Portable radiation-generating device and method for operating portable radiation-generating device

Abstract

A portable radiation-generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a radiation source unit generating radiation; a collimation unit positioned in a first direction relative to the radiation source unit and limiting the radiation generated by the radiation source unit so as to determine a radiation irradiation range irradiated on a surface of an object; a light irradiation unit positioned, relative to the collimation unit, in the opposite direction to the first direction and generating visible light; and a control unit controlling the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit or the light irradiation unit, wherein the collimation unit comprises, on the surface thereof in the first direction, an irradiation plate which is at least partially radiolucent and which includes a light emission area for outputting a predetermined form of guide light, to the outside, by limiting visible light.

Description

Portable radiation generator and method of operating the portable radiation generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a portable radiation generator and an operating method thereof. More specifically, the portable radiation generator of the present disclosure can irradiate radiation to a precise location by indicating a radiation irradiation area, even though it is a portable radiation generator.

[0002]

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a portable X-ray generator, and more particularly, to a portable X-ray generator suitable for intra-oral X-ray photography in dentistry using a field emission X-ray source.

[0004] Recently, thanks to the advancement of semiconductor and information processing technology, radiography is rapidly being replaced by DR (Digital Radiography) using digital sensors. Radiography technology is also evolving in various ways depending on the purpose. One example is intraoral radiography, primarily used in dentistry. Intraoral radiography is an X-ray imaging method for obtaining radiographic images of a limited area within a subject's oral cavity. It involves placing a radiation sensor inside the subject's mouth and irradiating it with radiation from a radiation generator outside the mouth, thereby obtaining radiographic images of the teeth and surrounding tissues between the sensors. These intraoral X-ray images offer the advantages of minimal distortion, excellent resolution and sharpness, and relatively low radiation exposure. Therefore, they are primarily used in procedures requiring high resolution, such as implant procedures and root canal treatments.

[0005] Intraoral dental radiography acquires images from the radiograph and the sensor positioned within the oral cavity. To obtain high-quality X-ray images, the X-ray irradiation point must be aligned with the subject's imaging area. However, the sensor's location within the oral cavity makes it difficult for users to accurately identify the imaging point.

[0006] In addition, dental portable X-ray generators have the advantage of being easy to use, but the shooting range is small, so the X-ray radiation location must be precisely targeted. However, unskilled users have a problem in that they cannot accurately target the area requiring X-ray shooting, and thus cannot shoot the exact spot.

[0007]

[0008] The present disclosure provides a portable radiation generating device that precisely targets an area requiring imaging.

[0009]

[0010] A portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure includes a radiation source unit that generates radiation, a collimating unit located on one side of the radiation source unit and that determines a radiation irradiation range to be irradiated on a surface of a target object by limiting radiation generated from the radiation source unit, a light irradiating unit located on one side of the collimating unit and that generates visible light, and a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit and the light irradiating unit, wherein the collimating unit includes an irradiation plate that has a light emitting area at least partially transparent to radiation on one side and outputs guide light of a predetermined shape to the outside by limiting visible light.

[0011] The guide light of the portable radiation generator according to the present disclosure is characterized in that at least one of a first guide light that is irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range of a target object 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 object to indicate the radiation irradiation range, or a third guide light that simultaneously indicates the irradiation point and the irradiation range is irradiated.

[0012] The irradiation plate of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is configured to be detachably attached to one side of the collimating portion, and the light emitting area is any one of a cross shape, a circle, a square shape, a ring shape, and a polygon shape.

[0013] The direction of the light irradiation unit is determined so that the center of the area of ​​visible light irradiated to the irradiation plate in the light irradiation unit of the portable radiation generator according to the present disclosure and the center of the area of ​​radiation irradiated to the irradiation plate in the radiation source unit are aligned.

[0014] The control unit of the portable radiation generator according to the present disclosure changes the color of visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit according to the state of the portable radiation generator.

[0015] The control unit of the portable radiation generator according to the present disclosure controls the light irradiation unit to irradiate visible light of a first color when the state of the portable radiation generator is in a shooting preparation state, controls the light irradiation unit to irradiate visible light of a second color when the state of the portable radiation generator is in a target shooting state, and controls the light irradiation unit to irradiate visible light of a third color when the state of the portable radiation generator is in an error state.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The radiation source unit of the portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure is located inside the main body housing, a collimating unit mounting hole is formed on one side of the main body housing, and the collimating unit is inserted into the collimating unit mounting hole and coupled to the main body housing.

[0018] A portable radiation generating device according to the present disclosure includes a shielding unit that is coupled to the outer surface of a collimating unit and has a donut-shaped surface extending in the radial direction of the collimating unit, and shields scattered radiation, wherein the shielding unit is fixed or configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the collimating unit.

[0019] In addition, a program for implementing the method of operating a portable radiation generating device as described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0020]

[0021] The present disclosure provides a compact and lightweight portable radiation generator structure that can easily mark the radiation point on a subject by simply mounting an LED light source inside the radiation source without requiring a complex collimator with a reflector or aperture structure. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a portable radiation generator with superior cost competitiveness.

[0022] In addition, the present disclosure can investigate various guide lights depending on the device status, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0023]

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a control unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a light emitting region according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a shield according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035]

[0036] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure the completeness of the disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the invention.

[0037] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments will be described in detail.

[0038] The terms used in this specification have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers working in the relevant fields, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, 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 not be defined simply as names, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0039] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates that they are singular. In addition, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context clearly indicates that they are plural.

[0040] When a part of a specification 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 stated.

[0041] Also, the term "part" used in the specification means a software or hardware component, and the "part" performs certain functions. However, the "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts."

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a "unit" may be implemented as a processor and a 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, and the like. In some circumstances, a "processor" may also refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. 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 a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such combination of configurations.

[0043] The term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term memory may also 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, registers, etc. A memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and / or write information to the memory. Memory integrated in a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0044] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, a detailed description of the embodiments is provided so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present disclosure, portions irrelevant to the description are omitted from the drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The portable radiation generator (100) of the present disclosure is of a gun type, so that a user can easily hold it with one hand for use. In addition, the portable radiation generator (100) may be lightweight and compact. Since the portable radiation generator (100) is held and operated by a user, it may be necessary to keep the portable radiation generator (100) still during radiographic imaging. The portable radiation generator (100) of the present disclosure is configured to keep the portable radiation generator (100) still through a light irradiation unit (230).

[0047] A portable radiation generating device (100) may include a main body housing (110). The main body housing (110) may be configured to protect an internal structure. A radiation source unit (220) that generates radiation may be included inside the main body housing (110). In addition, an empty space may be formed so that radiation may be irradiated to the outside of the main body housing (110). The main body housing (110) may be implemented with a material capable of shielding radiation. A light irradiation unit may be included inside the main body housing (110). The light irradiation unit will be described in detail later.

[0048] An input / output unit (130) may be formed in the opposite direction of the first direction of the main body housing (110). 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 and an output unit. The input unit included in the input / output unit (130) may receive various settings for the portable radiation generator (100) from the user. Based on the setting values ​​input by the user, the portable radiation generator (100) may determine at least one of the radiation irradiation time and the radiation irradiation intensity. In addition, the input / output unit (130) may also receive an input for turning on / off the operation of the radiation source unit (220) or turning on / off the operation of the light irradiation unit (230).

[0049] The output unit included in the input / output unit (130) can output various settings for the portable radiation generator (100). The output unit included in the input / output unit (130) can display various settings for the portable radiation generator (100) and a user interface for controlling the operation of the radiation source unit (220) and the light irradiation unit (230). For example, the output unit can display at least one of the currently set radiation irradiation time or radiation irradiation intensity.

[0050] In the present disclosure, the first direction may mean forward. Furthermore, the direction opposite the first direction may mean backward. Furthermore, the second direction may mean upward, and the direction opposite the second direction may mean downward. Furthermore, the third direction may mean right, and the direction opposite the third direction may mean left. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first, second, and third directions may be mutually perpendicular directions.

[0051] A handle part (120) may be formed on the opposite side of the second direction of the main body housing (110). The handle part (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 opposite side of the second direction of the handle part (120). The battery (121) may supply electric energy to the portable radiation generator (100). A trigger button (122) may be formed on the first side of the handle part (120). 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 electric energy for the radiation source unit based on the electric energy of the battery (121) for a predetermined waiting time. After the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the portable radiation generator (100) may irradiate radiation to a target object for a predetermined irradiation time. Alternatively, radiation may be applied while the trigger button (122) is pressed.

[0052] A collimating portion (140) may be formed in the first direction of the main body housing (110). The collimating portion (140) may be configured to limit the area of ​​radiation emitted to the outside. The collimating portion may have a cylindrical shape. In addition, the collimating portion (140) may be configured to limit the area of ​​irradiation of visible light from the light irradiating portion to form a guide light. The collimating portion (140) will be described in detail later.

[0053] A shield (150) extending in the radial direction of the collimator may be formed on the outer surface of the collimator. The shield (150) can protect the user from radiation reflected or scattered from external objects and returned to the user. Hereinafter, the components included in the portable radiation generator (100) will be described in more detail together with FIG. 2.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] A 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 is a method that uses nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for miniaturization of the radiation generator, etc. The radiation source unit (220) of the field emission method has a different electron emission mechanism from the thermionic method based on a tungsten filament. The carbon nanotube-based radiation source unit (220) can emit electrons with relatively low power, and since the emitted electrons are emitted along the longitudinal direction of the carbon nanotubes, the directionality of the electrons toward the X-ray target surface on the anode electrode side is excellent, resulting in very high radiation emission efficiency. In addition, since it is easy to emit pulsed radiation and can capture radiographic images, it has a very high potential for use in dental diagnosis, particularly intraoral X-ray photography.

[0056] The radiation source unit (220) may include an X-ray focus unit (221). The X-ray focus 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 focus unit (221). The cone-shaped radiation may be emitted to the outside from the portable radiation generator (100) through the collimation unit (140).

[0057] The portable radiation generator (100) may include a collimating unit (140). The collimating unit (140) may be positioned in the first direction of the radiation source unit (220). The collimating unit (140) may determine the radiation irradiation range irradiated to the surface of the target object by limiting the radiation generated from the radiation source unit (220). As previously described, the radiation generated from the radiation source unit (220) may have a cone shape or a cone shape. The collimating unit (140) may limit the radiation emitted from the radiation source unit (220) and determine the shape of the radiation irradiated to the outside.

[0058] The collimating portion (140) may have a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical side surface (142) of the collimating portion (140) may be radiopaque. Therefore, radiation may not be emitted from the side surface (142) of the collimating portion (140).

[0059] The first direction side of the collimating portion (140) may be blocked. For example, an investigation plate (141) may be formed on the first direction side of the collimating portion (140).

[0060] The irradiation plate (141) may be at least partially transparent to radiation. Accordingly, radiation may be emitted to the outside of the portable radiation generator (100) through the irradiation plate (141). The irradiation plate (141) may be at least partially transparent to visible light. The irradiation plate (141) may include a light emitting region (143) for restricting visible light and outputting guide light of a predetermined shape to the outside. The guide light may be light visible to a human to indicate the irradiation area and direction of the radiation. The guide light is irradiated onto the surface of the object so that the user can confirm the irradiation area and direction of the radiation.

[0061] The irradiation plate (141) can function as a replaceable filter. That is, the irradiation plate (141) can have the function of filtering some of the radiation. For example, the irradiation plate (141) can filter low-energy radiation and allow high-energy radiation to be emitted externally. Through this, the portable radiation generator (100) can reduce noise caused by beam hardening. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] A polarizing film or lens may be positioned in the light emitting region (143) of the illumination plate (141). After visible light passes through the illumination plate (141), guide light having different properties may be formed. The polarizing film or lens may convert visible light into light parallel to a first direction to generate guide light. The polarizing film or lens may be configured to refract, reflect, or polarize visible light. The user may select a polarizing film or lens having different properties or shapes by replacing the illumination plate (141). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] The irradiation plate (141) can irradiate guide lights having different light properties. For example, based on the light emitting region (143) of the irradiation plate (141), the guide light can be irradiated as at least one of a first guide light, a second guide light, or a third guide light. The light properties can include at least one of a shape of the light, a size of a light irradiation range, a light irradiation position, a brightness of the light, or a color of the light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some of the properties of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light can be the same.

[0064] The first guide light can be irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range of the object to indicate the center of the radiation irradiation point. The first guide light can be white light or light having a specific color. The second guide light can be irradiated to an area corresponding to the radiation irradiation range of the object to indicate the radiation irradiation range. The second guide light can be white light or light having a specific color. The second guide light can be the same color as the first guide light or a different color. The second guide light can have a different brightness from the first guide light. For example, the second guide light can be darker than the first guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second guide light can be brighter than the first guide light. The second guide light can have a different shape from the first guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second guide light can have the same shape as the first guide light.

[0065] The third guide light can simultaneously indicate the irradiation point and the irradiation range. The third guide light can be the same color as or different from the first guide light or the second guide light. The third guide light can have a different brightness from the first guide light or the second guide light. The irradiation point of the third guide light can 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 can be irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range, and the third guide light can be irradiated to at least one of the center of the irradiation range, the periphery of the center of the irradiation range, or the location of the lesion. The irradiation range of the third guide light can 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 can 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. Additionally, 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 or the second guide light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third guide light may have the same shape as at least one of the first guide light or the second guide light.

[0066] At least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light may have a distinguishable light property by the light emitting region (143) included in the irradiation plate (141). The light property may include at least one of the shape of the light, the size of the light irradiation range, the light irradiation position, the light brightness, or the light color. At least one of the shape of the light, the size of the light irradiation range, the light irradiation position, the light brightness, or the light color of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light may be different from each other. Therefore, a user can distinguish the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light.

[0067] The radiation plate (141) may include a grid for determining the direction of radiation irradiation. The grid may control radiation generated from the portable radiation generator (100) to be irradiated in a specific direction. The grid may irradiate radiation in a direction parallel to the first direction. The user may select a grid with different characteristics or shapes by replacing the radiation plate, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] The side opposite to the first direction of the collimating portion (140) may not be blocked. Therefore, visible light and radiation can freely enter the interior of the collimating portion (140) through the side opposite to the first direction of the collimating portion (140). The visible light and radiation that enter the interior of the collimating portion (140) can be emitted to the outside of the portable radiation generating device (100) through the irradiation plate (141).

[0069] The portable radiation generator (100) may include a light irradiation unit (230). The light irradiation unit (230) may be positioned opposite to the first direction of the collimation unit (140). The light irradiation unit (230) may be in contact with a side surface (142) of the collimation unit (140). The light irradiation unit (230) may be coupled to the collimation unit (140) or coupled to the main body housing (110). The light irradiation unit (230) may be positioned in one of the second direction, the opposite direction of the second direction, the third direction, and the opposite direction of the third direction of the side surface (142) of the collimation unit (140). The light irradiation unit (230) may illuminate the interior of the collimation unit (140). The light irradiation unit (230) may emit visible light toward the surface of the collimation unit (140) in the first direction. The first direction surface of the sighting part (140) may refer to the investigation plate (141).

[0070] More specifically, the light irradiation unit (230) can emit visible light toward the center of the first direction surface (irradiation plate (141)) of the collimation unit (140). Therefore, the portable radiation generator (100) of the present disclosure can accurately irradiate the guide light to the target object. This will be described in detail later.

[0071] The interior of the collimating unit (140) may include at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens for refracting or reflecting visible light irradiated from the light irradiating unit (230). In FIG. 2, the light irradiating unit (230) is tilted in the opposite direction of the second direction of the collimating unit (140). Therefore, the visible light may become fainter as it goes from the opposite direction to the second direction. At least one of the prism, mirror, or lens within the collimating unit (140) may refract or reflect visible light to make the interior of the collimating unit almost uniformly bright.

[0072] Additionally, in FIG. 2, 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 portion (140) may change the direction of the visible light by refracting or reflecting 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 radiolucent.

[0073] The light irradiation unit (230) can generate visible light. The light irradiation unit (230) can irradiate at least one of red, green, and blue light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light irradiation unit (230) can also generate white visible light. In addition, the light irradiation unit (230) can irradiate at least one of red, yellow, and green light. The light irradiation unit (230) can irradiate light by mixing at least one of red, green, and blue light.

[0074] A diffusion plate may be formed in the area where visible light is emitted from the light irradiation unit (230). The visible light emitted from the light irradiation unit (230) by the diffusion plate can illuminate the entire interior of the collimation unit (140). In addition, the visible light can be emitted through the light emitting area (143) formed in the irradiation plate (141) and serve as guide light.

[0075] The direction of the light irradiation unit (230) can be determined so that the center of the area of ​​visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit (230) to the irradiation plate (141) and the center of the area of ​​radiation irradiated from the radiation source unit (220) to the irradiation plate (141) are aligned. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the light irradiation unit (230) can be directed toward the center of the irradiation plate (141). This is to ensure that the center of the area of ​​visible light is positioned at the center of the area of ​​radiation irradiated from the radiation source unit (220) to the irradiation plate (141). Since the direction of the light irradiation unit (230) is determined in this way, the guide light can be formed more clearly on the surface of the object. The user can check the area of ​​the object where radiation is irradiated in advance by checking the guide light. In addition, radiation can be irradiated only to the necessary area of ​​the object. Therefore, the portable radiation generating device (100) of the present disclosure can obtain a radiation image of the object at a low dose.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] The portable radiation generator (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) and the light irradiation unit (230). The control unit (300) may be included in the control board (210) of FIG. 2. The control board (210) may be positioned in a direction opposite to the first direction of the radiation source unit (220) and may prevent abnormal operation of the control unit (300) due to radiation.

[0078] The control unit (300) may be located outside, rather than inside, the main body housing (110). The control unit (300) may communicate with the portable radiation generator (100) via wired or wireless means. The control unit (300) may be implemented as one of a PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and smartwatch.

[0079] The control board (210) can be electrically connected to not only the control unit (300), but also the sensor unit (310), the communication unit (320), the memory (330), the output unit (340), and the input unit (350).

[0080] More specifically, the portable radiation generating device (100) may include a sensor unit (310). The sensor unit (310) may obtain various information using at least one sensor. The sensor unit (310) may be provided as a sensor using a measuring means such as pressure, electric potential, and optical. For example, the sensor unit (310) may include at least one of a distance measuring sensor and an image capturing sensor. The distance measuring sensor may measure the distance between the portable radiation generating device (100) and the target object. The portable radiation generating device (100) may output the distance between the target object and the portable radiation generating device (100) using the sensor unit (310). Based on the measured distance, the user may perform imaging by optimally positioning the portable radiation generating device (100). Therefore, the portable radiation generating device (100) of the present disclosure may obtain a high-quality radiation image while reducing the radiation dose irradiated to the target object.

[0081] In addition, the imaging sensor can obtain an image of the subject. The control unit (300) can image process the image of the subject to determine the position of the portable radiation generating device (100) for irradiating radiation to the location of the lesion. The portable radiation generating device (100) can display the direction and distance for the portable radiation generating device (100) to move to the 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 obtain a high-quality radiation image of the lesion while reducing the radiation dose irradiated to the subject by irradiating radiation only around the lesion.

[0082] Additionally, the sensor may include a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, an LED sensor, a touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto. The sensor unit may be included in at least one of the main body housing (110) or the control board (210).

[0083] In addition, the portable radiation generator (100) may include a communication unit (320). The communication unit (320) may be a configuration for the portable radiation generator (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 access. As a wireless communication technology, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink PacketAccess), etc. may be used. As a wired communication technology, for example, XDSL (Digital Subscriber Line), FTTH (Fibers to the home), PLC (Power Line Communication), etc. may be used. Additionally, the network connection unit may include a short-range communication module, enabling data transmission and reception with any device / terminal located within a short distance. For example, short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), and ZigBee may be used, but are not limited thereto.

[0084] The portable radiation generator (100) may include a memory (330). The control unit (300) may execute commands 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 generator (100). For example, the memory (330) may store various parameters for irradiating radiation.

[0085] The memory (330) may be implemented through a non-volatile storage medium capable of persistently storing arbitrary data. For example, the memory (330) may include, but is not limited to, storage devices based on disks, optical disks, and magneto-optical storage devices, as well as flash memory and / or battery-backed memory. The memory (330) may mean, but is not limited to, a volatile storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a static random access memory (SRAM), which are the primary storage devices directly accessed by the processor, and in which stored information is instantly erased when the power is turned off. The memory (330) may be operated by the control unit (300). In addition, the control unit (300) may also execute instructions contained in the memory (330).

[0086] In addition, the portable radiation generator (100) may further include an input / output unit (130) that provides an interface for operating the portable radiation generator (100). The input / output unit (130) may include an output unit (340) and an input unit (350).

[0087] The output unit (340) can output sound and image that can display photographing-related information required for radiation irradiation under the control of the control unit (300) or check the status of the portable radiation generator (100). The output unit (340) can include a speaker or a display. The output unit (340) can also output medical images generated by the control unit (300). The output unit (340) can output information required for a user to operate the portable radiation generator (100), such as a UI (user interface), user information, or target information. Examples of the output unit (340) can 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 can include various output devices within a range obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0088] The input unit (350) can receive commands for operating the portable radiation generator (100) from the user and various information regarding X-ray photography. The control unit (300) can control or operate the portable radiation generator (100) based on the information input to the input unit (350). The input unit (350) can include a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a shooting button, a locking release button, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, a human motion recognizer, and the like, and can include other input devices obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a control unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The description of Fig. 4 focuses on the configuration not described in Fig. 3. The configuration not described in Fig. 4 has already been described in Fig. 3, and thus can be described with reference to the description of Fig. 3.

[0091] The control unit (300) may include at least one of a shooting condition setting unit (410), a shooting mode setting unit (420), a radiation control unit (430), or a light control unit (440). At least one of the shooting condition setting unit (410), the shooting mode setting unit (420), the radiation control unit (430), or the light control unit (440) may be implemented by one physical processor. However, at least one of the shooting condition setting unit (410), the shooting mode setting unit (420), the radiation control unit (430), and the light control unit (440) may be distinguished by a software module. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one of the shooting condition setting unit (410), the shooting mode setting unit (420), the radiation control unit (430), or the light control unit (440) may be implemented by multiple physical processors.

[0092] The shooting condition setting unit (410) can receive input from the input / output unit (130) and set parameters related to shooting. The parameters related to shooting may include at least one of radiation exposure time and radiation exposure intensity. The radiation exposure intensity may be determined by at least one of the voltage and current supplied to the radiation source unit (220).

[0093] The shooting mode setting unit (420) can receive input from the input / output unit (130) and set a mode related to shooting. The shooting mode setting unit (420) can determine at least one of whether to irradiate a guide light, the shape of the guide light, or the type of the target object based on the user's input.

[0094] The radiation control unit (430) can control the radiation source unit (220) so that shooting is performed according to the shooting parameters and shooting mode determined by the shooting condition setting unit (410) and the shooting mode setting unit (420).

[0095] The light control unit (440) can control the light irradiation unit (230) so that shooting is performed according to the shooting parameters and shooting mode determined by the shooting condition setting unit (410) and the shooting mode setting unit (420). The light control unit (440) can control the light of the light irradiation unit (230) to be turned on or off, or to be dimmed, depending on the state of the portable radiation generator (100). In addition, the light irradiation unit can control the light irradiation unit (230) so that visible light of various colors is output.

[0096] The power supply unit (450) can supply electrical energy for the operation of the portable radiation generator (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).

[0097] For example, when a user presses the trigger button (122), the control unit (300) can transmit a preparation command to the power supply unit (450) to instruct the preheating for radiation irradiation. In addition, the light control unit (440) can irradiate the guide light to the target object. In that state, when the trigger button (122) is pressed more deeply, an irradiation command for actually irradiating radiation is generated in the control unit (300), and the high voltage of the power supply unit (450) can be supplied to the radiation source unit (220). In this way, when the 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), that is, a preparation signal, and transmits it to the power supply unit (450) that generates a high voltage for radiation generation.

[0098] The present disclosure focuses on a method of operating a radiation source unit (220) and a light irradiation unit (230) with a single trigger button (122), but 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 in 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).

[0099] The power supply unit (450) receives a ready signal transmitted from the control unit (300) to start preheating, and when preheating is completed, transmits a ready signal to the control unit (300). In addition, in order to detect radiation, the detector also needs to be prepared for X-ray detection, and the control unit (300) can transmit a ready signal to the detector so that the detector can prepare to detect X-rays that have passed through the object along with the preheating of the high voltage generator. When the detector receives the ready signal, it prepares to detect radiation, and when the detection preparation is completed, it transmits a detection ready signal to the control unit (300).

[0100] When the preheating of the power supply unit (450) is completed 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.

[0101] Below, the investigation plate (141) formed on the sighting part (140) will be described in more detail.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] As previously described, the investigation plate (141) may include a light-emitting region (143) that is at least partially visible light-transmitting. The light-emitting region (143) may be a region of the investigation plate (141) through which visible light is transmitted. The region of the investigation plate (141) other than the light-emitting region (143) may be a region that is not visible light-transmitting.

[0104] The irradiation plate (141) may include a light-emitting region (143), and the light-emitting region (143) may include at least one of a first shape or a second shape. The light-emitting region (143) may also include a shape other than the first shape and the second shape. The first shape and the second shape are described below. The light-emitting region (143) may have a shape selected from the first shape, the second shape, and the other shape. The selection may be based on a user input or an algorithm of the control unit (300). In addition, the user may select the irradiation plate (141) including the light-emitting region (143) of one of the first shape, the second shape, or the other shape. The user may couple the selected irradiation plate (141) to the portable radiation generating device (100).

[0105] Visible light is generated by the light irradiation unit (230). The visible light may be limited by the light emitting region (143) to become a guide light. The guide light may include at least one of a first guide light that is irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range 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 range of the target object to indicate the radiation irradiation range. The control unit (300) may control at least one guide light selected from the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light to be irradiated.

[0106] The portable radiation generator (100) can output at least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light based on at least one of the first shape, the second shape, or another shape of the light emitting area (143). Hereinafter, the light emitting area (143) and the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light according to the first shape, the second shape, or another shape will be described.

[0107] The light emitting region (143) formed on the irradiation plate (141) may include a second shape that restricts visible light so that the guide light is irradiated to the same area as the radiation irradiation range. That is, the guide light is irradiated to an area (510) of the surface of the object (520), and radiation may also be irradiated. The second guide light may be generated by the light emitting region (143) having the second shape. The second shape may include at least one of a cross shape (710), a circle (720), a ring shape (740), and a polygon (730 or 750).

[0108] For example, inside the portable radiation generator (100), radiation can be irradiated in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction. In addition, visible light can also be irradiated in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction inside the portable radiation generator (100). The radiation-transparent region formed on the irradiation plate (141) can be the same as the light-emitting region. The light-emitting region (143) formed on the irradiation plate (141) can be visible light-transparent. The radiation-transparent region can be a portion made of a radiation-transparent material. The visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit (230) can 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 within the collimation unit (140) is referred to as visible light, and light that escapes outside the collimation unit (140) and is irradiated to the target object (520) is referred to as guide light. The light-emitting region (143) may be in the form of a perforated hole. However, it is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting region (143) may be a visible light-transparent material. The radiation-transparent region may be a portion made of a radiation-transparent 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, it is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting region (143) may include the radiation-transparent region.

[0109] The area of ​​the guide light irradiated on the object may be almost the same as the area to which radiation is irradiated (radiation irradiation range). That is, the guide light may be irradiated to the area (510) of the surface of the object (520), and radiation may also be irradiated. The radiation irradiation range may refer to the area of ​​radiation irradiated to the surface of the object. The user can see the area of ​​the guide light and know the area to which X-rays are irradiated. The user can adjust the area of ​​the guide light to irradiate radiation only to the necessary area of ​​the object. Therefore, the portable radiation generator (100) of the present disclosure can obtain a clear radiation image while irradiating a small amount of radiation to the object.

[0110] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, radiation may have a cone shape inside the portable radiation generator (100). In addition, visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit (230) inside the portable radiation generator (100) may also have a cone shape. The cone shape may be a shape in which the irradiation area increases 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 irradiation unit (230). Therefore, the radiation-transparent area formed in 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.

[0111] c = a*(b+l) / (b*(a+l))* r ... (Formula 1)

[0112] Here, c may be the radius of the light emitting region (143). In addition, 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 target object. r may be the radius of the radiation-transparent region formed on the irradiation plate (141). When l> 0, a*(b+l) / (b*(a+l)) may be greater than 0 and less than 1. That is, c may be less than r.

[0113] The irradiation plate (141) can be implemented as a transparent display. A transparent display is a device that can freely control the shape of a visible light-transmitting area and a visible light-nontransmitting area. A transparent display can include a plurality of pixels, and the plurality of pixels can be changed to be visible light-transmitting, visible light-semitransmitting, or visible light-nontransmitting. The transparent display can vary an area through which visible light can be transmitted based on an electrical signal from a control unit (300). An irradiation plate (141) implemented as a transparent display can freely change a light-emitting area (143) based on a control signal from a control unit (300). For example, the light-emitting area (143) can be controlled to have any one of a first shape, a second shape, a cross shape (710), a circle (720), a ring shape (740), and a polygon (730 or 750) by a transparent display. The control unit (300) can adjust the shape of the light emitting area (143) based on a user's input or a predetermined algorithm.

[0114] In addition, the transparent display can generate guide light of a predetermined color, predetermined brightness, and predetermined shape using visible light of a light irradiation unit. A plurality of pixels included in the transparent display can act as a filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength. The transparent display can vary an area that transmits a specific wavelength based on an electrical signal of the control unit (300). Therefore, visible light transmitted through the transparent display can have guide light having a predetermined color. Based on the transparent display, a portable radiation generating device can irradiate guide light having one color. In addition, based on the transparent display, a portable radiation generating device can simultaneously output guide light having multiple colors. The guide light having multiple colors can be at least two of a first guide light, a second guide light, and a third guide light.

[0115] In addition, the plurality of pixels included in the transparent display can act as a filter (semi-transparent) that only partially transmits light. The transparent display can vary the degree of light transmission based on the electrical signal of the control unit (300). Therefore, the guide light of the transparent display can display some areas of the object brightly and other areas darkly. Based on the transparent display, the portable radiation generating device can irradiate guide light having one brightness. In addition, based on the transparent display, the portable radiation generating device can simultaneously output guide light having multiple brightnesses. The guide light having multiple brightnesses can be at least two of the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light.

[0116] 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 an area of ​​guide light in the radiation irradiation area of ​​the surface of the target object regardless of the distance between the target object and the portable radiation generating device (100). Therefore, the user can irradiate radiation to an accurate location using the portable radiation generating device (100).

[0117] In this way, based on the second guide light, the user can identify the radiation irradiation area and can prevent any object other than the target object (520) from being located in the radiation irradiation area. Therefore, with the portable radiation generator of the present disclosure, the user can be careful not to irradiate objects other than the target object (520) with radiation, and can irradiate radiation only to the location of the lesion.

[0118] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining a light emitting region according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the light-emitting area (143) may include a first shape that restricts visible light so that the guide light (620) is irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range (630). The first guide light may be generated by the light-emitting area (143) having the first shape. The first shape may include at least one of a cross shape (710), a circle (720), a ring shape (740), and a polygon (730 or 750). For example, the light-emitting area (143) may be smaller than the radiation-transparent area (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 range (630). The guide light (620) may be irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range (630). A user can know the center of the radiation irradiation range (630) based on the guide light (620). The user can prevent radiation from being irradiated to unnecessary areas of the object (520) by positioning the point (621) where the guide light (620) is irradiated on the surface of the object (520) on the lesion.

[0120] In this way, based on the first guide light, the user can position the lesion they wish to capture at the center of the X-ray image. Therefore, the user can easily obtain the desired image.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, the light-emitting region (143) may be located at the center of the irradiation plate (141). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting region (143) may also be located near the center of the irradiation plate (141). In addition, the light-emitting region (143) may have various shapes. The light-emitting region (143) may have a shape different from the first shape and the second shape. For example, the light-emitting region (143) may have any one of a cross shape (710), a circle (720), a ring shape (740), and a polygonal shape (730 or 750). At least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light may include at least one of the first shape, the second shape, the cross shape (710), the circle (720), the ring shape (740), and the polygonal shape (730 or 750). The investigation plate (141) can be detachably coupled to the first direction of the collimation unit (140). Therefore, the user can select the shape of the light emitting area (143) and, if necessary, replace the investigation plate (141) to use a light emitting area (143) having a desired shape.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an investigation plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The light emitting region (143) may include a third shape that restricts visible light so that the guide light (620) is irradiated to the irradiation range (1110) and the center of the radiation irradiation range. The third guide light may be generated by the light emitting region (143) having the third shape. The third shape may be a shape for generating the third guide light to simultaneously display the irradiation range (1110) and the irradiation point (1120) from the visible 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 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 location 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 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, based on the third guide light, the user can identify the radiation irradiation range and prevent any objects other than the target object (520) from being located in the radiation irradiation range. In addition, the user can ensure that the lesion to be photographed is at the center of the radiation image. Therefore, the user can easily acquire the desired image.

[0124] The portable radiation generator (100) can simultaneously generate at least one of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light. For example, the portable radiation generator (100) can irradiate only one of the first guide light, the second guide light, or the third guide light. In addition, the portable radiation generator (100) can 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. In addition, the portable radiation generator (100) can simultaneously irradiate the first guide light, the second guide light, and the third guide light. In this way, the portable radiation generator (100) irradiates guide lights in various combinations so that the user can easily recognize the radiation irradiation area and ensure that the location of the lesion is at the center of the radiation irradiation area, thereby allowing a radiation image to be taken at one time. This can reduce the radiation dose to the target.

[0125] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] The light irradiation unit (230) can be coupled to one of the collimation unit (140) and the main body housing (110). Referring to FIG. 8, the light irradiation unit (230) can be coupled in a direction opposite to the first direction of the collimation unit (140). That is, the light irradiation unit (230) can be coupled in a direction opposite to the irradiation plate (141) of the collimation unit (140). When the light irradiation unit (230) is coupled to the collimation unit (140), the user can use a light irradiation unit (230) having a different property by replacing the collimation unit (140). The light irradiation unit (230) can be implemented using an LED or a laser. The user can use a light irradiation unit implemented using an LED or a laser by replacing the collimation unit (140). Since the main body housing (110) including the radiation source unit (220) is relatively more expensive than the collimating unit (140), the user can respond to various field situations by replacing only the collimating unit (140). In addition, the light irradiation unit (230) can be detachably connected to the collimating unit (140). The user can also respond to various field situations by replacing only the light irradiation unit (230).

[0127] According to FIGS. 2 and 8, the light irradiation unit (230) is coupled to the opposite direction (downward direction) of the second direction of the collimation unit (140), but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation unit (230) may be positioned in at least one of the second direction (upward direction), the opposite direction (downward direction) of the second direction, the third direction (rightward direction), or the opposite direction (leftward direction) of the third direction of the collimation unit. The light irradiation unit (230) may be positioned at a location that does not block the radiation emitted from the radiation source unit (220). In addition,

[0128] According to FIGS. 2 and 8, the light irradiation unit (230) is positioned in the opposite direction of the first direction of the collimation unit (140), but is not limited thereto. The light irradiation unit (230) may also be positioned on the side (142) of the collimation unit.

[0129] According to FIGS. 2 and 8, one light irradiation unit (230) is coupled to the collimation unit (140). One light irradiation unit (230) can output multiple colors. By using one light irradiation unit (230), the possibility that the light irradiation unit (230) will interfere with the path of radiation is reduced, the implementation cost of the light irradiation unit (230) is reduced, and maintenance is easy. Therefore, there is also an effect of improving the quality of the radiographic image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of light irradiation units (230) can be coupled to the collimation unit (140). A plurality of light irradiation units (230) can form a bright guide light. Therefore, the visibility of the guide light can be improved. As described above, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction can be perpendicular to each other.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 8, the radiation source unit (220) may be located inside the main body housing (110). A collimating unit mounting hole (810) may be formed on a surface of the main body housing (110) in a first direction. The surface in the first direction may be one side of the main body housing (110). The collimating unit mounting hole (810) may be configured to detachably couple the collimating unit (140). The collimating unit (140) may be coupled to the collimating unit mounting hole (810) in a fitting manner. The collimating unit (140) may be inserted into the collimating unit mounting hole (810) and coupled to the main body housing.

[0131] A metal terminal formed on the collimating unit (140) may be connected to a metal terminal formed in the collimating unit mounting hole (810) so that the collimating unit (140) and the control unit (300) can be electrically connected. Accordingly, the collimating unit (140) can be controlled by the control unit (300) and supplied with electric energy by the power supply unit (450).

[0132] The sensor unit (310) can sense whether the collimating unit (140) and the main body housing (110) are connected. For example, the sensor unit (310) can determine whether the collimating unit (140) and the control unit (300) are electrically connected. If the collimating unit (140) and the main body housing (110) are not connected, the control unit (300) can deactivate the radiation source unit (220). If the radiation source unit (220) is deactivated, the radiation source unit (220) may not generate radiation at all. The control unit (300) can activate the radiation source unit (220) only when the collimating unit (140) and the main body housing (110) are connected.

[0133] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a shield according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the portable radiation generator (100) may include a shielding member (150). The shielding member (150) may be coupled to the outer surface of the collimating member (140). More specifically, a collimating member coupling hole (910) may be formed in the shielding member (150). The collimating member (140) may be inserted into the collimating member coupling hole (910) so that the shielding member (150) may be coupled to the collimating member (140). A coupling part may be formed on the inner surface of the shielding member (150) (the surface forming the coupling hole (910)) and the outer surface of the collimating member (140) so as to be coupled by interlocking with each other.

[0135] The shielding member (150) may have a donut-shaped surface extending in the radial direction of the collimating member (140). The shielding member (150) may be configured to shield scattered radiation. The shielding member (150) may be made of a radiopaque material for shielding scattered radiation. More specifically, when the portable radiation generator (100) emits radiation to the outside through the irradiation plate (141), the radiation may be scattered, refracted, or reflected and may head toward the user. The shielding member (150) may shield the radiation so that the radiation heading toward the user does not affect the user.

[0136] The shield (150) may be fixed to the collimating portion (140), but is not limited thereto. The shield (150) may be movable in the longitudinal direction of the collimating portion (140). The shield (150) may be movable in the first direction or in the direction opposite to the first direction. The user may position the shield (150) at an optimal position as needed.

[0137] The shielding unit (150) may be movable in the longitudinal direction of the collimating unit (140) by a motor. The user may determine the position of the shielding unit (150) through the input / output unit (130). However, the present invention 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 the first direction as the distance between the target and the portable radiation generating device (100) becomes closer. In addition, the portable radiation generating device (100) may position the shielding unit (150) in the opposite direction to the first direction as the distance between the target and the portable radiation generating device (100) becomes farther. As described above, the distance between the target and the portable radiation generating device (100) may be measured by the sensor unit. The portable radiation generating device (100) of the present disclosure can automatically determine the position of the shielding part to minimize the user's exposure to radiation.

[0138] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the shielding member may be implemented in a foldable and unfoldable manner. For example, the shielding member may have the shape of an umbrella. Accordingly, the shielding member (150) may be folded and stored together with the collimating member (140) during storage, and may be unfolded during use.

[0139] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a portable radiation generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] The control unit (300) can change the color of visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit according to the state of the portable radiation generator. The state of the portable radiation generator may be a predetermined state determined by the control unit (300).

[0141] More specifically, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of a first color when the portable radiation generator (100) is in a shooting preparation state. The first color may be, for example, green, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] The control unit (300) can determine the state of the portable radiation generator (100) as a shooting-ready state based on the trigger button (122). The control unit (300) can determine the shooting-ready state when the trigger button (122) is half-pressed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit (300) can also determine the shooting-ready state when the portable radiation generator (100) is powered on.

[0143] When in the shooting preparation state, the control unit (300) can preheat the radiation source unit (220) or cause the power unit (450) to prepare a high voltage. In addition, when in the shooting preparation state, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of the first color. The visible light of the first color can be emitted to the outside through the light emitting region (143) and serve as guide light. The guide light can be irradiated to the entire radiation irradiation range or to the center of the radiation irradiation range.

[0144] When the portable radiation generator (100) is in a state of photographing an object, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of a second color. The second color may be a different color from the first color. The second color may be yellow, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0145] The control unit (300) can determine the state of the portable radiation generator (100) as a shooting state based on the trigger button (122). The control unit (300) can determine that the state is a shooting state when the trigger button (122) is fully pressed.

[0146] In the photographing mode, the control unit (300) can control the power supply unit (450) to apply a high voltage to the radiation source unit (220). In addition, in the photographing mode, the control unit (300) can control the radiation source unit (220) to irradiate radiation to the subject. In the photographing mode, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of a second color. The visible light of the second color can be emitted to the outside through the light emitting region (143) and can function as a guide light. The guide light can be irradiated to the entire radiation irradiation range or to the center of the radiation irradiation range. The user can easily check which part of the subject is being irradiated with radiation even during photographing. In addition, the user can continuously control the position of the portable radiation generator (100) so that the radiation is irradiated to the lesion part of the subject.

[0147] When the portable radiation generator is in an error state, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of a third color. The third color may be a different color from the first and second colors. The third color may be red, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0148] The control unit (300) can determine an error condition based on a predetermined algorithm. An error condition may occur when radiation is irradiated to a location other than a predetermined lesion area of ​​the target object. Furthermore, an error condition may occur when the direction of radiation irradiation differs from the position of the detector.

[0149] The sensor unit (310) included in the portable radiation generator (100) can determine the alignment state of the portable radiation generator (100) and the detector by interlocking with the sensor unit included in the detector. The control unit (300) can determine an error state if the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generator (100) does not overlap with the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector. The control unit (300) can determine an error state if the center of the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generator (100) differs from the center of the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector by a predetermined threshold distance or more. The control unit (300) can determine an error state if the radiation irradiation area of ​​the portable radiation generator (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 generator (100) does not overlap with the radiation sensing area of ​​the detector.

[0150] 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 and 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 a first direction in 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).

[0151] The control unit (300) can perform a step (1010) of receiving an input for the trigger button (122). The control unit (300) can determine that the state is ready for shooting when the trigger button (122) is half-pressed. The control unit (300) can determine that the state is ready for shooting when the trigger button (122) is fully pressed.

[0152] The control unit (300) may perform a step (1020) of determining whether the portable radiation generating device (100) is moving using the sensor unit (310) during a predetermined waiting time, when the state of the portable radiation generating device (100) is one of a shooting preparation state and a shooting state. The control unit (300) may determine whether the portable radiation generating device (100) is moving using a signal of the sensor unit measured during the predetermined waiting time. The waiting time may be a time for the control unit (300) to determine whether the portable radiation generating device (100) is moving.

[0153] For example, the control unit (300) can acquire a signal from an acceleration sensor during a waiting time. If the acceleration value of the acceleration sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold acceleration, the control unit (300) can determine that the portable radiation generating device (100) has moved. If the integral value of the acceleration value of the acceleration sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold speed, the control unit (300) can determine that the portable radiation generating device (100) has moved. If the integral value of the integral of the acceleration value of the acceleration sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold distance, the control unit (300) can determine that the portable radiation generating device (100) has moved.

[0154] The control unit (300) can capture an image of an object using a camera during a standby time. The control unit (300) can perform image processing on the captured image to determine a motion vector. The motion vector may be a value including the distance and direction in which the portable radiation generating device (100) moves with respect to the object. The control unit (300) can determine that the portable radiation generating device (100) has moved if the distance moved is greater than a predetermined threshold distance.

[0155] If the portable radiation generator is moved, the control unit (300) can perform a step (1030) of changing the state of the portable radiation generator to an error state. If it is an error state, the control unit (300) can control the light irradiation unit (230) to irradiate visible light of a third color. The visible light of the third color is emitted to the outside through the light emitting region (143), so that the user can know that the portable radiation generator (100) is in an error state. Therefore, the user can reposition the portable radiation generator (100) and start re-photographing.

[0156] We have discussed various embodiments so far. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

[0157] Meanwhile, the embodiments of the present invention described above can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that executes the program using a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

Claims

1. In a portable radiation generating device, A radiation source unit that generates radiation; A collimating unit located on one side of the radiation source unit and limiting the radiation generated from the radiation source unit to determine the radiation irradiation range irradiated to the surface of the target object; A light irradiation unit located on one side of the above-mentioned collimation unit and generating visible light; and A control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the radiation source unit and the light irradiation unit, A portable radiation generating device comprising an irradiation plate having at least a portion of one side of the collimating portion being radiation transparent and including a light emitting area for restricting the visible light and outputting a guide light of a predetermined shape to the outside.

2. In paragraph 1, The above guide light is, A first guide light that is irradiated to the center of the radiation irradiation range of the above object and indicates 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 above target object and indicates the radiation irradiation range, or Among the third guide lights that simultaneously display the above-mentioned investigation point and the above-mentioned investigation range, A portable radiation generating device characterized by being investigated by at least one or more radiation sources.

3. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned investigation plate is configured to be detachable from one side of the above-mentioned sighting part, A portable radiation generating device wherein the above light emitting area is any one of a cross shape, a circle shape, a square shape, a ring shape, and a polygon shape.

4. In paragraph 1, A portable radiation generating device in which the direction of the light irradiation unit is determined so that the center of the area of ​​visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the irradiation plate and the center of the area of ​​radiation irradiated from the radiation source unit to the irradiation plate are aligned.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A portable radiation generator that changes the color of visible light irradiated from the light irradiation unit depending on the state of the portable radiation generator.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, When the state of the above portable radiation generator is in a shooting preparation state, the light irradiation unit is controlled to irradiate visible light of the first color, When the state of the above portable radiation generator is a state of photographing a target object, the light irradiation unit is controlled to irradiate visible light of a second color, A portable radiation generator that controls the light irradiation unit to irradiate visible light of a third color when the state of the portable radiation generator is an error state.

7. In paragraph 1, The above radiation source unit, A portable radiation generator using thermionic or carbon nanotube field emission methods.

8. In paragraph 1, The above radiation source unit is located inside the main body housing, A sight mounting hole is formed on one side of the above main body housing, A portable radiation generating device in which the above-mentioned collimating part is inserted into the above-mentioned collimating part mounting hole and is coupled to the main body housing.

9. In paragraph 1, A shielding part is coupled to the outer surface of the collimating part and has a donut-shaped surface extending in the radial direction of the collimating part, and shields scattered radiation. A portable radiation generating device in which the shielding member is fixed or configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the collimating member.

Images