of the object through the input unit 150, the controller 120 searches the memory 130 to acquire an X-ray irradiation condition corresponding to the selected object size. In addition, the display unit 140 can display the X-ray irradiation condition corresponding to the selected object size, and the user can change the value of the X-ray irradiation condition displayed through the input unit 150 and set it.

In addition, the X-ray irradiation conditions may be stored by default according to the imaging protocol and the size of the object. The description of the user's input and modification of the X-ray irradiation conditions is as described above.

The control unit 120 may acquire three-dimensional distribution data of scattered radiation using the set X-ray irradiation conditions, and may provide the user with three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattered radiation.

Dimensional distribution data of the scattered radiation and provide information about the obtained three-dimensional distribution data to the user every time the X-ray irradiation condition is set, and when the user inputs the three-dimensional distribution of the scattering radiation through the input unit 150 It is also possible to acquire the three-dimensional distribution of the scattering radiation and to provide information about it.

For example, it is possible to display or provide a separate button for receiving a request for scattered radiation distribution, or it is also possible to use an existing button. In the case of using an existing button, a switch or button for inputting an X-ray irradiating preparation ready command and an X-ray irradiating command can be used. For example, when an X-ray irradiation preparation command is input, the control unit 120 acquires a three-dimensional distribution of scattering radiation and can provide information about the acquired three-dimensional distribution to the user.

The controller 120 may display the information on the three-dimensional distribution of the scattering radiation on the display unit 140, and may be displayed in the form of a radiation distribution diagram, for example. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 12. Fig.

According to one embodiment, the scattered radiation distribution image may be displayed on the second display 142 of the sub-interface 80 or on the first display 141 of the workstation 70.

The controller 120 acquires three-dimensional distribution data of scattered radiation corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation conditions, and generates an image representing a distribution of the obtained scattered radiation (hereinafter referred to as a scattered radiation distribution image).

The control unit 120 can visually provide information on the three-dimensional distribution of scattering radiation by various methods. For example, the distribution of scattered radiation in a three-dimensional space may be provided at a desired location or a two-dimensional cross-sectional distribution at an automatically set location.

The control unit 120 may display not only the scattering radiation distribution on the scattering radiation distribution image but also the information about the object located in the space where the scattering radiation is distributed. The user can grasp the distribution of scattering radiation in the real space through the relative positions of the object and the scattering radiation in the scattering radiation distribution image.

6 to 8, the controller 120 may include a first object 110a representing the x-ray source 110 and a second object 110b representing the x-ray detector 200 in the scattered radiation distribution image Is, 2 object 200a and display the scattering radiation distribution on the basis of the first object 110a representing the x-ray source 110. [

At this time, the distance between the first object 110a and the second object 200a may correspond to the distance between the x-ray source 110 and the x-ray detector 200 in the actual space. For example, they can be proportional to each other.

The distance between the x-ray source 110 and the x-ray detector 200 can be measured by a sensor or input by a user.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the distribution of the scattering radiation can be represented by differently displaying the color or brightness according to the radiation dose or the magnitude of the exposure dose. For example, the larger the radiation dose or the exposure dose, the darker the brightness or the darker the color. Alternatively, the larger the dose of radiation or the exposure dose, the more reddish the color, and the smaller the dose, the blue the color.

FIG. 6 is a view showing scattering radiation distribution on the YZ plane separated by 50 cm in the X axis direction from the center of the X-ray irradiation region (E), and FIG. 7 is a view showing scattering radiation distribution on the YZ plane separated by 100 cm in the X- And the scattering radiation distribution on the YZ plane spaced 200 cm in the X axis direction.

A certain distance of 50 cm, 100 cm, 200 cm, etc., spaced apart from the center of the X-ray irradiation area E may be set as a default, or the user may select a desired position You can also type directly.

In the case of directly inputting a desired position by the user, the selection of the desired distance from the center of the X-ray irradiation area E and the desired XY section, YZ section, XZ section and arbitrary section can be inputted.

9, the controller 120 controls the display unit 140 to adjust the distance to adjust the separation distance from the center of the X-ray irradiation area E in one region of the scatter distribution image Is, for example, The user can display the bar B and the user can move the distance control bar B to select the desired distance.

Specifically, when the display unit 140 and the input unit 150 implement a touch screen, the user can touch the distance control bar B and drag in a direction toward a desired distance. When the user selects the distance by stopping the drag, the control unit 120 can display the scattering radiation distribution on the cross-section separated from the center of the x-ray irradiation area E by the selected distance.

It is also possible that the user does not change the scattered radiation distribution image displayed on the display unit 140 while the user is dragging and it is also possible to give a continuous change to the scattered radiation distribution image displayed on the display unit 140 during the dragging. In the latter case, the user can more intuitively grasp the change in scattering radiation distribution depending on the position.

The control unit 120 may further display information such as the angle of the x-ray source 110 and the tilt angle of the x-ray detector 200 in the scattered radiation distribution image Is.

When the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is implemented as a sealing type or a mobile type, the tilt angle of the X-ray source 110 can be adjusted according to the photographing region or the state of the object, Can also be adjusted together.

10, the first object 110a and the second object 200a are arranged in the scattering radiation distribution image Is and the tilt angle? Of the actual x-ray source 110 and the tilt angle? The user can grasp the scattering radiation distribution in the actual space more easily and accurately.

It is also possible to display a third object representing the patient bed in the scattering radiation distribution image Is and obliquely display the third object in accordance with the inclination of the patient bed.

The control unit 120 may estimate the tilt angle of the x-ray detector 200 based on the tilt angle of the x-ray source 110, obtain information about the tilt angle from the x-ray detector 200, A sensor provided in the X-ray detector 100 may measure the tilt angle of the X-ray detector 200. [ There is no limitation on the manner of obtaining the tilt angle of the X-ray detector 200. [ The same description can be applied to the tilt angle of the patient bed.

11 is a diagram showing an example of an image for providing orientation guidance information to a user based on scattering radiation distribution.

Referring to the example of FIG. 11, the control unit 120 may display information on the dose of radiation for each region where scattering radiation is distributed in the scattering radiation distribution image Is. For example, the distribution area of scattered radiation can be classified into three levels, Safe, OK, and Danger, which indicate the degree of safety according to the exposure dose, and the safety classified in each area can be displayed.

Alternatively, it is also possible to display the numerical value of the exposure dose (mSv or rem) in each area.

The control unit 120 may display an object Ra indicating a third person, particularly a user, together with the object Pa indicating the object P in the scattering radiation distribution image Is. At this time, the position and attitude of the user can be guided by displaying the object (Ra) representing the user in a position and attitude capable of minimizing the exposure by the scattering radiation.

On the other hand, if the user rotates the image displayed on the display unit 140, it is also possible to display an image at an angle corresponding to the rotation. 12, a scattered radiation distribution image corresponding to the YZ plane is displayed on the second display 142. When the user touches the input unit 151 and drags the image to the right, The image displayed on the display unit 142 can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction by an angle dragged by the user on the XY plane and the change in the image according to the rotation can be continuously displayed.

It is also possible to enlarge or reduce the scattered radiation distribution image corresponding to the input of the user.

FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus including a camera in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are views showing an example of a scattering radiation distribution image generated using a camera image .

Referring to FIG. 13, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may further include a camera 160. The camera 160 may be mounted on the x-ray source 110 or other areas of the x-ray imaging apparatus 100 such as the body 101 or the arm 103, It is also possible to arrange it in another region which is separated by the region. For example, on a laboratory ceiling, on a wall, or on a separate stand.

The camera 160 may acquire a general two-dimensional image or three-dimensional information of a space where the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is located. In the case of acquiring three-dimensional information, the camera 160 may include a 360-degree camera or a VR (Virtual Reality) camera capable of 360-degree forward shooting.

The image captured by the camera 160 (hereinafter referred to as a camera image) is transmitted to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 acquires three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation acquired from the memory 130, A relationship can be obtained. Obtaining the mutual positional relationship between the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation and the camera image may include finding the exposure dose data of the scattering radiation corresponding to each position in the camera image.

The controller 120 can acquire the mutual positional relationship by scaling the distance, direction, etc. using the three-dimensional distribution diagram of the scattering radiation and the reference point common to the camera image. For example, the controller 120 can acquire the positional relationship between the three-dimensional scatter diagram of the scattered radiation and the camera image using the position of the x-ray source 110 as a reference point.

The control unit 120 can map the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation to the camera image based on the obtained positional relationship. Specifically, the control unit 120 can map data representing the radiation dose of the corresponding region to the region where the scattered radiation is distributed, among the regions displayed in the camera image.

The control unit 120 may generate scattered radiation distribution images by displaying scattered radiation distribution data on the camera image. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the color or brightness corresponding to the magnitude of the scattered radiation dose mapped for each position of the camera image can be displayed.

On the other hand, the control unit 120 can obtain plane information corresponding to the camera image using a specific object shown in the camera image. For example, the control unit 120 controls the tilting direction and angle of the x-ray source 110 displayed on the camera image, the rotation angle and tilt angle of the x-ray source 110 measured by the sensor provided in the x- , It can be determined whether the corresponding camera image corresponds to the image corresponding to the XY plane, the image corresponding to the YZ plane, the image corresponding to the XZ plane, or the image corresponding to another arbitrary plane.

When the corresponding camera image corresponds to the XY plane, the controller 120 may display the distribution of scattered radiation corresponding to the XY cross section at an arbitrary position on the Z axis on the camera image, Or a scattering radiation distribution composed of representative values may be displayed. Here, the representative value may mean an average value, a maximum value, and the like of the radiation dose corresponding to each position on the Z axis.

When the user selects a position on the Z axis, a scroll bar may be used, or a touch operation such as Zoom In or Zoon Out may be used. In addition, You can also get input.

In addition, when the user rotates the image displayed on the display unit 140, it is also possible to display an image at an angle corresponding to the rotation. In this case, mapping information of the scattered radiation distribution corresponding to the camera images and the X-ray imaging conditions taken by the camera 160 at 360 degrees can be stored in the memory 130. [ The control unit 120 may continuously display the change of the scattered radiation distribution image using the stored camera image and the mapping information of the scattered radiation distribution.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a scattered radiation distribution image corresponding to the YZ plane is displayed on the second display 142, and when the user touches the input unit 151 and drags it to the right, The image displayed on the display unit 142 can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction by an angle dragged by the user on the XY plane and the change in the image according to the rotation can be continuously displayed.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 can individually manage the dose of radiation exposure for each user. To this end, the control unit 120 may store in the memory 130 information about the X-ray imaging history such as the cumulative imaging count, the imaging count per imaging protocol, the cumulative estimated exposure dose, the maximum allowable exposure dose, have.

The user can input his / her ID through the input unit 150 each time the X-ray is taken, and the control unit 120 calculates the expected X-ray dose based on the X-ray imaging conditions applied to the X-ray imaging, Can be updated.

When the ID of the user is input, the control unit 120 acquires information about the X-ray imaging history corresponding to the input ID in the memory 130, and acquires information about the X- 2 display 142 as shown in FIG.

In addition, the controller 120 can use the information on the X-ray imaging history corresponding to the inputted ID when guiding the user's position or posture as shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 120 can guide the user's position or posture in a direction that minimizes the X-ray exposure as the information on the X-ray photographing history corresponding to the input ID indicates a large amount of X-ray exposure.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling an X-ray imaging apparatus according to one aspect will be described. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment may be used in performing the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one aspect. Therefore, it goes without saying that the contents described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16 can be applied to the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus without any special mention.

According to the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 17, an X-ray imaging condition is set (410). The X-ray imaging conditions may include an X-ray irradiation condition including a tube voltage (kVp), an X-ray dose (mAs), a size of a collimation region, information on a filter, Position or attitude information, and position information of the target object P. It is also possible for the user to directly input the X-ray imaging conditions, and when the user selects the imaging protocol or the object size, the controller 120 can set the X-ray imaging conditions corresponding to the selected imaging protocol or the selected object size.

Dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation corresponding to the set X-ray imaging conditions is obtained (411). For this purpose, the scattered radiation distribution data may be acquired in advance by the X-ray imaging conditions and stored in the memory 130. [ The scatter radiation distribution data according to the X-ray imaging conditions can be obtained through at least one of various methods such as simulation, experiment, statistics, and the like. When the X-ray imaging conditions are set, the controller 120 searches the X-ray imaging conditions in the memory 130 and acquires scattering radiation distribution data corresponding to the set X-ray imaging conditions.

Scattering radiation distribution image is generated using the three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation (412). As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the distribution of the scattering radiation can be represented by differently displaying the color or brightness according to the radiation dose or the magnitude of the exposure dose.

In addition, the control unit 120 may display not only the scattering radiation distribution on the scattering radiation distribution image, but also the information on the objects located in the space where the scattering radiation is distributed. The user can grasp the distribution of scattering radiation in the real space through the relative positions of the object and the scattering radiation in the scattering radiation distribution image.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the control unit 120 may include an object 110a representing the x-ray source 110 and an object 110 representing the x-ray detector 200 in the scattered radiation distribution image Is, The scattered radiation distribution can be displayed on the basis of the object 110a representing the x-ray source 110 by displaying the scattered radiation image 200a. At this time, the distance between the object 110a representing the x-ray source 110 and the object 200a representing the x-ray detector 200 is proportional to the distance between the x-ray source 110 and the x- .

The generated scattered radiation distribution image is displayed on the display unit (413). The control unit 120 may display the generated scattered radiation distribution image on the second display 142 of the sub interface 80 or on the display 142 of the work station 70. [ Alternatively, it may be displayed on the second display 142 of the sub-interface 80 and additionally displayed on the first display 141 of the workstation 70 before the x-rays are illuminated.

In addition, it is also possible that the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment further comprises displaying information on the X-ray photographing history of the user. To this end, the control unit 120 stores in the memory 130 information about the X-ray photographing history such as the cumulative photographing count, the photographing count per photographing protocol, the cumulative estimated exposure dose, the maximum allowable exposure dose, , You can update it. When the ID of the user is inputted, the controller 120 searches the memory 130, obtains the X-ray photographing history corresponding to the input ID, and displays the X-ray photographing history on the display unit 140.

It is also possible that the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment further includes displaying the position or orientation guide information of the user based on the scattering radiation distribution. To this end, the control unit 120 may display an object (Ra) representing the user in the scattered radiation distribution image, and may display the object (Ra) representing the user in a position and a posture in which the exposure by the scattering radiation can be minimized , And can guide the user's position and posture.

On the other hand, when the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus generates the scattering radiation distribution image, the distribution of the scattering radiation in the three-dimensional space can be generated at the position desired by the user or as a two-dimensional sectional image at the automatically set position. Hereinafter, a related embodiment will be described with reference to Fig.

Referring to FIG. 18, an X-ray imaging condition is set (420), and three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation corresponding to the set X-ray irradiation condition is obtained (421).

An input for the section selection is received from the user (422). For example, the user can input a selection of a desired distance between the X-ray section, the YZ section, the XZ section, and an arbitrary section from the X-ray irradiation area E through the input section 150. [ 9, the controller 120 controls the display unit 140 to adjust the distance from the center of the X-ray irradiated area E to one area of the scatter distribution image Is (see FIG. 9) B), and the user can select a desired distance by moving the distance control bar (B).

Scattering radiation distribution images corresponding to the selected cross section are generated using the three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation, and the generated scattering radiation distribution images are displayed on the display unit (424).

In the example of Fig. 18, the case where the user selects a section to show the scattering radiation distribution is taken as an example, but it is also possible to specify a specific section in advance by default. However, in this case, it is needless to say that the user can change the section to a desired position.

It is also possible that the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment further includes displaying a scattered radiation distribution image at a rotated angle according to a user's input. For example, when the user rotates an image displayed on the display unit 140, an image having an angle corresponding to the rotation can be displayed. 12, the scattered radiation distribution image corresponding to the YZ plane is displayed on the second display 142. When the user touches the input unit 151 and drags the image to the right, the second display 142 ) Can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction by an angle dragged by the user on the XY plane, and the change of the image according to the rotation can be continuously displayed.

According to the control method of the X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 19, a camera image is acquired (430). The camera 160 for acquiring the camera image may be mounted on the X-ray source 110 or may be provided in another region physically separated from the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. The camera 160 may acquire a general two-dimensional image or three-dimensional information of a space where the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is located.

An X-ray photographing condition is set (431), and three-dimensional distribution data of scattering radiation corresponding to the set X-ray photographing condition is obtained (432).

The three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation is mapped to the camera image (433). For this purpose, the controller 120 can acquire the mutual positional relationship between the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation and the camera image. The control unit 120 can map the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation to the camera image based on the obtained positional relationship.

The scattered radiation distribution image is generated using the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattered radiation mapped to the camera image (434), and the generated scattered radiation distribution image is displayed on the display unit (435). The control unit 120 may generate scattered radiation distribution images by displaying scattered radiation distribution data on the camera image. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the color or brightness corresponding to the magnitude of the scattered radiation dose mapped for each position of the camera image can be displayed.

In the case of generating a scattered radiation distribution image by using a camera image, it may further include an operation of displaying a position or orientation guide information of a user or receiving a selection of a desired section from a user, as described above Of course.

According to the above-described embodiments, a scattering radiation distribution image showing a three-dimensional distribution of scattering radiation is generated and provided to a user, thereby guiding the user to minimize the radiation exposure.

Also, by reflecting the position of a device such as an X-ray source or an X-ray detector on a scattered radiation distribution image or generating a scattered radiation distribution image using a camera image, the user can intuitively and accurately grasp the distribution of radiation in the actual space have.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications, alterations, and permutations thereof may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments and the accompanying drawings described above are intended to illustrate and not limit the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea is not limited by these embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The scope of which is to be construed in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas which are within the scope of the same shall be construed as being included in the scope of the right.

Claims

An X-ray source for irradiating X-rays;

A display unit;

Dimensional distribution data of a scatter radiation corresponding to an X-ray photographing condition is obtained, and the scattered radiation distribution image is obtained by using the relative positional information of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation And a control unit for controlling the display unit to display the generated scattered radiation distribution image.
The method according to claim 1,

Wherein,

Ray source and displays a distribution of scattered radiation on the basis of a first object representing the source of the scattered radiation.
3. The method of claim 2,

Wherein,

And displaying the distribution of the scattering radiation on the scattering radiation distribution image based on the obtained scattering radiation three-dimensional distribution data, and displaying the color or brightness differently according to the dose amount of the scattering radiation.
3. The method of claim 2,

Wherein,

Ray image detector displays a second object representing the X-ray detector on the scattering radiation distribution image, and displays the distribution of the scattering radiation on the basis of the first object and the second object.
The method according to claim 1,

And an input unit for receiving a selection of a cross section for generating the scattered radiation distribution image from a user.
6. The method of claim 5,

Wherein,

And generating the scattering radiation distribution image representing the scattering radiation distribution in the selected cross section.
The method according to claim 1,

Further comprising an input for receiving a selection of a distance from a center of the X-ray irradiation area to the user,

Wherein,

And generating the scattering radiation distribution image showing a scattering radiation distribution in a cross section spaced apart from the center of the X-ray irradiation region by the selected distance.
The method according to claim 1,

The display unit includes:

A first display provided on the sub-interface mounted on the x-ray source; And a second display provided on the workstation.
The method according to claim 1,

Further comprising a camera,

Wherein,

And obtains a positional relationship between the camera image photographed by the camera and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation.
10. The method of claim 9,

Wherein,

And maps the three-dimensional distribution data of the scattering radiation to the camera image based on the obtained positional relationship.
11. The method of claim 10,

Wherein,

Dimensional distribution data of the scattered radiation mapped to the camera image to generate the scattered radiation distribution image.
Set X-ray photographing conditions;

Acquiring three-dimensional distribution data of scatter radiation corresponding to the set X-ray imaging conditions;

Generating scattered radiation distribution images using relative position information of the x-ray source and the x-ray detector and the three-dimensional distribution data of the obtained scattering radiation;

And displaying the generated scattered radiation distribution image on a display of a work interface or a sub-interface provided in the x-ray source.
13. The method of claim 12,

The scattering radiation distribution image may be,

Wherein a first object representing the x-ray source is displayed on the scattering radiation distribution image, and a distribution of scattering radiation is displayed based on a first object representing the x-ray source.
14. The method of claim 13,

The scattering radiation distribution image may be,

A control method of an x-ray imaging apparatus for displaying the distribution of the scattering radiation on the scattering radiation distribution image based on the obtained scattering radiation data of three-dimensional distribution and displaying the color or brightness differently according to the dose amount of the scattering radiation .
14. The method of claim 13,

The scattering radiation distribution image may be,

Wherein a second object representing the x-ray detector is displayed, and a distribution of the scattering radiation is displayed based on the first object and the second object.