Tomosynthesis system capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tomosynthesis system capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images, wherein three-dimensional images can be obtained by imaging a subject from different positions and / or angles of a plurality of X-ray sources without mechanical movement of X-ray equipment. The tomosynthesis system comprises: an X-ray source unit including a plurality of X-ray sources; a movement unit connected to the X-ray source unit to move the X-ray source unit; angle adjustment units respectively connected to the X-ray sources of the X-ray source unit to adjust irradiation angles of the X-ray sources; and a fixing frame that fixes the angle adjustment units.

Description

A tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images

[0001] The present invention relates to a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, and more particularly, to a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images by imaging a subject from different positions and / or angles of multiple X-ray sources without mechanical movement of X-ray equipment.

[0002] Regarding the tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention, a periapical photographing device, which is one of the application fields, will be described as an example. A conventional periapical X-ray device is an intraoral X-ray imaging device that places a digital image sensor in the oral cavity and takes images of 2 to 3 teeth using X-rays, and is an important 2D photographing device that is the basis of the imaging diagnosis examination method for dental diseases.

[0003] Currently, imaging systems for intraoral X-ray acquisition utilize CMOS technology, optimized for capturing 2D still images. However, compared to the rapid advancements in panoramic X-ray equipment and CBCT (Cone Beam CT), these sensors have been neglected in development, failing to provide high-resolution image quality.

[0004] Furthermore, because three-dimensional dental structures are captured in 2D images, all structures are superimposed and presented as a flat image, limiting diagnostic capabilities. To overcome this, the use of dental CBCT is increasing. However, this is problematic due to the long scanning times and the imaging of unnecessary areas, which increases radiation exposure.

[0005] In the past, to obtain a tomosynthesis image, (1) one X-ray source was used to mechanically move the X-ray source to obtain images from multiple angles, and (2) multiple X-ray sources were used to irradiate X-rays to obtain images from multiple angles. In order to obtain a more precise detector vertical image in a tomosynthesis image, images from more angles must be obtained. However, method (1) has the disadvantage of requiring rapid mechanical movement, which increases the mechanical structure volume to reduce vibration, and making it difficult to obtain a precise X-ray image due to the rapid movement. In the case of method (2), although precise imaging is possible because there is no mechanical movement of the X-ray source, there is the problem that images from various angles cannot be taken because the X-ray tube must be installed in a narrow space. In addition, if many X-ray tubes are installed, the overall system configuration cost is high.

[0006] (Patent Document 0001) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2050547 (Published on December 2, 2019)

[0007] (Patent Document 0002) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0010785 (Published on January 28, 2021)

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a tomosynthesis system capable of obtaining a limited high-resolution 3D image based on a plurality of X-ray sources that can move back and forth and low-dose tomosynthesis, and capable of real-time or high-speed image processing, thereby increasing the efficiency of dental diagnosis and treatment.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] A tomographic synthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose may include an X-ray source unit having a plurality of X-ray sources, a moving unit connected to the X-ray source unit for moving the X-ray source unit, an angle adjusting unit connected to each X-ray source of the X-ray source unit for adjusting an irradiation angle of the X-ray source, and a fixed frame for fixing the angle adjusting unit.

[0011] In addition, the X-ray source unit may include a housing connected to the moving unit and moved according to the operation of the moving unit, an X-ray source body aligned with the housing and connected to an angle adjustment unit and rotated according to the movement of the housing, and an X-ray source provided in the X-ray source body to emit X-rays to obtain an image of a subject.

[0012] In addition, the moving unit may include a screw-type moving rail connected to the X-ray source unit to move the X-ray source unit, and a driving motor that rotates the screw-type moving rail.

[0013] In addition, the angle adjustment unit is provided with a sawtooth-shaped moving rail that each X-ray source body comes into contact with, teeth are formed on the sawtooth-shaped moving rail, and a circular gear in the shape of a gear tooth is formed on the outside of the X-ray source body so that the gear can rotate by engaging with the gear tooth.

[0014] Meanwhile, the sawtooth-shaped moving rail may have a different ratio of teeth formed on each sawtooth-shaped moving rail so that the entire X-ray source can focus on the subject even when the X-ray source unit moves.

[0015] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by automatically changing the angle of the X-ray sources according to the movement of the positions of a plurality of X-ray sources for photographing a subject, the angle radiated to the subject is kept constant, thereby obtaining X-ray images from a plurality of X-ray sources and different positions and / or angles of each X-ray source without mechanical movement of the X-ray source photographing equipment, thereby maximizing precision and resolution and improving convenience and efficiency of photographing.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing the X-ray radiation angle according to the movement of the X-ray source unit of a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram showing the angle of each X-ray source according to the X-ray source position of a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of use of a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to the present invention.

[0026] The present invention preferably operates as a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, comprising: an X-ray source unit equipped with a plurality of X-ray sources, an X-ray image sensor, a moving unit connected to the X-ray source unit for moving the X-ray source unit, an angle adjusting unit connected to each X-ray source of the X-ray source unit for adjusting the irradiation angle of the X-ray sources, a fixed frame for fixing the angle adjusting unit, a controller for controlling the movement including movement and stop of the X-ray source unit, and a monitoring unit for reconstructing 2D images obtained from various angles into a tomography image through control of the controller.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the means for implementing them, will be made clear through the detailed embodiments described below together with the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention described below are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the described embodiments. Furthermore, various combinations of components of each embodiment may be possible within the embodiments or between embodiments, unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with each other.

[0028] And, when we say that a part "includes" a component, we mean that it necessarily includes that component regardless of other components, not that we intend to exclude the addition of other components.

[0029] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "indirectly" or "electrically connected" with other members or components in between.

[0030] Additionally, throughout the specification, the description that each layer (film), region, pattern or structure is formed "on" or "under" the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or pattern includes both being formed directly or through the interposition of another layer. The reference to being on / over or under / under each layer is explained based on the drawings.

[0031] Additionally, expressions such as 'first, second', etc. are used only to distinguish between multiple components, and do not limit the order or other characteristics between the components.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view showing a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an X-ray radiation angle according to the movement of an X-ray source part of a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing the angle of each X-ray source according to the position of the X-ray source of a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of use of a tomosynthesis system capable of acquiring a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a high-resolution 3D image according to the present invention. This is an example diagram showing an example of a single-layer composite system.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an X-ray source unit (100), a moving unit (200), an angle adjusting unit (300), and a fixed frame (400).

[0034] The above X-ray source unit (100) is equipped with a plurality of X-ray sources (130) for photographing a subject (10), and images photographed from various angles through the X-ray sources (130) are input to the controller (500), and can be reconstructed into a high-resolution 3D tomosynthesis image and monitored under the control of the controller (500).

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the X-ray source unit (100) may include a housing (110) that moves back and forth according to the rotation of the moving unit (200) to photograph the subject (10) from various angles, a plurality of X-ray source bodies (120) that are aligned with the housing (110) and connected to an angle adjusting unit (300) and rotated by the angle adjusting unit (300) according to the movement of the housing (110), and an X-ray source (130) that is provided in the X-ray source body (120) to emit X-rays to obtain an image of the subject (10).

[0036] In addition, the housing (110) may be formed in a curved shape to expand the investigation range, and may also be formed in a straight shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] And, the X-ray source body (120) is arranged in multiple units on the left and right to take pictures of the entire surface of the subject (10) from various angles and visualize it in 3D. However, the X-ray source body (120) located at the center in front of the subject (10) does not need to be rotated because the X-ray emitted from the X-ray source (130) always faces the subject (10) even if its position is moved, and is not connected to the angle adjustment unit (300). The other X-ray source body (120) is connected to the angle adjustment unit (300) and rotates by the angle adjustment unit (300) according to the operation of the moving unit (200), so that the X-ray source (130) focuses on the subject (10).

[0038] Meanwhile, a circular gear (121) in the form of a gear tooth may be formed on the outer periphery of the X-ray source body (120) to rotate by engaging with the angle adjustment unit (300) when the X-ray source unit (100) moves according to the operation of the moving unit (200).

[0039] The above X-ray source (130) is provided in each X-ray source body (120) and radiates X-rays to a subject (10) to photograph the subject (10). At this time, the X-ray source (130) rotates together with the X-ray source body (120) when the X-ray source unit (100) is moved by the moving unit (200) to photograph the subject (10) and obtain an image.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray source unit (100) moves a certain distance and stops under the control of the controller (500), acquires an image at that location, transmits it to the monitoring unit (600), and when the transmission is complete, moves again a certain distance and stops, and acquires images from different angles at that location, repeating the process. The 2D images acquired at various angles are reconstructed into tomosynthesis images in the monitoring unit (600).

[0041] The above moving part (200) is connected to the X-ray source part (100) and moves the X-ray source part (100) to precisely photograph the subject (10) using tomosynthesis under the control of the controller (500).

[0042] In addition, the moving unit (200) may include a screw-type moving rail (210) connected to the X-ray source unit (100) to move the X-ray source unit (100), a support frame (220) connected to the screw-type moving rail (210) to support the screw-type moving rail (210), and a driving motor (230) that rotates the screw-type moving rail (210). At this time, the driving motor (230) may use a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation. Accordingly, as the screw-type moving rail (210) rotates according to the driving of the driving motor (230), the X-ray source unit (100) may be moved back and forth.

[0043] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, the moving part (200) may be provided at the center of the X-ray source part (100) and may be provided to face the front of the subject (10) in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The above angle adjustment unit (300) is connected to the X-ray source body (120) and, when moved according to the operation of the moving unit (200), rotates the X-ray source body (120) as shown in FIG. 7, thereby changing the angle (θ1 to θn) of the X-ray source (130).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the angle adjustment unit (300) may be provided with a sawtooth-shaped moving rail (310) that each X-ray source body (120) can contact. At this time, the sawtooth-shaped moving rail (310) has teeth (311) formed on the side thereof so that the teeth (311) mesh with the gear (121) of the X-ray source body (120). That is, when the X-ray source unit (100) is moved back and forth by the moving unit (200), the X-ray source body (120) can rotate as the gear (121) of the X-ray source body (120) meshes with the teeth (311) of the sawtooth-shaped moving rail (310).

[0046] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sawtooth-shaped moving rail (310) can be formed with different ratios of teeth (311) so that the X-ray source (130) can focus on the subject (10) at each distance (D1 to Dn) even when the X-ray source (100) moves back and forth according to the control of the controller (500) in accordance with the operation of the moving unit (200). At this time, it is preferable that the gear (121) formed on each X-ray source body (120) is formed to match the ratio of the meshing teeth (311).

[0047] That is, when the angle between the X-ray source (130) located at the center of the housing (110) and the subject (10) is set to 0 degrees, the ratio of the teeth (311) of the sawtooth-shaped moving rail (310) that each X-ray source (130) contacts at a position where the angle between the X-ray source (130) and the subject (10) increases from this point onward is made different, so that when X-rays are emitted from a plurality of distances (D1 to Dn), the angle (θ1 to θn) of the X-ray source (130) according to each distance (D1 to Dn) changes, so that the focus of the X-rays emitted to the X-ray image sensor (40) does not change.

[0048] The above fixed frame (400) can be connected to both ends of the angle adjustment unit (300) to fix the angle adjustment unit (300). Meanwhile, the above fixed frame (400) can be fixed to the X-ray source photographing equipment (20) with a fixing screw (410).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, the fixed frame (400) can be moved up and down to adjust the position of the X-ray source (130) according to the position of the subject (10) within the X-ray source photographing equipment (20), thereby adjusting the height of the X-ray source unit (100). At this time, the height of the X-ray source unit (100) can be adjusted by raising and lowering the fixed frame (400) by a cylinder (700) installed at the lower portion of the fixed frame (400). Meanwhile, the cylinder (700) is electrically connected to the controller (500) and can be operated under the control of the controller (500).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, an X-ray collimator (30) may be provided in front of the subject (10). In addition, referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, an X-ray image sensor (40) may be provided in the back of the subject (10). As an example of one embodiment of the present invention, when periapical imaging is described, the X-ray image sensor (40) is held in the mouth by the examiner in order to take an image of the subject (10) such as a tooth.

[0051] As described above, when the X-ray source unit (100) is provided in the X-ray source photographing equipment (20) to photograph the subject (10) and obtain an image, the circular gear (121) formed in the X-ray source body (120) is meshed with the gear (311) formed in the gear-shaped moving rail (310) so that the X-ray source unit (100) can move back and forth along the gear-shaped moving rail (310) according to the operation of the moving unit (200).

[0052] And, as the X-ray source unit (100) moves back and forth under the control of the controller (500), the subject (10) is photographed with X-rays radiated from the X-ray source (130). When the X-ray source unit (100) moves, the gear (311) and the gear (121) are engaged, so that the X-ray source body (120) can rotate and move back and forth.

[0053] In addition, when the X-ray source body (120) is rotated while engaging with the gear-shaped moving rail (310), the ratio of the gears (311) to which the X-ray source (130) is connected is formed differently depending on the angle between the X-ray source body (120) and the subject (10) provided on both sides of the X-ray source body (120) located at the exact center of the housing (110) and positioned in front of the subject (10), so that when the housing (110) moves back and forth and the distance (D1 to Dn) with the subject (10) changes, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source (130) can be focused on the subject (10) due to the change in angle of the X-ray source (130).

[0054] Accordingly, as the multiple X-ray sources (130) provided in the housing (110) move back and forth under the control of the controller (500) without mechanical movement of the X-ray source photographing equipment (20), and each X-ray source (130) radiates X-rays at multiple distances, the subject (10) can be imaged from different positions and / or angles of the multiple X-ray sources (130) and each of the X-ray sources (130) to reconstruct a high-resolution, precise tomosynthesis image.

[0055] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular forms set forth in the detailed description, but rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] That is, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and descriptions described above, and anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0057]

[0058] Description of the symbol

[0059] 10: Subject 20: X-ray source equipment

[0060] 30: X-ray collimator 40: X-ray image sensor

[0061] 100: X-ray source 110: Housing

[0062] 120: X-ray source body 121: Gear

[0063] 130: X-ray source 200: moving part

[0064] 210: Screw-type moving rail 220: Support frame

[0065] 230: Driving motor 300: Angle adjustment unit

[0066] 310: Saw-shaped moving rail 311: Saw teeth

[0067] 400: Fixed frame 410: Fixed screw 500: Controller 600: Monitoring unit

[0068] 700: Cylinder?

[0069] The purpose of this invention is to obtain limited high-resolution 3D images based on multiple X-ray sources that can move back and forth and low-dose tomosynthesis, and to enable real-time or high-speed image processing, thereby improving the efficiency of dental diagnosis and treatment, and to obtain high-resolution 3D images.

[0070] Not applicable

Claims

1. X-ray source section equipped with multiple X-ray sources; X-ray image sensor; A moving unit connected to the above X-ray source unit for moving the X-ray source unit; An angle adjustment unit connected to each X-ray source of the above X-ray source unit to adjust the irradiation angle of the X-ray source; A fixed frame for fixing the above angle adjustment unit; A controller that controls movement including movement and stop of the X-ray source unit; and A monitoring unit that reconstructs 2D images obtained from various angles into a composite image through the control of a controller; A tomography system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above X-ray source unit, A housing connected to the above moving part and moved according to the operation of the moving part, A tomographic synthesis system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, comprising an X-ray source body aligned with the housing and connected to the angle adjustment unit to rotate according to the movement of the housing, and an X-ray source provided in the X-ray source body to emit X-rays to acquire an image of a subject.

3. In paragraph 1, The above moving part, A screw-type moving rail connected to the above X-ray source to move the X-ray source, A tomographic synthesis system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, comprising a driving motor that rotates the screw-type moving rail.

4. In paragraph 1, A tomographic synthesis system capable of acquiring high-resolution 3D images, characterized in that the angle adjustment unit is provided with a sawtooth-shaped moving rail with which each X-ray source body comes into contact, teeth are formed on the sawtooth-shaped moving rail, and a gear in the shape of a circular gear is formed on the outside of the X-ray source body so that the gear rotates by engaging with the teeth.

5. In the fourth paragraph, a tomographic synthesis system capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images, characterized in that the sawtooth-shaped moving rail has a different ratio of teeth formed on each sawtooth-shaped moving rail so that the entire X-ray source is focused on the subject even when the X-ray source unit moves.

Images