Radiographic apparatus and method of controlling a radiation beam

Abstract

A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation irradiation unit configured to irradiate a subject with radiation and including a collimator configured to selectively block a beam of the radiation, an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image signal by receiving the radiation transmitted through the subject, a display unit configured to display a radiation image based on the image signal, and a determination and control unit configured to control the radiation irradiation unit so as to realize an irradiation range of the radiation corresponding to a selected region selected from the radiation image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] A radiographic imaging device that uses radiation such as X-rays is an imaging device that obtains an image of a affected area by irradiating it with radiation and receiving the transmitted radiation. This type of radiographic imaging device continuously or intermittently provides radiographic images of the affected area and is widely used for the diagnosis or interpretation of lesions, as well as various medical procedures.

[0003] Since radiographic imaging devices expose patients to radiation such as X-rays, controlling the radiation dose administered to the patient is crucial. In particular, because C-arm radiographic imaging devices perform relatively long X-ray imaging sessions, it is necessary to minimize the X-ray dose. Furthermore, in recent years, the demand for precise and high-resolution real-time imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment has increased significantly, leading to a corresponding increase in radiation dose to improve the quality of radiographic images.

[0004] In particular, the demand for precise, high-resolution real-time imaging is increasing significantly in the field of medical imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment. For example, imaging devices such as C-arm fluoroscopy systems providing real-time imaging, high-definition X-ray imaging devices, and CT scanners providing multiple tomographic images and 3D reconstructed images are under development. Interventional surgeries utilizing 3D imaging (CT) and fluoroscopy are also on the rise. In this context, to improve surgical stability, the quality of X-ray images must be excellent, and to obtain high-quality images, the radiation dose must inevitably increase. For these reasons, adjusting the X-ray dose is crucial for radiographic imaging devices, especially C-arm X-ray imaging devices.

[0005] Existing radiation imaging devices are equipped with collimators for adjusting the radiation beam. Therefore, two leaf collimators located on both sides of the radiation beam can be moved to shield a portion of the radiation beam.

[0006] When the image is off-center from the center of a radiographic image, or when the region of interest is located at the edge of the image rather than in the center, there is a problem of unnecessary radiation exposure to areas outside the region of interest. In some cases, the position of the irradiator needs to be readjusted and the image taken again to adjust the radiation brightness, thus increasing the radiation dose. Furthermore, when the collimator position needs to be reset due to patient movement or other reasons after it has been set, both the patient and the photographer are exposed to radiation again.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent No. 10-1501086 (March 4, 2015) Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging device that can reduce the radiation dose to a user by performing local radiography on a selected area in a radiation image, and a method for controlling the radiation beam thereunder.

[0012] Technical solutions

[0013] A radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a radiation irradiation unit configured to irradiate an irradiated object with radiation, and including a collimator capable of selectively blocking a beam of radiation; an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image signal by receiving the radiation transmitted through the irradiated object; a display unit for displaying a radiation image based on the image signal; and a judgment and control unit configured to control the radiation irradiation unit to reflect the irradiation range of the radiation corresponding to a selected area selected from the radiation image.

[0014] A radiographic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an input unit that receives input from a user for the selected region on the radiographic image.

[0015] The display unit may include a touch screen that is capable of receiving input from a user for a selected area selected on the radiographic image.

[0016] A radiation imaging apparatus may include a plurality of said collimators, each of said collimators being configured to be driven simultaneously.

[0017] Each of the plurality of collimators may be configured to move asymmetrically or non-coordinatedly with each other to block at least a portion of the radiation beam.

[0018] The radiation imaging device can magnify and display the portion of the radiation image displayed by the display unit that corresponds to the selected area.

[0019] A radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a radiation irradiation unit configured to irradiate radiation and configured to change the irradiation range of the irradiated radiation; an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image signal by receiving radiation irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit and transmitted through an irradiated object; a display unit configured to display a radiation image based on the image signal and configured to set a desired selection area on the displayed radiation image; and a judgment and control unit configured to, when the selection of the selection area is completed by the display unit, reflect the irradiation range of the radiation corresponding to the selection area based on information of the selection area, and configured to control the radiation irradiation unit and the image acquisition unit to realize the irradiation of the radiation and the acquisition of the image signal according to the reflected irradiation range.

[0020] The radiation irradiation unit may include a collimator configured to selectively block the beam of irradiated radiation to adjust the irradiation range of the radiation. The collimator is operable under the control of the judgment and control unit to achieve the irradiation range of the radiation corresponding to the selected area.

[0021] The display unit may include a touch screen capable of displaying the radiation image and receiving touch gestures from a user, wherein the selected area may be set by the touch gesture input through the touch screen.

[0022] The touch gestures may include at least one of drag touch, tap touch, double tap touch, and press touch.

[0023] The selection area can be set through the following process, which includes: setting a basic selection area through a first touch gesture; changing the basic selection area and setting the changed selection area through a second touch gesture; and determining the changed selection area as the selected area through a third touch gesture.

[0024] The display unit can be configured to display a radiation image obtained from the radiation irradiation range corresponding to the selected area by image fitting.

[0025] A method for controlling a radiation beam according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first image display process for displaying a first radiation image of an irradiated object; a selected region setting process for setting a selected region by receiving a region selected from the radiation image; a collimator driving process for using a collimator to block the remaining portion of the radiation beam except for the beam portion corresponding to the selected region; and a second image display process for displaying a second radiation image obtained by irradiating the irradiated object with the beam portion of the radiation beam corresponding to the selected region. During the second image display process, the selected region in the second radiation image can be magnified.

[0026] A radiation imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: displaying a first radiation image of an irradiated object; receiving a region selected from the first radiation image to define a selected region; irradiating a radiation beam by at least partially blocking the radiation beam to have a radiation irradiation range corresponding to the selected region; and displaying a second radiation image of the irradiated object obtained by the irradiated radiation.

[0027] In the step of irradiating radiation, the radiation irradiation range corresponding to the selected area can be achieved by adjusting the collimator of the radiation irradiation unit of the radiation imaging device.

[0028] In the step of setting the selected area, the selected area can be set by a touch gesture on the first radiation image displayed on the touch screen.

[0029] In the step of displaying the second radiation image, the second radiation image can be displayed on the screen of the display unit by image fitting.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] According to the present invention, a radiographic image can be obtained by limiting radiation irradiation to a selected area chosen by the user, thereby reducing the amount of radiation. Therefore, an image offset to one side from the center of the radiographic image, or when the user's region of interest is located at the edge of the radiographic image rather than in the center, has the effect of suppressing unnecessary radiation to areas outside the region of interest.

[0032] Furthermore, since the surgery can continue during the procedure without moving the radiation generator, the inconvenience of readjusting the position of the radiation irradiation unit and re-enhancing the radiation brightness is eliminated. Therefore, the time required to readjust the collimator position can be shortened, thereby reducing the operation time and improving user convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1This is a block diagram schematically illustrating a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the radiation beam and multiple collimators in the radiation irradiation unit of a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for controlling a radiation beam using a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is an image schematically illustrating a radiation image obtained by a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an image of a selected region in a radiographic image obtained by a radiographic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a graph schematically illustrating an image in which a portion outside a selected area of ​​a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is obscured by a collimator.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a magnified image of a selected region in a radiation image obtained by a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 Part (a) is a diagram illustrating the state of setting a selected area on an image displayed on the screen of the display unit of the radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Part (b) shows the following based on Figure 9 The diagram shows the state in which the radiographic image obtained from the selected area of ​​part (a) is displayed on the screen of the display unit. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0042] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of the present invention, a radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation irradiation unit 110, an image acquisition unit 120, a judgment and control unit 130, and a display unit 140. The radiation irradiation unit 110 includes a collimator capable of asymmetrically blocking a cross-section of a radiation beam irradiating a target. The collimator can be configured to selectively block the radiation beam to achieve a desired radiation irradiation range. Furthermore, the radiation irradiation unit 110 may include a radiation source for generating radiation, such as X-rays. The image acquisition unit 120 acquires an image signal by receiving radiation transmitted through the target. The image acquisition unit 120 may be a radiation detector, such as an X-ray detector, for detecting radiation, such as X-rays. The display unit 140 displays the radiation image based on the image signal. The judgment and control unit 130 transmits blocking information to the radiation irradiation unit 110, indicating the ability to block portions of the radiation beam other than those corresponding to a selected area selected from the radiation image.

[0043] The radiographic imaging apparatus may also include an input unit that receives input from a user selecting a region on a radiographic image.

[0044] The display unit 140 may include a touchscreen capable of receiving input from a user selecting a region on a radiographic image. In this case, a separate input unit is not required; however, even when input can be made through the display unit 140, such as a touchscreen, an input unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or control panel may be provided together.

[0045] The number of collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 provided in the radiation irradiation unit 110 is multiple, and preferably, each of the multiple collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 can be driven simultaneously. The collimators provided in the radiation irradiation unit 110 are not limited to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a structure consisting of four collimators, and may have various structures capable of altering or adjusting the radiation irradiation range by at least partially blocking the radiation beam.

[0046] Preferably, each of the plurality of collimators 210, 220, 230 and 240 is configured to move asymmetrically or non-coordinatedly to block a portion of the radiation beam 200. Furthermore, preferably, the portion corresponding to the selected area can be magnified in the radiation image displayed on the display unit 140.

[0047] As an example of a radiation irradiation unit 110 that irradiates a target with radiation, an X-ray generating apparatus can be cited. In an X-ray generating apparatus, an electron beam accelerated by a filamentary cathode disposed in a vacuum tube is incident at a high energy state onto a target material on an anode, generating a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The radiation irradiation unit 110 outputs radiation according to radiation output conditions and irradiates the target with the radiation. The radiation output conditions may include the output voltage and output current of the X-rays as radiation. These radiation output conditions can be transmitted from a judgment and control unit 130.

[0048] The judgment and control unit 130 is electrically connected to the radiation irradiation unit 110, such that radiation output conditions are transmitted from the judgment and control unit 130 to the radiation irradiation unit 110. Therefore, the radiation irradiation unit 110 outputs X-rays and irradiates the target object according to the radiation output conditions received from the judgment and control unit 130. Furthermore, control signals for controlling the drive of collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 can also be transmitted from the judgment and control unit 130 to the radiation irradiation unit 110. The drive of collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 can be controlled based on blocking information, which serves as the control signals for controlling the drive of collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240.

[0049] Collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240, used to determine the shape and irradiation area of ​​X-rays, are disposed on the front side of the radiation irradiation unit 110. That is, the radiation irradiation unit 110 includes collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240, which are capable of asymmetrically blocking the cross-section of the radiation beam irradiating the irradiated object. The radiation irradiation unit 110 controls the driving of collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 according to control signals received from the judgment and control unit 130 (i.e., according to radiation beam blocking information).

[0050] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates the radiation beam and multiple collimators in the radiation irradiation unit of a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This schematically illustrates the state where multiple collimators are not blocking the radiation beam. Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the state in which multiple collimators each block a portion of the radiation beam.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3In the radiation irradiation unit 110, four collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 are arranged in the direction of X-ray travel (i.e., the front side). The first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240 can be adjusted according to a control signal (i.e., a blocking signal). Figure 2 The arrows indicate that the beams move individually toward the center of the radiation beam 200, and can be moved as follows: Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the radiation beam 200 is blocked respectively. That is, the movement of the first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240 is performed independently according to the blocking information. Furthermore, the movement of the first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240 is preferably performed simultaneously. In order to block or open a portion of the radiation beam 200 by the first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240 as described above, a motor (not shown) can be provided in the radiation irradiation unit 110 as a driving means for moving the collimators.

[0052] The radiation beam portion 200, which is not blocked by the first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240, is the portion corresponding to the selected area described later, which can irradiate the target.

[0053] The image acquisition unit 120 acquires image signals by receiving radiation that passes through the irradiated object. That is, the image acquisition unit 120 acquires image signals by converting incident X-rays that pass through the irradiated object into image signals. The image acquisition unit 120 is placed opposite the X-ray generating device and converts the X-rays passing through the irradiated object into visible light image signals. Furthermore, the image acquisition unit 120 transmits the image signals to the judgment and control unit 130, which is electrically connected to it.

[0054] The image signal transmitted to the judgment and control unit 130 is transmitted to the display unit 140 and becomes the basis for displaying the radiation image on the display unit 140. As described above, the display unit 140 displays the radiation image based on the image signal acquired by the image acquisition unit 120. As a display unit 140 that displays radiation images based on image signals, the display unit 140 may be, for example, a display device that visually displays various types of information.

[0055] Furthermore, the display unit 140 is preferably in the form of receiving input from the user via a screen, such as a touchscreen capable of receiving input from the user. If necessary, the display unit 140 may further include an input unit such as a mouse. When the display unit 140 is, for example, a touchscreen capable of receiving input, information input by touching or dragging with the user's hand or stylus is transmitted to the judgment and control unit 130, and the judgment and control unit 130 can reflect the input information to change various settings.

[0056] The judgment and control unit 130 can control the X-ray irradiation area by allowing the user to set radiation irradiation conditions or output conditions, or by controlling the first collimator 210, the second collimator 220, the third collimator 230, and the fourth collimator 240 of the radiation irradiation unit 110, respectively. Furthermore, the judgment and control unit 130 can control the image acquisition unit 120, the radiation irradiation unit 110, and the display unit 140, etc.

[0057] The determination and control unit 130 transmits blocking information, which enables the blocking of radiation beam portions other than the radiation beam portion 205 corresponding to the selected area selected from the radiation image, to the radiation irradiation unit 110. In other words, the determination and control unit 130 can transmit blocking information to the radiation irradiation unit 110, which is information that allows only the radiation beam portion 205 corresponding to the selected area selected from the radiation image to pass through.

[0058] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the setting of a selected area in a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an example of displaying the resulting radiation image. First, refer to... Figure 9 In part (a), a selected area 405 is selected from the radiation image displayed on the screen of the display unit. The selected area 405 can be identifiable by its boundary lines. With the selected area 405 selected, when photographing and magnifying the selected area, the magnification command area 407 set on the display unit 140 is touched to perform image photography of the selected area. That is, after adjusting the position of the collimator to achieve a radiation irradiation range for the selected area, the radiation irradiation unit 110 is controlled to perform radiation irradiation. Figure 9 As shown in part (b), the new magnified radiographic image corresponding to the selected area is thus obtained and displayed on display unit 140.

[0059] Display unit 140 displays a first radiographic image for inputting commands to select a selected area and a second radiographic image corresponding to the selected area. For this purpose, display unit 140 may also separately include: an input display for displaying the first radiographic image for inputting the selected area; and a main display for displaying the second radiographic image obtained by taking images according to the conditions corresponding to the selected area. For example, the input display may be mounted on the trolley of a mobile C-arm X-ray device, and the main display may be mounted on a separate operating console.

[0060] Next, we will refer to further Figures 4 to 8 A method for controlling a radiation beam using a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be further understood through the description of the radiation beam control method.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for controlling a radiation beam using a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The method for controlling a radiation beam according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first image display process S110, displaying a first radiation image of an irradiated object; a selected area setting process S120, setting a selected area by receiving an area selected from the radiation image; a collimator driving process S130, using a collimator to block the remaining portion of the radiation beam except for the portion corresponding to the selected area; and a second image display process S140, displaying a second radiation image obtained by irradiating the irradiated object with the portion of the radiation beam corresponding to the selected area.

[0062] In the second image display process S140, the portion of the second radiographic image corresponding to the selected area can be magnified and displayed.

[0063] The first image display process S110 is a process of displaying a first radiation image of an irradiated object. That is, in the first image display process S110, X-rays, which are radiation, are emitted to the irradiated object, and an image signal is obtained by receiving the X-rays that pass through the irradiated object. Based on the image signal, the radiation image (i.e., the X-ray image) is displayed on the screen so that the user or others can confirm the obtained image signal.

[0064] The radiation irradiation unit 110 irradiates the irradiated object with radiation, such as X-rays. When the radiation irradiation unit 110 irradiates the irradiated object with X-rays, the X-rays pass through the irradiated object and enter the image acquisition unit 120.

[0065] The image acquisition unit 120 acquires an image signal from the incident X-rays and transmits the acquired image signal to the judgment and control unit 130. The judgment and control unit 130 transmits the image signal to the display unit 140, and the display unit 140 visually displays the radiation image based on the image signal.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an image of a radiation imaging apparatus obtained according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, an X-ray image, which is a radiographic image, is displayed on the screen of the display unit 140. For reference, Figure 5 The horizontal and vertical axes in the diagram are coordinate axes used to represent the pixel coordinates or image coordinates on the screen of the display unit 140. Therefore, the coordinates of the screen center, i.e., the center of the X-ray image, can be displayed as (512, 512).

[0067] The selected area setting process S120 is a process of setting a selected area by receiving an area selected from a radiographic image. The selected area is... Figure 5 The X-ray image shown is an area selected according to the user's choice. When the display unit 140 is a touch screen, the selected area can be set by the user dragging it with their hand or a stylus. Alternatively, when an input unit such as a mouse is provided, the selected area can be set by dragging the mouse cursor from one position to another.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a selected region in a radiation image obtained by a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, if the user places their hand, stylus, or mouse cursor at coordinate point (20, 110) and drags it to coordinate point (630, 710), the rectangular area connecting the four coordinate points (20, 110), (20, 710), (630, 110), and (630, 710) will be selected as the selected area 405. Here, the user can change the selected area 405 to re-assign it, or they can confirm the selected area 405. Re-assignment of the selected area 405 can be performed by starting the drag at one location and ending the drag at another location, as described above. When confirming the selected area 405, no additional input is required; however, after selecting the selected area 405 by dragging as described above, the user can also confirm the selected area 405 by touching the save button (not shown). In this way, the selected area 405 can be set in the selected area setting process S120.

[0069] It can be configured so that the user can input the range, size, and shape of the target area (i.e., the area to be magnified) through touch gestures such as dragging. In this case, the selected area by the user can be displayed on the display unit 140. Figure 6 (The area is divided by a dotted line). By displaying this selected area through the user interface, users can easily confirm their selection from the displayed image and readily decide whether to confirm the selected area displayed through their own operation or to reset the selection area. This avoids unnecessary photographic processes and correspondingly reduces radiation exposure.

[0070] In addition to dragging on the touchscreen or using a mouse, the selected area can be set in various ways. For example, the selection can be performed using various touch gesture input methods such as clicking, double-clicking, and pressing touch gestures.

[0071] Furthermore, the selection area can be set, confirmed, modified, reset, and confirmed in various ways. For example, when a user taps a specific location on an image displayed on the display unit 140, a basic selection area with a predetermined size and shape (e.g., rectangle or circle) centered on that portion is displayed on the screen. Then, by touching and dragging the displayed basic selection area, the size and shape can be adjusted to adjust the selection area. Then, by inputting a touch gesture that determines the adjusted selection area as the final selection area (e.g., double-tap), the adjusted selection area can be set and maintained as the final selection area. Next, when the user performs image capture on the selected area by inputting a touch gesture (e.g., a press within a predetermined time range), image capture of the selected area can be achieved. As described above, the display unit 140, including a touchscreen, allows the selection area to be set in various ways through the input of various touch gestures, and can be configured to control the radiation irradiation range and perform image capture by moving the collimator.

[0072] The pixel coordinates or image coordinates (20, 110), (20, 710), (630, 110), and (630, 710) of the selected area chosen by the user are transmitted to the judgment and control unit 130, and can be changed in the judgment and control unit 130 to the coordinates of the collimator corresponding to the selected area 405. In addition, the coordinates of the collimator corresponding to the selected area 405 are included in the above-mentioned blocking information and are transmitted to the radiation irradiation unit 110.

[0073] The collimator driving process S130 is a process of using a collimator to block the remaining portion of the radiation beam outside the portion corresponding to the selected area 405. As described above, the pixel coordinates or image coordinates (20, 110), (20, 710), (630, 110), and (630, 710) of the selected area selected by the user are transmitted to the judgment and control unit 130, and can be changed in the judgment and control unit 130 to the coordinates of the collimator corresponding to the selected area 405.

[0074] The coordinates of the collimator corresponding to the selected region 405 are included in the aforementioned blocking information and are transmitted to the radiation irradiation unit 110. In the radiation irradiation unit 110 that receives this blocking information, the four collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 are respectively as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the beam moves according to the collimator coordinate information, which includes blocking information, and a portion of the radiation beam 200 is blocked by the collimator. The unblocked portion of the radiation beam 205 corresponds to the selected region 405.

[0075] The four collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 can move independently and simultaneously. Therefore, the time required for the four collimators 210, 220, 230, and 240 to move in position to block a portion of the radiation beam 200 can be reduced.

[0076] When the four collimators 210, 220, 230 and 240 move according to the collimator coordinate information, a portion of the radiation beam 200 (i.e., X-ray beam 200) that is irradiated as radiation is blocked, thereby reducing radiation to the patient or user.

[0077] The second image display process S140 is a process of displaying a second radiation image obtained by irradiating the object with the radiation beam portion 205 corresponding to the selected area 405.

[0078] After the four collimators are moved as described above, in the second image display process S140, X-rays are irradiated onto the object being irradiated, and an image signal is obtained by receiving the X-rays that have passed through the object being irradiated. Based on the image signal, a second radiation image (i.e., an X-ray image) is displayed on the screen so that the user or others can confirm the obtained image signal.

[0079] That is, the radiation irradiation unit 110 irradiates the irradiated object with X-rays, which are radiation rays. When the radiation beam portion 205 corresponding to the selected area 405 is irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit 110 as the irradiated object, the X-rays, which are radiation rays, pass through the irradiated object portion corresponding to the selected area 405 and are incident on the image acquisition unit 120. The image acquisition unit 120 obtains an image signal from the incident X-rays and transmits the obtained image signal to the judgment and control unit 130. The judgment and control unit 130 transmits the image signal to the display unit 140, and the display unit 140 visually displays a second X-ray image, which is a second radiation image, based on the image signal.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a graph schematically illustrating an image where a portion outside a selected area of ​​a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is blocked by four collimators. For example... Figure 6 As shown, because the X-ray beam is blocked by four collimators 210, 220, 230 and 240 in areas other than the selected region 405, the corresponding area is not displayed.

[0081] Since the portion corresponding to the selected area 405 is offset on the screen of the display unit 140, it can be adjusted so that the center of the selected area 405 is located at the center of the screen of the display unit 140. That is, the position of the X-ray image of the selected area 405 can be adjusted so that the center image coordinates (305, 300) of the selected area 405 are located at the center coordinates (512, 512) of the screen. The position adjustment of the X-ray image of the selected area 405 can be performed by coordinate transformation.

[0082] Furthermore, the selected area 405 of the second X-ray image can be magnified to occupy the entire screen of the display unit 140. The second X-ray image corresponding to the selected area 405 can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 140 after the image is fitted onto the screen of the display unit 140. For example, the second X-ray image can be magnified and fitted onto the screen of the display unit 140.

[0083] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a magnified selected area of ​​a second radiation image obtained by a radiation imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the second radiation image, as shown... Figure 8 The selected area 405 is magnified as shown. The magnification of the selected area 405 can be achieved in various ways. For example, it can be magnified by converting the ratio of the length of the longest side of the selected area 405 to the length of the screen displaying the X-ray image on the screen of the display unit 140 into a magnification factor. As described above, in the second radiographic image, it can be magnified as follows... Figure 8 The selected area 405 is shown in the magnified view.

[0084] If necessary, when the brightness or sharpness of a radiographic image is reduced or decreased due to magnification of the selected area 405, the brightness or sharpness of the radiographic image can be compensated by changing the intensity of the radiographic beam.

[0085] The execution order of processes S110, S120, S130, and S140 described above is not limited to the above order and can be changed as needed. In addition, each process can be executed repeatedly individually.

[0086] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the appended claims should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] Industrial applicability

[0088] This invention can be applied to medical imaging devices, and therefore has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A radiation imaging device, wherein, include: A radiation irradiation unit is configured to irradiate an object with radiation, and includes a collimator capable of selectively blocking the radiation beam. The image acquisition unit acquires image signals by receiving the radiation transmitted through the irradiated object; The display unit displays the radiation image based on the image signal; and The judgment and control unit is configured to control the radiation irradiation unit to reflect the radiation irradiation range corresponding to a selected area chosen from the radiation image. The display unit includes an input display for inputting the selected area to display a first radiation image, and a main display for displaying a second radiation image captured and acquired under conditions corresponding to the selected area. In order to magnify the selected area, the judgment and control unit is further configured as follows: Based on the input display, multiple image coordinates of the selected area of ​​the first radiation image are obtained. The multiple image coordinates are changed to collimator coordinates corresponding to the selected region; The collimator coordinates are sent to the radiation irradiation unit. The radiation irradiation unit is further configured to move multiple collimators simultaneously or asymmetrically based on the collimator coordinates, thereby blocking at least a portion of the radiation beam. The image acquisition unit is further configured to acquire the second radiation image by irradiating the irradiated object with at least a portion of the radiation beam corresponding to the selected area. The main display is configured to display the first radiation image on the input display while simultaneously magnifying and fitting the second radiation image to fill the main display to display the second radiation image. Specifically, when the brightness or clarity of the second radiation image decreases, the intensity of the radiation beam is changed to compensate for the brightness or clarity of the second radiation image.

2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The selected area is set by a touch gesture input through the input display.

3. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The touch gestures include at least one of drag touch, tap touch, double tap touch, and press touch.

4. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The selection area is set through the following process, which includes: setting a basic selection area through a first touch gesture; changing the basic selection area and setting the changed selection area through a second touch gesture; and determining the changed selection area as the selected area through a third touch gesture.

5. A radiation imaging method, wherein, include: The step of displaying the first radiation image of the irradiated object on the input display; The step of setting multiple image coordinates of a selected region based on the region selected from the first radiographic image received by the input display; The step of changing multiple image coordinates to collimator coordinates corresponding to the selected region; The step of sending the collimator coordinates to the radiation irradiation unit; Based on the collimator coordinates, the step of simultaneously or asymmetrically moving multiple collimators to at least partially block the radiation beam, thereby irradiating a radiation beam having a radiation irradiation range corresponding to the selected area; The step of acquiring a second radiation image of the irradiated object obtained by the radiation irradiated with respect to the selected area; The steps of displaying the second radiation image by magnifying and fitting it to fill the main display while displaying the first radiation image on the input display; and Among them, when the brightness or clarity of the second radiation image decreases due to magnification of the second radiation image, the radiation irradiation unit irradiates radiation according to the radiation output conditions received from the judgment and control unit to change the intensity of the radiation beam to supplement the brightness or clarity of the second radiation image.

6. The radiation imaging method according to claim 5, wherein, In the step of setting multiple image coordinates of the selected area, the selected area is set by a touch gesture displayed on the first radiation image on the input display.

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