Digital x-ray device for automatically setting x-ray radiation information according to distance to subject and photographing portion of subject, and operation method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a digital X-ray device for automatically setting X-ray radiation information according to the distance to a subject and a photographing portion of the subject, and an operation method thereof. The digital X-ray device, communicating with an X-ray receiving unit, of the present disclosure comprises: a camera; a distance sensor for detecting the distance to a subject; a collimator for automatically setting the radiation dose of an X-ray to be radiated to the subject, and an X-ray irradiation area; a control unit for controlling the operation of the collimator on the basis of distance data and image data of the subject; an X-ray radiation unit for radiating the X-ray toward the subject in response to an X-ray shot input signal; and a display unit for displaying an image on the basis of data received from at least one among the camera and the X-ray receiving unit.

Description

Digital X-ray device and operating method thereof for automatically setting X-ray irradiation information according to the distance to the subject and the photographed part of the subject

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a digital X-ray device and an operating method thereof for automatically setting X-ray irradiation information according to a distance from a subject and a photographed portion of the subject.

[0002] Typically, an X-ray is taken at a certain distance from the patient, and the distance is adjusted according to the area to be photographed. At this time, the X-ray irradiation range is determined according to the size of the area to be photographed, and the collimator plays a role in confirming this. In the case of existing equipment, the settings of the patient's photographed area and the irradiation range where the X-ray is generated are confirmed using a halogen lamp or LED light installed inside. Therefore, in order to obtain images of a large area to be photographed, such as a chest X-ray, the equipment becomes large and heavy.

[0003] The purpose of the embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure is to construct a digital integrated X-ray system that automatically sets the irradiation amount and irradiation range of X-rays according to the distance to the subject detected in real time and the image of the subject captured.

[0004] The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-described technical problem, a digital X-ray device communicating with an X-ray receiving unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a camera for photographing a subject in real time; a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the subject and the digital X-ray device; a collimator for automatically setting an X-ray irradiation amount and an X-ray irradiation area to be irradiated to the subject based on a control signal; a control unit for outputting the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator based on image data of the subject photographed by the camera and distance data on the distance detected by the distance sensor; an X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating an X-ray toward the subject in response to an X-ray shot input signal; and a display unit for displaying an image based on data received from at least one of the camera and the X-ray receiving unit.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a digital X-ray device communicating with an X-ray receiving unit includes: a photographing step for photographing a subject in real time; a distance detection step for detecting a distance between the subject and the digital X-ray device; an X-ray setting step for automatically setting an X-ray irradiation amount and an X-ray irradiation area to be irradiated to the subject based on a control signal; a control step for outputting the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator based on image data for the subject photographed by the camera and distance data for the distance detected by the distance sensor; an X-ray irradiation step for irradiating an X-ray toward the subject in response to an X-ray shot input signal; and an image display step for displaying an image based on data received from at least one of the camera and the X-ray receiving unit.

[0007] According to the aforementioned problem solving means of the present disclosure, since the digital X-ray device does not use a halogen lamp or a separate LED device, it has the effect of allowing the user to check the photographed area in real time on the display unit.

[0008] In addition, since a miniaturized and lightweight collimator is installed right in front of the X-ray irradiation unit, it is easy for users to use the digital X-ray device in a portable manner, and the user can recognize the subject using the camera and check the subject's photographed area on the display using the distance sensor.

[0009] Additionally, the collimator automatically sets the X-ray irradiation area and irradiation amount, allowing the user to quickly take X-ray shots.

[0010] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a front view of the digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device before X-ray imaging of the chest of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the X-ray irradiation area and collimator of the digital X-ray device for the chest of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device after X-ray imaging of the chest of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device prior to X-ray imaging of the hand of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining the X-ray irradiation area and collimator of the digital X-ray device for the hand of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device after X-ray imaging of the hand of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation method of a digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0020] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This disclosure does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and any content that is common in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains or that overlaps between embodiments is omitted. The terms "part, module, element, block" used in the specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts, modules, elements, blocks" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part, module, element, block" may include multiple components.

[0021] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection, and indirect connection includes connection via a wireless communication network.

[0022] Additionally, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when we say that an element is "on" another element, this includes not only cases where the element is in contact with the other element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements.

[0024] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] The identification codes for each step are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of each step. Each step may be performed in a different order than specified unless the context clearly indicates a specific order.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the digital X-ray device (10) may be an integrated portable device including hardware components that perform X-ray irradiation, photography, distance sensing, etc.

[0030] A digital X-ray device (10) may include a collimator (191), a distance sensor (192), a camera (193), a user input unit (100), an output unit (110), a storage unit (120), a communication unit (130), a control unit (140), a power supply unit (150), an adapter (160), an X-ray irradiation unit (170), and an X-ray receiving unit (180).

[0031] The user input unit (100) can manipulate the use of the equipment. The user input unit (100) includes a touch input unit (101) that detects user touch input and a button unit (102). The button unit (102) includes an UP button, a DOWN button, a POWER button, and an X-ray irradiation button formed on the main body.

[0032] The output unit (110) can acquire and output the captured X-ray image. The output unit (110) includes a display unit (111) that displays the X-ray captured image and a buzzer (112) that notifies the outside of the start of X-ray irradiation. The display unit (111) can display an image based on data received from at least one of the camera (193) and the X-ray receiving unit (180). The display unit (111) can be implemented as an LCD display, an LED display, or an OLED display.

[0033] The storage unit (120) stores data including a program operating system, an executable program, patient information, and patient-specific images. The program operating system may be implemented using Windows, Android, iOS, or Linux. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented using operating systems other than those described above. The storage unit (120) includes storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SDD), and memory devices such as DRAM and SRAM.

[0034] The communication unit (130) transmits and receives data with an external device, such as an X-ray receiver (180), mouse, keyboard, or large-capacity external memory, through Ethernet communication and universal serial bus (USB) communication, and a connection port is formed in the main body to which an Ethernet cable and universal serial bus (USB) are connected.

[0035] The control unit (140) can control X-ray conditions, etc. The control unit (140) can confirm the area to be irradiated with X-rays before taking pictures by processing the image recognized through the camera (193) in the software unit, and can automatically adjust the lead aperture. The control unit (140) can automatically set the setting values ​​to match the range and size at the time of X-ray taking based on the area range set in the image of the photographed area displayed on the display unit (111) based on the image acquired by the camera (193).

[0036] The control unit (140) can output the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator (191) based on image data for the subject captured by the camera (193) and distance data for the distance detected by the distance sensor (192).

[0037] When operating power is input from the power supply (150), the control unit (140) drives an execution program stored in the storage unit (120), controls the power supply unit (150) according to the operation commands and data input from the user input unit (100) and the communication unit (130), and outputs the patient's image data input through the communication unit (130) to the display unit (111).

[0038] The control unit (140) includes a power control unit (141), an output control unit (142), a camera control unit (143), a distance sensor control unit (144), a collimator control unit (145), an X-ray irradiation unit control unit (146), an image processing unit (147), and an information processing unit (148).

[0039] When a POWER button pressing signal is input, the power control unit (141) receives operating power from the power unit (150) and operates, and when an X-ray irradiation button pressing signal is input, the power control unit (150) controls the power unit (150) so that voltage is supplied from the voltage conversion unit (151) to the X-ray irradiation unit (170).

[0040] When operating power is input from the power supply unit (150), the output control unit (142) loads the execution program stored in the storage unit (120) and displays a standby screen on the display unit (111). When a power supply signal from the power supply unit (150) to the X-ray irradiation unit (170) is input, the output control unit (142) displays an X-ray control screen on the display unit (111). When an X-ray irradiation button pressing signal is input, the output control unit (142) drives a buzzer (112).

[0041] The camera control unit (143) can receive and process image data captured by the camera (193) and control the operation of the camera (193). The camera control unit (143) can obtain an image of a body part of a subject (11) captured by the camera (193) and set a shooting range. The camera control unit (143) is arranged so as not to affect X-ray shooting, and can process the image to be captured and displayed in the same direction as the X-ray shooting direction through mechanical arrangement or software post-processing. Through this, the shooting direction determined by the camera can match the actual X-ray shooting direction. The distance sensor control unit (144) can receive and process distance data detected by the distance sensor (192) and control the operation of the distance sensor (192). The collimator control unit (145) can control the operation of the collimator (191) based on the distance to the subject (11) and the image of the subject (11). The X-ray irradiation unit control unit (146) can obtain an X-ray photographed image and control the operation of the X-ray irradiation unit (170).

[0042] When the patient's image data is input through the communication unit (130), the image processing unit (147) converts it into data that can be recognized by a human and displays it on the display unit (111).

[0043] The information processing unit (148) receives an UP button pressing signal or a DOWN button pressing signal, sets the X-ray irradiation time, and controls the power supply unit (150) so that voltage is supplied from the voltage conversion unit (151) to the X-ray irradiation unit (170) for the set X-ray irradiation time. The information processing unit (148) can receive X-ray irradiation time setting data from the touch input unit (101). Accordingly, the cumulative radiation dose is prevented from exceeding the recommended maximum, thereby preventing damage to the patient due to long X-ray irradiation.

[0044] The information processing unit (148) can be linked with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), and thus can manually or automatically input patient information such as the patient's name, date of birth, gender, and contact information. For example, the information processing unit (148) displays a patient information guidance screen guiding the input of the patient's name, date of birth, gender, and contact information on the display unit (111). When the patient's image data is input through the communication unit (130), the information processing unit (148) generates the data creation date and identification information and stores them in the storage unit (120). The information processing unit (148) displays an error code and text on the display device (2141) when the execution program does not operate normally, an overcurrent is detected, the voltage drops below the voltage set during X-ray irradiation, the current drops below the current set during X-ray irradiation, the X-ray irradiation button is released earlier than the set irradiation time, and the irradiation is not performed normally or the battery capacity is low.

[0045] The power supply unit (150) can perform a power input battery charging function. The power supply unit (150) includes a battery (152) that can be charged and discharged, a voltage conversion unit (151), and a charging unit (153). The voltage conversion unit (151) receives a voltage output from the battery (152) and converts it into operating power for each of the X-ray irradiation unit (170) and the control unit (140). The charging unit (153) receives an external commercial power supply through an adapter (160) and charges the battery (152). The power supply unit (150) is provided with an opening / closing switch that is operated according to a control signal input from the control unit (140) between the voltage conversion unit (151) and the X-ray irradiation unit (170). In addition, the power supply unit (150) is provided with an electrical element, such as a fuse, that trips when an overcurrent is input from the X-ray irradiation unit (170).

[0046] The X-ray irradiation unit (170) can generate X-rays. The X-ray irradiation unit (170) can irradiate X-rays toward the subject (11) in response to an X-ray shot input signal. The X-ray irradiation unit (170) is driven by receiving power from the power supply unit (150). The X-ray reception unit (180) is an X-ray detection unit, and a patient, i.e., a subject (11), is positioned between the X-ray irradiation unit (170) and the X-ray reception unit (180). The X-ray reception unit (180) detects X-rays that have penetrated the patient (or the patient's photographed area) by being irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit (170), and converts the detected X-rays into a digital image signal and outputs the converted X-rays. If necessary, the X-ray reception unit (180) can be designed as a separate configuration from the digital X-ray device (10).

[0047] A collimator (191) is installed right in front of an X-ray irradiation port and can automatically set the irradiation range using a subject recognition and distance sensor to take an X-ray. The collimator (191) can set the irradiation range by opening and closing the collimator. The collimator (191) can adjust the irradiation amount and irradiation range (e.g., X-ray irradiation area) of X-rays to an area to be diagnosed during X-ray diagnostic photography. The X-ray of the present disclosure may also be referred to as radiation, X-ray, etc. For example, the collimator (191) can adjust the area to which radiation is irradiated by adjusting a lead shutter. At this time, the method of adjusting the lead shutter may include a manual method of adjusting a knob, and / or an automatic method of electrical control through an OP console. The collimator (191) can set the distance to the patient and the area to be photographed. The collimator (191) can automatically set the amount of X-rays to be irradiated to the subject and the X-ray irradiation area based on the control signal of the control unit (140). The collimator (191) can include a lead diaphragm unit that can be adjusted to set the shooting range based on information confirmed through the control unit (140), and a driving unit that can be adjusted by the settings of the control unit (140) through the lead diaphragm unit.

[0048] The distance sensor (192) can detect the distance between the subject (11) and the digital X-ray device (10). The distance sensor (192) can output distance data to the control unit (140).

[0049] The camera (193) can capture a subject (11) in real time. The camera (193) can output image data for the subject (11) captured by the camera (193) to the control unit (140).

[0050] Since the digital X-ray device (10) does not use a halogen lamp or a separate LED device, it has the effect of allowing the user to check the shooting area in real time on the display unit (111). Since the miniaturized and lightweight collimator (191) is installed right in front of the X-ray irradiation unit (170), it is easy for the user to use the digital X-ray device (10) portablely, and the user can recognize the subject using the camera (193) and check the shooting area of ​​the subject on the display using the distance sensor (192). In addition, since the collimator (191) automatically sets the X-ray irradiation area and irradiation amount, there is the effect of allowing the user to quickly take an X-ray photograph.

[0051] Figure 2 is a front view of the digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera (200), a distance sensor (210), and a collimator (220) may be provided on the front of a digital X-ray device (20). The camera (200) is used to recognize a subject (11), and the distance sensor (210) can determine the distance to the subject (11). The collimator (220) may include an aperture (221) that is arranged in the direction in which the subject (11) is located and is opened by the rotation of a rotation shaft (222), a rotation shaft (222) that rotates in response to a control signal, a sensor (223) configured to allow a lead-shielded shutter to be opened and closed automatically or manually, and a sensor plate (224). The aperture (221) may include a plurality of shutter members. For example, the aperture portion (221) may include a first shutter member extending in a first direction, a second shutter member arranged parallel to the first shutter member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a third shutter member extending in the second direction, and a fourth shutter member arranged parallel to the third shutter member in the first direction. A predetermined space may be formed at the center of the aperture portion (221) by the first to fourth shutter members. The size of the X-ray irradiation area may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the size of the space. That is, the X-ray irradiation area may be formed by the rotation of the rotation shaft, whereby the first shutter member and the second shutter member move in the second direction, and the third shutter member and the fourth shutter member move in the first direction.

[0053] Figure 3 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device before X-ray imaging of the chest of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the rear of the digital X-ray device (30) may be provided with a first USB port (300), a second USB port (310), an X-ray shot switch (320), a display screen (330), a communication port (340), and a charging jack (350). At least one of the first USB port (300) and the second USB port (310) may perform short-range communication. For example, the first USB port (300) may be a port used when connecting a digital sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. The second USB port (310) may be a port used when connecting a camera device for collimator control when manufactured as a separate module. The X-ray shot switch (320) may be a button that a user can use when taking an X-ray. The display screen (330) may display various images. When a user operates the X-ray shot switch (320), an X-ray shot input signal may be generated. The communication port (340) may be a port for performing wired communication. The charging jack (350) may be a member for supplying power.

[0055] The control unit (140) may output the control signal to the collimator (220) so that the collimator (220) sets the size of the X-ray irradiation area based on the image data and the distance data before the X-ray shot input signal is input and before the corresponding X-ray shooting, and may generate image data for the X-ray irradiation area to be displayed on the display screen (330) of the display unit (111) by setting the size of the X-ray irradiation area based on the size of the X-ray irradiation area. The display unit (111) may display, in real time, the subject image and the first X-ray irradiation area image corresponding to the image data for the subject (11) captured by the camera (200) before the X-ray shooting. The subject image may be the real-time image (331) illustrated in FIG. 3, and the first X-ray irradiation area image may be the X-ray irradiation area (332) illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0056] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the X-ray irradiation area and collimator of the digital X-ray device for the chest of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, in addition to controlling the radiation irradiation range using a collimator (400), the following condition control is required during X-ray diagnostic imaging. These conditions require adjustment for each shooting area and each target, and the digital X-ray device of the present disclosure, for example, referring to FIG. 4, the X-ray device (40) recognizes the shooting area and the shooting target through the camera (200) and sets an appropriate APR (Automatic Exposure Control Protocol) as an initial value. After the X-ray shot input signal is input, the control unit (140) can recognize the shooting area of ​​the subject (11) captured by the camera (200) and the shooting target to be captured from the subject (11) during the corresponding X-ray shooting, and set the APR (Automatic Exposure Control Protocol) based on the recognized shooting area and the shooting target. For example, the control unit (140) can set the voltage intensity, current intensity, and X-ray emission time for the X-ray irradiation amount during the X-ray photographing. The higher the voltage intensity, the deeper the penetration into the tissue and can be effective in passing through dense tissues such as bone density. The unit of voltage intensity can be kV. In the case of current intensity, since the amount of electrons emitted from the X-ray tube is controlled, a larger amount of electrons can generate a brighter image. A high current intensity improves the brightness and contrast of the image and can visualize soft and detailed structures. The unit of current intensity can be mA. The unit of X-ray emission time can be second. The X-ray irradiation area (410) can be changed by the collimator (400). The X-ray irradiation area (410) illustrated in FIG. 4 can be an area for photographing a relatively large area of ​​the subject (11), for example, the chest. For this purpose, the opening of the collimator (400) can be completely opened.

[0058] Figure 5 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device after X-ray imaging of the chest of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the rear side of the digital X-ray device (50) may be provided with a first USB port (500), a second USB port (510), an X-ray shot switch (520), a display screen (530), a communication port (540), and a charging jack (550). The display unit (111) may display, in real time, an X-ray image of the subject (11) corresponding to the X-ray detection data provided by the X-ray receiving unit (180) after the X-ray photographing, a second X-ray irradiation area image indicating an X-ray irradiation area corresponding to the X-ray image, and an operation panel image including personal information about the subject, a SID (Source to image receptor distance), and a size of the X-ray irradiation area of ​​the second X-ray irradiation area image, and a setting value adjustment menu.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the X-ray image may be an image (531) located on the left side of the display screen (530). When the user confirms the irradiation area on the display screen (530) and the X-ray is irradiated, the image may be immediately displayed on the display screen (530). Accordingly, by acquiring the image without a separate computer or laptop, quick reading is possible, and image transmission to the hospital via the Internet is also possible immediately. The second X-ray irradiation area image may be an image (532) superimposed on the image (531) on the display screen (530). Through this, the user can confirm the X-ray irradiation area and detect the distance through the camera (193). The operation panel image may be an image (533) located on the right side of the display screen (530). In the image (533), a touch input image corresponding to the touch input unit (101) and patient information may be displayed.

[0061] Figure 6 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device prior to X-ray imaging of the hand of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the rear side of the digital X-ray device (60) may be provided with a first USB port (600), a second USB port (610), an X-ray shot switch (620), a display screen (630), a communication port (640), and a charging jack (650). The control unit (140) outputs the control signal to the collimator (220) so that, before X-ray photography, the collimator (220) sets the X-ray irradiation area size based on the image data and the distance data, and sets the X-ray irradiation area according to the size of the X-ray irradiation area, and the display unit (111) may display a subject image and a third X-ray irradiation area image in real time before X-ray photography. The subject image may be a real-time image (631) illustrated in FIG. 6, and the third X-ray irradiation area image may be an X-ray irradiation area (632) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0063] The size of the X-ray irradiation area according to the third X-ray irradiation area image may be smaller than the size of the X-ray irradiation area according to the second X-ray irradiation area image of FIG. 3.

[0064] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining the X-ray irradiation area and collimator of the digital X-ray device for the hand of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, in addition to the radiation irradiation range control using the collimator (700) as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the following condition control is required when performing X-ray diagnostic imaging. The control unit (140) can set the APR including the voltage intensity, current intensity, and emission time of the X-ray for the X-ray irradiation amount. The X-ray irradiation area (710) can be changed by the collimator (700). The X-ray irradiation area (710) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be an area for photographing a relatively large area of ​​the subject (11), for example, a patient's hand. For this purpose, the collimator (700) may be opened relatively less than the collimator (400).

[0066] Figure 8 is a rear view of the digital X-ray device after X-ray imaging of the hand of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, a first USB port (800), a second USB port (810), an X-ray shot switch (820), a display screen (830), a communication port (840), and a charging jack (850) may be provided on the rear side of a digital X-ray device (80). The display unit (111) may display in real time an X-ray image of the subject (11) corresponding to the X-ray detection data provided by the X-ray receiving unit (180) after the X-ray photographing, a third X-ray irradiation area image, and an operation panel image. Referring to FIG. 8, the X-ray image may be an image (831) located on the left side of the display screen (830). The third X-ray irradiation area image may be an image (832) superimposed on the image (831) on the display screen (830). The operation panel image may be an image (833) located on the right side of the display screen (830).

[0068] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation method of a digital X-ray device of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the operation method of a digital X-ray device (10) communicating with an X-ray receiving unit (180) may include a photographing step (S100), a distance detection step (S200), an X-ray setting step (S300), a control step (S400), an X-ray irradiation step (S500), and an image display step (S600).

[0070] In the shooting stage (S100), the camera (193) captures the subject (11) in real time.

[0071] In the distance detection step (S200), the distance sensor (192) detects the distance between the subject (11) and the digital X-ray device (20).

[0072] In the X-ray setting step (S300), the collimator (191) automatically sets the amount of X-ray to be irradiated to the subject (11) and the X-ray irradiation area based on the control signal.

[0073] In the control step (S400), the control unit (140) outputs the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator (191) based on image data for the subject (11) captured by the camera (193) and distance data for the distance detected by the distance sensor (192).

[0074] In the X-ray irradiation step (S500), the X-ray irradiation unit (170) irradiates the subject with X-rays in response to an X-ray shot input signal.

[0075] The image display step (S600) displays an image based on data received from at least one of the camera (193) and the X-ray receiving unit (180).

[0076] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. In a digital X-ray device communicating with an X-ray receiver, A camera that captures a subject in real time; A distance sensor for detecting the distance between the subject and the digital X-ray device; A collimator that automatically sets the amount of X-rays to be irradiated and the X-ray irradiation area to be irradiated to the subject based on a control signal; A control unit that outputs the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator based on image data for the subject captured by the camera and distance data for the distance detected by the distance sensor; An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates an X-ray toward the subject in response to an X-ray shot input signal; and A digital X-ray device comprising a display unit that displays an image based on data received from at least one of the camera and the X-ray receiver.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Before the X-ray shot input signal is input and before the corresponding X-ray shooting, the size of the X-ray irradiation area is set based on the image data and the distance data, and the control signal is output to the collimator so that the collimator sets the X-ray irradiation area according to the size of the X-ray irradiation area, and image data for the X-ray irradiation area to be displayed on the display unit is generated, The above display unit, A digital X-ray device characterized in that, before the X-ray photographing, the subject image and the first X-ray irradiation area image corresponding to the image data for the subject photographed by the camera are displayed in real time.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A digital X-ray device characterized in that, after the X-ray shot input signal is input, when taking a corresponding X-ray, the shooting part of the subject photographed by the camera and the shooting target to be photographed from the subject are recognized, and an APR (Automatic Exposure Control Protocol) is set based on the recognized shooting part and the shooting target.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A digital X-ray device characterized in that, when taking the X-ray, the voltage intensity, current intensity, and emission time of the X-ray for the X-ray dose are set.

5. In paragraph 4, The above display unit, A digital X-ray device characterized in that, after the X-ray photographing, it displays in real time an X-ray image of the subject corresponding to the X-ray detection data provided by the X-ray receiving unit, a second X-ray irradiation area image indicating an X-ray irradiation area corresponding to the X-ray image, and an operation panel image including personal information about the subject, a SID (Source to image receptor distance), and a size of the X-ray irradiation area of ​​the second X-ray irradiation area image, and a setting value adjustment menu.

6. In paragraph 5, The above collimator, a rotating shaft that rotates in response to a control signal; and A digital X-ray device characterized in that it includes an aperture portion arranged in the direction in which the subject is located and opened by rotation of the rotation shaft.

7. In paragraph 6, The above aperture part, A first shutter member extending in a first direction; A second shutter member arranged parallel to the first shutter member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a third shutter member extending in the second direction; and Including a fourth shutter member arranged parallel to the third shutter member in the first direction, The above X-ray irradiation area is, A digital X-ray device characterized in that, by the rotation of the rotating shaft, the first shutter member and the second shutter member are formed by moving in the second direction, and the third shutter member and the fourth shutter member are formed by moving in the first direction.

8. In paragraph 7, A digital X-ray device, characterized in that it further comprises a communication port for performing wired communication.

9. In paragraph 8, A digital X-ray device, characterized in that it further comprises a USB port for performing short-range communication.

10. In the operating method of a digital X-ray device communicating with an X-ray receiver, The shooting stage where the subject is captured in real time; A distance detection step for detecting the distance between the subject and the digital X-ray device; An X-ray setting step for automatically setting the amount of X-ray to be irradiated and the X-ray irradiation area to be irradiated to the subject based on a control signal; A control step for outputting the control signal for controlling the operation of the collimator based on image data for the subject captured by the camera and distance data for the distance detected by the distance sensor; An X-ray irradiation step for irradiating an X-ray toward the subject in response to an X-ray shot input signal; and A method of operating a digital X-ray device, comprising an image display step of displaying an image based on data received from at least one of the camera and the X-ray receiver.

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