Bendable radiation detector for measuring posture and position, and operation method for radiation detector

Abstract

A radiation detector for detecting radiation of the present disclosure comprises: a flexible radiation detection panel extending in a first direction and detecting radiation incident on a first surface; a bending support coupled to the radiation detection panel, supporting the radiation detection panel, and adjusting the bending of the radiation detection panel with respect to a bending axis parallel to a second direction; and a posture-position sensor coupled to the bending support and determining at least one of the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel and the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject.

Description

Bendable radiation detector for measuring posture and position and method of operation of the radiation detector

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bendable radiation detector for measuring posture and position, and a method for operating the same. More specifically, the bendable radiation detector can measure the position and degree of bending of the radiation detector relative to a subject.

[0002]

[0003] Bendable radiation detectors can be used to inspect the interior of pipes (subjects). Pipes can be approximately two inches in diameter or larger, and include pipelines for transporting gas or oil, and pipelines for water and sewage. The purpose of inspecting these pipes is to repair and repair any wear or damage at the joints, depending on the materials they carry. A bendable radiation detector may be required to image these pipes. As detectors become larger, they must withstand greater physical forces. Therefore, to ensure stable operation, radiation detectors may have a mechanical structure capable of withstanding these forces.

[0004] Bendable radiation detectors may require a mechanical structure that maintains the curvature. Unlike flat panel radiation detectors, bendable radiation detectors, designed to reduce pipe distortion, may have a mechanical structure that maintains the curvature and a mechanical structure that prevents excessive curvature.

[0005] For bendable radiation detectors to inspect objects in industrial settings, they must be able to move around the object. However, because conventional bendable radiation detectors do not measure their position relative to the object, workers may miss some parts of the object's surroundings.

[0006]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a radiation detector for measuring the position of the radiation detector relative to a subject. The present disclosure also relates to a radiation detector for measuring the posture of the radiation detector relative to a subject.

[0008]

[0009] A radiation detector for detecting radiation according to the present disclosure includes a flexible radiation detection panel extending in a first direction and detecting radiation incident on a first surface, a bending support member coupled to the radiation detection panel and supporting the radiation detection panel, and controlling bending based on a bending axis parallel to a second direction of the radiation detection panel, and a posture-position sensor coupled to the bending support member for determining at least one of a degree of bending of the radiation detection panel or a position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject.

[0010] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, wherein the control unit determines an initial position of the radiation detector with respect to a subject based on a posture-position sensor, and when the radiation detector moves from the initial position, obtains in real time a position of a radiation detection panel with respect to the subject based on the posture-position sensor.

[0011] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and when the second direction is parallel to the ground, the control unit determines the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor, and when the second direction is perpendicular to the ground, the control unit determines the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor.

[0012] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, wherein the control unit determines a first position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in a posture-position sensor, and determines a second position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor included in the posture-position sensor.

[0013] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and the control unit obtains the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel with respect to a predetermined initial posture based on a posture-position sensor.

[0014] The attitude-position sensor of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes at least one of a potentiometer, a magnetometer, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor.

[0015] The bending support part of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a central rear cover and a side rear cover rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to a second direction, a potentiometer included in the attitude-position sensor outputs different potentiometer output values ​​as the side rear cover rotates with respect to the central rear cover, and a control part determines the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value.

[0016] A bending support portion of a radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a central rear cover including a first attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor and a side rear cover including a second attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor, which is rotatable relative to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to a second direction, and determines at least one of a bending angle of the radiation detection panel or a position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject based on at least one of a first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor and a second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor.

[0017] A bending support portion of a radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a central rear cover, a side rear cover rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to a second direction, a sliding guide portion connected to the rear of the side rear cover and including a potentiometer included in a posture-position sensor, and a sliding portion having one side connected to the central rear cover, the other side connected to the potentiometer, and slidably coupled to the sliding guide portion, wherein when the bending support portion is bent or unfolded, the sliding portion slides along the sliding guide portion, and when the sliding portion slides along the sliding guide portion, a potentiometer output value of the potentiometer is changed, and a control portion determines a degree of bending of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value.

[0018] A bending support portion of a radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a central rear cover, a side rear cover rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to a second direction, a sliding guide portion connected to the rear of the side rear cover and including a rack gear, and a sliding portion having one side connected to the central rear cover and the other side connected to a potentiometer included in a posture-position sensor and slidably coupled to the sliding guide portion, wherein when the bending support portion is bent or unfolded, the sliding portion slides along the sliding guide portion, and when the sliding portion slides along the sliding guide portion, a pinion gear coupled to the potentiometer rotates by meshing with the rack gear, thereby changing an output value of the potentiometer, and a control portion determines a degree of bending of the radiation detection panel based on the output value of the potentiometer.

[0019] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and the control unit determines the number of bendings for each degree of bending based on bending information of the radiation detection panel, the number of bendings indicates the number of times the radiation detection panel is bent and then straightened again, and the degree of bending means the maximum degree to which the radiation detection panel is bent when one bending is performed.

[0020] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and the control unit determines that the greater the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel, the greater the force applied to the bending.

[0021] The control unit of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure determines measured bending information related to a force required to bend a radiation detection panel, determines bending correction information based on the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel, and determines corrected bending information by adding the bending correction information to the measured bending information.

[0022] The control unit of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure determines bending correction information by multiplying the quotient obtained by dividing the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel by a predetermined unit change amount by a predetermined bending weight.

[0023] The control unit of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure obtains first usage information obtained by multiplying modified bending information corresponding to a first degree of bending by the number of bendings corresponding to the first degree of bending, obtains second usage information obtained by multiplying modified bending information corresponding to a second degree of bending by the number of bendings corresponding to the second degree of bending, obtains total usage information obtained by adding the first usage information and the second usage information, and outputs a message to perform inspection on the detector when the total usage information is greater than predetermined life information.

[0024] The control unit of the radiation detector according to the present disclosure obtains total usage information by adding up the number of bendings corresponding to the degree of bending, and if the total usage information is greater than the predetermined life information, outputs a message to perform inspection on the detector.

[0025] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and the control unit determines whether to enter a power saving mode based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel.

[0026] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, wherein the control unit determines correction data based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel, and the correction data is data for correcting at least one of the size of radiation received by a pixel of the radiation detection panel and the direction of reception of radiation according to the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel.

[0027] A radiation detector according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the radiation detector, and the control unit determines whether an unintended impact has been applied to the user based on a sensor value of a posture-position sensor.

[0028] Additionally, a program for implementing the operating method of the radiation detector of the present disclosure can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0029]

[0030] Additionally, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can measure the posture of a subject when photographing it, and measure the pipe diameter based on the posture. Furthermore, since correction can be performed on the photographed image based on the pipe diameter, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can obtain a uniform and clear image regardless of the size of the subject.

[0031] Furthermore, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can determine the number of bends and estimate its lifespan based on the number of bends. Therefore, users can prepare a spare radiation detector in advance of a radiation detector failure, thereby preventing the radiation detector from suddenly failing in the field.

[0032] In addition, since the radiation detector of the present disclosure can determine the position of the radiation detector with respect to a subject in real time, the portion of the subject that is not examined can be minimized. In addition, since the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can accurately perform an examination of the position of the radiation detector with respect to a subject (130) in an examination plan, the examination time of the subject (130) can be significantly reduced. Here, the examination plan can include the examination position with respect to the subject. In addition, if there is a subject (130) that requires additional examination, the examination can be performed only on the portion that requires examination rather than the entire subject, so the examination time can be significantly reduced.

[0033] The radiation detector of the present disclosure can measure the magnitude of external impact and store this in log data. By checking the log data of the radiation detector, the user can proactively inspect the radiation detector for excessive external impact. Therefore, the radiation detector can always be maintained in optimal condition for inspection.

[0034] Additionally, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can be switched to power-saving mode or imaging mode depending on changes in posture. This can increase user convenience by reducing the number of times a user must press the power button on the radiation detector to examine a subject.

[0035] However, the effect of the radiation detector of the present disclosure is not limited to the above effect.

[0036]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the use of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a control unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the degree of bending of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the position of a posture-position sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining an angle of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 10 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 11 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 12 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 13 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 14 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056]

[0057] 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.

[0058] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments will be described in detail.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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."

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] The radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure may be a device that detects radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject. The radiation may include at least one of X-rays, gamma rays, and some ultraviolet rays. The radiation detector (100) may detect the radiation to obtain a radiation image of the subject. For example, the radiation image obtained by the radiation detector (100) may include at least one of an X-ray image and a CT (Computed Tomography) image.

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure is bent according to the shape of a subject (130). The radiation detector (100) may include a radiation detection panel (110). The radiation detection panel (110) may extend in a first direction. The first direction may be the leftward direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be the rightward direction. That is, the radiation detection panel (110) may extend in the left and right directions. It should be noted that the first direction is not a fixed direction with respect to the ground. Depending on the direction in which the radiation detector (100) is placed with respect to the ground, the first direction may face a different direction with respect to the ground. For example, if a surface of the radiation detector (100) is parallel to the ground, the first direction may be a direction parallel to the ground. If the surface of the radiation detector (100) is perpendicular to the ground, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0069] The radiation detection panel (110) can detect radiation incident on a first surface. Here, the first surface may refer to the front surface (front surface) of the radiation detection panel (110). A panel protection unit may be positioned on the front surface of the radiation detection panel (110) to protect the front surface of the radiation detection panel (110). That is, the radiation detection panel (110) includes a panel protection unit, and the light-receiving element included in the radiation detection panel (110) may not be exposed to the outside. The radiation detection panel (110) can be protected from external impact by the panel protection unit.

[0070] The radiation detection panel (110) may be flexible. The radiation detection panel included in the radiation detection panel (110) may be flexible and bendable. When the surface of the subject has a round surface, the radiation detection panel (110) may be bent to adhere to the surface of the subject. Since the radiation detection panel (110) is positioned in adherence to the surface of the subject, the sharpness of the radiation image may be improved. The closer the distance between the radiation detector and the outer surface of the subject is, the clearer the radiation image may be. However, when photographing a round subject with a non-bendable radiation detector, the distance between the radiation detector and the subject is not constant, so distortion may occur in the radiation image. The radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure is bendable, so that a clear radiation image can be obtained. However, being bendable alone is not enough, and a structure in which the radiation detector (100) can be fixed in close proximity to the subject is required, and the fixing structure will be described later.

[0071] The radiation detection panel (110) can be divided into an indirect conversion type that obtains an indirect electric signal by visible light using a scintillator and a direct conversion type that obtains an electric signal directly from radiation using photoconductors, depending on the method of obtaining the electric signal, and can be divided into a CCD method that uses a charge-coupled device, a CMOS method that uses a CMOS device of crystalline silicon, and an a-Si method that uses a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate of amorphous silicon, depending on the type of device that generates the electric signal. The TFT panel of the present disclosure can be replaced with various methods for detecting visible light or radiation other than the TFT method.

[0072] The radiation detection panel (110) is equipped with various sensors and can implement digital image data with the electric signal and position information of the sensor proportional to the amount of incident radiation. The radiation detection panel (110) can obtain shooting results close to real-time, secure high resolution and a wide dynamic range with relatively little radiation, and due to the nature of digital data, storage and processing of the shooting results are easy. The radiation detection panel (110) includes a read-out signal unit that reads an electrical signal output from a pixel array, and a gate driver that turns on a switching element so that the read-out signal unit can read the electrical signal, and the electrical signal detected by the read-out signal unit is converted into an image signal through a certain processing process in a controller equipped on the main board and then transmitted to a display device for displaying an X-ray image.

[0073] The radiation detection panel (110) may include at least one of a pixel array, a readout signal unit, a gate driver circuit unit, and a main board. The readout signal unit is implemented with a plurality of film-shaped ROICs (Read out ICs), and each ROIC may be connected to the main board (first circuit unit or second circuit unit) by a connector.

[0074] The radiation detection panel (110) may include a photodetector that detects radiation and generates an electric signal, and a readout circuit that reads the generated electric signal. The control unit may process the electric signal output from the readout circuit and then generate X-ray image data constituting an X-ray image. The generated X-ray image data may be stored in a storage unit together with (or separately from) detector status information or information related to X-ray photography.

[0075] In order to sequentially perform the operation of detecting X-ray information in the radiation detection panel (110) and transmitting it to an external computer, the radiation detection panel (110) may use a power and data cable that transmits power (or power) supply and data communication together.

[0076] Additionally, the radiation detection panel (110) can utilize WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet for wired and wireless data transmission. Furthermore, the control unit of the radiation detection panel (110) can be connected to communicate with a workstation for variables for operating the image sensor, etc.

[0077] The radiation detector (100) may include a bending support member (120). The bending support member (120) may be coupled to the radiation detection panel (110). The bending support member (120) may be in contact with a second surface opposite to the first surface of the radiation detection panel (110). The second surface may be the opposite surface of the first surface. The first surface may refer to the front surface of the radiation detection panel (110). The second surface may refer to the rear surface of the radiation detection panel (110). Here, for the convenience of explanation, it is described that the bending support member (120) is in contact with the rear surface of the radiation detection panel (110), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The bending support member (120) may be in contact with at least one of the rear surface, the left surface, the right surface, the lower surface, and the upper surface of the radiation detection panel (110). At least a portion of the front surface of the radiation detection panel may be in contact with the bending support member (120). Here, contact means one of point contact, line contact, and surface contact.

[0078] The bending support member (120) can support the radiation detection panel (110). The bending support member (120) can protect the radiation detection panel (110). Since the radiation detection panel (110) is flexible and can be bent, if the bending support member (120) is not provided, it would be difficult to keep the radiation detection panel (110) still with respect to the subject. This is because the radiation detection panel (110) would be easily deformed by the movement of the subject or an external force. Therefore, the bending support member (120) may be configured to support the radiation detection panel (110) so that it maintains a certain shape after being bent. In addition, the bending support member (120) can prevent the radiation detection panel (110) from being excessively bent or from being damaged by an external impact.

[0079] The bending support member (120) is coupled to the radiation detection panel (110) and can support the radiation detection panel (110). The bending support member (120) can adjust the bending based on a bending axis parallel to a second direction of the radiation detection panel (110). The bending support member (120) can adjust the bending of the radiation detection panel (110) based on a bending axis parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction and the second direction can be orthogonal to each other. The first direction can mean the left. In addition, the second direction can mean the upper side of the radiation detector (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second direction can be the lower side of the radiation detector (100). The bending support member (120) can adjust the bending of the radiation detection panel (110) around at least one bending axis that is parallel to the vertical direction. As the bending support member (120) is bent, the radiation detection panel (110) can also be bent. In addition, the bending support member (120) can help the radiation detection panel (110) maintain its bent shape. When the subject (130) is a pipe, the extension direction of the subject can coincide with the second direction.

[0080] In the present disclosure, the first direction and the second direction may be directions based on the radiation detector (100). It should be noted that the first direction and the second direction are not fixed directions with respect to the ground. Depending on the direction in which the radiation detector (100) is placed with respect to the ground, the first direction and the second direction may face different directions with respect to the ground. For example, when the surface of the radiation detector (100) is parallel to the ground, the second direction may be a direction parallel to the ground. When the surface of the radiation detector (100) is perpendicular to the ground, the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0081] The bending support unit (120) may include various configurations for the operation of the radiation detector (100). For example, the bending support unit (120) may include at least one of a control unit, a communication unit, an input unit, and an output unit for the operation of the radiation detector (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the radiation detection panel (110) may also include at least one of a control unit, a communication unit, an input unit, and an output unit.

[0082] Additionally, the radiation detection panel (110) may be embedded in the bending support member (120). However, this is not limited to this, and the bending support member (120) and the radiation detection panel (110) may be independent configurations.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the use of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, a radiation detector (100) for detecting radiation can take pictures by rotating around a subject (130). The subject (130) may be a curved object, or a spherical or cylindrical object. For example, the subject (130) may be a pipe. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the subject (130) may be an object having a flat surface.

[0085] The radiation detector (100) can capture a radiation image by rotating around the outer surface of the subject (130) to detect cracks in the pipe. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a source assembly for irradiating radiation may be positioned opposite the radiation detector (100).

[0086] Since the radiation detector (100) takes a radiation image in close proximity to the subject (130), the radiation detection panel (110) of the radiation detector (100) may be damaged by the subject (130). However, the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure may include a front protection member to protect the radiation detector (100). Since the radiation detection panel (110) is not damaged by the front protection member, the performance of the radiation detector (100) may be maintained for a long period of time.

[0087] The radiation detector (100) may include a flexible radiation detection panel (110) that extends in a first direction and detects radiation incident on a first surface. The radiation detection panel (110) may be bent according to the shape of the subject (130). Since the radiation detection panel (110) has already been described, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0088] The radiation detector (100) may include a bending support member (120) that contacts the second surface opposite the first surface of the radiation detection panel, supports the radiation detection panel (110), and adjusts bending of the radiation detection panel around a bending axis that is parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0089] A fixing band (210) may be used to fix the radiation detector (100) to the subject (130). The fixing band (210) may be directly connected to at least one of the radiation detection panel (110) and the bending support member (120). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fixing band (210) may be fixed to a detector fixing assembly coupled to at least one of the radiation detection panel (110) and the bending support member (120). Since the fixing band (210) may not be required depending on the site, the detector fixing assembly may be implemented to be detachable in order to reduce the weight and size of the radiation detector (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] The detector fixing assembly can allow the radiation detector (100) to maintain a predetermined distance from a subject (130) having a flat or curved outer surface. Here, the predetermined distance may be 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. At least a portion of the radiation detection panel (110) of the radiation detector (100) may be in contact with the subject (130). The predetermined distance between the radiation detector (100) and the subject (130) may be 0 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0091] The radiation detector (100) may include a detector fixing assembly. The detector fixing assembly is detachably coupled to the bending support member (120) and may include a fixing band (210) for coupling the radiation detector to the subject or a roller that comes into contact with the subject. The fixing band (210) may surround at least a portion of the subject (130). The radiation detector (100) and the fixing band (210) may surround the entire subject (130).

[0092] Below, the radiation detector capable of position measurement and attitude measurement of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] As already explained, the radiation detector (100) may include a radiation detection panel (110) and a bending support member (120). Since the radiation detection panel (110) and the bending support member (120) have already been explained, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] The radiation detector (100) may include a posture-position sensor. The posture-position sensor may be coupled to the bending support member (120). The posture-position sensor may be included within the bending support member (120) or coupled to the outside of the bending support member (120).

[0096] The posture-position sensor may be a sensor for determining at least one of the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) or the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject (130). The degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) may have the same meaning as the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100). The degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) may be expressed in an angle, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The bending support member (120) may include a central rear cover (341) and side rear covers (342 or 343). The central rear cover (341) may include a first attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor. In addition, the side rear cover (342 or 343) may be rotatable with respect to the central rear cover (341) about an axis parallel to the second direction. The side rear cover (342 or 343) may include a second attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor.

[0098] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the left side rear cover (342) may include a second attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor, and the right side rear cover (343) may include a third attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor. The attitude-position sensor may be located at at least one of a first sensor location (310), a second sensor location (320), and a third sensor location (330). The first sensor location (310) may be located in a central rear cover (341) included in the bending support member (120). The central rear cover (341) may be a cover located centrally in the left-right direction of the bending support member (120). The second sensor location (320) may be included in a left side rear cover (342) included in the bending support member (120). The third sensor location (330) may be included in the right side rear cover (343) included in the bending support member (120). The central rear cover (341) may be located between the left side rear cover (342) and the right side rear cover (343). At least one of the left side rear cover (342) and the right side rear cover (343) may be referred to as a side rear cover. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] The attitude-position sensor may include an inertial sensor. The inertial sensor may include at least one of a magnetometer, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. The inertial sensor may include a magnetometer, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. In addition, the attitude-position sensor may include at least one of a potentiometer, a magnetometer, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. The attitude-position sensor may output three-dimensional sensor values. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0100] The attitude-position sensor may include at least one of an attitude sensor and a position sensor. The attitude sensor and the position sensor may be the same sensor or independent sensors. The attitude sensor and the position sensor may be located at the same location or at different locations. In addition, among the plurality of sensor units (510) included in the radiation detector (100), a first group may function as an attitude sensor, and a second group may function as a position sensor. The first group and the second group may include overlapping sensor units. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first group and the second group may not include overlapping sensor units.

[0101] In addition, since the radiation detection panel (110) will be in close contact with the outer surface of the subject (130) during shooting, the diameter of the subject (130) may be determined based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110). For example, the more the radiation detection panel (110) is curved, the smaller the diameter of the subject (130), and the less the radiation detection panel (110) is curved, the larger the diameter of the subject (130). The radiation detector (100) may determine the diameter of the subject corresponding to the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on a predetermined function or diameter determination table.

[0102] The radiation detector (100) can determine the diameter of an object and output it from an output unit. The output unit of the present disclosure may be an output unit included in the radiation detector (100) or an output unit included in an external user terminal. The user terminal may include a laptop, a smartphone, a PC, etc. The user can compare the diameter of the object in the inspection plan with the measured diameter. Accordingly, the object can be identified. Therefore, the user can reduce the error of inspecting the wrong object. In addition, it can also confirm whether the object has been properly constructed. Furthermore, it can detect whether the diameter of the object has changed due to a shock such as an earthquake. In this way, the radiation detector (100) can inspect the object from various angles, so the inspection of the object can be performed quickly and accurately.

[0103] In addition, the position of the radiation detection panel (110) with respect to the subject (130) may refer to the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130). The radiation detector (100) can determine where the radiation detector (100) is located in the 360-degree direction of the subject (130) based on the initial positions of the radiation detector (100) and the subject (130). For example, the subject may be a pipe. In this case, the radiation detector (100) can determine where the radiation detector (100) is located in the 360-degree direction of the subject centered on the extension direction (350) of the pipe (subject). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the radiation detector (100) can also determine where the subject (130) is located in three dimensions (upper, lower, left, right, front, rear).

[0104] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a control unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The radiation detector (100) may include a control unit (400). The control unit (400) may include a processor (410) and a memory (420). The control unit (400) may include the processor (410). The processor (410) may be implemented only with hardware for performing the functions of the radiation detector (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (410) may be implemented as a general-purpose processor and perform commands stored in the memory (420). The control unit (400) may also include the memory (420). The memory may store commands executed by the processor (410), or may store information measured from a sensor, preset information, etc.

[0106] This disclosure focuses on the operation of a radiation detector. It should be noted that the operations performed by the radiation detector in this disclosure may be performed by a user terminal or server communicating with the radiation detector.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] The radiation detector (100) may include a control unit (400). The control unit (400) may control the operation of the radiation detector (100). The control unit (400) may be included and protected within at least one of the radiation detection panel (110) and the bending support unit (120). The control unit (400) may be included in a control board within at least one of the radiation detection panel (110) and the bending support unit (120). The control board may be implemented as at least one of a microprocessor or a PCB having various components mounted thereon. The control unit (400) may be protected by a radiation shielding housing to prevent malfunction of the control unit (400) due to radiation.

[0109] The radiation detector (100) may include at least one of a control unit (400), a sensor unit (510), a communication unit (520), a memory (530), an output unit (540), and an input unit (550).

[0110] More specifically, the radiation detector (100) may include a sensor unit (510). The sensor unit (510) may acquire various information using at least one sensor. For example, the sensor unit (510) may include a posture-position sensor (511). The posture-position sensor may include at least one of a potentiometer, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor.

[0111] Additionally, the sensor unit (510) may include a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, an LED sensor, a touch sensor, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The sensor unit may be included in at least one of the radiation detection panel (110) or the bending support unit (120), and at least one of the control boards.

[0112] In addition, the radiation detector (100) may include a communication unit (520). The communication unit (520) may be a configuration for the radiation detector (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 (520) 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.

[0113] The radiation detector (100) may include a memory (530). The memory (530) may correspond to the memory (420). The control unit (400) may execute commands stored in the memory. The memory (530) may be included in the control unit (400) or may be external to the control unit (400). The memory (530) may store various pieces of information related to the radiation detector (100).

[0114] The memory (530) may be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium capable of persistently storing arbitrary data. For example, the memory (530) 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 (530) may refer to, 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 (530) may be operated by the control unit (400). In addition, the control unit (400) may also execute instructions contained in the memory (530).

[0115] Additionally, the radiation detector (100) may further include an input / output unit that provides an interface for operating the radiation detector (100). The input / output unit may include an output unit (540) and an input unit (550).

[0116] The output unit (540) can output sound and image that can check the status of the radiation detector (100). The output unit (540) can include a speaker or a display unit. The output unit (540) can also output at least one of a count rate, a radiation dose, and a radiation dose rate. The output unit (540) can output an alarm to notify a worker of a risk. Examples of the output unit (540) 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.

[0117] The output unit (540) may be a component included in the radiation detector (100) or a component included in a user terminal. The radiation detector (100) can transmit information to the user terminal via the communication unit, and the user terminal can output the information. The user terminal may include a laptop, a PC, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.

[0118] The input unit (550) can receive commands for operating the radiation detector (100) from the worker and various information necessary for radiation measurement. The input unit (550) can include buttons displayed on the display unit and physical buttons. The control unit (400) can control or operate the radiation detector (100) based on the information input to the input unit (550). The input unit (550) can include a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch display, buttons, a lock 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.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 together, the radiation detector (100) may include a control unit (400) for controlling the operation of the radiation detector (100). The control unit (400) may perform a step of determining an initial position of the radiation detector with respect to a subject based on a posture-position sensor (511). The initial position may be a position at the time when the radiation detector (100) is bent to fit the outer surface of the subject and comes into contact with the outer surface of the subject. A user may input a signal to determine the initial position through the input unit (550). Accordingly, the radiation detector (100) may determine the initial position based on the posture-position sensor (511).

[0120] In addition, when the radiation detector (100) moves from the initial position, the control unit (400) can perform a step of obtaining the position of the radiation detection panel (110) with respect to the subject (130) in real time based on the posture-position sensor (511). More specifically, when the radiation detector (100) rotates about a rotation axis (350) parallel to the second direction located inside the subject (130), the control unit (400) can perform a step of obtaining the position of the radiation detection panel (110) with respect to the subject (130) in real time. In addition, the control unit (400) can accumulate and store the real-time position of the radiation detection panel (110). Therefore, the radiation detector (100) can detect a portion of the subject (130) that has not been photographed, and if there is a portion that has not been photographed, it can notify the user of this. Therefore, the user can inspect the subject (130) without missing any portion. In addition, the user may not inspect the same area repeatedly. In addition, since radiation may be dangerous to the user, after attaching the radiation detector (100) to the subject (130), the user may move to a safe area and proceed with the photographing. At this time, the radiation detector (100) may be moved with respect to the subject (130) by receiving an external force. Since the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure obtains and outputs the position of the radiation detection panel (110) in real time, even if the radiation detector (100) moves, it can be quickly recognized. In addition, when the radiation detector (100) automatically rotates with respect to the subject (130) and photographing is performed, the radiation detector (100) can check whether the radiation detector (100) is rotating with respect to the subject (130) as planned. Therefore, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can assist in the rapid and accurate examination of the subject (130).

[0121] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] At least one of the bending angle of the radiation detection panel or the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject can be determined based on at least one of the first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650) and the second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660).

[0123] For example, if the first direction angle and the second direction angle are changed in the same direction with the same magnitude at the same time, the control unit (400) can determine that the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) has changed. The control unit (400) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) based on a predetermined position determination algorithm.

[0124] Additionally, for example, if the first and second direction angles have different sizes or different directions, the control unit (400) may determine that the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100) has changed. The control unit (400) may determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100) based on a predetermined degree of curvature determination algorithm.

[0125] The radiation detector (100) may include a control unit (400) for controlling the operation of the radiation detector (100). When the second direction (350) is parallel to the ground, the control unit (400) may perform a step of determining the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor.

[0126] The acceleration sensor may be a sensor that measures acceleration applied to the radiation detector (100). The acceleration sensor may measure the magnitude and direction of gravity applied to the radiation detector (100). Referring to (A) of FIG. 6, the first attitude-position sensor (650) may measure the direction of gravity with respect to the first reference direction as a first direction angle (611). Here, the first reference direction may be an extension direction of the radiation detector (100). Since the first attitude-position sensor (650) is located in the central rear cover (341), the first reference direction may be an extension direction of the central rear cover (341). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first reference direction may be a direction perpendicular to the central rear cover (341). The first direction angle (611) may mean a value measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650).

[0127] In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the second reference direction as a second direction angle (612). Here, the second reference direction may be the extension direction of the radiation detector (100). Since the second attitude-position sensor (660) is located in the side rear cover (342, or 343), the reference direction may be the extension direction of the side rear cover (342, or 343). However, it is not limited thereto, and the second reference direction may be a direction perpendicular to the side rear cover (342, or 343). The second direction angle (612) may mean a value measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660).

[0128] The control unit (400) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) based on at least one of the first direction angle (611) and the second direction angle (612). For example, since the first direction angle (611) is 180 degrees, the control unit (400) can determine that the radiation detector (100) is positioned to the right of the subject (130). For reference, in FIG. 6, an angle rotated clockwise may be positive and an angle rotated counterclockwise may be negative.

[0129] Referring to (B) of FIG. 6, the first attitude-position sensor (650) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the first reference direction as a first direction angle (621). In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the second reference direction as a second direction angle (622). The control unit (400) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) based on at least one of the first direction angle (621) and the second direction angle (622). For example, since the first direction angle (621) is 90 degrees, the control unit (400) can determine that the radiation detector (100) is positioned lower with respect to the subject (130).

[0130] Referring to (C) of FIG. 6, the first attitude-position sensor (650) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the first reference direction as the first direction angle (631). In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the second reference direction as the second direction angle (632). The control unit (400) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) based on at least one of the first direction angle (631) and the second direction angle (632). For example, since the first direction angle (631) is 0 degrees, the control unit (400) can determine that the radiation detector (100) is positioned to the left with respect to the subject (130).

[0131] Referring to (D) of FIG. 6, the first attitude-position sensor (650) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the first reference direction as the first direction angle (641). In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the second reference direction as the second direction angle (642). The control unit (400) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) based on at least one of the first direction angle (641) and the second direction angle (642). For example, since the first direction angle (641) is -90 degrees, the control unit (400) can determine that the radiation detector (100) is positioned above the subject (130). For reference, in FIG. 6, an angle rotated clockwise may be positive and an angle rotated counterclockwise may be negative.

[0132] As described above, the radiation detector (100) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) using the acceleration sensor. The radiation detector (100) can also determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) using the gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor (511). The gyro sensor can measure angular velocity. The radiation detector (100) can be positioned at a predetermined initial position with respect to the subject (130). Thereafter, the radiation detector (100) can integrate the angular velocity measured by the gyro sensor to determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130). The position of the radiation detector (100) can be the angle at which the radiation detector (100) rotates from the initial position around the rotation axis (350) located inside the subject (130). The radiation detector (100) can determine the position of the radiation detector in real time using a gyro sensor. The radiation detector (100) can determine the position of the radiation detector with respect to the subject (130) using the gyro sensor, regardless of whether the second direction is perpendicular to the ground.

[0133] A gyro sensor estimates an angle by integrating angular velocity. During the angle integration, an accumulated error occurs, which causes a drift phenomenon in the low-frequency band, and an acceleration sensor generates noise in the high-frequency band, making it difficult to expect an accurate value. A complementary filter calculates an angle by synthesizing an acceleration value with high-frequency noise and a gyro value with low-frequency noise, so an accurate calculation can be performed. That is, the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) or the position of the radiation detection panel (110) by using both the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor.

[0134] The radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can utilize Euler angles to determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) or the position of the radiation detection panel (110). Euler angles have a problem called gimbal lock. Gimbal lock refers to a loss of component (direction) due to the rotation of one axis affecting another axis. To solve this problem, the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can apply quaternion calculation.

[0135] If the second direction is perpendicular to the ground, the control unit (400) may perform a step of determining the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject using at least one of the geomagnetic sensor and the gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor. Since the method of determining the position of the radiation detection panel (110) using the gyro sensor has already been described, the method of using the geomagnetic sensor will be described below.

[0136] The geomagnetic sensor may be configured to determine in which direction, east, west, south, or north, the radiation detector (100) is facing. For example, the geomagnetic sensor may be configured to determine in which direction, east, west, south, or north, the third direction of the radiation detector (100) is facing. The third direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The third direction may indicate the front of the radiation detector (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third direction may indicate the back of the radiation detector (100).

[0137] In the present disclosure, the third direction may be a direction based on the radiation detector (100). It should be noted that the third direction is not a fixed direction with respect to the ground. Depending on the direction in which the radiation detector (100) is placed with respect to the ground, the third direction may face a different direction with respect to the ground. For example, if the surface of the radiation detector (100) is parallel to the ground, the third direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground. If the surface of the radiation detector (100) is perpendicular to the ground, the third direction may be a direction parallel to the ground.

[0138] In this way, the radiation detector (100) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) regardless of the extension direction of the subject (130). Therefore, the user can perform a thorough inspection of the subject (130). In addition, even if the user misses a position and does not inspect it, the inspection can be performed again later. The radiation detector (100) can obtain information on whether there is an abnormality in the subject (130) through a predetermined model. In addition, if the information on whether there is an abnormality indicates that there is an abnormality in the subject (130), the radiation detector (100) can store the position of the abnormality. That is, the radiation detector (100) can store the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) where the abnormality is found. The radiation detector (100) can output the position of the radiation detector (100) where the abnormality is found. After the defect has been repaired, the user can re-examine only the location where the defect was found. Since there is no need to inspect the entire object (130), the inspection efficiency of the object (130) can be significantly increased.

[0139] To accurately calculate the position and posture, the radiation detector (100) can perform the following steps.

[0140] The radiation detector (100) can perform initialization. When starting operation, the radiation detector (100) can initialize the basic error of the acceleration sensor based on at least one of the received gravitational acceleration and acceleration sensor data. More specifically, the radiation detector of the present disclosure can include a process of calculating the exact position and direction of the radiation detector (100) by combining a plurality of sensors (gyro sensors and / or acceleration sensors) and reducing the error of the sensor data acquired from the plurality of sensors.

[0141] The radiation detector (100) can perform orientation calculation. Here, the orientation of the radiation detector (100) can correspond to the initial position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject. The radiation detector (100) can calculate the orientation (including tilt, direction, etc.) of the radiation detector (100) using data provided by the gyro sensor. The radiation detector (100) can generate a position transformation matrix indicating how the radiation detector (100) has changed its direction based on the calculated orientation. The values ​​measured by the gyro sensor will change according to the change in the position of the radiation detector (100), and the position transformation matrix can be used by the radiation detector (100) to obtain the current position of the radiation detector (100) based on the current measurement values ​​of the gyro sensor. That is, the radiation detector (100) can obtain the current position of the radiation detector (100) by applying the current measurement value of the gyro sensor to the position transformation matrix.

[0142] The radiation detector (100) can perform velocity calculation. More specifically, the radiation detector (100) can calculate the velocity of the radiation detector (100) using data measured by an acceleration sensor.

[0143] The radiation detector (100) can perform error estimation. The radiation detector (100) can estimate and correct errors that may occur in the gyroscope and acceleration sensors using a filter. In this process, errors in the orientation and velocity of the radiation detector (100) can also be corrected.

[0144] The radiation detector (100) can perform position calculation. The radiation detector (100) can calculate the position of the radiation detector (100) by using orientation and velocity. In order to calculate the position of the radiation detector (100), the radiation detector (100) can apply at least one of orientation and velocity to a position transformation matrix. The radiation detector (100) can estimate an error in the calculated position of the radiation detector (100) and correct it using a filter. More specifically, the radiation detector (100) can obtain the positions of the plurality of radiation detectors (100) based on the measured values ​​of the plurality of gyro sensors and the values ​​of at least two of the plurality of acceleration sensors, estimate an error based on the positions of the plurality of radiation detectors (100), and obtain the final positions of the plurality of radiation detectors (100) by applying a filter.

[0145] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit (400) can determine a first position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject by using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor. In addition, the control unit (400) can determine a second position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject by using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor. The radiation detector (100) can obtain a position vector based on the first position and the second position. The radiation detector (100) can determine the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) in three dimensions based on the position vector. That is, regardless of the extension direction of the subject (130), the radiation detector (100) can obtain the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) in three dimensions.

[0146] In this way, the radiation detector (100) can obtain the position of the radiation detector (100) with respect to the subject (130) and output it from the output unit. The user can check the current position being photographed through the output unit. In addition, the radiation detector (100) may store an examination plan. The radiation detector (100) may store a position on the subject (130) that requires examination. The radiation detector (100) may also output whether the photographing position corresponds to the position requiring examination in the examination plan. If the photographing position corresponds to the position requiring examination in the examination plan, the radiation detector (100) may be switched to the photographing mode. That is, the radiation detector (100) may be in a state where it can be irradiated with radiation. The user can photograph an image of the subject (130) at the exact position in the examination plan. Therefore, the examination can be performed accurately according to the examination plan.

[0147] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the degree of bending of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] The control unit (400) included in the radiation detector (100) may perform a step of acquiring the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel with respect to a predetermined initial posture based on a posture-position sensor. Here, the initial posture may be a state in which the radiation detector (100) is flat or a state in which the radiation detection panel (110) is flat. The degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110) may correspond to the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100).

[0149] The degree of curvature of a radiation detector may be information related to the curvature of the radiation detector. The degree of curvature of the radiation detector of the present disclosure may include at least one of rotational information (710) of the sensor and angle information (720) of the bending support.

[0150] FIG. 7(A) may be a drawing for explaining rotation information (710) of a sensor. The rotation information of the sensor may be acquired based on at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. The rotation information of the sensor may indicate the degree of rotation of the second attitude-position sensor (660) with respect to the sensor rotation axis. The sensor rotation axis may be a predetermined point. For example, the sensor rotation axis may be located at the first attitude-position sensor (650). However, it may be different from the position of the first attitude-position sensor (650). The larger the rotation information (710) of the sensor, the more the radiation detector (100) may be bent.

[0151] FIG. 7 (A) may be a drawing for explaining angle information (720) of a bending support portion. The bending support portion may include a joint (730). The joint (730) may be a structure for connecting the central rear cover (341) and the side rear covers (342, 343). The angle information (720) of the bending support portion may indicate the degree to which the joint (730) has rotated. The information on the rotation of the joint (730) may be measured by at least one of a potentiometer, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor.

[0152] Hereinafter, a process for obtaining the degree of curvature of a radiation detector using an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor is described. There may be multiple attitude-position sensors. One attitude-position sensor may be located on the central back cover, and another attitude-position sensor may be located on the side back cover. However, this is not limited thereto, and the degree of curvature of the radiation detector may be obtained in a similar manner even if the attitude-position sensors are located in different positions. Hereinafter, the description will be based on a case where one attitude-position sensor is located on the central back cover, and another attitude-position sensor is located on the side back cover.

[0153] First, the process of obtaining the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on the acceleration sensor is described.

[0154] The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on information measured by the attitude-position sensor. The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660) from the first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650).

[0155] For example, referring to (A) of FIG. 6, the first attitude-position sensor (650), which is an acceleration sensor, can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the first reference direction as a first direction angle (611). In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660), which is an acceleration sensor, can measure the direction of gravity with respect to the second reference direction as a second direction angle (612). For example, since the first direction angle (621) is 180 degrees, the control unit (400) can measure the degree of bending (613) of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle (612) from 180 degrees. For reference, in FIG. 6, an angle rotated clockwise may be positive and an angle rotated counterclockwise may be negative.

[0156] Next, the process of obtaining the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on the geomagnetic sensor is described.

[0157] The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on information measured by the attitude-position sensor. The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660) from the first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650).

[0158] The first attitude-position sensor (650), which is a geomagnetic sensor, can measure the direction of the magnetic north pole with respect to the first reference direction as a first direction angle. The first direction angle may refer to a value measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650). In the present embodiment, the direction of the magnetic north pole is used, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can measure the direction of the magnetic north pole with respect to the second reference direction as a second direction angle. The second direction angle may refer to a value measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660). The control unit (400) can measure the degree of bending of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle from the first direction angle.

[0159] Next, the process of obtaining the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on the gyro sensor is described.

[0160] The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on information measured by the attitude-position sensor. The radiation detector (100) can obtain the degree of curvature of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor (660) from the first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor (650).

[0161] The first attitude-position sensor (650), which is a gyro sensor, can integrate the measured rotational speed to measure the first direction angle. In addition, the second attitude-position sensor (660) can integrate the measured rotational speed to measure the second direction angle. The control unit (400) can measure the degree of bending of the radiation detector based on a value obtained by subtracting the second direction angle from the first direction angle.

[0162] The radiation detector (100) can measure the degree of bending of the radiation detector based on at least one of a first sensor value measured by an acceleration sensor, a second sensor value measured by a geomagnetic sensor, and a third sensor value measured by a gyro sensor. For example, the radiation detector (100) can store an angle table that corresponds at least one of the first sensor value, the second sensor value, and the third sensor value to the degree of bending. The radiation detector (100) can determine the degree of bending by applying at least one of the first sensor value, the second sensor value, and the third sensor value to the angle table.

[0163] The radiation detector (100) can determine the degree of bending using a geomagnetic sensor instead of at least one of a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor when the extension direction of the subject is greater than a predetermined threshold angle with respect to the ground. In addition, the radiation detector (100) can determine the angle of bending using at least one of a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor when the extension direction of the subject is less than a predetermined threshold angle with respect to the ground.

[0164] However, it is not limited thereto, and the radiation detector (100) can determine the weight w0 for the geomagnetic sensor included in the predetermined weights according to the extension direction of the subject, or the weight w1 of the gyro sensor or the acceleration sensor. w0 may increase as the angle of the extension direction of the subject with respect to the ground increases. w1 may decrease as the angle of the extension direction of the subject with respect to the ground increases. w0+w1=1. However, it is not limited thereto, and w0+w1 may be less than 1 or greater than 1. The degree of bending may be determined by the following equation.

[0165] Degree of bending = w0*(degree of bending by geomagnetic sensor) + w1*(angle of bending by gyroscope or acceleration sensor)

[0166] When using w0 and w1 as above, the degree of bending can be accurately measured. This is because the more the extension direction of the subject is perpendicular to the ground, the more accurate the degree of bending measured by the geomagnetic sensor can be.

[0167] As described above, the degree of curvature of a radiation detector can be measured using various types of sensors. The radiation detector (100) can measure the degree of curvature of the radiation detector using at least one type of sensor. The more types of sensors used, the more accurately the degree of curvature of the radiation detector can be measured by complementing each other.

[0168] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the position of a posture-position sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] As previously described, the attitude-position sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

[0170] Referring to (A) of FIG. 8, the radiation detector (100) may include one posture-position sensor (810). The posture-position sensor (810) may be located in the bending support member (120). More specifically, the posture-position sensor (810) may be located in the central rear cover included in the bending support member (120).

[0171] Referring to (B) of FIG. 8, the radiation detector (100) may include a plurality of posture-position sensors (821, 822). The plurality of posture-position sensors (821, 822) may be located in the bending support member (120). More specifically, the posture-position sensor (821) may be located in the left side rear cover (342) included in the bending support member (120). The posture-position sensor (822) may be located in the right side rear cover (343) included in the bending support member (120).

[0172] Referring to (C) of FIG. 8, the radiation detector (100) may include a plurality of posture-position sensors (831, 832). The plurality of posture-position sensors (831, 832) may be located in the bending support member (120). More specifically, the posture-position sensor (831) may be located in the central rear cover (341) included in the bending support member (120). The posture-position sensor (832) may be located in the left side rear cover (342) included in the bending support member (120).

[0173] Referring to (D) of FIG. 8, the radiation detector (100) may include a plurality of posture-position sensors (841, 842, 843). The plurality of posture-position sensors (841, 842, 843) may be located in the bending support member (120). More specifically, the posture-position sensor (841) may be located in the central rear cover (341) included in the bending support member (120). The posture-position sensor (842) may be located in the left side rear cover (342) included in the bending support member (120). The posture-position sensor (843) may be located in the right side rear cover (343) included in the bending support member (120).

[0174] In this way, the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can include posture-position sensors at various locations, thereby providing high flexibility in implementation. That is, depending on the intended use of the radiation detector (100), the posture-position sensors can be mounted in various ways to accurately determine at least one of the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel or the position of the radiation detection panel relative to a subject.

[0175] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining an angle of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] The bending support member (120) may include a central rear cover (341) and side rear covers (342, 343) that can rotate with respect to the central rear cover (341) about an axis parallel to the second direction.

[0177] The posture-position sensor may include a potentiometer. The potentiometer may output different potentiometer output values ​​as the side rear covers (342, 343) rotate relative to the central rear cover (341). The control unit (400) may determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output values.

[0178] The potentiometer may be located at a joint (910) located between the central rear cover (341) and the side rear cover (342 or 343). The joint may be a structure for rotating the side rear cover (342 or 343) with respect to the central rear cover (341). The potentiometer may measure a rotation angle of the side rear cover (342 or 343) with respect to the central rear cover (341). The control unit (400) may determine the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) based on the measured rotation angle.

[0179] The potentiometer may be included in at least one of the first joint and the second joint. The first joint may be located in the center rear cover (341) and the left side rear cover (342), and the second joint may be located in the center rear cover (341) and the right side rear cover (343). The radiation detector may have a mechanical structure such that the first joint and the second joint can be bent at the same angle. In this case, the potentiometer may be located in one of the first joint and the second joint. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first joint and the second joint may be bent at different angles. When the first joint and the second joint can be bent at different angles, the potentiometer may be located in both the first joint and the second joint.

[0180] The radiation detector (100) can determine the diameter of the subject (130) based on a potentiometer. The radiation detector (100) can select the diameter of the subject corresponding to the value of the potentiometer located at at least one of the first joint and the second joint from a predetermined diameter determination table.

[0181] The potentiometer may be included in at least one of the sliding guide portion (920) and the sliding portion (930). As the side rear cover (342 or 343) rotates with respect to the central rear cover (341), the sliding portion (930) may move relative to the sliding guide portion (920). The potentiometer may measure the position of the sliding portion (930) with respect to the sliding guide portion (920). The control unit (400) may determine the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) based on the measured position of the sliding portion (930). The sliding portion (930) may also be configured to connect the central rear cover (341) and the side rear cover (342 or 343).

[0182] FIG. 10 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] The bending support member (120) may include a central rear cover (341) and a side rear cover (342 or 343) rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the bending support member (120) may include a sliding guide member (920). The sliding guide member (920) may be connected to the rear of the side rear cover (342 or 343). The sliding guide member (920) may include a potentiometer (1010) included in the attitude-position sensor. The potentiometer (1010) may be a linear potentiometer. The potentiometer output value, which is the output of the potentiometer, may vary depending on the movement of the knob (1011) included in the potentiometer (1010). The potentiometer output value may be, for example, resistance. The control unit (400) may measure the potentiometer output value to obtain the position of the knob (1011). In addition, the control unit (400) may determine the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) based on the position of the knob (1011).

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the bending support member (120) may include a sliding member (930). One side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to the central rear cover (341). That is, one side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to the joint (910). In addition, the other side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to the potentiometer (1010). The sliding member (930) may be connected to the knob (1011) of the potentiometer (1010). Therefore, when the sliding member (930) moves along the sliding guide member (920), the knob may also move along the sliding guide member (920). The sliding member (930) may be slidably coupled to the sliding guide member (920).

[0186] When the bending support member (120) is bent or unfolded, the sliding member (930) can slide along the sliding guide member (920). For example, referring to (A) of FIG. 10, when the bending support member (120) is unfolded, the other side of the sliding member (930) can be positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction. That is, the knob (1011) can also be positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction. Referring to (B) of FIG. 10, as the bending support member (120) is bent, the other side of the sliding member (930) can move toward the first direction. That is, the knob (1011) can also move in the first direction.

[0187] When the sliding part (930) slides along the sliding guide part (920), the potentiometer output value of the potentiometer (1010) can be changed. As previously described, the sliding part (930) can be connected to the knob (1011) of the potentiometer (1010). Therefore, when the sliding part (930) moves along the sliding guide part (920), the knob (1011) can also move along the sliding guide part (920). The potentiometer output value, which is the output of the potentiometer, can be changed by the movement of the knob (1011).

[0188] The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature (1110) of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value. The control unit (400) can store a degree of curvature determination table or a degree of curvature determination function for correlating the potentiometer output value with the degree of curvature (1110). The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature (1110) of the radiation detection panel by applying the potentiometer output value to the degree of curvature determination table or the degree of curvature determination function.

[0189] FIG. 12 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the bending support member (120) may include a central rear cover (341) and a side rear cover (342 or 343) rotatable relative to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the bending support member (120) is connected to the rear of the side rear cover (342 or 343) and may include a sliding guide member (920) including a rack gear (1220).

[0192] In addition, the bending support member (120) may include a sliding member (930). One side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to the central rear cover (341). That is, one side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to the joint (910). The other side of the sliding member (930) may be connected to a potentiometer included in the attitude-position sensor. The potentiometer may include a pinion gear (1210). When the pinion gear (1210) rotates, the potentiometer output value, which is the output of the potentiometer, may be changed. The sliding member (930) may be slidably coupled to the sliding guide member (920).

[0193] When the bending support member (120) is bent or unfolded, the sliding member (930) can slide along the sliding guide member (920). When the sliding member (930) slides along the sliding guide member (920), the pinion gear (1210) coupled to the potentiometer can rotate by engaging with the rack gear (1220). As the pinion gear (1210) rotates, the potentiometer output value can change. That is, the potentiometer output value can be related to the position of the sliding member (930) with respect to the sliding guide member (920).

[0194] For example, as the bending support member (120) unfolds, the pinion gear (1210) of the sliding member (930) can rotate counterclockwise. In addition, as the bending support member (120) bends, the pinion gear (1210) of the sliding member (930) can rotate clockwise.

[0195] The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value. More specifically, the control unit (400) can store a degree of curvature determination table or a degree of curvature determination function for correlating the potentiometer output value with the degree of curvature (1110). The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature (1110) of the radiation detection panel by applying the potentiometer output value to the degree of curvature determination table or the degree of curvature determination function.

[0196] FIG. 13 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 may be a drawing for explaining a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 9, 13 and 14, the potentiometer included in the posture-position sensor may be located at a joint (910). The joint (910) may be located between the central rear cover (341) and the side rear cover (342 or 343).

[0198] The fixed part (1311) of the potentiometer can be fixed to the central rear cover (341). In addition, the rotating part (1312) of the potentiometer can be connected to one of the side rear covers (342 or 343) or the sliding part (930).

[0199] When the bending support member (120) is bent, one of the side rear covers (342 or 343) or the sliding member (930) can rotate with respect to the central rear cover (341). At this time, the rotating member (1312) of the potentiometer can rotate with respect to the fixed member (1311) of the potentiometer. The potentiometer output value, which is the output of the potentiometer, can be changed according to the rotation of the rotating member (1312).

[0200] The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value. More specifically, the control unit (400) can store a degree of curvature determination table or a degree of curvature determination function for correlating the potentiometer output value with the degree of curvature (1110). The control unit (400) can determine the degree of curvature (1110) of the radiation detection panel by applying the potentiometer output value to the degree of curvature determination table or the degree of curvature determination function.

[0201] As described above, the radiation detector (100) can acquire the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel in a simple manner. Based on this, the radiation detector (100) can determine its lifespan and whether the radiation detector (100) is currently in the process of imaging. Accordingly, the user can easily maintain the radiation detector (100), and input during imaging can be minimized, thereby increasing convenience.

[0202] Below, the operation method of the radiation detector is described in more detail.

[0203] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (400) can determine the number of bending cycles for each degree of bending based on the bending information of the radiation detection panel (110). The number of bending cycles can indicate the number of times the radiation detection panel is bent and then unfolded again. The number of bending cycles may not increase until the radiation detection panel is unfolded again after being bent.

[0205] The degree of bending may refer to the maximum degree to which the radiation detection panel (110) is bent when one bending occurs. The degree of bending may refer to the angle described in Fig. 7. The number of bends for each degree of bending may be accumulated and stored. Referring to Fig. 15, this may refer to one case where the degree of bending was 55 degrees or more, and one case where the degree of bending was 50 or more but less than 55.

[0206] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a radiation detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] The control unit (400) can determine that the force applied to bending increases as the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) indicates that it is bent more. The more the radiation detection panel (110) is bent, the more force must be applied to bend it further. In addition, the more the radiation detection panel (110) is bent, the greater the stress applied to the radiation detection panel (110) may be. In addition, when the radiation detection panel (110) is bent to the maximum, it may not bend further even if a large force is applied. The fact that the radiation detection panel (110) must be bent more as it is bent more can be realized by the structure of the bending support unit (120). In this way, since the radiation detection panel (110) is bent more as it is bent more, the radiation detection panel (110) may not be easily bent much. That is, the radiation detection panel (110) can be maintained in an unfolded state as much as possible. A bent state of the radiation detection panel (110) may be a state in which hardware is stressed. In addition, if a lot of stress is accumulated, the radiation detection panel (110) may break down. Since the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure maintains the radiation detection panel (110) in an unfolded state as much as possible, the lifespan of the radiation detection panel (110) can be increased.

[0208] The control unit (400) may perform a step (1610) of determining measurement bending information related to the force required to bend the radiation detection panel (110). For example, the control unit (400) may determine the measurement bending information using at least one of a posture-position sensor or a separate force measuring sensor. The measurement bending information may include acceleration.

[0209] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, measurement bending information may be acquired based on the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110). The control unit (400) may store a bending force determination table that corresponds the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) to the measurement bending information. The control unit (400) may acquire measurement bending information corresponding to the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) from the bending force determination table.

[0210] The measured bending information may be a value obtained by measuring the force applied by the user to bend the radiation detector (100). The measured bending information may be constant regardless of the posture (degree of bending) of the radiation detector (100). That is, the measured bending information may be a predetermined value. That is, the measured bending information may not be measured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0211] The control unit (400) may perform a step (1620) of determining bending correction information based on the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110). The control unit (400) may store a correction information determination table that corresponds the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) to the bending correction information. The control unit (400) may obtain bending correction information corresponding to the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) from the correction information determination table. The bending correction information may be a value reflecting that a greater force is required to bend the radiation detector (100) as it is bent. In addition, the bending correction information may be a value reflecting that a greater stress is applied to the radiation detection panel (110) as it is bent. The bending correction information may have a larger value as the radiation detector (100) is bent more. However, it is not limited to this, and the bending correction information may have a smaller value the more the radiation detector (100) is bent.

[0212] More specifically, the control unit (400) can determine bending correction information by multiplying the quotient obtained by dividing the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) by a predetermined unit change amount by a predetermined bending weight. The bending correction information can increase by the bending weight amount whenever the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110) indicates that it has bent by 10 degrees. In other words, the predetermined unit change amount can be 10 degrees.

[0213] The control unit (400) may perform a step (1630) of determining modified bending information by adding bending correction information to the measured bending information. Since the bending correction information has a larger value the more the radiation detector (100) is bent, the modified bending information may also have a larger value the more the radiation detector (100) is bent.

[0214] The units of measured bending information, bending correction information, and corrected bending information may be units of force or units of acceleration, but are not limited thereto.

[0215] In this way, the radiation detector (100) can accurately measure the force applied to the radiation detector (100). In addition, the radiation detector (100) can accurately measure the external force applied to the radiation detection panel (110). The radiation detector (100) can also accurately measure the lifespan of the radiation detector (100) based on the modified bending information. In addition, when the lifespan is almost over, the radiation detector (100) can notify the user of this. Therefore, the radiation detector (100) can prevent a case where it suddenly stops working on site.

[0216] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] The control unit (400) can determine the total usage information of the radiation detector (100) based on at least one of the number of bends and the degree of bending. The total usage information can be directly proportional to the total amount of stress received by the radiation detector (100).

[0218] The control unit (400) may perform a step (1710) of acquiring first usage information obtained by multiplying the modified bending information corresponding to the first bending degree by the number of bendings corresponding to the first bending degree. The first bending degree may be included in the bending degrees described in FIG. 15. For example, the first bending degree may represent 30 degrees or more and 35 degrees or less.

[0219] If the first degree of bending is a single value, the control unit (400) can obtain the first usage information based on that value. However, if the first degree of bending is a range, the control unit (400) can obtain the first usage information based on the representative value of the first degree of bending. That is, the first usage information can be obtained by multiplying the representative value of the first degree of bending by the number of bendings. The representative value of the first degree of bending may be the minimum value, the median value, or the maximum value of the range of the first degree of bending. For example, if the first degree of bending is 30 degrees or more and less than 35 degrees, the median representative value may be 32.5 degrees, and the minimum representative value may be 30 degrees. In addition, if the first degree of bending is less than 30 degrees, one of the values ​​0 degrees or more and less than 30 degrees may be selected as the representative value. For example, the representative value may be 15 degrees. If the first degree of bending is 55 degrees or more, one of the values ​​between 55 degrees and the maximum angle may be selected as the representative value. Here, the maximum angle may be the angle at which the radiation detector (100) can be bent to the maximum. The representative value may be, for example, the maximum angle.

[0220] Since the number of bends has already been explained in Fig. 15, a duplicate explanation will be omitted.

[0221] The control unit (400) may perform a step (1720) of acquiring second usage information obtained by multiplying the modified bending information corresponding to the second bending degree by the number of bendings corresponding to the second bending degree. The second bending degree may be included in the bending degrees described in FIG. 15. The first bending degree may be different from the second bending degree. For example, if the first bending degree represents 30 degrees or more and less than 35 degrees, the second bending degree may represent 35 degrees or more and less than 40 degrees.

[0222] The method for determining the representative value of the second degree of bending is the same as the method for determining the representative value of the first degree of bending, so redundant explanation is omitted.

[0223] The control unit (400) can perform a step (1730) of acquiring total usage information by adding the first usage information and the second usage information. In the present disclosure, it is described that only the first usage information and the second usage information are added, but it is not limited thereto. Usage information can be acquired for all bending degree sections. In addition, total usage information can be acquired by adding all usage information. For example, referring to FIG. 15, there are seven bending degree sections. The control unit (400) can acquire usage information for each section. For example, the control unit (400) can acquire the first to seventh usage information. The control unit (400) can acquire total usage information by adding all of the first to seventh usage information.

[0224] The total usage information may be information related to the lifespan of the radiation detector (100). A higher total usage information may mean that the lifespan of the radiation detector (100) is shorter.

[0225] The control unit (400) can perform a step (1740) of outputting a message to perform inspection of the detector when the total usage information is greater than the predetermined life information.

[0226] In the above, the control unit (400) obtains usage information by multiplying the degree of bending by the number of bends, but it is not limited thereto. The usage information may simply be the number of bends. The control unit (400) may perform a step (1730) of obtaining total usage information by adding up all the number of bends corresponding to the degree of bending. In addition, the control unit (400) may perform a step (1740) of outputting a message to perform inspection of the detector if the total usage information is greater than the predetermined life information.

[0227] In this way, since the radiation detector (100) informs the user of the lifespan of the radiation detector (100) in advance, the user can replace or repair the radiation detector (100) before going to inspect the subject. Therefore, the cases of the radiation detector (100) suddenly breaking down on site can be reduced. In particular, the radiation detector (100) is used in harsh external environments, which may be far from civilization, and the inspection of the subject is conducted for several days to several weeks, so it can be very important to output a message to perform an inspection in advance.

[0228] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the degree to which the radiation detector (100) is rapidly bent can be acquired in real time. For example, the radiation detector (100) can acquire multiple degrees of bending of the radiation detector (100) acquired per unit time. The radiation detector (100) can acquire a standard deviation of the multiple degrees of bending. A larger standard deviation may indicate a faster bending. Rapid bending of the radiation detection panel (110) or the radiation detector (100) may be a major factor in shortening the lifespan of the radiation detection panel (110). Therefore, when the standard deviation is greater than a predetermined threshold deviation, the radiation detector (100) can increase the total usage information by a predetermined amount or decrease the predetermined lifespan information.

[0229] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is also a diagram illustrating an operating method of a radiation detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit (400) can perform a step (1810) of determining correction data based on the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel (110).

[0231] In this regard, the radiation input to the radiation detection panel (110) is converted into light by a phosphor, and the converted light is converted into an electrical signal through a photodiode designed on a TFT. This electrical signal is read out through a readout circuit and converted into a digital value through an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter). The radiation detector (100) can obtain a collection of converted digital values ​​as digital data. If the digital value is for one pixel, the digital data may be for multiple pixels. The radiation detector (100) can apply image pre-processing to the digital data to obtain a final image. At this time, pre-processing can be performed to correct the radiation input to the radiation detector (100) to obtain a flat image. That is, although the image is captured while the radiation detector (100) is bent, it is converted into a flat image so that it can be displayed on a display. Since the amount of radiation input reaching a pixel may vary depending on the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100), the image quality can be improved by applying different preprocessing to the radiation detector (100) based on the degree of curvature.

[0232] More specifically, referring to FIG. 19, the uniformity of the image according to the pixel position of the digital data acquired by the radiation detector (100) may vary depending on the degree of bending. Therefore, different preprocessing (using different correction data) can be performed depending on the degree of bending.

[0233] The reason why the uniformity of various images differs is as follows. Points a and b are points where the same pixel is located within a single radiation detector (100). If the detector is significantly bent, as shown in the left figure, the distance from the source to point a is short. However, if the detector is gently bent, as shown in the right figure, the distance from the source to point b is long. In other words, the radiation dose at point b may be less than the radiation dose at point a. In order to obtain a uniform image regardless of the degree of bending, the pixel values ​​obtained from the same pixels included in the radiation detector (100) must be processed differently depending on the degree of bending of the radiation detector (100). The correction data reflects this, and the correction data can be determined differently depending on the degree of bending. Based on the correction data, the radiation detector (100) can always obtain high-quality radiation images even if the bending angle is different.

[0234] The radiation detector (100) can acquire the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100) and automatically perform preprocessing based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detector (100). Through this, user convenience is improved and optimal images can be obtained.

[0235] The radiation detector (100) may store multiple candidate correction data corresponding to multiple degrees of bending. The radiation detector (100) may acquire the degree of bending based on a posture-position sensor. Furthermore, the radiation detector (100) may select correction data corresponding to the degree of bending from among the multiple candidate correction data. For example, the selection of correction data may be as shown in the table below.

[0236] Selection of correction data 1Flat=L1212inch <L2<Flat38inch<L3≤12inch46inch<L4≤8inch54inch≤L5≤6inch

[0237]

[0238] For example, if the subject is flat and the detector is not bent when taking a picture, correction data called L1 can be used. In addition, if the diameter of the pipe is greater than 12 inches, the radiation detector can use correction data called L2. In addition, if the diameter of the pipe is greater than 8 inches and less than or equal to 12 inches, the radiation detector can use correction data called L3. In addition, if the diameter of the pipe is greater than 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches, the radiation detector can use correction data called L4. In addition, if the diameter of the pipe is greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches, the radiation detector can use correction data called L5. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As previously described, the diameter of the pipe can be obtained based on the degree of bending of the radiation detector (100).

[0239] The correction data may be data for correcting at least one of the size of radiation received by a pixel of the radiation detection panel and the direction of radiation reception depending on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110).

[0240] The radiation detector (100) can perform a step (1820) of correcting pixel values ​​(digital data) of the radiation detection panel based on correction data.

[0241] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (400) can determine whether to enter a power saving mode based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel (110). When the radiation detection panel (110) is unfolded flat, the radiation detector (100) can be powered off or enter a power saving mode. The user can move the radiation detector (100) to the subject inspection location in a flat unfolded state. In addition, the user can store the radiation detector (100) in a flat unfolded state. In this way, since the radiation detector (100) is stored in an unfolded state most of the time, the stress applied to the radiation detection panel (110) can be reduced, and the lifespan of the radiation detector (100) can be extended.

[0242] When the radiation detection panel (110) is bent, the radiation detector (100) can be turned on or turned off from the power saving mode. When the radiation detection panel (110) is bent beyond a predetermined threshold angle, the radiation detector (100) can be turned on or turned off from the power saving mode. When the radiation detection panel (110) is bent, the radiation detector (100) can be in the photographing mode or the active mode. When the radiation detection panel (110) is bent beyond a predetermined threshold angle, the radiation detector (100) can be in the photographing mode or the active mode.

[0243] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (400) may perform a step of determining whether an unintended impact has been applied to the user based on the sensor value of the posture-position sensor. In addition, the radiation detector (100) may output a message indicating that the radiation detector should be inspected if the magnitude of the impact received by the posture-position sensor is greater than a predetermined magnitude. The user can check what has happened when the radiation detector (100) is not in use. For example, if the radiation detector (100) is moved by putting it in the cargo hold of an airplane, the user cannot know what has happened in the cargo hold. If the subject (130) is inspected in such a state, an accurate image of the subject (130) may not be acquired. Since the radiation detector (100) of the present disclosure can check the history of what has occurred when the user is not using the radiation detector, the radiation detector (100) can always be maintained in an optimal usage state.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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 radiation detector for detecting radiation, A flexible radiation detection panel extending in a first direction and detecting radiation incident on a first surface; A bending support member coupled to the radiation detection panel and supporting the radiation detection panel, and controlling bending based on a bending axis parallel to the second direction of the radiation detection panel; and A radiation detector comprising a posture-position sensor coupled to the bending support member for determining at least one of a degree of bending of the radiation detection panel or a position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject.

2. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit determines the initial position of the radiation detector with respect to the subject based on the posture-position sensor, A radiation detector that obtains the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject in real time based on the posture-position sensor when the radiation detector moves from the initial position.

3. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, When the second direction is parallel to the ground, the control unit determines the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject by using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor, A radiation detector wherein, when the second direction is perpendicular to the ground, the control unit determines the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject by using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor included in the attitude-position sensor.

4. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit, Using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor included in the above-mentioned posture-position sensor, a first position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject is determined, and A radiation detector for determining a second position included in the position of the radiation detection panel with respect to the subject by using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor included in the above-mentioned attitude-position sensor.

5. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit is a radiation detector that obtains the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel with respect to a predetermined initial posture based on the posture-position sensor.

6. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned attitude-position sensor is a radiation detector including at least one of a potentiometer, a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and a gyro sensor.

7. In paragraph 1, The above bending support part, central rear cover; and Including a side rear cover rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction, The potentiometer included in the above-mentioned posture-position sensor outputs different potentiometer output values ​​as the side rear cover rotates with respect to the central rear cover. A control unit is a radiation detector that determines the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value.

8. In paragraph 1, The above bending support part, A central rear cover including a first attitude-position sensor included in the above attitude-position sensor; and A side rear cover including a second attitude-position sensor included in the attitude-position sensor and rotatable with respect to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction, A radiation detector that determines at least one of a bending angle of the radiation detection panel or a position of the radiation detection panel with respect to a subject based on at least one of a first direction angle measured by the first attitude-position sensor and a second direction angle measured by the second attitude-position sensor.

9. In paragraph 1, The above bending support part, central back cover; A side rear cover rotatable relative to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction; A sliding guide part connected to the rear of the side rear cover and including a potentiometer included in the posture-position sensor; and It includes a sliding part, one side of which is connected to the central rear cover, the other side of which is connected to the potentiometer, and which is slidably coupled to the sliding guide part. When the above bending support part is bent or unfolded, the sliding part slides along the sliding guide part, When the above sliding part slides along the above sliding guide part, the potentiometer output value of the potentiometer changes, A control unit is a radiation detector that determines the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value.

10. In paragraph 1, The above bending support part, central back cover; A side rear cover rotatable relative to the central rear cover about an axis parallel to the second direction; A sliding guide part connected to the rear of the side rear cover and including a rack gear; and One side is connected to the central rear cover, the other side is connected to a potentiometer included in the posture-position sensor, and includes a sliding part that is slidably connected to the sliding guide part. When the above bending support part is bent or unfolded, the sliding part slides along the sliding guide part, When the above sliding part slides along the above sliding guide part, the pinion gear coupled to the potentiometer rotates by engaging with the rack gear, thereby changing the potentiometer output value. A control unit is a radiation detector that determines the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel based on the potentiometer output value.

11. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit determines the number of bends for each degree of bending based on the bending information of the above radiation detection panel, The above number of bends indicates the number of times the radiation detection panel is bent and then straightened again. The above bending degree is a radiation detector that means the maximum bending degree of the radiation detection panel when one bend is performed.

12. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit, A radiation detector that determines the greater the bending degree of the radiation detection panel, the greater the force applied to bending.

13. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, Determine the measurement bending information related to the force required to bend the above radiation detection panel, Determine bending correction information based on the degree of bending of the above radiation detection panel, and A radiation detector that determines modified bending information by adding the bending correction information to the above measured bending information.

14. In paragraph 13, The above control unit is a radiation detector that determines the bending correction information by multiplying the quotient obtained by dividing the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel by a predetermined unit change amount by a predetermined bending weight.

15. In either of paragraphs 11 or 13, The above control unit, Obtain first usage information by multiplying the modified bending information corresponding to the first bending degree and the number of bendings corresponding to the first bending degree, Obtain second usage information by multiplying the modified bending information corresponding to the second bending degree and the number of bendings corresponding to the second bending degree, Obtain total usage information by adding the above first usage information and the above second usage information, and A radiation detector that outputs a message to perform a detector inspection when the total usage information above is greater than the predetermined life information.

16. In paragraph 11, The above control unit, Obtain the total usage information by adding up the number of bends corresponding to the above bending degree, and A radiation detector that outputs a message to perform a detector inspection when the total usage information above is greater than the predetermined life information.

17. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit is a radiation detector that determines whether to enter power saving mode based on the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel.

18. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit determines correction data based on the degree of bending of the radiation detection panel, The above correction data is a radiation detector for correcting at least one of the size of radiation received by a pixel of the radiation detection panel and the direction of radiation reception according to the degree of curvature of the radiation detection panel.

19. In paragraph 1, The above radiation detector includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the above radiation detector, The above control unit is a radiation detector that determines whether an unintended shock has been applied to the user based on the sensor value of the posture-position sensor.

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