Medical imaging system and workstation and X-ray detector thereof

A workstation includes a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector includes a transmitter configured to transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; a receiver configured to receive the assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a medical imaging system and workstation and an X-ray detector thereof, and more particularly, to a workstation capable of setting assign indicator information of an X-ray detector, and an X-ray detector capable of displaying an assign indicator.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, X-rays are electromagnetic waves which have a wavelength of 0.01 to 100 Å and which can pass through objects. Thus, they may be commonly used in a wide range of applications, such as medical equipment that take images of the inside of a living body and non-destructive testing equipment for industrial use.

X-ray photographing apparatuses using X-rays allow X-rays emitted by an X-ray tube (or X-ray source) to pass through an object, and detect a difference between the intensities of the passed X-rays by using an X-ray detector to thereby identify the internal structure of the object. X-ray imaging apparatuses are able to easily identify the internal structure of an object by using the principle that the transmission coefficient of X-rays varies depending on the density of the object and the atomic number the atoms of the object. As the wavelength of an X-ray becomes shorter, the transmission coefficient of X-rays increases and a picture on a screen becomes clearer.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments include a workstation capable of controlling an assign indicator of an X-ray detector, and an X-ray detector that may be efficiently distinguished from other X-ray detectors by displaying the assign indicator.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a workstation including: a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector.

The workstation may further include an input unit configured to receive an input for re-setting the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector. The controller may be further configured to re-set the set assign indicator information in response to the input.

The identification information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from unique information including at least one of a serial number (SN) and an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the X-ray detector; and specification information including at least one of a size of the X-ray detector and a type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector is combinable.

The identification information of the X-ray detector may further include position information of the X-ray detector, and the controller may be further configured to authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information of the X-ray detector, and set assign indicator information of the authenticated X-ray detector, based on the position information of the authenticated X-ray detector.

The position information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from information indicating that the X-ray detector has been combined with a stand type receptor, information indicating that the X-ray detector has been combined with a table type receptor, and information indicating that the X-ray detector has not been combined with any receptors.

The identification information of the X-ray detector may further include identification information of a network to which the X-ray detector has been connected, and the controller may be further configured to authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information of the X-ray detector, and set assign indicator information of the authenticated X-ray detector, based on the identification information of the network to which the authenticated X-ray detector has been connected.

The identification information of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected may include a service set identifier (SSID) of the network.

The output unit may display an X-ray detector icon that represents the identification information of the X-ray detector and the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector.

The receiver may be further configured to receive state information of the X-ray detector, and the output unit may be further configured to display an X-ray detector icon that represents the state information of the X-ray detector and the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector.

The output unit may be further configured to the X-ray detector icon flicker according to the state information of the X-ray detector.

The state information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from information about a residual battery capacity of the X-ray detector, information about a communication sensitivity of the X-ray detector, and information about whether the X-ray detector has been activated.

The receiver and the transmitter may be further configured to communicate with an external apparatus via a wireless network.

The set assign indicator information may include information that indicates at least one selected from a character, a number, a symbol, a color, and an image.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an X-ray detector including: a transmitter configured to transmit identification information of the X-ray detector to a workstation; a receiver configured to receive assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.

The receiver may be further configured to receive re-setting information used to reset the displayed assign indicator, and the output unit may be further configured to change the assign indicator based on the received re-setting information and display the changed assign indicator.

The transmitted identification information may include at least one selected from unique information including at least one of a serial number (SN) and an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the X-ray detector, and specification information including at least one of a size of the X-ray detector and a type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector is combinable.

The transmitted identification information may further include position information of the X-ray detector.

The position information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from information indicating that the X-ray detector has been combined with a stand type receptor, information indicating that the X-ray detector has been combined with a table type receptor, and information indicating that the X-ray detector has not been combined with any receptors.

The transmitted identification information may further include identification information of a network to which the X-ray detector has been connected.

The identification information of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected may include a service set identifier (SSID) of the network.

The X-ray detector may further include a controller configured to acquire state information of the X-ray detector. The output unit may be further configured to display the acquired state information of the X-ray detector and the assign indicator.

The acquired state information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from information about a residual battery capacity of the X-ray detector, information about a communication sensitivity of the X-ray detector, and information about whether the X-ray detector has been activated.

The output unit may be further configured to make the assign indicator flicker according to the received state information of the X-ray detector.

The receiver and the transmitter may be further configured to communicate with an external apparatus via a wireless network.

The received assign indicator information may include information that indicates at least one selected from a character, a number, a symbol, a color, and an image.

The output unit may include a light source configured to generate light of a color indicated by the assign indicator information; and an optical waveguide which is positioned on at least one edge of the X-ray detector and guides the light to propagate in a certain direction.

The optical waveguide may include a first reflector for guiding the light to propagate in a certain direction within the optical waveguide.

One side of the optical waveguide may include an irregularity for propagating the light to outside of the optical waveguide.

The irregularity formed on the one side of the optical waveguide may be repeated, and a repetition interval of the irregularity may shorten in a direction away from the light source.

The X-ray detector may further include a second reflector which is positioned on one side of the optical waveguide and propagates the light to outside of the optical waveguide.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an X-ray apparatus including: an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate an X-ray to an object; and a manipulation unit configured to manipulate the X-ray radiation unit. The manipulation unit may include: a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an X-ray system including: an X-ray apparatus including an X-ray radiation unit and an X-ray detector; and a workstation configured to control the X-ray apparatus.

The workstation may include a receiver configured to receive identification information of the X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector.

The X-ray detector may include a transmitter configured to transmit identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; a receiver configured to receive assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of capturing an X-ray image including: setting assign indicator information of an X-ray detector, based on identification information of the X-ray detector; displaying an assign indicator on the X-ray detector, based on the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and capturing the X-ray image by using the X-ray detector on which the assign indicator has been displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The matters defined in the specification, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims. Also, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail.

Hereinafter, the terms used in the specification will be briefly described, and then the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail.

Although certain general terms widely used at present were selected for describing the exemplary embodiments in consideration of the functions thereof, these general terms may vary according to intentions of one of ordinary skill in the art, case precedents, the advent of new technologies, and the like. Terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant of the exemplary embodiments may also be used in a specific case. In this case, their meanings are given in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. Hence, these terms are defined based on their meanings and the contents of the entire specification, not by simply stating the terms.

Throughout the specification, an “image” may refer to multi-dimensional data formed of discrete image elements (e.g., pixels in a two-dimensional (2D) image and voxels in a three-dimensional (3D) image). For example, an image may be a medical image of an object acquired by an X-ray apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, or another medical imaging apparatus.

In addition, an “object” may be a human, an animal, or a part of a human or animal. For example, the object may include an organ (for example, the liver, the heart, the womb, the brain, breasts, or the abdomen), blood vessels, or a combination thereof. The object may be a phantom. The phantom denotes a material having a volume, a density, and an effective atomic number that are approximately the same as those of a living organism. For example, the phantom may be a spherical phantom having similar properties to those of the human body.

Furthermore, a “user” may be, but is not limited to, a medical expert, for example, a medical doctor, a nurse, a medical laboratory technologist, or a medical imaging expert, or a technician who repairs medical apparatuses.

An X-ray apparatus is a medical imaging apparatus that acquires images of internal structures of an object by transmitting an X-ray through the human body. The X-ray apparatus may acquire medical images of an object more simply and within a shorter time than other medical imaging apparatuses including an MRI apparatus and a CT apparatus. Therefore, the X-ray apparatus is widely used in simple chest photographing, simple abdomen photographing, simple skeleton photographing, simple nasal sinuses photographing, simple neck soft tissue photographing, breast photographing, etc.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an X-ray system1000.

Referring toFIG. 1, the X-ray system1000includes an X-ray apparatus100and a workstation110. The X-ray apparatus100shown inFIG. 1may be a fixed-type X-ray apparatus or a mobile X-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus100may include an X-ray radiation unit120, a high voltage generator121, a detector130, a manipulation unit140, and a controller150. The controller150may control overall operations of the X-ray apparatus100.

The high voltage generator121generates a high voltage for generating X-rays, and applies the high voltage to an X-ray source122.

The X-ray radiation unit120includes the X-ray source122receiving the high voltage from the high voltage generator121to generate and radiate X-rays, and a collimator123for guiding a path of the X-ray radiated from the X-ray source122and adjusting an irradiation region radiated by the X-ray.

The X-ray source122includes an X-ray tube that may be realized as a vacuum tube diode including a cathode and an anode. An inside of the X-ray tube may be set as a high vacuum state of about 10 mmHg, and a filament of the anode is heated to a high temperature to generate thermal electrons. The filament may be a tungsten filament, and a voltage of about 10V and a current of about 3 to 5 A may be applied to an electric wire connected to the filament to heat the filament.

In addition, when a high voltage of about 10 to about 300 kVp is applied between the cathode and the anode, the thermal electrons are accelerated to collide with a target material of the cathode, and then, an X-ray is generated. The X-ray is radiated to the outside via a window, and the window may be formed of a beryllium thin film. In this case, most of the energy of the electrons colliding with the target material is consumed as heat, and remaining energy is converted into the X-ray.

The cathode may be mainly formed of copper, and the target material is disposed opposite to the anode. The target material may be a high resistive material such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), or molybdenum (Mo). The target material may be rotated by a rotating field. When the target material is rotated, an electron impact area is increased, and a heat accumulation rate per unit area may be increased to be at least ten times greater than that of a case where the target material is fixed.

The voltage applied between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube is referred to as a tube voltage, and the tube voltage is applied from the high voltage generator121and a magnitude of the tube voltage may be expressed by a crest value (kVp). When the tube voltage increases, a velocity of the thermal electrons increases, and accordingly, an energy of the X-ray (that is, energy of the photons) that is generated when the thermal electrons collide with the target material is increased. The current flowing in the X-ray tube is referred to as a tube current that may be expressed as an average value (mA). When the tube current increases, the number of thermal electrons emitted from the filament is increased, and accordingly, the X-ray dose (that is, the number of X-ray photons) generated when the thermal electrons collide with the target material is increased.

Therefore, the energy of the X-ray may be adjusted according to the tube voltage, and the intensity of the X-ray or the X-ray dose may be adjusted according to the tube current and the X-ray exposure time.

The detector130detects an X-ray that is radiated from the X-ray radiation unit120and has been transmitted through an object. The detector130may be a digital detector. The detector130may be implemented by using a thin film transistor (TFT) or a charge coupled device (CCD). Although the detector130is included in the X-ray apparatus100inFIG. 1, the detector130may be an X-ray detector that is a separate device capable of being connected to or separated from the X-ray apparatus100.

The X-ray apparatus100may further include a manipulation unit140for providing a user with an interface for manipulating the X-ray apparatus100. The manipulation unit140may include an output unit141and an input unit142. The input unit142may receive, from a user, a command for manipulating the X-ray apparatus100and various types of information related to X-ray photographing. The controller150may control or manipulate the X-ray apparatus100according to the information received by the input unit142. The output unit141may output sound representing information related to a photographing operation such as the X-ray radiation under the control of the controller150.

The workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100may be connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. When they are connected to each other wirelessly, a device (not shown) for synchronizing clock signals with each other may be further included. The workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100may exist within physically separate spaces.

The workstation110may include an output unit111, an input unit112, and a controller113. The output unit111and the input unit112provide a user with an interface for manipulating the workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100. The controller113may control the workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100.

The X-ray apparatus100may be controlled via the workstation110or may be controlled by the controller150included in the X-ray apparatus100. Accordingly, a user may control the X-ray apparatus100via the workstation110or may control the X-ray apparatus100via the manipulation unit140and the controller150included in the X-ray apparatus100. In other words, a user may remotely control the X-ray apparatus100via the workstation110or may directly control the X-ray apparatus100.

Although the controller113of the workstation110is separate from the controller150of the X-ray apparatus100inFIG. 1,FIG. 1is only an example. As another example, the controllers113and150may be integrated into a single controller, and the single controller may be included in only one of the workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100. Hereinafter, the controllers113and150may denote the controller113of the workstation110and/or the controller150of the X-ray apparatus100.

The output unit111and the input unit112of the workstation110may provide a user with an interface for manipulating the X-ray apparatus100, and the output unit141and the input unit142of the X-ray apparatus100may also provide a user with an interface for manipulating the X-ray apparatus100. Although the workstation110and the X-ray radiation unit100include the output units111and141, respectively, and the input units112and142, respectively, inFIG. 1, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, only one of the workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100may include an output unit or an input unit.

Hereinafter, the input units112and142may denote the input unit112of the workstation110and/or the input unit142of the X-ray apparatus100, and the output units111and141may denote the output unit111of the workstation110and/or the output unit141of the X-ray apparatus100.

Examples of the input units112and142may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a voice recognizer, a fingerprint recognizer, an iris recognizer, and other input devices which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in further detail. The user may input a command for radiating the X-ray via the input units112and142, and the input units112and142may include a switch for inputting the command. The switch may be configured so that a radiation command for radiating the X-ray may be input only when the switch is pushed twice.

In other words, when the user pushes the switch, a prepare command for performing a pre-heating operation for X-ray radiation may be input through the switch, and then, when the user pushes the switch once more, the radiation command for performing substantial X-ray radiation may be input through the switch. When the user manipulates the switch as described above, the controllers113and150generate signals corresponding to the commands input through the switch manipulation, that is, a prepare signal, and transmit the generated signals to the high voltage generator121generating a high voltage for generating the X-ray.

When the high voltage generator121receives the prepare signal from the controllers113and150, the high voltage generator121starts a pre-heating operation, and when the pre-heating is finished, the high voltage generator121outputs a ready signal to the controllers113and150. In addition, as the detector130also needs to prepare to detect the X-ray, when the high voltage generator121performs the pre-heating operation, and controllers113and150transmit a prepare signal to the detector130so that the detector130may prepare to detect the X-ray transmitted through the object. The detector130prepares to detect the X-ray in response to the prepare signal, and when the preparing for the detection is finished, the detector130transmits a ready signal to the controllers113and150. The preparing for the detection by the detector130may be referred to as “activation” or the like.

When the pre-heating operation of the high voltage generator121is finished and the detector130is ready to detect the X-ray, the controllers113and150transmit a radiation signal to the high voltage generator121, the high voltage generator121generates and applies the high voltage to the X-ray source122, and the X-ray source122radiates the X-ray.

When the controllers113and150transmit the radiation signal to the high voltage generator121, the controllers113and150may transmit a sound output signal to the output units111and141so that the output units111and141output a predetermined sound so that the user and/or the object (for example, a patent being X-rayed) may recognize the radiation of the X-ray. The output units111and141may also output a sound representing information related to photographing in addition to the X-ray radiation. InFIG. 1, the output unit141is included in the manipulation unit140; however, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the output unit141or a portion of the output unit141may be located elsewhere. For example, the output unit141may be located on a wall of an examination room in which the X-ray photographing of the object is performed.

The controllers113and150control locations of the X-ray radiation unit120and the detector130, photographing timing, and photographing conditions, according to photographing conditions set by the user.

In more detail, the controllers113and150control the high voltage generator121and the detector130according to the command input via the input units112and142so as to control radiation timing of the X-ray, an intensity of the X-ray, and a region irradiated by the X-ray. In addition, the controllers113and150adjust the location of the detector130according to a predetermined photographing condition, and controls operation timing of the detector130.

Furthermore, the controllers113and150generate a medical image of the object by using image data received via the detector130. In detail, the controllers113and150may receive the image data from the detector130, and then, generate the medical image of the object by removing noise from the image data and adjusting a dynamic range and interleaving of the image data.

The output units111and141may output the medical image generated by the controllers113and150. The output units111and141may output information that is necessary for the user to manipulate the X-ray apparatus100, for example, a user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Examples of the output units111and141may include a speaker, a printer, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a field emission display (FED), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a digital light processing (DLP) display, a flat panel display (FPD), a three-dimensional (3D) display, a transparent display, and other various output devices well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The workstation110shown inFIG. 1may further include a communication unit (not shown) that may be connected to a server162, a medical apparatus164, and a portable terminal166via a network160.

The communication unit may be connected to the network160by wire or wirelessly to communicate with the external server162, the external medical apparatus164, or the external portable terminal166. The communication unit may transmit or receive data related to diagnosis of the object via the network160, and may also transmit or receive medical images captured by the medical apparatus164, for example, a CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, or an X-ray apparatus. Moreover, the communication unit may receive a medical history or treatment schedule of an object (e.g., a patient) from the server162to diagnose a disease of the object. Furthermore, the communication unit may perform data communication with the portable terminal166such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a laptop computer of a medical doctor or a client, as well as the server162or the medical apparatus164in a hospital.

The communication unit may include one or more elements enabling communication with external apparatuses. For example, the communication unit may include a short distance communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The short distance communication module refers to a module for performing short distance communication with an apparatus located within a predetermined distance. Examples of short distance communication technology may include, but are not limited to, a wireless local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWD), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and near field communication (NFC).

The wired communication module refers to a module for communicating by using an electric signal or an optical signal. Examples of wired communication technology may include wired communication techniques using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, and an optical fiber cable, and other wired communication techniques that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The wireless communication module transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from at least one selected from a base station, an external apparatus, and a server in a mobile communication network. Here, examples of the wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, and various types of data according to text/multimedia messages transmission.

The X-ray apparatus100shown inFIG. 1may include a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs), an ultra-small calculator, and a processing circuit for special purposes (for example, high speed analog/digital (A/D) conversion, high speed Fourier transformation, and an array process).

In addition, communication between the workstation110and the X-ray apparatus100may be performed using a high speed digital interface, such as low voltage differential signaling (LVDS), asynchronous serial communication, such as a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), a low latency network protocol, such as error synchronous serial communication or a controller area network (CAN), or any of other various communication methods that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a fixed type X-ray apparatus200. The fixed type X-ray apparatus200may be another embodiment of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1. Components included in the fixed type X-ray apparatus200that are the same as those of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1use the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 2, the fixed type X-ray apparatus200includes a manipulation unit140providing a user with an interface for manipulating the X-ray apparatus200, an X-ray radiation unit120radiating an X-ray to an object, a detector130detecting an X-ray that has passed through the object, first, second, and third motors211,212, and213providing a driving power to transport the X-ray radiation unit120, a guide rail220, a moving carriage230, and a post frame240. The guide rail220, the moving carriage230, and the post frame240are formed to transport the X-ray radiation unit120by using the driving power of the first, second, and third motors211,212, and213.

The guide rail220includes a first guide rail221and a second guide rail222that are provided to form a predetermined angle with respect to each other. The first guide rail221and the second guide rail222may respectively extend in directions crossing each other at 90° (that is, perpendicular).

The first guide rail221may be provided on the ceiling of an examination room in which the X-ray apparatus200is disposed.

The second guide rail222is located under the first guide rail221, and is mounted so as to slide along the first guide rail221. A roller (not shown) that may move along the first guide rail221may be provided on the first guide rail221. The second guide rail222is connected to the roller to move along the first guide rail221.

A first direction D1is defined as a direction in which the first guide rail221extends, and a second direction D2is defined as a direction in which the second guide rail222extends. Therefore, the first direction D1and the second direction D2cross each other at 90°, and may be parallel to the ceiling of the examination room.

The moving carriage230is disposed under the second guide rail222so as to move along the second guide rail222. A roller (not shown) moving along the second guide rail222may be provided on the moving carriage230.

Therefore, the moving carriage230may move in the first direction D1together with the second guide rail222, and may move in the second direction D2along the second guide rail222.

The post frame240is fixed on the moving carriage230and located under the moving carriage230. The post frame240may include a plurality of posts241,242,243,244, and245.

The plurality of posts241,242,243,244, and245are connected to each other to be foldable, and thus, the post frame240may have a length that is adjustable in a vertical direction of the examination room while in a state of being fixed to the moving carriage230.

A third direction D3is defined as a direction in which the length of the post frame240increases or decreases. Therefore, the third direction D3may be perpendicular to the first direction D1and the second direction D2.

The detector130detects the X-ray that has passed through the object, and may be combined with a table type receptor290or a stand type receptor280.

A rotating joint250is disposed between the X-ray radiation unit120and the post frame240. The rotating joint250allows the X-ray radiation unit120to be coupled to the post frame240, and supports a load applied to the X-ray radiation unit120.

The X-ray radiation unit120connected to the rotating joint250may rotate on a plane that is perpendicular to the third direction D3. In this case, a rotating direction of the X-ray radiation unit120may be defined as a fourth direction D4.

The X-ray radiation unit120may be configured to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the ceiling of the examination room. Therefore, the X-ray radiation unit120may rotate in a fifth direction D5that is a rotating direction about an axis that is parallel with the first direction D1or the second direction D2, with respect to the rotating joint250.

The first, second, and third motors211,212, and213may be provided to move the X-ray radiation unit120in the first, second, and third directions D1, D2, and D3. The first, second, and third motors211,212, and213may be electrically driven, and the first, second, and third motors211,212, and213may respectively include an encoder.

The first, second, and third motors211,212, and213may be disposed at various locations in consideration of design convenience. For example, the first motor211, moving the second guide rail222in the first direction D1, may be disposed around the first guide rail221, the second motor212, moving the moving carriage230in the second direction D2, may be disposed around the second guide rail222, and the third motor213, increasing or reducing the length of the post frame240in the third direction D3, may be disposed in the moving carriage230. In another example, the first, second, and third motors211,212, and213may be connected to a power transfer unit (not shown) so as to linearly move the X-ray radiation unit120in the first, second, and third directions D1, D2, and D3. The driving power transfer unit may be a combination of a belt and a pulley, a combination of a chain and a sprocket, a shaft, etc. which are generally used and will not be described in detail.

In another example, motors (not shown) may be disposed between the rotating joint250and the post frame240and between the rotating joint250and the X-ray radiation unit120in order to rotate the X-ray radiation unit120in the fourth and fifth directions D4and D5.

The manipulation unit140may be disposed on a side surface of the X-ray radiation unit120.

AlthoughFIG. 2shows the fixed type X-ray apparatus200connected to the ceiling of the examination room, the fixed type X-ray apparatus200is merely an example for convenience of comprehension. That is, X-ray apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments may include X-ray apparatuses having various structures that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, a C-arm-type X-ray apparatus and an angiography X-ray apparatus, in addition to the fixed type X-ray apparatus200ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile X-ray apparatus300capable of performing an X-ray photographing operation regardless of a place where the photographing operation is performed. The mobile X-ray apparatus300may be another embodiment of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1. Components included in the mobile X-ray apparatus300that are the same as those of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1use the same reference numerals as those used inFIG. 1, and a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 3, the mobile X-ray apparatus300includes a transport unit370including wheels for transporting the mobile X-ray apparatus300, a main unit305, an X-ray radiation unit120, and a detector130detecting an X-ray that is radiated from the X-ray radiation unit120toward an object and transmitted through the object. The main unit305includes a manipulation unit140providing a user with an interface for manipulating the mobile X-ray apparatus300, a high voltage generator121generating a high voltage applied to an X-ray source122, and a controller150controlling overall operations of the mobile X-ray apparatus300. The X-ray radiation unit120includes the X-ray source122generating the X-ray, and a collimator123guiding a path along which the generated X-ray is emitted from the X-ray source355and adjusting an irradiation region radiated by the X-ray.

Although the detector130is combined with a table type receptor390inFIG. 3, the detector130may also be combined with a stand type receptor.

InFIG. 3, the manipulation unit140is included in the main unit305; however, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the manipulation unit140of the mobile X-ray apparatus300may be disposed on a side surface of the X-ray radiation unit120.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram showing a detailed configuration of a detector400. The detector400may be an embodiment of the detector130ofFIGS. 1-3. The detector400may be an indirect type detector.

Referring toFIG. 4, the detector400may include a scintillator (not shown), a photodetecting substrate410, a bias driving unit430, a gate driving unit450, and a signal processing unit470.

The scintillator receives the X-ray radiated from the X-ray source122and converts the X-ray into light.

The photodetecting substrate410receives the light from the scintillator and converts the light into an electrical signal. The photodetecting substrate410may include gate lines GL, data lines DL, TFTs412, photodiodes414, and bias lines BL.

The gate lines GL may be formed in a first direction DR1, and the data lines DL may be formed in a second direction DR2that crosses the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1and the second direction DR2may intersect perpendicularly to each other.FIG. 4shows four gate lines GL and four data lines DL as an example.

The TFTs412may be arranged as a matrix in the first and second directions DR1and DR2. Each of the TFTs412may be electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL and one of the data lines DL. A gate of the TFT412may be electrically connected to the gate line GL, and a source of the TFT412may be electrically connected to the data line DL. InFIG. 4, sixteen TFTs412(in a 4×4 arrangement) are shown as an example.

The photodiodes414may be arranged as a matrix in the first and second directions DR1and DR2so as to respectively correspond to the TFTs412. Each of the photodiodes414may be electrically connected to one of the TFTs412. An N-side electrode of each of the photodiodes414may be electrically connected to a drain of the TFT412.FIG. 4shows sixteen photodiodes414(in a 4×4 arrangement) as an example.

The bias lines BL are electrically connected to the photodiodes414. Each of the bias lines BL may be electrically connected to P-side electrodes of an array of photodiodes414. For example, the bias lines BL may be formed to be substantially parallel with the second direction DR2so as to be electrically connected to the photodiodes414. On the other hand, the bias lines BL may be formed to be substantially parallel with the first direction DR1so as to be electrically connected to the photodiodes414.FIG. 4shows four bias lines BL formed along the second direction DR2as an example.

The bias driving unit430is electrically connected to the bias lines BL so as to apply a driving voltage to the bias lines BL. The bias driving unit430may selectively apply a reverse bias voltage or a forward bias voltage to the photodiodes414. A reference voltage may be applied to the N-side electrodes of the photodiodes414. The reference voltage may be applied via the signal processing unit470. The bias driving unit430may apply a voltage that is less than the reference voltage to the P-side electrodes of the photodiodes414so as to apply a reverse bias voltage to the photodiodes414. On the other hand, the bias driving unit430may apply a voltage that is greater than the reference voltage to the P-side electrodes of the photodiodes414so as to apply a forward bias voltage to the photodiodes414.

The gate driving unit450is electrically connected to the gate lines GL and thus may apply gate signals to the gate lines GL. For example, when the gate signals are applied to the gate lines GL, the TFTs412may be turned on by the gate signals. On the other hand, when the gate signals are not applied to the gate lines GL, the TFTs412may be turned off.

The signal processing unit470is electrically connected to the data lines DL. When the light received by the photodetecting substrate410is converted into the electrical signal, the electrical signal may be read out by the signal processing unit470via the data lines DL.

An operation of the detector400will now be described. During the operation of the detector400, the bias driving unit430may apply the reverse bias voltage to the photodiodes414.

While the TFTs412are turned off, each of the photodiodes414may receive the light from the scintillator and generate electron-hole pairs to accumulate electric charges. The amount of electric charge accumulated in each of the photodiodes414may correspond to the intensity of the received X-ray light.

Then, the gate driving unit450may sequentially apply the gate signals to the gate lines GL along the second direction DR2. When a gate signal is applied to a gate line GL and thus TFTs412connected to the gate line GL are turned on, photocurrents may flow into the signal processing unit470via the data lines DL due to the electric charges accumulated in the photodiodes414connected to the turned-on TFTs412.

The signal processing unit470may convert the received photocurrents into image data and output the image data to the outside. The image data may be in the form of an analog signal or a digital signal corresponding to the photocurrents.

Although not shown inFIG. 4, if the detector400shown inFIG. 4is a wireless detector, the detector400may further include a battery unit and a wireless communication interface unit.

As described above, the detection unit130may be an X-ray detector which is a separate device capable of being connected to or separated from the X-ray apparatus100. In detail, the X-ray detector may be physically connected to or separated from the X-ray apparatus100and may communicate with the X-ray apparatus100via a wired or wireless network.

A wired X-ray detector is coupled to the stand type receptor280or the table type receptor290and thus is not freely movable. On the other hand, a wireless X-ray detector may be coupled to a receptor or may not be coupled to a receptor.

In detail, a wireless X-ray detector may communicate with the X-ray apparatus100or the X-ray system1000via a wireless network. Accordingly, a user may use a wireless X-ray detector in various locations according to parts of an object to be photographed, without being coupled to a receptor.

Since the wireless X-ray detector is not dependent upon specification information about the receptor, wireless X-ray detectors having various sizes and shapes may be used in an identical X-ray apparatus or an identical X-ray system. The sizes and shapes of X-ray detectors suitable for X-ray imaging may differ according to parts of an object to be photographed.

Thus, a plurality of X-ray detectors of an identical type or of different types may exist in a single X-ray imaging room, and a user needs to select an X-ray detector suitable for a part of an object to be photographed and an imaging environment from among the plurality of X-ray detectors. However, when a plurality of X-ray detectors of an identical type or of different types exist in a single X-ray imaging room, it may be confusing to distinguish the plurality of X-ray detectors from one another or select an X-ray detector that is to be used in X-ray imaging from among the plurality of X-ray detectors.

Therefore, an X-ray detector according to one or more exemplary embodiments may display an assign indicator set by a workstation. Accordingly, a user may efficiently distinguish a plurality of X-ray detectors from one another and may efficiently select an X-ray detector that is to be used in X-ray imaging from among the X-ray detectors, by referring to the respective assign indicators of the X-ray detectors.

A workstation capable of setting assign indicator information of an X-ray detector and an X-ray detector capable of displaying an assign indicator, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, will now be described in detail.

FIG. 5is a block diagram for describing respective operations of a workstation500and an X-ray detector510according to an exemplary embodiment. The X-ray detector510includes an output unit511afor displaying an assign indicator.

In operation S520, the X-ray detector510transmits identification information570of the X-ray detector510to the workstation500. Throughout the specification, the identification information570of the X-ray detector510refers to predetermined information about the X-ray detector510that distinguishes the X-ray detector510from other X-ray detectors.

For example, the identification information570may include unique information571of the X-ray detector510that distinguishes the X-ray detector510from not only other types of X-ray detectors but also the same type of X-ray detectors as that of the X-ray detector510. For example, the unique information571may include at least one selected from a serial number (SN) of the X-ray detector510and Internet Protocol (IP) address information thereof. In detail, the SN of the X-ray detector510is a unique identifier assigned during the manufacture of the X-ray detector510. The IP address information of the X-ray detector510may include an IP address value that is to be used when the X-ray detector510and an access point (AP) communicate with each other.

The identification information570may also include specification information572of the X-ray detector510that distinguishes the X-ray detector510from other types of X-ray detectors. For example, the specification information572may include at least one selected from the size of the X-ray detector510and the type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector510is combinable. As described above, different sizes and shapes of X-ray detectors may be suitable for X-ray imaging according to parts of an object to be photographed. Accordingly, the size of the X-ray detector510may be a criterion on which a user selects an X-ray detector510suitable for imaging. In addition, when a user wants to combine the X-ray detector510to a predetermined receptor, the type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector510is combinable may be a criterion on which a user selects an X-ray detector510suitable for imaging.

For example, when a 17×17 inch X-ray detector510may be combined with the stand type receptor280ofFIG. 2by a user but a 14×14 inch X-ray detector510may be combined with the table type receptor290ofFIG. 2, the specification information572of the X-ray detector510may be a criterion on which a user selects an X-ray detector suitable for imaging.

The specification information572of the X-ray detector510is not limited to the size of the X-ray detector510and the type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector510is combinable. For example, the specification information572of the X-ray detector510may further include information about a detection material of the X-ray detector510, information about a geometrical structure of the X-ray detector510, and information about a method in which the X-ray detector510measures a signal. In detail, the information about the detection material of the X-ray detector510includes a light detection type and a direct charge-detection type. The information about the geometrical structure of the X-ray detector510includes a one-dimensional (1D) array type and a two-dimensional (2D) area type. The information about the method in which the X-ray detector510measures a signal may include an integral detection type and a coefficient detection type.

In addition to the unique information571and the specification information572, the identification information570of the X-ray detector510may further include position information573of the X-ray detector510and identification information574of a network to which the X-ray detector510has been connected. The position information573of the X-ray detector510and the identification information574of the network will be described in further detail later with reference toFIGS. 8, 9, 12, and 13.

In operation S530, the workstation500sets assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510, based on the identification information570of the X-ray detector510. Throughout the specification, an assign indicator refers to a visual indicator that is displayed by the output unit511aof the X-ray detector510, and may be a visual notification signal capable of helping a user to select an X-ray detector510which is to be used for imaging. Throughout the specification, assign indicator information refers to information used to control an assign indicator that the X-ray detector510displays. The workstation500sets the assign indicator information and transmits the assign indicator information to the X-ray detector510. In detail, the assign indicator may include at least one selected from a character, a number, a symbol, a color, and an image. The assign indicator information may include information that indicates at least one selected from a character, a number, a symbol, a color, and an image.

In operation S540, the workstation500transmits the set assign indicator information to the X-ray detector510.

In operation S550, the X-ray detector510displays an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information. For example, when the workstation500sets, based on the specification information572of the X-ray detector510, information indicating a yellow color as assign indicator information for a 17×17 inch X-ray detector510and sets information indicating a blue color as assign indicator information for a 14×14 inch X-ray detector510, an output unit511bof a 17×17 inch X-ray detector510may display an assign indicator corresponding to a yellow color.

A user may efficiently distinguish 14×14 inch X-ray detectors510from 17×17 inch X-ray detectors510by referring to assign indicators of a yellow or blue color displayed on the X-ray detectors510. For example, when a 17×17 inch X-ray detector510is combinable with the stand type receptor280, a user may easily select an X-ray detector510that displays the assign indicator of a yellow color and may combine the selected X-ray detector510with the stand type receptor280.

FIG. 6is a block diagram of a workstation600according to an exemplary embodiment. The workstation600includes a receiver610, a controller620, an output unit630, and a transmitter650, and may further include an input unit640.

When the workstation600ofFIG. 6is included in the X-ray system1000ofFIG. 1, the workstation600ofFIG. 6may correspond to the workstation110ofFIG. 1. In detail, the controller620, the output unit630, and the input unit640of the workstation600ofFIG. 6may respectively correspond to the controller113, the output unit111, and the input unit112of the workstation110ofFIG. 1. The receiver610and the transmitter650of the workstation600ofFIG. 6may communicate with the X-ray apparatus100by wires or wirelessly and may also communicate with an external apparatus via the network160ofFIG. 1. Thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

The receiver610of the workstation600may receive identification information570of an X-ray detector510from the X-ray detector510. For example, when the workstation600ofFIG. 6is included in the X-ray system1000ofFIG. 1, the receiver610may directly receive identification information570of an X-ray detector510corresponding to the detector130ofFIG. 1via communication with the X-ray detector510. When an X-ray detector510is coupled to a receptor, the receiver610may indirectly receive identification information570of the X-ray detector510via communication with the receptor.

The controller620of the workstation600may set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510, based on the received identification information570of the X-ray detector510.

As described above, the identification information570of the X-ray detector510may include at least one selected from unique information571, specification information572, position information573, and identification information574of a network to which the X-ray detector510has been connected.

When the controller620sets the assign indicator information based on the unique information571included in the identification information570of the X-ray detector510, an assign indicator displayed on an X-ray detector510may be distinguished from assign indicators displayed on all of other X-ray detectors570.

When the controller620sets the assign indicator information based on the specification information572included in the identification information570of the X-ray detector, X-ray detectors510having identical specification information572may display identical assign indicators.

When the controller620sets the assign indicator information based on the position information573included in the identification information570of the X-ray detector, X-ray detectors510located at the same positions may display identical assign indicators. The position information573of an X-ray detector510may include at least one selected from information indicating that the X-ray detector510has been coupled to a stand type receptor (hereinafter, referred to as stand position information), information indicating that the X-ray detector510has been coupled to a table receptor (hereinafter, referred to as table position information), and information indicating that the X-ray detector510has not been coupled to any receptors (hereinafter, referred to as portable position information). However, the position information573of the X-ray detector510is not limited thereto, and the position information573of the X-ray detector510may include additional position information573obtained via a sensor in an X-ray imaging room or a sensor included in an X-ray system1000. The assign indicator information set according to the position information573of the X-ray detector510will be described in further detail later with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

When the controller620sets the assign indicator information based on the identification information574of the network to which the X-ray detector510has been connected, which is included in the identification information570of the X-ray detector510, X-ray detectors510connected to an identical network may display identical assign indicators. In detail, when each room of a plurality of X-ray imaging rooms use a different network, X-ray detectors510existing in an identical X-ray imaging room may display identical assign indicators, whereas X-ray detectors510existing in different X-ray imaging rooms may display different assign indicators. The assign indicator information set according to the identification information574of the network to which the X-ray detector510has been connected will be described in further detail later with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510that has been set by the controller620. In detail, the output unit630may display an X-ray detector icon representing the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510.

Accordingly, a user may efficiently distinguish the plurality of X-ray detectors510from one another and efficiently select an X-ray detector510that is to be used in imaging, by referring to not only an assign indicator displayed on an output unit511aof the X-ray detector510but also the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510displayed on the output unit630of the workstation600.

The workstation600may further include the input unit640to receive a user input. The assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510may be arbitrarily set by the controller620, and the set assign indicator information may be changed by a user. In detail, the input unit640may receive an input of re-setting the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510set by the controller620, and the controller620may re-set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510in response to the input.

Similarly, the controller620may select one of a plurality of identification information570of the X-ray detector510received by the receiver610, as a criterion for setting the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510(hereinafter, referred to as an assign indicator information setting criterion).

The assign indicator information setting criterion may be changed by a user. In detail, the input unit640may receive an input of changing the assign indicator information setting criterion selected by the controller620, and the controller620may change the assign indicator information setting criterion in response to the input.

The input unit640may be a touch pad. In detail, the input unit640may include a touch pad (not shown) coupled with a display panel (not shown) included in the output unit630. The output unit630displays a user interface (UI) image on the display panel. When a user inputs a command by touching a certain point on the UI image, the touch pad may sense the input operation and recognize the command input by the user.

In detail, when the input unit640is a touch pad and the user touches a certain point on the UI image, the input unit640senses the touched point. Then, the input unit640may transmit sensed information to the controller620. Thereafter, the controller620may recognize a user's request or command corresponding to the sensed information and may perform the recognized user's request or command.

The transmitter650of the workstation600may transmit assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510to the X-ray detector510. For example, when the workstation600ofFIG. 6is included in the X-ray system1000ofFIG. 1, the transmitter650may directly transmit the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510corresponding to the detector130ofFIG. 1via communication with the X-ray detector510. When the X-ray detector510is combined with a receptor, the transmitter650may indirectly transmit the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector via510communication with the receptor.

The receiver610and the transmitter650of the workstation600ofFIG. 6may communicate with an external apparatus including the X-ray detector510via a wired or wireless network160.

The workstation600may be implemented in the manipulation unit140of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1.

In detail, in the X-ray apparatus100including the X-ray radiation unit120for radiating an X-ray onto an object and the manipulation unit140for manipulating the X-ray radiation unit120, the manipulation unit140may include a receiver (corresponding to the receiver610) for receiving the identification information570of the X-ray detector510, a controller (corresponding to the controller620) for setting the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510based on the received identification information570of the X-ray detector510, an output unit (corresponding to the output unit630) for displaying the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510, and a transmitter (corresponding to the transmitter650) for transmitting the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector510to the X-ray detector510.

When the workstation600is implemented in the manipulation unit140of the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1, the X-ray detector510may display an assign indicator via communication with the manipulation unit140of the X-ray apparatus100, without the workstation110provided outside the X-ray apparatus100.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of an X-ray detector700according to an exemplary embodiment.

The X-ray detector700may include a receiver710, an output unit730, and a transmitter740. The X-ray detector700may further include a controller720. When the X-ray detector700is included in the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1, the X-ray detector700may correspond to the detector130ofFIG. 1. As described above, the X-ray detector700may be connected to or disconnected from the X-ray apparatus100ofFIG. 1. Thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

The transmitter740of the X-ray detector700may transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector700to a workstation. When the X-ray detector700is included in the X-ray system1000ofFIG. 1, the transmitter740of the X-ray detector700may directly transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector700to the workstation110ofFIG. 1. When the X-ray detector700is combined with a receptor of the X-ray apparatus100, the transmitter740may indirectly transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector700to the workstation110via communication with the receptor.

After the transmitter740transmits the identification information, the receiver710of the X-ray detector700may receive the assign indicator information from the workstation600. As described above, the assign indicator information may include information that indicates at least one selected from a character, a number, a symbol, a color, and an image.

When the X-ray detector700is included in the X-ray system1000ofFIG. 1, the receiver710of the X-ray detector700may directly receive the assign indicator information from the workstation110ofFIG. 1. When the X-ray detector700is combined with a receptor of the X-ray apparatus100, the receiver710may indirectly receive assign indicator information from the workstation110via communication with the receptor.

The X-ray detector700may be a wired X-ray detector or a wireless X-ray detector. When the X-ray detector700is a wireless X-ray detector, the receiver710and the transmitter740may communicate with an external apparatus via a wireless network.

The output unit730of the X-ray detector700may display an assign indicator based on the assign indicator information received by the receiver710of the X-ray detector700. For example, the output unit730of the X-ray detector700may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), or a light-emitting device to display the assign indicator.

The output unit730may include an optical waveguide positioned on at least one edge of the X-ray detector700. The X-ray detector700may more efficiently display the assign indicator thereof via the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide will be described in further detail later with reference toFIGS. 19 and 20.

The controller720of the X-ray detector700may acquire state information of the X-ray detector700. For example, the state information of the X-ray detector700may include at least one selected from residual battery capacity information of the X-ray detector700, communication sensitivity information of the X-ray detector700, and information about whether the X-ray detector700has been activated. The state information of the X-ray detector700will be described in further detail later with reference toFIGS. 14-18.

FIG. 8illustrates an operation in which the workstation600ofFIG. 6sets the assign indicator information of an X-ray detector based on the position information of the X-ray detector. In detail,FIG. 8illustrates UI images800and850displayed on the output unit630of the workstation600.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, the receiver610of the workstation600may receive the identification information of the X-ray detector that includes at least one selected from the unique information of the X-ray detector and the specification information of the X-ray detector and further includes the position information of the X-ray detector.

The controller620of the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information of the X-ray detector which have been received by the receiver610. For example, the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on a detector SN802of the X-ray detector.

Throughout the specification, authentication for an X-ray detector by a workstation means that a workstation previously registers an X-ray detector which is to be used in X-ray imaging. In addition, the workstation may allow an authenticated X-ray detector to communicate, or activate (or prepare for detection) the authenticated X-ray detector.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display a list810of X-ray detectors811,812, and813that have been authenticated by the workstation600, via a UI image800. The output unit630may simply display the identification information of the X-ray detector, such as the detector SN802and position information801of the X-ray detector, on the list810of the authenticated X-ray detectors.

The output unit630of the workstation600may also display more detailed identification information820of the X-ray detector811selected from among the list810. The identification information820of the selected X-ray detector811may further include an IP address of the selected X-ray detector811and the type of a receptor with which the X-ray detector811is combinable, which are not shown on the list810.

The controller620of the workstation600may set the assign indicator information of the authenticated X-ray detector based on the position information801of the X-ray detector. In other words, the controller620may set the position information801of the X-ray detector to be an assign indicator information setting criterion860.

When the input unit640of the workstation600receives an input840of selecting an icon830, the controller620may set respective assign indicator information of the X-ray detectors811,812, and813. Alternatively, the controller620may set the respective assign indicator information of the X-ray detectors811,812, and813immediately without waiting until the input840for selecting an icon830is received.

In detail, the controller620may classify table position information861, stand position information862, and portable position information863of authenticated X-ray detectors and set identical assign indicator information for X-ray detectors having identical position information and different assign indicator information for X-ray detectors having different position information.

For example, the controller620may set assign indicator information871of a yellow color for an X-ray detector corresponding to the table position information861, assign indicator information872of a violet color for an X-ray detector corresponding to the stand position information862, and assign indicator information873of a blue color for an X-ray detector corresponding to the portable position information863.

The position information of an X-ray detector may change as the position of the X-ray detector changes. For example, when an X-ray detector is a wireless X-ray detector, the X-ray detector may be combined with the stand type receptor280ofFIG. 2at a first point in time and may be separated from the stand type receptor280at a second point in time. Accordingly, the position information of the X-ray detector received by the receiver610of the workstation600at the first point in time may be stand position information, and the position information of the X-ray detector received by the receiver610of the workstation600at the second point in time may be portable position information.

Thus, the controller620needs to specify a point in time in order to set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector based on the position information801of the X-ray detector. For example, the controller620of the workstation600may set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on position information of the X-ray detector at the point in time when the X-ray detector is authenticated.

In detail, the controller620of the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information included in the identification information of the X-ray detector and may set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector based on the position information included in the same identification information.

If the position information of the X-ray detector at the point in time when the X-ray detector is authenticated is stand position information, the X-ray detector may have a size and specifications that enable it to be combined with a stand type receptor. As another example, if the position information of the X-ray detector at the point in time when the X-ray detector is authenticated is table position information, the X-ray detector may have a size and specifications that enable it to be combined with a table type receptor. Accordingly, a user may easily ascertain the type of a receptor to which the X-ray detector is combinable, by referring to an assign indicator displayed on the X-ray detector.

The output unit630may display assign indicator information870of the X-ray detector that has been set by the controller620. For example, the output unit630may display the assign indicator information870of the X-ray detector via the UI image850. The output unit630may also display the assign indicator information setting criterion860via the UI image850.

The input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information871, the assign indicator information872, and assign indicator information873that have been set by the controller620. For example, the input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector corresponding to the table position information861to be a red color, via a UI image. The controller620may also re-set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector in response to the input received by the input unit640. The input unit640may receive an input for re-setting all of the assign indicator information871, the assign indicator information872, and the assign indicator information873to be an identical color.

The input unit640may also receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information setting criterion860set by the controller620. For example, the input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information setting criterion860to be a detector SN. Then, the controller620may re-set the assign indicator information setting criterion860of the X-ray detector, in response to the input received by the input unit640.

The input unit640may also receive an input for adding assign indicator information of the X-ray detector. For example, when the input unit640receives an input for selecting an addition icon880, the controller620may additionally set assign indicator information of a green color for an X-ray detector of which position information is not ascertained.

The input unit640may also receive an input of deleting assign indicator information of the X-ray detector. For example, the controller620may delete predetermined assign indicator information in response to an input of selecting a deletion icon890that the input unit640has received.

FIG. 9illustrates operations of X-ray detectors according to the assign indicator information871, the assign indicator information872, and the assign indicator information873ofFIG. 8.

In detail, an X-ray detector900corresponding to stand position information may receive the assign indicator information871, an X-ray detector910corresponding to table position information may receive the assign indicator information872, and an X-ray detector920corresponding to portable position information may receive the assign indicator information873.

An output unit of the X-ray detector900having the stand position information may display an assign indicator of a yellow color based on the assign indicator information871received by a receiver thereof, an output unit of the X-ray detector910having the table position information may display an assign indicator of a violet color based on the assign indicator information872received by a receiver thereof, and an output unit of the X-ray detector920having the portable position information may display an assign indicator of a blue color based on the assign indicator information873received by a receiver thereof.

The receivers of the X-ray detectors900,910, and920may also receive re-setting information used to reset the displayed assign indicators, respectively. For example, the receiver of the X-ray detector900having the stand position information may receive re-setting information used to reset the assign indicator to be a red color. Then, the output unit of the X-ray detector900having the stand position information may display an assign indicator of a red color.

As described above, a user may efficiently select an X-ray detector suitable for imaging environment by referring to the assign indicators displayed on the output units of the X-ray detectors900,910, and920. For example, when an X-ray detector combinable with the table type receptor290is needed, a user may select the X-ray detector910that displays the assign indicator of a violet color.

FIG. 10illustrates an operation in which the workstation600ofFIG. 6sets assign indicator information of an X-ray detector based on unique information of the X-ray detector. In detail,FIG. 10illustrates a UI image1050displayed on the output unit630of the workstation600.

The UI image1050ofFIG. 10may correspond to the UI image800ofFIG. 8. Thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 10, the receiver610of the workstation600may receive identification information of the X-ray detector that includes at least one selected from the unique information of the X-ray detector and specification information of the X-ray detector. In contrast withFIG. 8, the identification information of the X-ray detector may not include position information of the X-ray detector.

The controller620of the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information of the X-ray detector which have been received by the receiver610. For example, the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on a detector SN1002of the X-ray detector.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display a list1020of X-ray detectors1021,1022, and1023that have been authenticated by the workstation600, via the UI image1050. The output unit630of the workstation600may display detailed identification information1010of the X-ray detector1021selected from the list1020of authenticated X-ray detectors.

The controller620of the workstation600may set assign indicator information of the authenticated X-ray detector1021based on an IP address1011of the X-ray detector1021. In other words, the controller620may set the IP address1011of the X-ray detector1021to be an assign indicator information setting criterion.

In general, an X-ray detector has a unique IP address. Accordingly, the controller620may classify respective IP addresses of the authenticated X-ray detectors1021,1022, and1023and set unique assign indicator information for each of the authenticated X-ray detectors1021,1022, and1023. However, when the authenticated X-ray detectors1021,1022, and1023have identical IP addresses, the controller620may set identical assign indicator information for each of the authenticated X-ray detectors1021,1022, and1023.

For example, as described in further detail later with reference toFIG. 11, the controller620may set assign indicator information1013of a yellow color for the X-ray detector1021having the IP address1011of 191.168.197.80, set assign indicator information (not shown) of a violet color for the X-ray detector1022having an IP address (not shown) of 191.168.197.81, and set assign indicator information (not shown) of a blue color for the X-ray detector1023having an IP address (not shown) of 191.168.197.82.

The input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information1013that has been set by the controller620. For example, the input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information1013of the X-ray detector1021corresponding to the IP address1011of 191.168.197.80 to be a red color, via a UI image (not shown). The controller620may also re-set the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector in response to the input received by the input unit640.

FIG. 11illustrates respective operations of X-ray detectors1100,1110, and1120according to the assign indicator information ofFIG. 10.

In detail, receivers of the X-ray detectors1100,1110, and1120respectively receive the assign indicator information ofFIG. 10set by the workstation600.

Based on the assign indicator information received by the receivers, an output unit of X-ray detector1100having the IP address of 191.168.197.80 may display an assign indicator of a yellow color, an output unit of X-ray detector1110having the IP address of 191.168.197.81 may display an assign indicator of a violet color, and an output unit of X-ray detector1120having the IP address of 191.168.197.82 may display an assign indicator of a blue color.

The receivers of the X-ray detectors1100,1110, and1120may also receive re-setting information used to reset the displayed assign indicators, respectively. For example, the receiver of the X-ray detector1100having the IP address of 191.168.197.80 may receive re-setting information used to reset the assign indicator to be a red color. Then, the output unit of the X-ray detector1100may display an assign indicator of a red color.

As described above, a user may efficiently select an X-ray detector suitable for imaging environment by referring to the assign indicators displayed on the X-ray detectors1100,1110, and1120. For example, when X-ray detectors display respective unique assign indicators according to IP addresses, a user may efficiently select a frequently-used X-ray detector according to imaging environments by referring to the respective unique assign indicators of the X-ray detectors.

FIG. 12illustrates an operation in which the workstation600ofFIG. 6sets assign indicator information of an X-ray detector based on identification information of a network to which the X-ray detector has been connected. In detail,FIG. 12illustrates a UI image1200displayed on the output unit630of the workstation600. In detail, the output unit630may display identification information1210of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected, and assign indicator information1220of the X-ray detector, via the UI image1200.

When an X-ray detector is separable from an X-ray apparatus, a user may use the X-ray detector in different X-ray apparatuses existing in a plurality of X-ray imaging rooms. Thus, the user needs to check an X-ray imaging room including an initially-authenticated X-ray detector in order to efficiently manage X-ray detectors.

For example, when different X-ray imaging rooms use different networks, the identification information of a network to which an X-ray detector has been connected when it is initially authenticated may be an assign indicator information setting criterion.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 12, the receiver610of the workstation600may receive the identification information of the X-ray detector that includes at least one selected from the unique information of the X-ray detector and the specification information of the X-ray detector and further includes the identification information of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected. In contrast withFIG. 8, the identification information of the X-ray detector may not include position information of the X-ray detector.

The controller620of the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on at least one selected from the unique information and the specification information of the X-ray detector which have been received by the receiver610. For example, the workstation600may authenticate the X-ray detector based on a detector SN of the X-ray detector.

The controller620of the workstation600may set the assign indicator information1220of the authenticated X-ray detector based on the identification information1210of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected. In other words, the controller620may set the identification information1210of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected to be an assign indicator information setting criterion.

For example, the identification information of the network to which the X-ray detector has been connected may include a service set identifier (SSID). An SSID is a unique identifier of a 32 byte length that is added to the header of each packet that is transmitted via a wireless LAN included in an X-ray imaging room, and may be used as a password when wireless devices such as wireless X-ray detectors are connected to a basic service set (BSS). Since an SSID distinguishes a wireless LAN (e.g., the wireless LAN of a first X-ray imaging room) from another wireless LAN (e.g., the wireless LAN of a second X-ray imaging room), all APs or wireless devices that are trying to access a predetermined wireless LAN need to use an identical SSID. If a wireless device does not know the unique SSID of a BSS, the wireless device cannot access the BSS. Accordingly, such an SSID may be used as the identification information of an imaging space.

For example, the controller620may set the assign indicator information1220, which is a red color, for the X-ray detector corresponding to the identification information1210of the network that indicates the SSID of the first imaging room.

The input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information1220of the X-ray detector that has been set by the controller620. For example, the input unit640may receive an input for re-setting the assign indicator information1220of the X-ray detector to be a blue color, via a UI image (not shown). The controller620may also re-set the assign indicator information1220of the X-ray detector in response to the input received by the input unit640.

FIG. 13illustrates respective operations of X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303according to the assign indicator information ofFIG. 12.

In detail, receivers (not shown) of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303respectively receive the assign indicator information ofFIG. 12set by the workstation600. Based on the assign indicator information received by the receivers, output units1311,1312, and1313of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303having identification information of a network indicating the SSID of a first imaging room may display an assign indicator of a red color.

The receivers of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303may also receive re-setting information used to reset the displayed assign indicators, respectively.

As described above, a user may check an X-ray imaging room including an initially-authenticated X-ray detector and efficiently manage X-ray detectors, by referring to the assign indicators of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303.

The X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303may include a plurality of output units1311-1313, a plurality of output units1321-1323, and a plurality of output units1331-1333, respectively, in order for each of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303to display a plurality of assign indicators. For example, the output units1311,1312, and1313of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303may display assign indicators set based on identification information of networks, and the other output units1321-1323and1331-1333thereof may display assign indicators set based on another assign indicator information setting criterion.

For example, the output unit1321of the X-ray detector1301having stand position information during authentication may display an assign indicator of a yellow color, like the output unit of the X-ray detector900ofFIG. 9. The output unit1322of the X-ray detector1302having table position information during authentication may display an assign indicator of a violet color, like the output unit of the X-ray detector910ofFIG. 9. The output unit1323of the X-ray detector1303having portable position information during authentication may display an assign indicator of a blue color, like the output unit of the X-ray detector920ofFIG. 9.

As another example, the output units1331,1332, and1333of the X-ray detectors1301,1302, and1303may display assign indicators set based on respective specification information thereof, respectively.

FIG. 14is a block diagram for describing respective operations of a workstation1400and an X-ray detector1410according to another exemplary embodiment.

In operation S1420, a controller of the X-ray detector1410may acquire state information1480of the X-ray detector1410.

Throughout the specification, state information of an X-ray detector refers to information about the conditions under which the X-ray detector detects an X-ray. For example, the state information of the X-ray detector may include at least one selected from residual battery capacity information of the X-ray detector, communication sensitivity information of the X-ray detector, and information about whether the X-ray detector has been activated.

In operation S1450, an output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410may display the state information1480and an assign indicator of the X-ray detector1410. For example, the output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410may alternately display the state information1480and the assign indicator of the X-ray detector1410. Alternatively, the output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410may simultaneously display the state information1480and the assign indicator of the X-ray detector1410. For example, the X-ray detector1410may display residual battery capacity information and communication sensitivity information on an assign indicator of a yellow color. A method by which the output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410displays the state information1480and the assign indicator of the X-ray detector1410will be described in further detail later with reference toFIG. 15.

A user may check the state information of the X-ray detector1410displayed on the output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410and may efficiently manage X-ray detectors.

In operation S1430, a receiver of the workstation1400may receive the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410. In operation S1440, an output unit of the workstation1400may display an X-ray detector icon1401representing the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410and assign indicator information of the X-ray detector1410.

In detail, a transmitter of the X-ray detector1410may transmit a data packet including the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410and identification information1490of the X-ray detector1410to the workstation1400. The identification information1490of the X-ray detector1410may include at least one selected from unique information1491and specification information1492of the X-ray detector1410.

The receiver of the workstation1400may receive the data packet including the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410and identification information1490of the X-ray detector1410, and a controller of the workstation1400may identify the X-ray detector1410that has transmitted the data packet, based on the identification information1490of the X-ray detector1410. The output unit of the workstation1400may display the X-ray detector icon1401representing the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410specified by the controller thereof and the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector1410.

Alternatively, the output unit of the workstation1400may display an X-ray detector icon1401representing the identification information1490of the X-ray detector1410specified by the controller thereof and the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector1410. The X-ray detector icon1401will be described in further detail later with reference toFIG. 16.

A user may check the state information1480of the X-ray detector1410via the X-ray detector icon1401and may efficiently manage X-ray detectors. In addition, the user may easily activate the X-ray detector1410or may connect or block communication with the X-ray detector1410, via the X-ray detector icon1401.

As described above, a user may efficiently select an X-ray detector suitable for imaging environment and also may efficiently manage the states of X-ray detectors, by using the output unit1411bof the X-ray detector1410and the output unit of the workstation1400.

FIGS. 15A and 15Billustrate X-ray detectors1500aand1500bon which an assign indicator and state information are displayed.

An output unit1510aof the X-ray detector1500amay alternately display state information and an assign indicator of the X-ray detector1500a.

In detail, a controller of the X-ray detector1500amay set information that is to be output by the output unit1510aof the X-ray detector1500a, based on the state information of the X-ray detector1500a. For example, the controller of the X-ray detector1500amay control the output unit1510athereof to display a green color when residual battery capacity information is 50 to 100%, to display an orange color when the residual battery capacity information is 10 to 49%, and to display a red color when the residual battery capacity information is 0 to 9%.

The controller of the X-ray detector1500amay control the output unit1510athereof to alternately display the assign indicator and the state information. For example, the output unit1510aof the X-ray detector1500a, for which the residual battery capacity is 100% and an assign indicator of a yellow color is set, may alternately display a yellow color as the assign indicator and a green color as the residual battery capacity information.

An output unit1510bof the X-ray detector1500bmay simultaneously display state information and an assign indicator of the X-ray detector1500b. For example, the X-ray detector1500bmay display a residual battery capacity information icon1510band a communication sensitivity information icon1530bon an assign indicator of a yellow color.

The output unit1520bof the X-ray detector1500bmay flicker the assign indicator based on the state information of the X-ray detector1500b. For example, when the X-ray detector1500bis activated, the residual battery capacity information of the X-ray detector1500bis 9% or less, or the communication sensitivity of the X-ray detector1500bis weak, the output unit1510bof the X-ray detector1500bmay flicker the assign indicator.

FIG. 16illustrates an operation in which the workstation600ofFIG. 6displays receptor information1610and an X-ray detector icon1630, according to an exemplary embodiment.

For example, the receptor information may display an icon1611for activating an X-ray detector corresponding to stand position information, an icon1612for activating an X-ray detector corresponding table position information, and an icon1630for activating an X-ray detector corresponding to portable position information.

For example, the output unit630of the workstation600may display the X-ray detector icon1630on a UI image1600for setting X-ray imaging conditions. In detail, the output unit630of the workstation600may display the X-ray detector icon1630on a task bar1620of the UI image1600.

The X-ray detector icon1630may represent identification information of an X-ray detector and assign indicator information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1630may include a sub-icon that represents the identification information of the X-ray detector and the assign indicator information thereof.

For example, when an assign indicator of the X-ray detector is a yellow color and the X-ray detector corresponds to portable position information, the X-ray detector icon1630may include a sub-icon1634of a character P with a yellow background. The sub-icon1634representing the position information of the X-ray detector may indicate a current position of the X-ray detector regardless of position information of the X-ray detector at the point in time when the X-ray detector is authenticated.

Based on specification information of the X-ray detector, the X-ray detector icon1630may include a sub-icon1633representing that the X-ray detector is a wireless X-ray detector.

The X-ray detector icon1630may further include a sub-icon that represents state information of the X-ray detector. For example, the X-ray detector icon1630may include a sub-icon1632representing residual battery capacity information of the X-ray detector and a sub-icon1631representing communication sensitivity information of the X-ray detector.

As described above, a user may easily activate the X-ray detector or may connect or block communication with the X-ray detector, via the X-ray detector icon1630.

In addition, the user may ascertain all of the assign indicator of the X-ray detector and the identification information or state information of the X-ray detector via the X-ray detector icon1630, thereby efficiently manage and control X-ray detectors.

FIGS. 17A-18Billustrate an operation in which the workstation600ofFIG. 6activates an X-ray detector, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 17Aillustrates an operation in which the workstation600activates an X-ray detector1740adisplaying an assign indicator of a yellow color and corresponding to current portable position information.

In detail, since the X-ray detector1740ahas been combined with the stand type receptor280when being authenticated by the workstation600, the X-ray detector1740adisplays the assign indicator of a yellow color, like the X-ray detector900ofFIG. 9. However, since the X-ray detector1740ais not currently combined with any receptor, current position information of the X-ray detector1740acorresponds to portable position information.

Icons included in receptor information1700amay correspond to those included in receptor information1610of the UI screen1600ofFIG. 16. In detail, an icon1710afor activating an X-ray detector corresponding to stand position information corresponds to the icon1611ofFIG. 16, an icon1720afor activating an X-ray detector corresponding to table position information corresponds to the icon1612ofFIG. 16, and an icon1730afor activating an X-ray detector corresponding to portable position information corresponds to the icon1613ofFIG. 16. For convenience of explanation, illustration of a portion of the UI screen1600except for the receptor information1700ais omitted.

An output unit1750aof the X-ray detector1740amay flicker the assign indicator when the X-ray detector1740ais activated.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display an X-ray detector icon1760abased on identification information of the X-ray detector1740a, assign indicator thereof, and state information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1760amay represent that the X-ray detector1740ais a wireless X-ray detector, corresponds to current portable position information, displays the assign indicator of a yellow color, and has high communication sensitivity and a residual battery capacity of 100%. When the X-ray detector1740ais activated, a sub-icon1770arepresenting the assign indicator may flicker.

FIG. 17Billustrates an operation in which the workstation600activates an X-ray detector1740bdisplaying an assign indicator of a violet color and corresponding to current portable position information.

In detail, since the X-ray detector1740bhas been combined with the table type receptor290when being authenticated by the workstation600, the X-ray detector1740bdisplays the assign indicator of a violet color, like the X-ray detector910ofFIG. 9. However, since the X-ray detector1740bis not currently combined with any receptors, current position information of the X-ray detector1740bcorresponds to portable position information.

An output unit1750bof the X-ray detector1740bmay flicker the assign indicator when the X-ray detector1740bis activated.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display an X-ray detector icon1760bbased on identification information of the X-ray detector1740b, assign indicator thereof, and state information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1760bmay represent that the X-ray detector1740bis a wireless X-ray detector, corresponds to current portable position information, displays the assign indicator of a violet color, and has high communication sensitivity and a residual battery capacity of 100%. When the X-ray detector1740bis activated, a sub-icon1770brepresenting the assign indicator may flicker.

FIG. 17Cillustrates an operation in which the workstation600activates an X-ray detector1740cdisplaying an assign indicator of a blue color and corresponding to current portable position information.

In detail, since the X-ray detector1740chas not been combined with any receptors when being authenticated by the workstation600and thus corresponds to portable position information, the X-ray detector1740cdisplays the assign indicator of a blue color, like the X-ray detector920ofFIG. 9. Furthermore, since the X-ray detector1740cis not currently combined with any receptors, current position information of the X-ray detector1740ccorresponds to portable position information.

An output unit1750cof the X-ray detector1740cmay flicker the assign indicator when the X-ray detector1740cis activated.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display an X-ray detector icon1760cbased on identification information of the X-ray detector1740c, assign indicator thereof, and state information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1760cmay represent that the X-ray detector1740cis a wireless X-ray detector, corresponds to current portable position information, displays the assign indicator of a blue color, and has high communication sensitivity and a residual battery capacity of 100%. When the X-ray detector1740cis activated, a sub-icon1770crepresenting the assign indicator may flicker.

FIG. 18Aillustrates an operation in which the workstation600activates an X-ray detector1840athat displays an assign indicator of a yellow color and has been currently combined with a stand type receptor1880a.

In detail, since the X-ray detector1840ahas been combined with the stand type receptor1880awhen being authenticated by the workstation600, the X-ray detector1840adisplays the assign indicator of a yellow color, like the X-ray detector900ofFIG. 9. Furthermore, since the X-ray detector1840ais currently combined with the stand type receptor1880a, current position information of the X-ray detector1840acorresponds to stand position information.

An output unit1850aof the X-ray detector1840amay flicker the assign indicator when the X-ray detector1840ais activated.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display an X-ray detector icon1860abased on identification information of the X-ray detector1840a, assign indicator thereof, and state information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1860amay represent that the X-ray detector1840ais a wireless X-ray detector, corresponds to current stand position information, displays the assign indicator of a yellow color, and has high communication sensitivity and a residual battery capacity of 9% or less. When the X-ray detector1840ais activated, a sub-icon1870arepresenting the assign indicator may flicker.

FIG. 18Billustrates an operation in which the workstation600activates an X-ray detector1840bthat displays an assign indicator of a violet color and has been currently combined with a table type receptor1880b.

In detail, since the X-ray detector1840bhas been combined with the table type receptor1880bwhen being authenticated by the workstation600, the X-ray detector1840bdisplays the assign indicator of a violet color, like the X-ray detector910ofFIG. 9. Furthermore, since the X-ray detector1840bis currently combined with the table type receptor1880b, current position information of the X-ray detector1840bcorresponds to table position information.

An output unit1850bof the X-ray detector1840bmay flicker the assign indicator when the X-ray detector1840bis activated.

The output unit630of the workstation600may display an X-ray detector icon1860bbased on identification information of the X-ray detector1840b, assign indicator thereof, and state information thereof. In detail, the X-ray detector icon1860bmay represent that the X-ray detector1840bis a wireless X-ray detector, corresponds to current table position information, displays the assign indicator of a violet color, and has high communication sensitivity and a residual battery capacity of 9% or less. When the X-ray detector1840bis activated, a sub-icon1870brepresenting the assign indicator may flicker.

FIG. 19Aillustrates the X-ray detector1900capable of displaying an assign indicator by using the optical waveguide1910positioned on at least one edge of the X-ray detector1900.

FIG. 19Bis a magnified view of a portion of the optical waveguide1910, andFIG. 19Cillustrates a cross-section cut along a dotted line1911of the optical waveguide1910ofFIG. 19B.

In detail, an output unit of the X-ray detector1900may include a light source1920generating light of a color indicated by assign indicator information set by a workstation, and the optical waveguide1910positioned on at least one edge of the X-ray detector1900and guiding the light generated by the light source1920to propagate in a certain direction.

The light source1920may generate light beams of various colors including the color indicated by the assign indicator information set by the workstation. For example, the light source1920may be an LCD or an LED. A controller of the X-ray detector1900may control the light source1920to generate the color indicated by the assign indicator information set by the workstation.

The optical waveguide1910may guide the light generated by the light source1920to mostly propagate in a certain direction, by using a total reflection principle.

The optical waveguide1910may also include a first reflector1930for guiding light to propagate in a certain direction within the optical waveguide1910. In detail, the first reflector1930may set the direction in which light beams generated by the light source1920mainly propagate, by reflecting light beams1921and1923from among the light beams generated by the light source1920.

In general, in the field of optical communication, an optical waveguide guides light to a destination by minimizing light loss via total reflection which is the main function of the optical waveguide. However, the optical waveguide1910included in the output unit of the X-ray detector1900needs to propagate some of the light beams generated by the light source1920to the outside so that a user may check an assign indicator. Accordingly, the optical waveguide1910may include a predetermined structure or reflector for propagating some of the light beams generated by the light source1920to the outside. For example, the optical waveguide1910may include a transparent body such as a transparent glass or a transparent plastic.

The optical waveguide1910may also include an irregularity1940on one side thereof, in order to propagate some of the light beams generated by the light source1920to the outside. The irregularity1940of the optical waveguide1910may be repeatedly formed on one side of the optical waveguide1910.

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 19B and 19C, when an internal side of the optical waveguide1910is formed as the irregularity1940, light beams1924and1925reflected by the irregularity1940may be incident upon an external side thereof at a reduced angle. Thus, the light beams1924and1925reflected by the irregularity1940may be propagated to the outside, and a user may check the assign indicator via the optical waveguide.

On the other hand, when the external side of the optical waveguide1910is formed as an irregularity, the angle at which light is incident upon the irregularity may be reduced. Thus, some light beams incident upon the irregularity may be propagated to the outside, and a user may check the assign indicator via the optical waveguide1910.

The optical waveguide1910may include an elastic body. In detail, the optical waveguide1910may include an elastic body capable of performing a buffering function. When the optical waveguide1910includes the elastic body, the X-ray detector1900may not need a buffer material.

When the output unit of the X-ray detector1900displays the assign indicator via the optical waveguide1910, a user may check the assign indicator of the X-ray detector1900at various locations. Thus, the user may more efficiently select an X-ray detector suitable for a photographing environment when the output unit of the X-ray detector1900displays the assign indicator by using the optical waveguide1910rather than when displaying the assign indicator by simply using an LED or a light-emitting device.

FIGS. 20A and 20Bare cross-sectional views of optical waveguides2010aand2010baccording to another exemplary embodiment.

The optical waveguides2010aand2010bofFIGS. 20A and 20Bmay correspond to the optical waveguide1910ofFIGS. 19A-19C. In detail, a light source2020a, a first reflector2030a, light beams2021and2023reflected by the first reflector2030a, and light beams2024aand2025areflected by an irregularity2040aofFIGS. 20A and 20Bmay correspond to the light source1920, the first reflector1930, the light beams1921and1923reflected by the first reflector1930, and the light beams1924and1925reflected by the irregularity1940ofFIGS. 19A-19C, respectively. Thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Since light beams generated by the light source2020apropagate to the outside while traveling along the optical waveguide2010a, the amount of light existing within the optical waveguide2010adecreases in a direction away from the light source2020a.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 19C, when a repetition interval1960of the irregularity1940of the optical waveguide1910is constant in a direction away from the light source1920, an amount1950of light that propagates to the outside may decrease in the direction away from the light source1920. Accordingly, stronger light may propagate in a direction closer to the light source1920, and weaker light may propagate in a direction away from the light source1920. However, it is desirable to have a constant amount of light propagates to the outside regardless of distances from the light source1920.

FIG. 20Aillustrates a cross-section of the optical waveguide2010aincluding the irregularity2040aof which a repetition interval2080shortens in a direction away from the light source2020a. In detail, the irregularity2040aof the optical waveguide2010amay be formed on one side of the optical waveguide2010a, and the repetition interval2080of the irregularity2040aof the optical waveguide2010amay shorten in the direction away from the light source2020a.

When the repetition interval2080of the irregularity2040aof the optical waveguide2010amay shorten in the direction away from the light source2020a, although the amount of light existing within the optical waveguide2010adecreases, an amount2070of light that propagates to the outside may be constant.

In detail, as the repetition interval2080of the irregularity2040ashortens, the probability that the light beams generated by the light source2020apropagate to the outside of the optical waveguide2010aincreases. In other words, as the repetition interval2080of the irregularity2040ashortens, the probability of total reflection of light decreases. Thus, as the repetition interval2080of the irregularity2040ashortens, although the amount of light existing within the optical waveguide2010adecreases, the probability that light propagates to the outside of the optical waveguide2010aincreases, and thus the amount2070of light that propagates to the outside may be constant regardless of distances from the light source2020a.

FIG. 20Billustrates a cross-section of the optical waveguide2010bincluding a second reflector2090.

The second reflector2090may be positioned at one side of the optical waveguide2010band may propagate light generated by a light source2020bto the outside of the optical waveguide2010b. In detail, when the second reflector2090is positioned on an internal side of the optical waveguide2010b, light beams2024band2025breflected by the second reflector2090may be incident upon an external side of the optical waveguide2010bat a decreased angle and thus propagate to the outside of the optical waveguide2010b.

The second reflector2090may be formed of a material having a different refractive index from that of the optical waveguide2010b. The second reflector may be a mirror, a sticker, paint, or the like.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the optical waveguide2010bmay include the irregularity2040aon one side thereof and the second reflector2090on another side thereof.

FIG. 21is a flowchart of a method2100of capturing an X-ray image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The operations included in the method2100are the same as the operations performed in the workstation600and the X-ray detector700described above with reference toFIGS. 5-20B. Accordingly, descriptions of the method2100that are the same as those made with reference toFIGS. 5-20Bare not repeated herein.

The method2100may include operation52100of setting assign indicator information of the X-ray detector700, based on the identification information of the X-ray detector700. The operation2100may be performed by the workstation600.

The method2100may further include operation52200of displaying the assign indicator on the X-ray detector700based on the assign indicator information of the X-ray detector700. The operation52200may be performed by the X-ray detector700.

The method2100may further include operation52300of capturing the X-ray image by using the X-ray detector700on which the assign indicator has been displayed.

As described above, a user may efficiently classify a plurality of X-ray detectors and efficiently select an X-ray detector suitable or an X-ray photographing environment, by using a workstation and an X-ray apparatus according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiments can be written as computer programs and can be implemented in general-use digital computers that execute the programs using a computer readable recording medium. For example, it is understood that in exemplary embodiments, one or more units and/or controllers of the above-described apparatuses (e.g.,100,110) can include circuitry, a processor, a microprocessor, etc., and may execute a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium.

Examples of the computer readable recording medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs), etc.

The exemplary embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments.