KR20140044175A - X-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray generation device which generates an X-ray; an X-ray detection device which is arranged to face the X-ray generation device so that an object can be arranged between the X-ray detection device and the X-ray generation device; and a filter part which is arranged between the X-ray generation device and the X-ray detection device and includes multiple filters which filter the X-ray generated from the X-ray generation device, wherein the filters transmit X-rays of different wavelengths and one among the filters is selected in an X-ray imaging process. [Reference numerals] (AA) X-ray

Description

X-ray imaging apparatus

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray imaging apparatus that can obtain a variety of image information using a filter.

In medical practice, X-ray imaging apparatuses are widely used to acquire an image of a medical part of a patient.

Such an X-ray imaging apparatus is capable of acquiring an X-ray image of a region of interest by irradiating the patient with X-rays generated by the X-ray generator and detecting the X-rays passing through the patient by the X-ray detection apparatus. do.

In the X-ray generator, X-rays having various wavelength bands are generated. Among them, a filter is used to irradiate X-rays having a specific wavelength band.

By the way, the conventional X-ray imaging apparatus is configured so that one filter is mounted during X-ray imaging. This causes the trouble of manually replacing the filter for X-ray imaging of different wavelength bands.

In addition, since X-rays throughout the wavelength band passing through the filter contribute to the image, the image information is also limited.

As such, there is a problem that the efficiency of the X-ray imaging apparatus using a conventional filter is lowered.

An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of X-ray imaging using a filter.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an X-ray generator for generating X-rays; An X-ray detector disposed to face the X-ray generator with a subject in between; A filter unit disposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, the filter unit including a plurality of filters for filtering the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator; It provides an X-ray imaging apparatus configured to transmit the light and to select one of the plurality of filters during X-ray imaging.

Here, one of the plurality of filters may be selected through a planar motion or a rotational motion of the filter part.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an X-ray generating apparatus for generating X-rays; An X-ray detector disposed to face the X-ray generator with a subject in between and including first and second regions; A first filter disposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, the first filter configured to filter the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator, wherein the first filter corresponds to the first region during X-ray imaging; Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus arranged to be.

Here, the second region may be disposed so that the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator are incident upon the X-ray imaging.

The X-ray imaging may include a second filter disposed to correspond to the second area.

The first filter may include a stripe pattern or a lattice pattern, and the second region may be arranged to allow X-rays generated by the X-ray generator to be incident or to correspond to a second filter during X-ray imaging.

Image processing is performed on the first and second partial images generated through the first and second regions, respectively, to extend the first partial image to the second region, and the second partial image to the first region. It may include an image processor that extends.

The width of each of the first and second regions may correspond to the width of the detection pixel of the X-ray detection apparatus.

According to the present invention, a filter portion having a plurality of filters can be used. In such a case, the required filter replacement can be made easily and quickly.

In addition, X-ray images of different energies can be obtained simultaneously. Accordingly, the information of the diagnosis image becomes more diverse, and thus the accuracy of diagnosis can be increased.

As a result, the efficiency for X-ray imaging using the filter can be improved.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view schematically showing a filter unit of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view schematically showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view schematically showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
5 and 6 schematically illustrate a method of extending the first and second partial images into first and second full images according to a third embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a view schematically showing a filter unit of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, for convenience of description, the illustration of the filter unit is omitted in FIG.

1 and 2, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the base 110, the support pillar 120, the lifting member 130, the jaw support member 140, The rotary arm support member 150, the rotary arm 160, the rotary arm driving means 170, the X-ray generator 180, the X-ray detector 190, and the filter unit 200 may be included.

The base 110 is placed on the ground to support the support pillars 120 on which the above-described components are installed.

The support pillars 120 are connected to the base 110 and extend vertically from the base 110 to have a standing state.

The elevating member 130 is installed on the supporting column 120 and moves up and down along the supporting column 120 by a driving means such as a motor. Through this operation, the height of the jaw supporting member 140 can be adjusted according to the height of the subject who is the subject.

The jaw support member 140 is installed on the lifting member 130 to support the jaw of the patient. By the jaw support member 140 as described above, the head of the subject, that is, the subject can be located between the X-ray generator 180 and the X-ray detector 190. At this time, if necessary, instead of the jaw support member 140, a headrest (not shown) installed on the rotary arm 160 may be used.

The rotary arm support member 150 is connected to the upper portion of the lifting member 130 and extends in a direction parallel to the ground. A rotary arm 160 is connected to a lower portion of the rotary arm support member 150.

The rotary arm 160 thus connected is capable of performing horizontal motion in a horizontal direction with respect to the paper surface or rotational motion with reference to a rotation axis perpendicular to the paper surface by the rotary arm driving means 170.

At both ends of the rotary arm 160, an X-ray generator 180 and an X-ray detector 190 disposed to face each other may be installed.

The X-ray generator 180 corresponds to a configuration of generating X-rays and irradiating them to the subject. The irradiated X-rays pass through the subject and are incident on the X-ray detector 190.

The X-ray detection apparatus 190 may include a detection panel and a driving circuit for driving the detection panel.

A plurality of detection pixels are arranged in a matrix in the detection panel. Each of the detection pixels functions to convert incident X-rays into an electrical detection signal, and the detection signal is transmitted to the driving circuit.

In this case, the detection panel has a rectangular shape in plan, for example, a line type or a plane type detection device extending in one direction may be used.

In this regard, for example, when a line type detection device is used, panoramic imaging may be performed. On the other hand, when a plane type detection device is used, CT imaging can be performed.

The driving circuit processes the detection signal and transmits it to the diagnostic computer. Accordingly, the diagnostic computer analyzes the detection signal to generate an X-ray image, and the generated X-ray image is displayed on the display device to be used as a diagnostic image.

The filter unit 200 is positioned between the X-ray generator 180 and the X-ray detector 190. For example, the filter unit 200 is positioned between the X-ray generator 180 and the subject or between the X-ray detector 190 and the subject. In the embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of description, the case where the filter unit 200 is provided in front of the detection device 190 between the X-ray detection device 190 and the object under test.

The filter unit 200 may be configured to include a filter corresponding to each of a plurality of different wavelength bands. Accordingly, when X-rays having various wavelength bands emitted from the X-ray generator 180 pass through the filter, X-rays of a specific wavelength band corresponding to the filter may be emitted. In the first embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of description, a case in which two filters 210a and 210b are configured in the filter unit 200 is taken as an example.

The first and second filters 210a and 210b of the filter unit 200 transmit X-rays of different wavelength bands. For example, when the first filter 210a is located in front of the X-ray detection apparatus 190, X-rays of the first wavelength band corresponding thereto are transmitted and incident on the X-ray detection apparatus 190. Based on the X-ray image can be obtained. When the second filter 210b is located in front of the X-ray detection apparatus 190, the X-rays of the second wavelength band corresponding thereto are transmitted and incident on the X-ray detection apparatus 190. Line images can be obtained.

On the other hand, in the case where the X-ray generated by the X-ray generator 180 is to be used as it is, both the first and second filters 210a and 210b are outside the front of the X-ray detection apparatus 190, that is, outside the X-ray detection region. It can be configured to be located in.

As such, by selecting a filter corresponding to the desired wavelength band during X-ray imaging and placing the filter on the X-ray irradiation path, imaging using the X-ray of the desired wavelength band can be performed.

As described above, in selecting a desired filter among the first and second filters 210a and 210b, various methods may be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first filter 210a or the second filter is moved by moving the filter unit 200 in one direction, for example, in the x direction, relative to the X-ray detection apparatus 190. The filter 210b may be configured to be selected.

As another example, the first filter 210a or the second filter 210b may be selected by rotating the filter unit 200 relative to the X-ray generator 180. In this case, the filter unit 200 may be implemented through a rotation operation using the rotation axis in the normal direction of the plane.

Meanwhile, the above-described first and second filters 210a and 210b may be configured in a single layer structure using a metal material or a nonmetal material, or may have a multi-layer structure using at least one of a metal material and a nonmetal material.

As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of filters for transmitting X-rays of different wavelength bands, and it is possible to easily select the required filter.

3 is a view schematically showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 3, the filter and the X-ray detection apparatus are shown for the convenience of explanation. Incidentally, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the filter unit 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes at least one filter 210 and simultaneously detects X-rays having different energies. It can be configured to do so.

In this regard, the X-ray detection region A of the X-ray detection apparatus 190 is divided into a plurality of regions A1 and A2, and the X-rays irradiated to at least one of the divided regions A1 and A2 are different from each other. Filtering by the wavelength can be X-rays having different energy for each of the divided regions (A1, A2) can be detected. For convenience of explanation, the case where the X-ray detection region is divided into two first and second division regions A1 and A2 is taken as an example.

In this case, for example, X-rays generated by the X-ray generator (see 180 of FIG. 1) may be incident on the second divided area A2. Meanwhile, X-rays having a wavelength band corresponding to the filter 210 may be incident to the first divided area A1 by passing the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 180 through the filter 210.

Here, the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 180 are X-rays having a relatively high energy, and X-rays passing through the filter 210 correspond to X-rays in a specific wavelength range, and thus X-rays having a relatively low energy. Corresponds to

Accordingly, the X-ray detecting apparatus 190 may simultaneously detect X-rays of different energy, that is, dual energy.

As such, by arranging the filter 210 on the X-ray irradiation path so as to overlap a part of the X-ray detecting apparatus 190, X-rays of different energies may be incident on the X-ray detecting apparatus 190. Accordingly, X-ray images of different energies can be obtained at the same time.

Meanwhile, in the above-described case, a case of using a filter corresponding to the first divided area A1 in obtaining the dual energy X-ray image is taken as an example.

Alternatively, for example, the first filter may be disposed corresponding to the first divided area A1, and the second filter may be disposed corresponding to the second divided area A2 to obtain dual energy X-ray images. You may.

As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to simultaneously detect X-rays having different energies. Therefore, as compared with the case of using a mono energy X-ray, it is possible to obtain an image having more diverse information, thereby increasing the accuracy of diagnosis.

4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively illustrate first and second partial images according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A diagram schematically illustrating a method of expanding to the entire image.

4, the X-ray detection apparatus and the filter are shown for convenience of description. Incidentally, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the description of the similar configuration as in the first and second embodiments can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a filter unit 200, and the filter unit 200 has a stripe pattern or a lattice pattern. Filter 210 may be configured.

As such, by using the filter 210 of the stripe pattern or the lattice pattern, it is possible to implement a so-called beaming mode. In this regard, a case in which the filter 210 is configured with a stripe pattern extending in the z direction as the first direction will be described as an example.

The filter unit 200 may include a stripe pattern filter 210 and a stripe pattern transmission unit 220. The filter 210 and the permeation part 220 may be alternately disposed along the x direction, for example, as a second direction crossing the first direction. The filter 210 and the transmission unit 220 preferably have the same width as each other, but is not limited thereto.

Here, the transmission unit 220 may correspond to a configuration for substantially passing the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator (see 180 of FIG. 1), for example, may be composed of an opening, but is not limited thereto. Do not.

In the detection region of the X-ray detection apparatus 190, stripe-shaped first and second regions R1 and R2 corresponding to the structure of the filter unit 200 may be defined. For example, the first region R1 corresponds to the filter 210, and the first X-ray may be incident as the X-ray passing through the filter 210. In addition, the second region R2 may correspond to the transmissive part 220, and the second X-ray may be incident as the X-ray passing through the transmissive part 220.

The first and second regions R1 and R2 correspond to the filters and the transmission parts 210 and 220, respectively, and the relation between the widths is the same as the relationship between the widths of the filters and the transmission parts 210 and 220, respectively. do.

Here, the case where the first and second regions R1 and R2 each consist of one detection pixel column is taken as an example.

In this case, for example, the first detection pixel P1 in the odd-numbered column is located in the first region R1, and the second detection pixel P2 in the even-numbered column is located in the second region R2. Will be located.

When X-ray imaging is performed, the first X-ray is detected in the first region R1 to obtain a first partial image, and the second X-ray is detected in the second region R2 to obtain a second partial image.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second partial images are stripe-shaped images, and the first partial image does not have image information of the first X-ray for the second region R2. In the two-part image, image information of the second X-ray for the first region R1 does not exist.

For each of the first and second partial images, image processing is performed through an image processing unit 250 such as a diagnostic computer to generate the first and second full images, respectively, by extending the image to an area where no image information exists. You can do it.

In this regard, expansion of the image unit may be performed on the first and second partial images. For example, the units of the first and second partial images correspond to one pixel P, which is extended to two adjacent pixels P1 + P2.

Accordingly, the first partial image composed of the first region R1 extends into the second region R2, and the second partial image composed of the second region R2 extends into the first region R1.

Meanwhile, in performing the extension of the image unit, the information of the extended image unit may be generated through interpolation or the like. For example, image information about an extended image unit is generated by applying an image expansion technique such as interpolation to the information of the neighboring first detection pixels P1, and thus, the first partial image is generated from the first partial image. The whole image can be generated. In the same manner, the second full image can be generated from the second partial image.

According to this method, natural first and second full images can be generated. In this case, the first and second full images correspond to images taken by X-rays of different wavelength bands of the same subject, and correspond to a so-called dual energy X-ray image, but the X-ray dose applied to the subject is dual energy X-ray. Less than 1/2 of the shooting.

Meanwhile, in the foregoing description, a case of using a filter corresponding to the first region R1 when acquiring a dual energy partial image is given as an example.

Alternatively, for example, the first filter may be disposed corresponding to the first region R1, and the second filter may be disposed corresponding to the second region R2 to obtain a partial image of dual energy.

When the image expansion is performed as described above, although the resolution of the image may be slightly reduced, X-ray images of different energies may be simultaneously acquired. Accordingly, the information of the diagnosis image becomes more diverse, and thus the accuracy of diagnosis can be increased.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a filter unit having a plurality of filters may be used. In such a case, the required filter replacement can be made easily and quickly.

In addition, X-ray images of different energies can be obtained simultaneously. Accordingly, the information of the diagnosis image becomes more diverse, and thus the accuracy of diagnosis can be increased.

As a result, the efficiency for X-ray imaging using the filter can be improved.

The embodiment of the present invention described above is an example of the present invention, and variations are possible within the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention includes modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

190: X-ray detection device 200: Filter unit
210a: first filter 210b: second filter

Claims (8)

An X-ray generator for generating X-rays;
An X-ray detector disposed to face the X-ray generator with a subject in between;
A filter unit disposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector and including a plurality of filters for filtering the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator;
The plurality of filters transmit X-rays of different wavelength bands,
Configured to select one of the plurality of filters during X-ray imaging
X-ray imaging device.
The method according to claim 1,
One of the plurality of filters is selected through a planar motion or a rotational motion of the filter part.
X-ray imaging device.
An X-ray generator for generating X-rays;
An X-ray detector disposed to face the X-ray generator with a subject in between and including first and second regions;
A first filter disposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector and filtering the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator,
The first filter is disposed to correspond to the first area during X-ray imaging.
X-ray imaging device.
The method of claim 3, wherein
The second region is disposed so that the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator are incident upon the X-ray imaging.
X-ray imaging device.
The method of claim 3, wherein
A second filter disposed to correspond to the second area during the X-ray imaging;
X-ray imaging device.
The method of claim 3, wherein
The first filter is composed of a stripe pattern or a grid pattern,
During the X-ray imaging, the second region is arranged to allow X-rays generated by the X-ray generator to be incident or to correspond to a second filter.
X-ray imaging device.
The method according to claim 6,
Image processing is performed on the first and second partial images generated through the first and second regions, respectively, to extend the first partial image to the second region, and the second partial image to the first region. Expanding image processor
X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The width of each of the first and second regions corresponds to the width of the detection pixel of the X-ray detection apparatus.
X-ray imaging device.

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