Digital tomographic image acquisition device and method for controlling same

Abstract

A digital tomographic image acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. The device comprises: a generator for generating X-rays; and a detector for detecting read data corresponding to the generated X-rays, wherein the detector detects the read data in a target reading area corresponding to a source area into which the X-rays generated by the generator are to be emitted, and the target reading area can be set as a partial area of the entire reading area covered by the detector.

Description

Digital tomography image acquisition device and method for controlling the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray device and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a device for rotationless tomography and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Digital tomosynthesis is an imaging diagnostic technology that combines the advantages of conventional X-ray technology and tomography. It is primarily used in chest X-rays and is a method that reconstructs 3D images using X-ray images taken from multiple angles.

[0003] Digital tomography can be configured as follows.

[0004] X-ray imaging: The X-ray device captures multiple images from various angles centered on the area being examined. In this case, the radiation exposure is similar to that of standard 2D X-ray imaging.

[0005] Image reconstruction: Multiple captured images are processed by a processor or computer to reconstruct them in 3D. This allows cross-sections to be viewed layer by layer, making it possible to see even minute lesions that were not visible in conventional 2D X-ray images more clearly.

[0006] Tomographic image analysis: 3D images can be analyzed by slice at a specific depth, which increases diagnostic accuracy by separating tissues that appear to overlap.

[0007] As mentioned earlier, digital tomography can more accurately detect small lesions or abnormalities that are easily missed in 2D X-ray images, making it advantageous for the early diagnosis of various diseases. Furthermore, it can provide 3D images similar to or equivalent to computed tomography (CT) while having lower radiation exposure. Additionally, by resolving the problem of tissue overlapping, it allows for clearer visualization of lesions, thereby increasing diagnostic accuracy.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a digital tomography image acquisition device or a digital tomography device for faster and lower radiation exposure digital tomography in the digital tomography technology described above, and a control method for the same.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a digital tomography image acquisition device is proposed, the device comprising: a generator configured to generate X-rays; and a detector configured to detect read data corresponding to the generated X-rays; wherein the detector is configured to detect read data in a target read area corresponding to a source area to be irradiated with the X-rays generated by the generator, and the target read area may be set as a part of the entire read area covered by the detector.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area may be configured to have a size determined according to the source area corresponding to the target reading area or the location information of the generator for the source area corresponding to the target reading area.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the generator may include a plurality of X-ray source units and be configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays to a source area set for each of the plurality of X-ray source units.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the generator includes a movable X-ray source unit, configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays to a target source area set for the movable X-ray source unit as the generator moves, wherein the target source area may be a part of the total source area to which the generator can irradiate X-rays.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the detector may be configured to identify the target reading area and the generator or the location of the generator that irradiated the X-ray corresponding to the target reading area through pre-calibration.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area may be determined based on the radius of the target reading area, or the position information of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the generator or the activated X-ray source unit of the generator to the plane containing the target reading area. The radius of the target reading area may be determined based on the shortest distance between the generator and the detector and the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area is defined by a gate line range and a data line range of the detector, wherein the gate line range includes a range within a radius of the target reading area centered on the first axis coordinate value of the position information on the first axis, and the data line range may include a range within a radius of the target reading area centered on the second axis coordinate value of the position information on the second axis.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area may be determined based on the location information of the generator and the reading data detected in correspondence with each location information of the generator.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the gate line range and the data line range may be limited to within the boundaries of the entire read area.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the detector may be configured to disable reading for reading areas other than the target reading area.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a digital tomography image acquisition device is proposed, the control method comprising: a step of generating X-rays using a generator; and a step of detecting read data in a target read area corresponding to a source area to be irradiated with X-rays generated by the generator using a detector, wherein the target read area may be set as a part of the entire read area covered by the detector.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area may be configured to have a size determined according to the source area corresponding to the target reading area or the location information of the generator for the source area corresponding to the target reading area.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the generator comprises a plurality of X-ray source units, and the control method may include the step of sequentially irradiating X-rays to a source area set for each of the plurality of X-ray source units.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the generator includes a movable X-ray source unit, and the control method includes the step of sequentially irradiating X-rays to a target source area set for the movable X-ray source unit while moving the movable X-ray source unit, wherein the target source area may be a part of the total source area to which the generator can irradiate X-rays.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the control method may include the step of identifying the target reading area through pre-calibration.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area is identified based on the radius of the target reading area or the position information of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the generator or the activated X-ray source unit of the generator to the plane containing the target reading area, and the radius of the target reading area may be determined based on the shortest distance between the generator and the detector and the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area is defined by a gate line range and a data line range of the detector, wherein the gate line range includes a range within a radius of the target reading area centered on the first axis coordinate value of the position information on the first axis, and the data line range may include a range within a radius of the target reading area centered on the second axis coordinate value of the position information on the second axis.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the target reading area may be identified based on the location information of the generator and the reading data detected in correspondence with each location information of the generator.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the gate line range and the data line range may be limited to within the boundaries of the entire read area.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the control method may include a step of disabling reading for a reading area other than the target reading area.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is proposed that stores code configured to execute the control method described above by a computer or processor.

[0030] The above-mentioned problem-solving methods are merely some of the embodiments of the present invention, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the present invention can be derived and understood by those skilled in the art based on the detailed description of the present invention to be described below.

[0031] The present invention has the following technical effects.

[0032] The present invention can reduce the operating time of the detector by taking multiple X-ray images in a non-rotating 3D X-ray imaging method, which does not capture the entire area of ​​the object and detector at once but captures them in blocks, and reads the data in blocks rather than detecting across the entire area of ​​the detector when reading the data.

[0033] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention.

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the present invention, provide embodiments of the present invention and explain the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of non-rotating X-ray imaging according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a detector and a reading area for acquiring an X-ray image according to the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the sequential activation of a read area of ​​a detector for acquiring an X-ray image according to the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a figure for explaining the type of X-ray generator of a digital tomography image acquisition device or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a reading area of ​​a detector according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method for a digital tomographic image acquisition device or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a digital tomographic image according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a digital tomography image acquisition device or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0044] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0045] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0046] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of non-rotating X-ray imaging according to the present invention.

[0050] A device for acquiring a digital tomographic image (or a device for capturing a digital tomographic image, hereinafter referred to as the “digital tomographic image acquisition device”) acquires a plurality of X-ray images and reconstructs the plurality of images to acquire a three-dimensional tomographic image.

[0051] Since multiple images are captured during this process, the capture time required ranges from a few seconds to tens of seconds. In particular, as the resolution of the detector increases, the time required to read the sensing value from each cell of the detector increases.

[0052] The present invention controls an X-ray generator so that, unlike a general tomographic image acquisition device, X-rays are irradiated, passed through, and transmitted in block units when X-rays pass through an object and are transmitted to a detector in a non-rotating 3D system. Correspondingly, the present invention controls the detector to read data in block units.

[0053] According to the present invention, since the detector reads sensing data limited to the area where the image is projected, i.e., the target reading area, rather than the entire reading area, the detector operation time can be reduced, thereby enabling high-speed operation.

[0054]

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a detector and a reading area for acquiring an X-ray image according to the present invention.

[0056] When reading sensing data, the detector is configured not to read the gate lines and data lines of the entire reading area of ​​the detector, but to read the sensing data only for the target reading area corresponding to the area where X-rays are actually irradiated by the generator (hereinafter, “source area”). Accordingly, the effect of reducing the shooting or operation time of the non-rotating tomography image acquisition device is achieved. This effect increases further as the size of the detector increases.

[0057]

[0058] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the sequential activation of a read area of ​​a detector for acquiring an X-ray image according to the present invention.

[0059] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate target read areas for 1 to 6 of 12 blocks (source areas or target read areas) sequentially in (a) to (f).

[0060] However, as will be described later, the source region from the generator's perspective and the target read region from the detector's perspective may not be exactly the same. Preferably, the target read region is configured to include the source region.

[0061] Additionally, the relationship between target reading regions is not separately defined. That is, a first target reading region corresponding to a first time point or a first source region and a second target reading region corresponding to a second time point or a second source region may partially overlap each other. That is, the first target reading region and the second target reading region may be configured to include at least different regions.

[0062] Accordingly, the detector needs to know information about the source region that is activated at each reading point (e.g., location or coordinate information). The detector activates a target reading region corresponding to the source region and can perform data reading in the activated target reading region.

[0063]

[0064] FIG. 5 is a figure for explaining the type of X-ray generator of a digital tomography image acquisition device or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 5(a) shows the sequential movement of source areas when the generator is configured as a single X-ray source (or generator) unit and the generator is configured to be movable. Referring to FIG. 5(a), source areas are set according to a zigzag pattern from the upper-left source area toward the right, and the generator moves accordingly. The source area for a movable generator or X-ray source unit such as FIG. 5(a) is referred to as the target source area.

[0066] FIG. 5(b) shows a source area when the generator is composed of a plurality of X-ray source (or generating) units and arranged in a two-dimensional form. Each point in FIG. 5(b) may represent a single X-ray source unit. In the preceding description, it was explained that only one of the plurality of X-ray source units is activated (i.e., X-ray emission) at a single point in time (X-ray irradiation cycle or reading cycle), but the present invention is not limited thereto. Two or more X-ray source units may be activated simultaneously, and two or more corresponding target reading areas may be activated simultaneously. That is, the detector can activate a plurality of target reading areas and read sensing data in parallel.

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a reading area of ​​a detector according to the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates determining a target readout area based on the specifications (or parameters, etc.) of a detector or generator of a digital tomography image acquisition device. Assuming the target readout area is a circle on a plane, the diameter of the target readout area is referred to as the FOV (field of view).

[0070] The source unit (i.e., X-ray radiation source) of the generator (100) is denoted as P1, and the foot of the perpendicular line drawn from P1 to the plane (RofR) containing the reading area is denoted as P2.

[0071] At this time, the FOV can be determined as follows.

[0072]

[0073] FOV = 2 * SDD * tan(θ)

[0074]

[0075] Here, SDD represents the minimum distance between the generator (100) and the detector (200), and theta (θ) represents the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator (100). For reference, theta is determined by the anode angle of the X-ray tube and the collimator design.

[0076] Using the FOV, the range of the gate line and the range of the data line of the detector (200) can be determined as follows.

[0077]

[0078] Starting position of Gate Line = (y-axis coordinate or position of P2 - h-FOV)

[0079] End position of Gate Line = (y-axis coordinate or position of P2 + h-FOV)

[0080] Here, h-FOV = FOV / 2 and,

[0081] Data Line start position = (P2 x-axis coordinate or position - h-FOV)

[0082] End position of Data Line = (x-axis coordinate or position of P2 + h-FOV)

[0083]

[0084] However, since the FOV value is a dimension in length units, range information of the gate line or data line can be obtained by performing a coordinate transformation.

[0085] The coordinate transformation of the FOV can be obtained by dividing the FOV by the pixel size of the detector.

[0086] For example, when the detector is 17 inches (43 cm x 43 cm, 3072 x 3072 pixels, Pixel Size = 0.14 mm) and SDD = 45 cm, the position of the source unit of the generator is at coordinates (1536, 1536) and the X-ray irradiation angle is 12 degrees, the coordinate transformation of the FOV and h-FOV and the range of the gate line and data line can be determined as follows.

[0087] (1) FOV = 2 * 45 * tan(12) = 19.13 cm, h-FOV = 9.56 cm, h-FOV coordinate transformation = 95.6 ÷ 0.14 = 683

[0088] (2) Start of Gate Line = 1536 - 683 = 853 Line

[0089] (3) End of Gate Line = 1536 + 683 = 2219 Line

[0090] (4) Start of Data Line = 1536 - 683 = 853 Line

[0091] (5) End of Data Line = 1536 + 683 = 2219 Lines

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5 (a) or (b), since P1 can have multiple locations, the detector can acquire the location or coordinates of P1 (or P2) and acquire the corresponding range of gate lines and data lines. The detector can determine a target read area based on the acquired range of gate lines and data lines.

[0093] The detector activates a target read area corresponding to the generator's activation source area, which means activating the previously described data line and gate line. By reading sensing data from the activated target read area, the detector enables high-speed operation compared to activating the entire read area, i.e., the entire data line and gate line.

[0094] Meanwhile, the range of the gate line or data line of the detector can be obtained by measurement without relying on the specifications (or parameters, etc.) of the detector or generator of the digital tomography image acquisition device as shown in Fig. 6.

[0095] A non-rotating tomographic image acquisition device can acquire position information of the source unit of the generator relative to the detector through geometry calibration in advance. To briefly explain this, when the generator irradiates X-rays from a predetermined position, the FOV irradiated onto the detector is acquired as detector coordinate values ​​through a calibration operation in advance.

[0096] Corresponding to every location where the generator irradiates X-rays, the detector acquires coordinate values ​​for the area where the X-rays are irradiated. Accordingly, location information (i.e., coordinate information) regarding the location where the generator irradiates X-rays and the area where the X-rays are projected at the corresponding detector is acquired in advance. That is, through this procedure, information regarding the range of the gate line or data line of the detector to be activated, or the target reading area, corresponding to the generator or the generator's source unit, can be acquired.

[0097] Based on this, when X-rays are irradiated, the detector activates the corresponding gate line and data line to read the data, and in areas where X-rays do not reach (i.e., areas outside the range of the gate line and data line), the gate line and data line are deactivated.

[0098] According to another method, the target readout area can be determined as the larger of the two areas determined by the two methods described above. That is, the target readout area can be determined as the larger of the target readout area based on the specifications (or parameters, etc.) of the detector or generator of the digital tomography image acquisition device and the target readout area based on the results of the X-ray or the resulting readout data.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method for a digital tomography image acquisition device or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 may be performed by a digital tomography image acquisition device or its processor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For simplicity of explanation, it will be described below as being performed by the “device (10).”

[0101] The device (10) can perform pre-calibration (S710). Pre-calibration may include the geometry calibration described above. Calibration is a procedure for obtaining a matching relationship between a generator or a source unit of a generator and a reading area or a target reading area. The matching relationship may ultimately include a relationship between a generator or a source unit (or its location) and a tomographic image obtained according to data resulting from X-rays irradiated from the generator or source unit.

[0102] Through this, as described below, when acquiring or reconstructing a 3D tomographic image based on multiple 2D tomographic images, the location information (e.g., coordinate information) of the generator or source unit can be used.

[0103] Accordingly, the device (10) can set a target reading area based on the source area.

[0104] The device (10) can irradiate X-rays through a generator (S720). The X-ray irradiation by the generator can be performed as shown in FIG. 4 depending on the type of generator.

[0105] The device (10) can detect reading data in a target reading area using a detector and acquire individual tomographic images based thereon (S730). The individual tomographic images may include a single image corresponding to one source unit of the generator or the position information of the source unit. For example, if a 2*2 source unit array is used as the generator, the individual tomographic images acquired at that step may be a total of four tomographic images.

[0106] The device (10) can acquire a single three-dimensional tomographic image using a plurality of individual tomographic images (S740). At this time, the matching relationship between the previously acquired individual tomographic images and the generator or source unit that irradiated the X-rays for them can be utilized. The plurality of source units have different positions, and accordingly, the data or tomographic images acquired in the target reading area will have different depths (distance between the generator and the detector). By utilizing this, a three-dimensional tomographic image can be acquired.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a digital tomographic image according to the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, a total of 16*7 tomographic images are shown. The multiple tomographic images of FIG. 8 represent images acquired sequentially by the detector (200), arranged in chronological order starting from the top left, prioritizing the column direction, and then moving downwards and to the right in the row direction. Explaining this chronological order based on the generator (100), the generator (100) irradiated or generated X-rays while moving from the top right (in the source area or reading area), prioritizing the row direction, and then moving downwards in the column direction.

[0110] As illustrated, in each tomographic image, the portion where valid data (i.e., object detection) is detected is depicted in white or gray, and the portion where invalid data (i.e., object non-detection) is depicted in black. The target readout area corresponds to the portion where valid data is detected and, preferably, may include at least the portion where valid data is detected.

[0111] However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the parts marked in a color other than black in each tomographic image shown in Fig. 8 will be referred to as the target reading area.

[0112] As illustrated, for each tomographic image, the size of the target readout area is different. This is related to the location of the source area of ​​the X-ray generator (100) or the generator (100), and the more the X-ray generator (100) is located in the center or its source area is located in the center of the entire source area, the larger the size of the corresponding target readout area can be set.

[0113] Additionally, the target reading area may be limited by the boundary of the entire reading area. For example, in the tomographic image at the top left of FIG. 7, the target reading area is limited by a boundary line defining the top right corner of the entire reading area (individual image area or corresponding area).

[0114] Thus, depending on the size and location of the source area or the corresponding target reading area, the target reading area to be activated within the entire reading area may vary. Since the detector (200) can perform reading on only a portion of the entire reading area, the speed of reading will be faster than performing reading on the entire reading area.

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a digital tomographic image acquisition device (10) or a digital X-ray device according to the present invention.

[0117] A digital tomography image acquisition device (10) may include a generator (100) configured to generate and irradiate X-rays, and a detector (200) configured to detect X-rays that have passed through an object or readout data corresponding to X-rays that have passed through an object. A controller may be embedded in each of the generator (100) and the detector (200) to control the operation of the generator and the detector.

[0118] Additionally, the digital tomography image acquisition device (10) may include a controller (300). This may be the case where there is no controller in either the generator (100) or the detector (200). The controller (300) can control the irradiation of X-rays by the generator (100) or control the reading of sensor data by the detector (100). Additionally, the controller (300) can control the user interface (400) or the transceiver (500) described later.

[0119] Additionally, the digital tomography image acquisition device (10) may include a user interface (HMI) (400) for outputting the acquired tomography image or a three-dimensional tomography image acquired from the tomography image. The user interface (HMI) may include a display.

[0120] Additionally, the digital tomographic image acquisition device (10) may include a transceiver (500) for transmitting the acquired tomographic image or a three-dimensional tomographic image acquired from the tomographic image to another device or system. Additionally, the transceiver (500) may be configured to receive information for logic, algorithms, or logic, algorithms, etc., for acquiring or calibrating the tomographic image, or for directing the sequence or method of X-ray irradiation of the generator (100) or the source unit of the generator (100).

[0121] In the following description, the generator (100) and the detector (200) are described as performing the operation according to the present invention, but instead, the operation according to the present invention may be performed by a controller (300).

[0122] The generator (100) can be configured to generate X-rays in a preset sequence or at preset locations.

[0123] The detector (200) may be configured to detect read data in a target read area corresponding to the generator or a source area to be irradiated with X-rays generated by the generator. In this case, the target read area may be set as a part of the entire read area covered by the detector.

[0124] The detector (200) may be configured to disable reading for reading areas other than the target reading area.

[0125] The target reading area may be configured to have a size determined according to the source area of ​​the generator (100) corresponding to the target reading area or the location information of the generator (100) for the source area of ​​the generator (100) corresponding to the target reading area.

[0126] The generator (100) includes a plurality of X-ray source units and can be configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays to source areas set for each of the plurality of X-ray source units.

[0127] The generator (100) includes a movable X-ray source unit and is configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays to a target source area set for the movable X-ray source unit as the movable X-ray source unit moves, and the target source area may be a part of the total source area where the generator can irradiate X-rays.

[0128] The detector (200) may be configured to identify a target reading area and a generator or the location of a generator that irradiated an X-ray corresponding to the target reading area through pre-calibration.

[0129] The target reading area is determined based on the radius of the target reading area, or the position information of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the generator or the activated X-ray source unit of the generator to the plane containing the target reading area on the detector, wherein the radius of the target reading area may be determined based on the shortest distance between the generator and the detector and the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator. This is referred to as the method for determining the target reading area according to the first method.

[0130] The target reading area can be determined based on the location information of the generator and the reading data detected in correspondence with each location information of the generator. This is referred to as the method for determining the target reading area according to the second method.

[0131] Alternatively, the target reading area may be determined as the larger of the target reading areas determined according to the first method or the second method.

[0132] The target reading area is defined by the gate line range and the data line range of the detector, wherein the gate line range includes a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the first axis coordinate value of the position information of the foot of the perpendicular line on the first axis, and the data line range may include a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the second axis coordinate value of the position information of the foot of the perpendicular line on the second axis. Meanwhile, the gate line range and the data line range may be limited to within the boundary of the entire reading area of ​​the detector (200).

[0133]

[0134] Even without referring to FIG. 9, the digital tomographic image acquisition device (10) of the present invention may perform the operation according to the present invention as described above in FIG. 2 to 8.

[0135]

[0136] In addition, as another aspect of the present invention, the operation of the aforementioned proposal or invention may be provided as code that can be implemented, carried out, or executed by a "computer" (a comprehensive concept including a system on chip (SoC) or a (micro)processor, etc.), or as a computer-readable storage medium or computer program product that stores or contains said code, and the scope of the present invention may be extended to said code or as a computer-readable storage medium or computer program product that stores or contains said code.

[0137]

[0138] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention as described in the following claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In a digital tomography image acquisition device, A generator configured to generate X-rays; and A detector configured to detect reading data corresponding to the X-ray generated above; comprising The detector is configured to detect read data in a target read area corresponding to a source area where X-rays generated by the generator are irradiated, and The above target reading area is set as a part of the total reading area covered by the detector, Digital tomography acquisition device.

2. In claim 1, the target reading area is configured to have a size determined according to location information of a source area corresponding to the target reading area or location information of a generator for a source area corresponding to the target reading area. Digital tomography acquisition device.

3. In paragraph 1, the generator comprises a plurality of X-ray source units, and Configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays onto source areas set for each of the plurality of X-ray source units, Digital tomography acquisition device.

4. In paragraph 1, the generator comprises a movable X-ray source unit, and The above-mentioned movable X-ray source unit is configured to sequentially irradiate X-rays onto a target source area set for the above-mentioned movable X-ray source unit as it moves, and The above target source region is a part of the entire source region where the generator can irradiate X-rays, Digital tomography acquisition device.

5. In paragraph 1, the detector is: Configured to identify the target reading area and the generator or the location of the generator that irradiated the X-ray corresponding to the target reading area through pre-calibration, Digital tomography acquisition device.

6. In paragraph 1, the target reading area is, It is determined based on the radius of the target reading area, or the position information of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the generator or the activated X-ray source unit of the generator to the plane containing the target reading area on the detector, and The radius of the target reading area is determined based on the shortest distance between the generator and the detector and the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator. Digital tomography acquisition device.

7. In paragraph 6, the target reading area is defined by the gate line range and the data line range of the detector, and The above gate line range includes: a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the first axis coordinate value of the position information on the first axis, and The above data line range includes: a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the second axis coordinate value of the position information on the second axis, Digital tomography acquisition device.

8. In paragraph 5, the target reading area is, Determined based on the position information of the above generator and the detected read data corresponding to each position information of the above generator, Digital tomography acquisition device.

9. In paragraph 7, the gate line range and the data line range are, Limited within the boundaries of the entire reading area above, Digital tomography acquisition device.

10. In paragraph 1, the detector is: Configured to disable reading for reading areas other than the above-mentioned target reading area, Digital tomography acquisition device.

11. A method for controlling a digital tomography image acquisition device, A step of generating X-rays using a generator; and The method includes the step of detecting reading data in a target reading area corresponding to a source area to be irradiated with X-rays generated by the generator using a detector. The above target reading area is set as a part of the total reading area covered by the detector, Control method.

12. In claim 11, the target reading area is configured to have a size determined according to location information of a source area corresponding to the target reading area or location information of a generator for a source area corresponding to the target reading area. Control method.

13. In paragraph 11, the generator comprises a plurality of X-ray source units, and The above method includes the step of sequentially irradiating X-rays onto a source area set for each of the plurality of X-ray source units. Control method.

14. In paragraph 11, the generator comprises a movable X-ray source unit, and The above method includes the step of sequentially irradiating X-rays onto a target source area set for the movable X-ray source unit while moving the movable X-ray source unit, and The above target source region is a part of the entire source region where the generator can irradiate X-rays, Control method.

15. In Paragraph 11, A method comprising the step of identifying the target reading area through pre-calibration, Control method.

16. In Clause 11, the target reading area is, It is identified based on the radius of the target reading area, or the position information of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the generator or the activated X-ray source unit of the generator to the plane containing the target reading area on the detector, and The radius of the target reading area is determined based on the shortest distance between the generator and the detector and the X-ray irradiation angle of the generator. Control method.

17. In paragraph 16, the target reading area is defined as the gate line range and the data line range of the detector, and The above gate line range includes: a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the first axis coordinate value of the position information on the first axis, and The above data line range includes: a range within the radius of the target reading area centered on the second axis coordinate value of the position information on the second axis, Control method.

18. In paragraph 15, the target reading area is, Identified based on the location information of the generator and the read data detected in correspondence with each location information of the generator, Control method.

19. In Clause 17, the gate line range and the data line range are, Limited within the boundaries of the entire reading area above, Control method.

20. In claim 11, the step of disabling reading for a reading area other than the target reading area, Control method.

21. A computer-readable medium storing code configured to execute a method according to any one of paragraphs 11 through 20 by a computer or processor.

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