Portable radiation generating device and method of operating a portable radiation generating device

Abstract

The portable radiation generating device of the present disclosure includes a radiation source unit that generates radiation, a collimator unit that is located in a first direction of the radiation source unit and limits the radiation generated from the radiation source unit to determine a radiation irradiation range to be irradiated onto the surface of a target body, a light irradiation unit that is located in the opposite direction of the first direction of the collimator unit and generates visible light, and a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit or the light irradiation unit, wherein the collimator unit includes an irradiation plate, at least a portion of whose surface in the first direction is radiation-transparent and includes a light emission region that limits the visible light and outputs guide light of a predetermined form to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a portable radiation generating device and an operating method of the radiation generating device. More specifically, the portable radiation generating device of the present disclosure can irradiate radiation at an accurate position by displaying a radiation irradiation area. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a portable radiation generating device, and more particularly to a portable radiation generating device that utilizes a field emission X-ray source and is suitable for intraoral radiography in dentistry.

[0003] Recently, with the advancement of semiconductor and information processing technologies, radiography has rapidly been replaced by digital radiography (DR) using digital sensors, and radiography technologies have also been diversified to suit various purposes. One example is intraoral radiography, which is primarily used in dentistry. Intraoral radiography is an X-ray imaging method for obtaining radiographic images of a limited area inside a patient's mouth. A radiation sensor is placed inside the patient's mouth, and radiation is emitted from a radiation generator outside the mouth to obtain radiographic images of the teeth and surrounding tissues between the sensor and the area. Intraoral X-ray images have the advantages of minimal distortion, excellent resolution and sharpness, and relatively low radiation exposure, making them primarily used in procedures requiring high resolution, such as implant surgery and root canal treatment.

[0004] Intraoral dental radiography captures images with a sensor positioned inside the subject's oral cavity. To obtain high-quality X-ray images, the X-ray irradiation point must be aligned with the subject's imaging area. However, because the sensor is located inside the oral cavity, it is difficult for the user to accurately identify the imaging point on the subject.

[0005] In addition, portable dental X-ray generators have the advantage of being easy to use, but because the imaging area is small, the X-ray radiation position must be accurately targeted. However, inexperienced users may not be able to accurately target the area that requires X-ray imaging, resulting in the inability to accurately image the exact spot. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a portable radiation generating device that precisely targets the area that needs to be imaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure includes a radiation source unit that generates radiation, a collimator unit that is located on one side of the radiation source unit and limits the radiation generated from the radiation source unit to determine an irradiation range of the radiation to be irradiated onto a surface of a target object, a light irradiator unit that is located on one side of the collimator unit and generates visible light, and a controller that controls the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit or the light irradiator, wherein the collimator unit includes an irradiation plate on one side, at least a portion of which is radiation-transparent, and which includes a light emitting region that limits the visible light and outputs a guide light of a predetermined shape to the outside.

[0008] The guide light of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is characterized in that it is irradiated with at least one of a first guide light that is irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range of the target body to indicate the center of the radiation irradiation point, a second guide light that is irradiated to an area corresponding to the radiation irradiation range of the target body to indicate the radiation irradiation range, and a third guide light that simultaneously indicates the irradiation point and the irradiation range.

[0009] The irradiation plate of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is configured to be detachable from one side of the collimator, and the light emitting area has any one of a cross shape, a circle shape, a square shape, a ring shape, and a polygon shape.

[0010] The direction of the light irradiation unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is determined so that the center of the visible light region irradiated onto the irradiation plate from the light irradiation unit coincides with the center of the radiation region irradiated onto the irradiation plate from the radiation source unit.

[0011] The control unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure changes the hue of the visible light emitted from the light emitting unit depending on the state of the portable radiation generating device.

[0012] The control unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure controls the light irradiating unit to irradiate visible light of a first color when the portable radiation generating device is in a state of preparation for imaging, controls the light irradiating unit to irradiate visible light of a second color when the portable radiation generating device is in a state of imaging an object, and controls the light irradiating unit to irradiate visible light of a third color when the portable radiation generating device is in an error state.

[0013] The radiation source unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure uses a thermionic method or a field emission method using carbon nanotubes.

[0014] The radiation source unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is located inside the main body housing, and a collimator mounting hole is formed on one side of the main body housing, and the collimator is inserted into the collimator mounting hole and coupled to the main body housing.

[0015] The portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure includes a shielding section coupled to the outer surface of the collimating section, having a donut-shaped surface extending radially from the collimating section, and configured to shield scattered radiation, the shielding section being fixed or movable in the length direction of the collimating section.

[0016] In addition, a program for implementing the above-described method of operating the portable radiation generating device may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present disclosure provides a portable radiation generator structure that is compact and lightweight because it can easily display the irradiation point on the subject by simply installing an LED light source inside the radiation irradiation area without using a complex collimator having a reflecting mirror or an aperture structure, and thereby provides a portable radiation generator with excellent cost competitiveness.

[0018] Furthermore, the present disclosure can emit a variety of guide lights depending on the device state, thereby improving convenience for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an external view of a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a light emitting region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a shielding portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments. The following embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of completeness and completeness of the disclosure, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments will be specifically explained.

[0022] The terms used in this specification have been selected from currently widely used general terms while taking into consideration the function of the present disclosure, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the relevant field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0023] In this specification, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and the plural expression includes the singular expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] When a part of the entire specification is described as "comprising" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, but not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0025] Additionally, the term "module" as used herein refers to a software or hardware component that performs a specific function. However, the term "module" is not limited to software or hardware. A "module" may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium or to execute on one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, "module" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within components and "modules" may be combined into fewer components and "modules" or further separated into additional components and "modules."

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a "unit" may be embodied with a processor and memory. The term "processor" should be broadly interpreted to include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. In some environments, a "processor" may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term "processor" may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0027] The term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term "memory" may refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor when the processor can read information from or store information in the memory. Memory that is integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0028] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present disclosure. In order to clearly explain the present disclosure, the drawings will be omitted to avoid the need for explanation.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows an external view of a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure is a gun type, so that a user can easily hold it in one hand for use. The portable radiation generating device 100 may also be lightweight and compact. Since the portable radiation generating device 100 is operated by a user, it is necessary to maintain the portable radiation generating device 100 in a stationary state during radiographic imaging. The portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure can be maintained in a stationary state through a light irradiation unit 230.

[0031] The portable radiation generating device 100 may include a main body housing 110. The main body housing 110 may be configured to protect the internal structure. A radiation source unit 220 that generates radiation may be included inside the main body housing 110. An empty space may be formed so that the radiation can be irradiated to the outside of the main body housing 110. The main body housing 110 may be made of a material that can block radiation. A light emitting unit may be included inside the main body housing 110. The light emitting unit will be described in detail later.

[0032] The input / output unit 130 may be formed on the main body housing 110 at a side opposite to the first direction. The input / output unit 130 may be implemented using at least one of a touch display, a display, an LED, a switch, or a touch sensor. The input / output unit 130 may include at least one of an input unit or an output unit. The input unit included in the input / output unit 130 may receive various settings for the portable radiation generating device 100 from a user. Based on the settings input by the user, the portable radiation generating device 100 may determine at least one of a radiation irradiation time or a radiation irradiation intensity. The input / output unit 130 may also receive an input for turning on / off the operation of the radiation source unit 220 or the light irradiation unit 230.

[0033] The output unit included in the input / output unit 130 may output various settings for the portable radiation generating device 100. The output unit included in the input / output unit 130 may display various settings for the portable radiation generating device 100 and a user interface for controlling the operations of the radiation source unit 220 and the light irradiation unit 230. For example, the output unit may display at least one of the currently set radiation irradiation time or radiation irradiation intensity.

[0034] In the present disclosure, the first direction may refer to the front side. The opposite direction of the first direction may refer to the rear side. The second direction may refer to the top side, and the opposite direction of the second direction may refer to the bottom side. The third direction may refer to the right side, and the opposite direction of the third direction may refer to the left side. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first direction, second direction, and third direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0035] A handle 120 may be formed on the body housing 110 at a side opposite the second direction. The handle 120 may have a rod shape extending in the second direction so that a user can hold it. A battery 121 may be formed on the handle 120 at a side opposite the second direction. The battery 121 may supply electrical energy to the portable radiation generating device 100. A trigger button 122 may be formed on the handle 120 at a first side. The trigger button 122 may be a button for starting radiation irradiation. For example, after pressing the trigger button 122, the control unit may generate electrical energy for the radiation source unit based on the electrical energy of the battery 121 for a predetermined waiting time. After the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the portable radiation generating device 100 may irradiate the target with radiation for a predetermined irradiation time. Alternatively, radiation may be irradiated while the trigger button 122 is pressed.

[0036] The main body housing 110 may have a collimating unit 140 formed in the first direction. The collimating unit 140 may be configured to limit the area of ​​radiation emitted to the outside. The collimating unit may have a cylindrical shape. The collimating unit 140 may also be configured to limit the irradiation area of ​​visible light from the light emitting unit to form guide light. The collimating unit 140 will be described in detail later.

[0037] A shielding portion 150 having a surface extending in the radial direction of the collimator may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the collimator. The shielding portion 150 can protect the user from radiation that is reflected or scattered by an external object and returns to the user. The components included in the portable radiation generating device 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The portable radiation generator 100 may include a radiation source unit 220 that generates radiation. The radiation source unit 220 may use a thermionic method or an electric field emission method using carbon nanotubes. The field emission method uses nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to miniaturize radiation generators. The field emission radiation source unit 220 has a different electron emission mechanism than the thermionic method based on a tungsten filament. The carbon nanotube-based radiation source unit 220 can emit electrons at a relatively low power. Because the emitted electrons are emitted along the length of the carbon nanotubes, the electrons have excellent directional directionality toward the X-ray target surface on the anode electrode side, resulting in very high radiation emission efficiency. Furthermore, since it is easy to emit pulsed radiation and can capture video radiation, it is highly applicable to dental diagnosis, especially intraoral X-ray imaging.

[0040] The radiation source unit 220 may include an X-ray focal point unit 221. The X-ray focal point unit 221 may be a hole through which radiation is emitted from the radiation source unit 220. The radiation may be emitted in a cone shape from the X-ray focal point unit 221. The cone-shaped radiation may be emitted to the outside of the portable radiation generating device 100 through the collimator unit 140.

[0041] The portable radiation generating device 100 may include a collimator 140. The collimator 140 may be located in a first direction of the radiation source unit 220. The collimator 140 may limit the radiation generated from the radiation source unit 220 to determine the radiation irradiation range irradiated on the surface of the target object. As described above, the radiation generated from the radiation source unit 220 may have a cone shape. The collimator 140 may limit the radiation emitted from the radiation source unit 220 to determine the shape of the radiation irradiated to the outside.

[0042] The collimating portion 140 may have a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical side 142 of the collimating portion 140 may be radiopaque. Thus, radiation may not be emitted to the side 142 of the collimating portion 140.

[0043] The surface of the collimating unit 140 facing the first direction may be closed. For example, an irradiation plate 141 may be formed on the surface of the collimating unit 140 facing the first direction.

[0044] At least a portion of the irradiation plate 141 may be radiation-transparent. Therefore, radiation can be emitted to the outside of the portable radiation generating device 100 through the irradiation plate 141. At least a portion of the irradiation plate 141 may be visible light-transparent. The irradiation plate 141 may include a light-emitting region 143 for restricting visible light and outputting guide light of a predetermined form to the outside. The guide light may be light that can be seen by humans to indicate the radiation irradiation area and irradiation direction. The guide light is irradiated onto the surface of the target object, allowing the user to confirm the radiation irradiation area and irradiation direction.

[0045] The irradiation plate 141 may function as a replaceable filter. That is, the irradiation plate 141 may have a function of filtering a portion of radiation. For example, the irradiation plate 141 may filter low-energy radiation and allow high-energy radiation to be emitted to the outside. This allows the portable radiation generating device 100 to reduce noise caused by beam hardening. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0046] A polarizing film or lens may be located in the light emission region 143 of the illumination plate 141. After visible light passes through the illumination plate 141, guide light with different properties may be formed. The polarizing film or lens may convert visible light into light parallel to a first direction to generate the guide light. The polarizing film or lens may be configured to refract, reflect, or polarize visible light. A user may replace the illumination plate 141 to select a polarizing film or lens with different properties or different shapes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] The illumination plate 141 may emit guide lights having different light attributes. For example, the guide light may be emitted as at least one of a first guide light, a second guide light, and a third guide light based on the light emission region 143 of the illumination plate 141. The light attributes may include at least one of a light shape, a size of a light illumination range, a light illumination position, a light brightness, and a light color. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some of the attributes of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light may be the same.

[0048] The first guide light may be irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation area of ​​the target object to indicate the center of the radiation irradiation point. The first guide light may be white light or light having a specific color. The second guide light may be irradiated to an area of ​​the target object corresponding to the radiation irradiation area to indicate the radiation irradiation area. The second guide light may be white light or light having a specific color. The second guide light may be the same color as the first guide light or a different color. The second guide light may have a different brightness from the first guide light. For example, the second guide light may be darker than the first guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second guide light may be brighter than the first guide light. The second guide light may have a different shape from the first guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second guide light may have the same shape as the first guide light.

[0049] The third guide light can simultaneously display the irradiation point and the irradiation range. The third guide light may have the same color as or a different color from the first guide light or the second guide light. The third guide light may have a different brightness from the first guide light or the second guide light. The irradiation point of the third guide light may be the same as or different from the irradiation point of the first guide light. For example, the irradiation point of the first guide light may be irradiated at the center of the radiation irradiation range, and the third guide light may be irradiated at least one of the center of the irradiation range, the periphery of the center of the irradiation range, or the position of the lesion. The irradiation range of the third guide light may be the same as or different from the irradiation area of ​​the second guide light. For example, the irradiation area of ​​the third guide light may be at least one of the radiation irradiation range, the lesion area, an area smaller than the radiation irradiation range, or an area larger than the radiation irradiation range. Furthermore, the third guide light may be darker than at least one of the first guide light or the second guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third guide light may be brighter than at least one of the first guide light or the second guide light. The third guide light may have a different shape from at least one of the first guide light and the second guide light, but is not limited thereto, and the third guide light may have the same shape as at least one of the first guide light and the second guide light.

[0050] At least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light may have light attributes that are distinguished from one another by the light emitting region 143 included in the illumination plate 141. The light attributes may include at least one of the light form, the size of the light illumination range, the light illumination position, the light brightness, and the light color. At least one of the light form, the size of the light illumination range, the light illumination position, the light brightness, and the light color of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light may be different from one another. Therefore, the user can distinguish the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light.

[0051] The irradiation plate 141 may include a grid for determining the radiation irradiation direction. The grid can control the radiation generated from the portable radiation generating device 100 to be irradiated in a specific direction. The grid can irradiate the radiation in a direction parallel to the first direction. A user can replace the collimating plate to select a grid with different characteristics or a different shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0052] The surface of the collimating unit 140 facing the opposite direction to the first direction may not be covered. Therefore, visible light and radiation can freely enter the inside of the collimating unit 140 through the surface facing the opposite direction to the first direction of the collimating unit 140. The visible light and radiation that enter the inside of the collimating unit 140 can be emitted to the outside of the portable radiation generating device 100 through the irradiation plate 141.

[0053] The portable radiation generating device 100 may include a light irradiator 230. The light irradiator 230 may be located in a direction opposite to the first direction of the collimator 140. The light irradiator 230 may be in contact with a side surface 142 of the collimator 140. The light irradiator 230 may be coupled to the collimator 140 or coupled to the main body housing 110. The light irradiator 230 may be located in one of a second direction, a direction opposite to the second direction, a third direction, and a direction opposite to the third direction of the side surface 142 of the collimator 140. The light irradiator 230 may illuminate the inside of the collimator 140. The light irradiator 230 may emit visible light toward the first direction surface of the collimator 140. The first direction surface of the collimator 140 may refer to an irradiation plate 141.

[0054] More specifically, the light irradiator 230 may emit visible light toward the center of the first direction surface (irradiation plate 141) of the collimator 140. Therefore, the portable radiation generator 100 of the present disclosure may allow the guide light to be accurately irradiated onto the target object, as will be described in detail later.

[0055] The collimator 140 may include at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens for refracting or reflecting visible light emitted from the light emitting unit 230. In FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 230 is biased in a direction opposite to the second direction of the collimator 140. Therefore, the visible light may become dimmer as it moves from the opposite direction to the second direction toward the second direction. The at least one of the prism, mirror, or lens inside the collimator 140 may refract or reflect the visible light to make the inside of the collimator approximately uniformly bright.

[0056] 2, the visible light is irradiated at an angle between the first direction and the second direction. At least one of the prism, mirror, or lens inside the collimating unit 140 can refract or reflect the visible light to change the direction of the visible light so that the visible light is irradiated in the first direction. At least one of the prism, mirror, or lens may be radiation-transparent.

[0057] The light irradiating unit 230 may generate visible light. The light irradiating unit 230 may irradiate at least one of red, green, and blue light. However, the light irradiating unit 230 is not limited thereto, and may also generate white visible light. The light irradiating unit 230 may also irradiate at least one of red, yellow, and green light. The light irradiating unit 230 may also irradiate light by mixing at least one of red, green, and blue light.

[0058] A diffusion plate may be formed in the area where visible light is emitted from the light irradiation unit 230. The diffusion plate allows the visible light emitted from the light irradiation unit 230 to brighten the entire interior of the collimation unit 140. In addition, the visible light may be emitted through the light emission area 143 formed in the irradiation plate 141 to serve as guide light.

[0059] The direction of the light irradiator 230 may be determined so that the center of the visible light region irradiated from the light irradiator 230 to the irradiation plate 141 coincides with the center of the radiation region irradiated from the radiation source 220 to the irradiation plate 141. For example, referring to FIG. 2 , the light irradiator 230 may face the center of the irradiation plate 141. This is to ensure that the center of the visible light region is positioned at the center of the radiation region irradiated from the radiation source 220 to the irradiation plate 141. Since the direction of the light irradiator 230 is determined in this manner, the guide light may be more clearly formed on the surface of the target object. The user can check the guide light to confirm in advance the region of the target object where radiation will be irradiated. Furthermore, radiation can be irradiated only to the desired region of the target object. Therefore, the portable radiation generator 100 of the present disclosure can obtain a radiation image of the target object with a low dose.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] The portable radiation generating device 100 may include a control unit 300. The control unit 300 may control the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit 220 or the light irradiation unit 230. The control unit 300 may be included in the control board 210 of Figure 2. The control board 210 is located in a direction opposite to the first direction of the radiation source unit 220 to prevent abnormal operation of the control unit 300 due to radiation.

[0062] The control unit 300 may be located outside the main body housing 110 instead of inside it. The control unit 300 may communicate with the portable radiation generating device 100 via wired or wireless communication. The control unit 300 may be embodied as one of a PC, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, and a smartwatch.

[0063] The control board 210 may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 as well as the sensor unit 310 , the communication unit 320 , the memory 330 , the output unit 340 and the input unit 350 .

[0064] More specifically, the portable radiation generating device 100 may include a sensor unit 310. The sensor unit 310 may acquire various information using at least one sensor. The sensor unit 310 may be a sensor using a measuring means such as pressure, potential, or optics. For example, the sensor unit 310 may include at least one of a distance measurement sensor or an image capturing sensor. The distance measurement sensor may measure the distance between the portable radiation generating device 100 and an object. The portable radiation generating device 100 may output the distance between the object and the portable radiation generating device 100 using the sensor unit 310. The user may place the portable radiation generating device 100 in an optimal position based on the measured distance and perform imaging. Therefore, the portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure may reduce the amount of radiation irradiated to the object and obtain a high-quality radiation image.

[0065] In addition, the image capturing sensor can capture an image of the target object. The control unit 300 can process the image of the target object and determine the position of the portable radiation generating device 100 so that radiation can be irradiated to the location of the lesion. The portable radiation generating device 100 can display the direction and distance required for the portable radiation generating device 100 to move to an optimal position. The user can move the portable radiation generating device 100 based on the output direction and distance. The portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of radiation irradiated to the target object by irradiating radiation only around the lesion, and can capture a high-quality radiation image of the lesion.

[0066] The sensor may include, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, an LED sensor, a touch sensor, etc. The sensor unit may be included in at least one of the main body housing 110 and the control board 210.

[0067] The portable radiation generating device 100 may also include a communication unit 320. The communication unit 320 may be configured to enable the portable radiation generating device 100 to communicate with an internal module or an external device via wired or wireless communication. The external device may include an external server or a user terminal. The user terminal may include a PC, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device. The communication unit 320 may include a wired / wireless communication module for network connection. Examples of wireless communication technologies include Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), and High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Examples of wired communication technologies include Digital Subscriber Line (XDSL), Fibers to the Home (FTTH), and Power Line Communication (PLC). The network connection unit may also include a short-range communication module to transmit and receive data to and from any device / terminal located in a short distance. For example, short range communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and ZigBee (registered trademark) may be used, but are not limited to these.

[0068] The portable radiation generating device 100 may include a memory 330. The control unit 300 may execute instructions stored in the memory. The memory 330 may be included in the control unit 300 or may be external to the control unit 300. The memory 330 may store various information related to the portable radiation generating device 100. For example, the memory 330 may store various parameters for irradiating radiation.

[0069] The memory 330 may be implemented as a non-volatile storage medium capable of continuously storing any data. For example, the memory 330 may include, but is not limited to, a disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical storage device, as well as a storage device based on flash memory and / or battery backup memory. The memory 330 may refer to, but is not limited to, a primary storage device directly accessed by a processor, such as random access memory (RAM), including dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), or a volatile storage device in which stored information is instantly erased when the power is turned off. The memory 330 may be operated by the control unit 300. The control unit 300 may also execute commands stored in the memory 330.

[0070] The portable radiation generating device 100 may further include an input / output unit 130 that provides an interface for operating the portable radiation generating device 100. The input / output unit 130 may include an output unit 340 and an input unit 350.

[0071] The output unit 340, under the control of the control unit 300, may output sound and video that indicates imaging-related information required for irradiating radiation or that allows the user to check the status of the portable radiation generating device 100. The output unit 340 may include a speaker or a display. The output unit 340 may also output medical images generated by the control unit 300. The output unit 340 may output information required for a user to operate the portable radiation generating device 100, such as a user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Examples of the output unit 340 may include a speaker, a printer, a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, an FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a DLP display, an FPD display, a 3D display, a transparent display, etc., and may include various other output devices within the scope obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0072] The input unit 350 may receive commands for operating the portable radiation generating device 100 and various information related to X-ray imaging from a user. The control unit 300 may control or operate the portable radiation generating device 100 based on the information input to the input unit 350. The input unit 350 may include a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a shooting button, an unlocking button, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, a human body motion recognizer, etc., and may also include other input devices obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] The description of Fig. 4 will focus on the components not described in Fig. 3. The components not described in Fig. 4 have already been described in Fig. 3, so they can be described with reference to the description of Fig. 3.

[0075] The control unit 300 may include at least one of an imaging condition setting unit 410, an imaging mode setting unit 420, a radiation control unit 430, or a light control unit 440. At least one of the imaging condition setting unit 410, the imaging mode setting unit 420, the radiation control unit 430, or the light control unit 440 may be implemented by a single physical processor. However, at least one of the imaging condition setting unit 410, the imaging mode setting unit 420, the radiation control unit 430, and the light control unit 440 may be separated into software modules. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one of the imaging condition setting unit 410, the imaging mode setting unit 420, the radiation control unit 430, or the light control unit 440 may be implemented by multiple physical processors.

[0076] The imaging condition setting unit 410 may set parameters related to imaging by receiving input from the input / output unit 130. The parameters related to imaging may include at least one of a radiation irradiation time or a radiation irradiation intensity. The radiation irradiation intensity may be determined by at least one of a voltage or a current supplied to the radiation source unit 220.

[0077] The photographing mode setting unit 420 may set a mode related to photographing by receiving an input from the input / output unit 130. The photographing mode setting unit 420 may determine at least one of whether to irradiate a guide light, the form of the guide light, or the type of the object based on the user's input.

[0078] The radiation control unit 430 can control the radiation source unit 220 so that imaging is performed according to the imaging parameters and imaging mode determined by the imaging condition setting unit 410 and the imaging mode setting unit 420.

[0079] The light control unit 440 can control the light irradiator 230 to perform imaging according to the imaging parameters and imaging mode determined by the imaging condition setting unit 410 and imaging mode setting unit 420. The light control unit 440 can also control the light irradiator 230 to turn on or off or dim the light according to the state of the portable radiation generator 100. In addition, the light irradiator can control the light irradiator 230 to output visible light of various colors.

[0080] The power supply unit 450 can supply electrical energy for operating the portable radiation generating device 100. The power supply unit 450 can include a battery 121. The power supply unit 450 can generate a high voltage and supply it to the radiation source unit 220.

[0081] For example, when a user presses the trigger button 122, the control unit 300 may transmit a preparation command to the power supply unit 450 to instruct preheating for irradiating radiation. Also, the light control unit 440 may irradiate the target object with guide light. In this state, when the trigger button 122 is pressed further, an irradiation command for actually irradiating radiation may be generated in the control unit 300, and a high voltage of the power supply unit 450 may be supplied to the radiation source unit 220. In this manner, when a user operates the trigger button 122, the control unit 300 generates a signal corresponding to the command input through the operation of the trigger button 122, i.e., a preparation signal, and transmits it to the power supply unit 450, which generates a high voltage for generating radiation.

[0082] Although the present disclosure will mainly describe a method of operating the radiation source unit 220 and the light irradiation unit 230 with one trigger button 122, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The trigger button 122 for controlling the operation of the radiation source unit 220 and the light irradiation button for controlling the light irradiation unit 230 may be different buttons. At least one of the trigger button 122 or the light irradiation button may be separately located on at least one of the handle unit 120 or the input / output unit 130. The trigger button 122 may receive an input for the radiation source unit 220, and the light irradiation button may receive an input for the light irradiation unit 230.

[0083] The power supply unit 450 receives a preparation signal from the control unit 300 to start preheating, and when preheating is complete, transmits a preparation completion signal to the control unit 300. In addition, the detector must also be prepared for X-ray detection in order to detect radiation, and the control unit 300 can transmit a preparation signal to the detector so that the detector prepares to detect X-rays that have passed through the target object while preheating the high voltage generator. When the detector receives the preparation signal, it prepares to detect radiation, and when detection preparation is complete, it transmits a detection preparation completion signal to the control unit 300.

[0084] When the power supply unit 450 has been preheated and the detector is ready to detect X-rays, the control unit 300 transmits an irradiation signal to the power supply unit 450, the power supply unit 450 generates a high voltage and applies it to the radiation source unit 220, and the radiation source unit 220 irradiates X-rays.

[0085] The irradiation plate 141 formed in the collimation unit 140 will be described in more detail below.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] As already described, the illumination plate 141 may include a light emission region 143, at least a portion of which is visible light transmissive. The light emission region 143 may be a region of the illumination plate 141 through which visible light is transmitted. The region of the illumination plate 141 excluding the light emission region 143 may be a visible light non-transmissive region.

[0088] The irradiation plate 141 may include a light-emitting region 143, and the light-emitting region 143 may have at least one of a first shape or a second shape. The light-emitting region 143 may have a shape different from the first shape and the second shape. The first shape and the second shape will be described below. The light-emitting region 143 may have a shape selected from the first shape, the second shape, and another shape. The selection may be based on a user input or an algorithm of the control unit 300. The user may also select an irradiation plate 141 including a light-emitting region 143 of one of the first shape, the second shape, and another shape. The user may then couple the selected irradiation plate 141 to the portable radiation generating device 100.

[0089] Visible light is generated by the light emitter 230. The visible light may be limited by the light emitting region 143 to become guide light. The guide light may include at least one of a first guide light that is irradiated to the center of a radiation irradiation area of ​​the target object to indicate the radiation irradiation point, or a second guide light that is irradiated to the same area as the radiation irradiation area of ​​the target object to indicate the radiation irradiation area. The controller 300 may control the irradiation of at least one guide light selected from the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light.

[0090] The portable radiation generating device 100 may output at least one of a first guide light, a second guide light, and a third guide light based on at least one of a first shape, a second shape, and another shape of the light emitting region 143. Hereinafter, the light emitting region 143 and the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light according to the first shape, the second shape, and another shape will be described.

[0091] The light-emitting region 143 formed on the irradiation plate 141 may have a second shape that limits visible light so that the guide light is irradiated to the same region as the radiation irradiation range. That is, the guide light may be irradiated to the region 510 on the surface of the object 520, and radiation may also be irradiated. The light-emitting region 143 having the second shape may generate a second guide light. The second shape may include at least one of a cross shape 710, a circle 720, a ring shape 740, and a polygon shape 730 or 750.

[0092] For example, radiation may be emitted in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction within the portable radiation generating device 100. Visible light may also be emitted in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction within the portable radiation generating device 100. The radiation-transmitting region formed on the irradiation plate 141 may be the same as the light-emitting region. The light-emitting region 143 formed on the irradiation plate 141 may be transparent to visible light. The radiation-transmitting region may be a portion made of a radiation-transmitting material. Visible light emitted from the light-emitting unit 230 may become guide light that is irradiated to a specific region of the target object after passing through the light-emitting region 143. In the present disclosure, light irradiated into the collimating unit 140 is referred to as visible light, and light emitted outside the collimating unit 140 and irradiated to the target object 520 is referred to as guide light. The light-emitting region 143 may have the form of an open hole. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting region 143 may be made of a visible-light-transmitting material. The radiation-transmitting region may be a portion made of a radiation-transmitting material. At least a portion of the radiation transparent region and the light emitting region 143 may overlap. The radiation transparent region may include the light emitting region 143. However, without limitation, the light emitting region 143 may include the radiation transparent region.

[0093] The area of ​​the guide light irradiated on the object may be substantially the same as the area irradiated with radiation (radiation irradiation range). That is, the guide light may be irradiated to an area 510 on the surface of the object 520, and radiation may also be irradiated. The radiation irradiation range may refer to the area of ​​radiation irradiated on the surface of the object. The user can see the area of ​​the guide light to know the area irradiated with X-rays. The user can adjust the area of ​​the guide light to irradiate radiation only to the necessary parts of the object. Therefore, the portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure can obtain a clear radiation image while irradiating the object with a small amount of radiation.

[0094] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, radiation within the portable radiation generating device 100 may have a cone shape. In addition, visible light irradiated from the light irradiator 230 within the portable radiation generating device 100 may also have a cone shape. The cone shape may be such that the irradiation area becomes larger as the distance from the light source increases. In this regard, the distance (a) from the irradiation plate 141 to the radiation source unit 220 may be longer than the distance (b) from the irradiation plate 141 to the light irradiator 230. Therefore, the radiation transmissive area formed on the irradiation plate 141 may be larger than the light emitting area. For example, the radius (c) of the light emitting area 143 may be determined by the following Equation 1:

[0095] c=a*(b+l) / (b*(a+l))* r...(Formula 1)

[0096] Here, c may be the radius of the light emission region 143. Also, a may be the distance from the irradiation plate 141 to the radiation source unit 220. b may be the distance from the irradiation plate 141 to the light irradiation unit 230. l may be the distance from the irradiation plate 141 to the surface of the object. r may be the radius of the radiation transparent region formed on the irradiation plate 141. When 1>0, a*(b+1) / (b*(a+1)) may be greater than 0 and less than 1. That is, c may be less than r.

[0097] The illumination plate 141 may be implemented as a transparent display. A transparent display is a device that can freely control the shape of a visible light-transmitting region and a visible light-opaque region. A transparent display may include multiple pixels, and the multiple pixels may be changed to be visible light-transmitting, visible light semi-transmitting, or visible light-opaque. The transparent display may change the region through which visible light can be transmitted based on an electrical signal from the controller 300. The illumination plate 141 implemented as a transparent display may freely change the light-emitting region 143 based on a control signal from the controller 300. For example, the light-emitting region 143 may be controlled to take any one of the first shape, second shape, cross shape 710, circle shape 720, ring shape 740, and polygon shape (730 or 750) using the transparent display. The controller 300 may adjust the shape of the light-emitting region 143 based on a user input or a predetermined algorithm.

[0098] Furthermore, the transparent display can generate guide light of a predetermined color, brightness, and shape using visible light from the light emitting unit. A plurality of pixels included in the transparent display can function as a filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength. The transparent display can vary the area that transmits a specific wavelength based on an electrical signal from the control unit 300. Therefore, the visible light transmitted through the transparent display can have guide light having a predetermined color. The portable radiation generator based on the transparent display can emit guide light having one color. Furthermore, the portable radiation generator based on the transparent display can simultaneously output guide light having multiple colors. The guide light having multiple colors may be at least two of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light.

[0099] Furthermore, a plurality of pixels included in the transparent display may act as a filter (semi-transparent) that transmits only a portion of light. The transparent display may vary the degree of light transmission based on an electrical signal from the control unit 300. Therefore, the guide light of the transparent display may brighten some areas of the object and darken other areas. The portable radiation generator based on the transparent display may emit guide light having one brightness. Furthermore, the portable radiation generator based on the transparent display may simultaneously output guide lights having multiple brightnesses. The guide lights having multiple brightnesses may be at least two of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light.

[0100] The control unit 300 can measure the distance (l) from the target object to the irradiation plate 141 using the sensor unit 310. The control unit 300 can determine the radius (c) of the light emitting area 143 based on Equation 1. The transparent display, which is the irradiation plate 141, can determine the light emitting area 143 based on the radius (c) determined by the control unit 300. The portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure can always form a guide light area in the radiation irradiation area on the surface of the target object, regardless of the distance between the target object and the portable radiation generating device 100. Therefore, a user can irradiate radiation at a precise position using the portable radiation generating device 100.

[0101] In this way, based on the second guide light, the user can know the radiation irradiation area, and can prevent any object other than the target object 520 from being positioned in the radiation irradiation area. Therefore, with the portable radiation generating device of the present disclosure, the user can take care not to irradiate any object other than the target object 520 with radiation, and can irradiate only the position of the lesion with radiation.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an illumination plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a light emission region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6 , the light-emitting region 143 may have a first shape that limits visible light so that the guide light 620 is irradiated at the center of the radiation irradiation area 630. A first guide light may be generated by the light-emitting region 143 having the first shape. The first shape may include at least one of a cross shape 710, a circle shape 720, a ring shape 740, and a polygon shape (730 or 750). For example, the light-emitting region 143 may be smaller than the radiation-transparent region 610 formed on the irradiation plate 141. Unlike FIG. 5 , according to FIG. 6 , the guide light 620 may not cover the entire radiation irradiation area 630. The guide light 620 may be irradiated at the center of the radiation irradiation area 630. A user can know the center of the radiation irradiation area 630 based on the guide light 620. A user can prevent radiation from being irradiated to unnecessary areas of the target object 520 by locating a point 621 where the guide light 620 is irradiated on the surface of the target object 520 at a lesion.

[0104] In this way, the user can position the lesion to be photographed at the center of the radiation image based on the first guide light, and thus the user can easily obtain the image he or she desires.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 7 , the light-emitting region 143 may be located at the center of the illumination plate 141. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting region 143 may be located near the center of the illumination plate 141. The light-emitting region 143 may have various shapes. The light-emitting region 143 may have a shape different from the first and second shapes. For example, the light-emitting region 143 may have any one of a cross shape 710, a circle shape 720, a ring shape 740, and a polygon shape (730 or 750). At least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light may include at least one of the first shape, the second shape, the cross shape 710, the circle shape 720, the ring shape 740, and a polygon shape (730 or 750). The illumination plate 141 may be detachably coupled to the collimator 140 in the first direction. Therefore, the user can select the shape of the light emitting area 143 and, if necessary, can replace the illumination plate 141 to utilize a light emitting area 143 having the desired shape.

[0106] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] The light-emitting region 143 may include a third configuration that limits visible light so that the guide light 620 is irradiated to the irradiation range 1110 and the center of the radiation irradiation range. A third guide light may be generated by the light-emitting region 143 having the third configuration. The third configuration may be a configuration for generating the third guide light from visible light to simultaneously display the irradiation range 1110 and the irradiation point 1120. The irradiation point of the third guide light may be the same as or different from the irradiation point of the first guide light. For example, the irradiation point of the first guide light may be irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range, and the third guide light may be irradiated to at least one of the center of the irradiation range, the periphery of the center of the irradiation range, or the position of the lesion. The irradiation range of the third guide light may be the same as or different from the irradiation range of the second guide light. For example, the irradiation range of the third guide light may be at least one of the radiation irradiation range, the lesion range, an area smaller than the radiation irradiation range, or an area larger than the radiation irradiation range. In this way, the user can know the radiation irradiation range based on the third guide light and can prevent objects other than the target object 520 from being located in the radiation irradiation range. Furthermore, the user can position the lesion to be photographed at the center of the radiation image, so that the user can easily obtain the image that he or she desires.

[0108] The portable radiation generating device 100 can simultaneously generate at least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light. For example, the portable radiation generating device 100 can irradiate only one of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light. The portable radiation generating device 100 can also simultaneously irradiate the first guide light and the second guide light, the first guide light and the third guide light, or the second guide light and the third guide light. The portable radiation generating device 100 can also simultaneously irradiate the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light. In this way, the portable radiation generating device 100 irradiates guide light in various combinations, allowing the user to easily grasp the radiation irradiation area and to position the lesion at the center of the radiation irradiation area to capture a radiation image at once. This can reduce the radiation dose to the target object.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] The light irradiator 230 may be coupled to one of the collimator 140 and the main body housing 110. Referring to FIG. 8 , the light irradiator 230 may be coupled in a direction opposite to the first direction of the collimator 140. That is, the light irradiator 230 may be coupled in a direction opposite to the illumination plate 141 of the collimator 140. When the light irradiator 230 is coupled to the collimator 140, a user can use a light irradiator 230 with different attributes by replacing the collimator 140. The light irradiator 230 may be implemented using an LED or a laser. A user can use a light irradiator implemented using an LED or a laser by replacing the collimator 140. Because the main body housing 110 including the radiation source 220 is relatively more expensive than the collimator 140, a user can respond to various on-site conditions by replacing only the collimator 140. In addition, the light irradiator 230 may be detachably coupled to the collimator 140. The user can also change only the light emitting unit 230 to accommodate various on-site conditions.

[0111] 2 and 8, the light irradiator 230 is coupled to the collimator 140 in a direction opposite to the second direction (lower direction), but is not limited thereto. The light irradiator 230 may be positioned in at least one of the second direction (upper direction), the direction opposite to the second direction (lower direction), the third direction (right direction), or the direction opposite to the third direction (left direction) of the collimator. The light irradiator 230 may be positioned at a position that does not block radiation emitted from the radiation source 220.

[0112] 2 and 8, the light irradiation unit 230 is located in the opposite direction to the first direction of the collimation unit 140, but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation unit 230 may be located on the side surface 142 of the collimation unit.

[0113] 2 and 8, one light irradiator 230 is coupled to the collimator 140. One light irradiator 230 can output multiple colors. Using one light irradiator 230 reduces the possibility that the light irradiator 230 may block the path of radiation, reduces the cost of implementing the light irradiator 230, and facilitates maintenance. This also has the effect of improving the quality of the radiation image. However, this is not limited thereto. A plurality of light irradiators 230 may be coupled to the collimator 140. The plurality of light irradiators 230 can form a bright guide light. This can improve the visibility of the guide light. As already described, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0114] 8, the radiation source unit 220 may be located inside the main body housing 110. A collimator seating hole 810 may be formed on a first surface of the main body housing 110. The first surface may be one side of the main body housing 110. The collimator seating hole 810 may be configured to detachably connect the collimator 140. The collimator 140 may be connected to the collimator seating hole 810 in a snap-in manner. The collimator 140 may be connected to the main body housing by being inserted into the collimator seating hole 810.

[0115] A metal terminal formed on the collimator 140 may be connected to a metal terminal formed in the collimator seating hole 810 so that the collimator 140 and the control unit 300 are electrically connected. Therefore, the collimator 140 can be controlled by the control unit 300 and can receive electrical energy from the power supply unit 450.

[0116] The sensor unit 310 can sense whether the collimator unit 140 and the main body housing 110 are connected. For example, the sensor unit 310 can determine whether the collimator unit 140 and the control unit 300 are electrically connected. The control unit 300 can deactivate the radiation source unit 220 when the collimator unit 140 and the main body housing 110 are not connected. When the radiation source unit 220 is deactivated, the radiation source unit 220 may not generate any radiation. The control unit 300 can activate the radiation source unit 220 only when the collimator unit 140 and the main body housing 110 are connected.

[0117] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a shielding portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] 8 and 9, the portable radiation generating device 100 may include a shielding unit 150. The shielding unit 150 may be coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the collimating unit 140. More specifically, a collimating unit coupling hole 910 may be formed in the shielding unit 150. The collimating unit 140 may be inserted into the collimating unit coupling hole 910, and the shielding unit 150 may be coupled to the collimating unit 140. Coupling portions for engaging with each other may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shielding unit 150 (the surface forming the coupling hole 910) and the outer circumferential surface of the collimating unit 140.

[0119] The shielding unit 150 may have a donut-shaped surface extending in a radial direction of the collimating unit 140. The shielding unit 150 may be configured to block scattered radiation. The shielding unit 150 may be made of a radio-opaque material to block scattered radiation. More specifically, when the portable radiation generating device 100 emits radiation to the outside through the irradiation plate 141, the radiation may be scattered, refracted, or reflected toward the user. The shielding unit 150 can block the radiation so that the radiation toward the user does not affect the user.

[0120] The shielding portion 150 may be fixed to the collimating portion 140, but is not limited to this. The shielding portion 150 may be movable in the length direction of the collimating portion 140. The shielding portion 150 may be movable in a first direction or a direction opposite to the first direction. A user can position the shielding portion 150 in an optimal position as needed.

[0121] The shielding unit 150 may be movable in the length direction of the collimation unit 140 by a motor. A user may determine the position of the shielding unit 150 through the input / output unit 130. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the portable radiation generating device 100 may automatically determine the position of the shielding unit 150. For example, the portable radiation generating device 100 may position the shielding unit 150 in a first direction as the distance between the object and the portable radiation generating device 100 becomes shorter. Furthermore, the portable radiation generating device 100 may position the shielding unit 150 in a direction opposite to the first direction as the distance between the object and the portable radiation generating device 100 becomes longer. As described above, the distance between the object and the portable radiation generating device 100 may be measured by a sensor unit. The portable radiation generating device 100 of the present disclosure may automatically determine the position of the shielding unit to minimize the user's exposure to radiation.

[0122] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the shielding portion may be embodied in a variable manner that allows it to be folded or unfolded. For example, the shielding portion may have an umbrella shape. Therefore, the shielding portion 150 can be folded and stored together with the collimating portion 140 during storage, and unfolded during use.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the portable radiation generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] The control unit 300 can change the color of the visible light emitted from the light emitting unit depending on the state of the portable radiation generating device. The state of the portable radiation generating device may be a predetermined state determined by the control unit 300.

[0125] More specifically, when the portable radiation generating device 100 is in the imaging preparation state, the control unit 300 may control the light emitting unit 230 to emit visible light of a first color. The first color may be, for example, green, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in the imaging preparation state based on the trigger button 122. The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in the imaging preparation state when the trigger button 122 is half-pressed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in the imaging preparation state when the power of the portable radiation generating device 100 is turned on.

[0127] In the imaging preparation state, the control unit 300 may preheat the radiation source unit 220 or cause the power supply unit 450 to prepare a high voltage. Also, in the imaging preparation state, the control unit 300 may control the light emitting unit 230 to emit visible light of a first color. The visible light of the first color may be emitted to the outside through the light emitting region 143 and serve as a guide light. The guide light may be irradiated over the entire radiation irradiation range or the center of the radiation irradiation range.

[0128] When the portable radiation generating device 100 is in the object imaging state, the control unit 300 can control the light emitting unit 230 to emit visible light of a second color. The second color may be a color different from the first color. The second color may be, for example, yellow. However, the second color is not limited to this.

[0129] The control unit 300 can determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in an imaging state based on the trigger button 122. The control unit 300 can determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in an imaging state when the trigger button 122 is fully pressed.

[0130] In the imaging state, the control unit 300 may control the power supply unit 450 to apply a high voltage to the radiation source unit 220. In addition, in the imaging state, the control unit 300 may control the radiation source unit 220 to irradiate the target with radiation. In the imaging state, the control unit 300 may control the light irradiator 230 to irradiate a second color of visible light. The second color of visible light may be emitted to the outside through the light emitting region 143 and serve as a guide light. The guide light may be irradiated over the entire radiation irradiation range or the center of the radiation irradiation range. The user can easily check which part of the target is being irradiated with radiation even during imaging. The user may also continuously control the position of the portable radiation generator 100 so that radiation is irradiated to the lesion part of the target.

[0131] When the portable radiation generating device is in an error state, the control unit 300 may control the light emitting unit 230 to emit visible light of a third color. The third color may be a color different from the first and second colors. The third color may be, for example, red. However, the third color is not limited to this.

[0132] The controller 300 may determine an error state based on a predetermined algorithm. The error state may be when radiation is irradiated to a location other than a predetermined lesion area of ​​the subject. The error state may also be when the radiation irradiation direction is different from the detector position.

[0133] The sensor unit 310 included in the portable radiation generating device 100 can determine the alignment state of the portable radiation generating device 100 and the detector in cooperation with the sensor unit included in the detector. The control unit 300 can determine an error state when the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generating device 100 does not overlap with the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector. The control unit 300 can determine an error state when the center of the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generating device 100 is different from the center of the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector by a predetermined critical distance or more. The control unit 300 can determine an error state when the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generating device 100 does not overlap with the center of the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector. The control unit 300 can determine an error state when the center of the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generating device 100 does not overlap with the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector.

[0134] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 300 may perform the following operations. The portable radiation generating device 100 may further include a sensor unit 310 for detecting movement of the portable radiation generating device. The sensor unit 310 may include at least one of an acceleration sensor or a camera. The acceleration sensor may be located inside the main body housing 110. The acceleration sensor may be located inside the control board 210. The camera may be located in the collimating unit 140. The camera may be arranged to face the first direction from the collimating unit 140. More specifically, the camera may be located in one of the irradiation plate 141 and the shielding unit 150 of the collimating unit 140.

[0135] The control unit 300 may execute a step (S1010) of receiving an input to the trigger button 122. The control unit 300 may determine that the camera is in a shooting preparation state when the trigger button 122 is half-pressed. The control unit 300 may determine that the camera is in a shooting state when the trigger button 122 is fully pressed.

[0136] The control unit 300 may perform step 1020 of determining whether the portable radiation generating device 100 is in one of an imaging preparation state and an imaging state and whether the portable radiation generating device 100 is moving using the sensor unit 310 for a predetermined waiting time. The control unit 300 may determine whether the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved using a signal from the sensor unit measured during the predetermined waiting time. The waiting time may be a time period during which the control unit 300 determines whether the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved.

[0137] For example, the control unit 300 may acquire a signal from an acceleration sensor during the standby time. The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved if the acceleration value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical acceleration. The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved if the integral value of the acceleration values ​​of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical speed. The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved if the integral value of the acceleration values ​​of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical distance.

[0138] The control unit 300 may capture an image of the target object using a camera during the standby time. The control unit 300 may process the captured image to determine a motion vector. The motion vector may be a value including a distance and a direction in which the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved relative to the target object. The control unit 300 may determine that the portable radiation generating device 100 has moved if the distance of movement is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical distance.

[0139] If the portable radiation generating device is moved, the control unit 300 may execute step 1030 of changing the state of the portable radiation generating device to an error state. If the portable radiation generating device is in the error state, the control unit 300 may control the light emitting unit 230 to emit visible light of a third color. The visible light of the third color is emitted to the outside through the light emitting region 143, allowing the user to know that the portable radiation generating device 100 is in an error state. Therefore, the user can reposition the portable radiation generating device 100 and start capturing images again.

[0140] The present invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and all variations within the scope of equivalents thereto should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

[0141] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be created as a computer-executable program and can be implemented on a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

Claims

1. In a portable radiation generating device, a radiation source unit that generates radiation; a collimator located on one side of the radiation source unit and limiting the radiation generated from the radiation source unit to determine a radiation irradiation range on the surface of the target object; a light emitting unit located on one side of the collimating unit and emitting visible light; a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit or the light irradiation unit; a collimation unit configured to emit guide light having a predetermined shape by restricting visible light, the collimation unit including an irradiation plate on one side of which at least a portion is radiation-transparent and includes a light emitting area for emitting guide light having a predetermined shape to the outside.

2. The guide light is a first guide light that is irradiated onto the center of the radiation irradiation area of ​​the object to indicate the center of the radiation irradiation point; a second guide light that is irradiated onto an area of ​​the object corresponding to the radiation irradiation area to indicate the radiation irradiation area; or The portable radiation generating device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the third guide light simultaneously indicating the irradiation point and the irradiation range is emitted.

3. The illumination plate is configured to be detachable to one side of the collimation unit, 2. The portable radiation generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting area has one of a cross shape, a circle shape, a square shape, a ring shape, and a polygon shape.

4. 2. The portable radiation generating device according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the light irradiation unit is determined so that the center of an area of ​​visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit onto the irradiation plate coincides with the center of an area of ​​radiation irradiated from the radiation source unit onto the irradiation plate.

5. The portable radiation generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the hue of the visible light emitted from the light emitting unit depending on the state of the portable radiation generating device.

6. The control unit When the portable radiation generating device is in a state of preparation for imaging, the light irradiating unit is controlled to irradiate visible light of a first color; When the portable radiation generating device is in a state of photographing an object, the light emitting unit is controlled to emit visible light of a second color; 6. The portable radiation generating device according to claim 5, wherein when the portable radiation generating device is in an error state, the light emitting unit is controlled to emit visible light of a third color.

7. 2. The portable radiation generating device according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source unit uses a thermionic method or a field emission method using carbon nanotubes.

8. the radiation source is located within the main housing; A collimator mounting hole is formed on one side of the main body housing, The portable radiation generating device of claim 1 , wherein the collimator is inserted into the collimator seating hole and coupled to the main body housing.

9. a shielding portion coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the collimating portion, having a doughnut-shaped surface extending in a radial direction of the collimating portion, and shielding scattered radiation; The portable radiation generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding unit is fixed or movable in the length direction of the collimating unit.

Images