X-ray detecting device and X-ray imaging device using the X-ray detecting device

An X-ray detecting device includes a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel connected with the driving circuit substrate, the X-ray detection panel being adapted to detect X-rays applied from the outside by converting the X-rays into electricity, a touch panel on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate is provided with a driving circuit. The driving circuit is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel and is adapted to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0026973 filed on Mar. 16, 2012, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled, “X-Ray Detecting Device and X-Ray Imaging Device Using the X-Ray Detecting Device,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to an X-ray detecting device and an X-ray imaging device using the same. In particular, the embodiments relate to an X-ray detecting device including a touch panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

X-rays have wavelengths short enough to penetrate objects easily. The amount of penetration of X-rays through an object depends on a density of the object's interior, and an X-ray detecting device is based on such characteristics of X-rays. The X-ray detecting device detects the amount of penetration of X-rays through an object and displays the internal condition of the object through a display device. Such X-ray detecting devices can be used in general as medical examination devices, non-invasive examination devices, etc.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to an X-ray detecting device including a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel connected with the driving circuit substrate, the X-ray detection panel being adapted to detect X-rays applied from the outside by converting the X-rays into electricity, a touch panel on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case on the touch panel, wherein the driving circuit substrate is provided with a driving circuit, and the driving circuit is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel, and is adapted to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel.

The X-ray detection panel may include a photodetection substrate adapted to convert light into electricity and generate a detection signal, and an optical wavelength conversion member on the photodetection substrate, the optical wavelength conversion member being adapted to convert X-rays applied from an outside into light of a wavelength that can be absorbed by the photodetection substrate.

An adhesive layer may be between the photodetection substrate and the optical wavelength conversion member to fix the optical wavelength conversion member to the photodetection substrate.

The X-ray detecting device may further include a first connection member adapted to electrically connect the X-ray detection panel and the driving circuit substrate and transmit signals between the X-ray detection panel and the driving circuit substrate.

The X-ray detecting device may further include a second connection member adapted to electrically connect the touch panel and the driving circuit substrate and transmit signals between the touch panel and the driving circuit substrate.

The touch panel may be selected from a capacitive overlay touch panel, a resistive overlay touch pattern, a surface acoustic wave touch panel, and an infrared beam touch panel.

The touch panel may include a transparent substrate and a touch sensor on the transparent substrate.

The touch panel may be configured to recognize a touch trajectory and to deliver information regarding the recognized touch trajectory to the driving circuit.

The optical wavelength conversion member may be a scintillator.

The photodetection substrate may include a photoelectric conversion panel having a number of elements arranged in a matrix, each element including a thin-film transistor and a photoelectric converter.

The thin-film transistor may include a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The photoelectric converter may include a lower electrode electrically connected with a drain electrode of a corresponding thin-film transistor, an n-type semiconductor layer on the lower electrode, an intrinsic semiconductor layer on the n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer on the intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an upper electrode on the p-type semiconductor layer.

The photodetection substrate may include a base substrate, a gate line on the base substrate, the gate line extending in a first direction, a gate electrode extending from the gate line, a gate insulating layer on the base substrate, the gate insulating layer covering the gate line and the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode on the semiconductor layer, a data line extending from the source electrode in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a lower electrode extending from the drain electrode, a photosensor on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the photosensor.

The photosensor may be a PIN diode.

The X-ray detecting device may further include an X-ray interruption sheet between the driving circuit substrate and the X-ray detection panel, the X-ray interruption sheet being adapted to absorb X-rays penetrating the X-ray detection panel.

The X-ray detecting device may further include a light-generating sheet on the X-ray interruption sheet, the light-generating sheet being adapted to irradiate light to the X-ray detection panel.

The X-ray detecting device may further include a support plate beneath the X-ray detection panel to support the X-ray detection panel.

The lower case may include a bottom portion and lateral walls formed on a periphery of the bottom portion so that the lower case has a U-shaped configuration.

The upper case may be made of a light-transmitting material.

Embodiments are also directed to an X-ray imaging device including an X-ray generator, a collimator adapted to adjust an X-ray irradiation area by regulating a radiation range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator, an X-ray detecting device adapted to detect X-rays irradiated through the collimator, and a controller adapted to control the driving of the X-ray generator, the collimator, and the X-ray detecting device. The X-ray detecting device may include a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel on the driving circuit substrate and adapted to detect X-rays applied from the outside by converting the X-rays into electricity, a touch panel on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate may be provided with a driving circuit. The driving circuit may be electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel and may be adapted to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel. A touch signal may be generated by the touch panel and a detection signal generated by the X-ray detection panel may be applied to the driving circuit. The driving circuit substrate may be connected with the controller.

The X-ray detection panel may include a photodetection substrate adapted to convert light into electricity and generate a detection signal, and an optical wavelength conversion member on the photodetection substrate, the optical wavelength conversion member being adapted to convert X-rays applied from the outside into light of a wavelength absorbed by the photodetection substrate.

The touch panel may be configured to recognize a touch trajectory and to deliver information regarding the recognized touch trajectory to the driving circuit.

The information regarding the touch trajectory delivered to the driving circuit may be delivered to the controller, and the controller may adjust the collimator so that X-rays are irradiated to an area recognized by the touch trajectory information.

Embodiments are also directed to an X-ray detecting device including a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, a photodetection substrate connected with the driving circuit substrate and adapted to convert light into electricity and generate a detection signal, an optical wavelength conversion member on the photodetection substrate and adapted to convert X-rays applied from the outside into light of a wavelength that can be absorbed by the photodetection substrate, a touch panel on the optical wavelength conversion member, and an upper case on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate may be provided with a driving circuit. The driving circuit may be electrically connected with the photodetection substrate and the touch panel, and is adapted to control the driving of the photodetection substrate and the touch panel. A touch signal generated by the touch panel and a detection signal generated by the photodetection substrate are applied to the driving circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the description, the expression that a part is “connected” with another part not only means that they are “directly connected”, but also that they are “electrically connected” via a different element in the middle. Furthermore, the expression that a part “includes” a component does not means that other components are excluded, but means that it can further include other components, unless otherwise indicated.

In the drawings, the thickness of respective components or films (layers) and areas has been exaggerated for clarity, and each device may have various additional devices that are not described herein. When a film (layer) is described as positioned on another film (layer) or substrate, it may be directly formed on the other film (layer) or substrate, or an additional film (layer) may be interposed between them.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic structure of an X-ray detecting device according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, an X-ray detecting device according to an embodiment includes a lower case100, a driving circuit substrate200arranged on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel300connected with the driving circuit substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into electricity to detect them, a touch panel400arranged on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case500arranged on the touch panel.

The driving circuit substrate200is provided with a driving circuit, which is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel300and the touch panel400to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel. Touch signals generated from the touch panel400and detection signals generated from the X-ray detection panel300are applied to the driving circuit.

The X-ray detecting device may include a first connection member for electrically connecting the X-ray detection panel300and the driving circuit substrate200and transmitting signals between the X-ray detection panel and the driving circuit substrate. The first connection member may be a flexible printed circuit board.

The X-ray detecting device may also include a second connection member for electrically connecting the touch panel400and the driving circuit substrate200and transmitting signals between the touch panel and the driving circuit substrate. The second connection member may be a flexible printed circuit board.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic structure of an X-ray detecting device according to another embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, the X-ray detection panel300may include a photodetection substrate600adapted to convert light into electricity and generate detection signals and an optical wavelength conversion member700arranged on the photodetection substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into light of a wavelength that can be absorbed by the photodetection substrate.

Specifically, the X-ray detecting device shown inFIG. 2includes a lower case100, a driving circuit substrate200arranged on the lower case, a photodetection substrate600connected with the driving circuit substrate and adapted to convert light into electricity and generate detection signals, an optical wavelength conversion member700arranged on the photodetection substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into light of a wavelength that can be absorbed by the photodetection substrate, a touch panel400arranged on the optical wavelength conversion member, and an upper case500arranged on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate200is provided with a driving circuit, which is electrically connected with the photodetection substrate600and the touch panel400to control the driving of the photodetection substrate600and the touch panel400. Touch signals generated from the touch panel400and detection signals generated from the photodetection substrate600are applied to the driving circuit.

Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to specific examples. Repeated description of the same component will be omitted for clarity.

FIG. 3illustrates the structure of an X-ray detecting device according to an embodiment. The X-ray detecting device shown inFIG. 3includes a lower case100, a driving circuit substrate200arranged on the lower case, a photodetection substrate600connected with the driving circuit substrate and adapted to convert light into electricity and generate detection signals, an optical wavelength conversion member700arranged on the photodetection substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into light of a wavelength absorbed by the photodetection substrate, a touch panel400arranged on the optical wavelength conversion member, and an upper case500arranged on the touch panel. An adhesive layer710is arranged between the photodetection substrate600and the optical wavelength conversion member700. The adhesive layer710is adapted to fix the optical wavelength conversion member700to the photodetection substrate600.

The driving circuit substrate200is provided with a driving circuit, which is electrically connected with the photodetection substrate600and the touch panel400to control the driving of the photodetection substrate and the touch panel. Touch signals generated from the touch panel and detection signals generated from the photodetection substrate are applied to the driving circuit.

According to the present embodiment, the touch panel400may be of a type selected from a capacitive overlay type, a resistive overlay type, a surface acoustic wave type, and an infrared beam type. It will be assumed hereinafter, for clarity of description, that a touch panel of the capacitive overlay type is used. However, those skilled in the art can understand that touch panels of other types than the capacitive overlay type can also be used.

FIG. 4illustrates the structure of an exemplary touch panel400. The touch panel includes a transparent substrate410and a touch sensor420formed on the transparent substrate. A touch panel of any suitable structures and type may be selected.

The touch panel400is adapted to recognize a touch trajectory. When the touch panel is touched by a finger, for example, information regarding the touched portion and information regarding the touch trajectory are delivered to the driving circuit of the driving circuit substrate200.

The X-ray detecting device may be provided with a touch panel400so that, by touching the surface of the X-ray detecting device, a touch trajectory is generated. Information regarding the touch trajectory, which is recognized by the touch panel400, is delivered to the driving circuit of the driving circuit substrate200and used as information for defining an X-ray irradiation area.

FIGS. 5A to 5Cillustrate exemplary processes of marking an X-ray irradiation area, using a touch panel of an X-ray detecting device according to an embodiment.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5A, the hand of a patient, which is the target of X-ray imaging (hand at the right inFIG. 5A), is positioned on the X-ray detecting device. Then, the photographer drags his/her finger (see hand at the left inFIG. 5A) along the touch screen to select an area, to which X-rays are to be irradiated, to mark the X-ray irradiation area, which is indicated by a box inFIG. 5B. If necessary, brief information may be marked on the surface of the X-ray detecting device.FIG. 5Cshows letter “R” inputted on the surface of the X-ray detecting device to indicate the right hand. Such marking of the X-ray irradiation area and input of brief information are enabled by the touch panel of the X-ray detecting device.

Information regarding the trajectory inputted to the touch panel400is delivered to the driving circuit of the driving circuit substrate200, and then to the collimator of the X-ray imaging device. The collimator then adjusts the X-ray radiation range so that X-rays are irradiated only to the marked area. Specifically, the collimator has a shutter, which is adjusted to modify the range, to which X-rays from the X-ray generator are to be radiated. Such a collimator is widely known and used in the field of X-ray imaging devices, and detailed description of its structure and operation will be omitted herein.

Meanwhile, during readout after the X-ray imaging, X-ray readout is performed only in the designated and marked area. Such limitation of the readout area reduces readout time and the amount of data to be read. This makes storage and transmission of the data more convenient.

Therefore, the fact that the X-ray detecting device is provided with a touch panel enables the photographer to mark the X-ray irradiation area as desired and input or record desired information to record patient information intuitively.

The photodetection substrate600is adapted to absorb light applied from the outside, e.g. visible rays, and convert them into electricity, thereby detecting the light. For example, the photodetection substrate600may include a plurality of unit pixels DD arranged in a matrix or line type to detect different amounts of light depending on the position. Each unit pixel constitutes a photoelectric converter and defines a detection unit area. The photodetection substrate may have a thickness of about 0.5-2.5 mm.

The optical wavelength conversion member700is arranged on the photodetection substrate600to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into light of a wavelength detectable by the photodetection substrate600and output the light. Specifically, the optical wavelength conversion member700may convert the X-rays into visible rays, e.g. green light, and provide the photodetection substrate600with the green light. The optical wavelength conversion member700may have a thickness of about 0.5-1.5 mm.

The optical wavelength conversion member700may be made of a scintillator, which is widely used in the art to convert X-rays into visible rays. Those skilled in the art can select and use a scintillator suited to a specific demand. The scintillator may be formed by growing scintillator crystals and may consist of, for example, column-forming crystals of CsI doped with thallium (Tl) or sodium (Na).

The optical wavelength conversion member700may be attached to the upper surface of the photodetection substrate600by an adhesive layer710, which is formed on the lower surface. The adhesive layer710may have a thickness of about 0.1-1.0 mm.

At least one sealing member may be provided between the optical wavelength conversion member700and the photodetection substrate600to seal them. The sealing member may be arranged, for example, on a periphery between the optical wavelength conversion member700and the photodetection substrate600.

The driving circuit substrate200is arranged on the lower case100. The driving circuit substrate200may be fixed to the lower case100while being spaced from the lower surface of the lower case100by a plurality of driving circuit substrate supporters. The driving circuit substrate200may have a thickness of about 1.0-5.0 mm.

The driving circuit substrate200is electrically connected with the photodetection substrate600and the touch panel400, respectively, and is adapted to control the driving of the photodetection substrate600and the touch panel400. The driving circuit substrate200is adapted to receive detection signals from the photodetection substrate600, analyze the detection signals, generate data of the amount of light detected by the unit pixels DD, and store the data.

The lower and upper cases100and500contain and protect the above-described components, i.e. the driving circuit substrate200, the photodetection substrate600, the optical wavelength conversion member700, the touch panel400, etc.

Although not shown in the drawings, a separate sealing member may be provided on extensions from peripheries of the lower and upper cases100and500to seal the peripheries of the lower and upper cases100and500and contain and protect the components.

The upper case500has the shape of a flat plate. Specifically, the upper case500is made of a light-transmitting material so that X-rays penetrate it.

The photodetection substrate600will now be described in detail.

Referring toFIGS. 6 through 9, the photodetection substrate600includes a photoelectric conversion panel601having a number of thin-film transistors (TFT)605and photoelectric converters (Pd)606arranged in a matrix type.

The TFT includes a gate electrode621, a source electrode651, and a drain electrode661. The photoelectric converter606includes a lower electrode660electrically connected with the drain electrode661of the TFT, an n-type semiconductor layer671formed on the lower electrode, an intrinsic semiconductor layer672formed on the n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer673formed on the intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an upper electrode680formed on the p-type semiconductor layer.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the photodetection substrate600includes a base substrate610, a gate line620formed on the base substrate so as to extend in a first direction, a gate electrode621extending from the gate line, a gate insulating layer630formed on the base substrate so as to cover the gate line and the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer640formed on the gate insulating layer, source and drain electrodes651and661formed on the semiconductor layer, a data line650formed so as to extend from the source electrode in a second direction, which intersects with the first direction, a lower electrode660formed so as to extend from the drain electrode, a photosensor formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode680formed on the photosensor.

The photosensor corresponds to the photoelectric converter606. A PIN diode may be used as the photosensor. The PIN diode includes an n-type semiconductor layer671formed on the lower electrode660, an intrinsic semiconductor layer672formed on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer673formed on the intrinsic semiconductor layer.

Specifically,FIG. 6is a block diagram showing the structure of the photodetection substrate600of the X-ray detecting device according to the present embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, the photodetection substrate600according to the present embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion panel601, a gate driver602, a received signal detector603, and a bias power supplier604.

The photoelectric conversion panel601includes a plurality of signal lines G1-Gn, D1-Dm, B1-Bm and a plurality of detection unit elements DD connected with the signal lines and arranged in an approximately matrix type.

Each detection unit element DD includes a TFT and a photoelectric converter606as a photosensor. As the photosensor, a photodiode Pd having excellent photoelectric conversion characteristics may be used, such as a PIN diode. It will be assumed in the following description that a PIN diode is used as the photosensor. The detection unit element DD will be described below in detail with reference toFIGS. 6-9.

The signal lines G1-Gn, D1-Dm, B1-Bm include a plurality of gate lines G1-Gn adapted to deliver gate signals (also referred to as scan signals), a plurality of data lines D1-Dm adapted to deliver signals detected by the PIN diodes to the received signal detector603, and bias lines B1-Bm adapted to apply a bias voltage to each PIN diode.

The gate lines G1-Gn extend in the row direction and are approximately parallel with each other. In the present embodiment, the direction of extension of the gate lines will be referred to as a first direction (refer toFIG. 6).

The data lines D1-Dm and the bias lines B1-Bm extend in the column direction and are approximately parallel with each other. In the present embodiment, the direction of extension of the data and bias lines will be referred to as a second direction (refer toFIG. 6).

The gate driver602is connected with the gate lines G1-Gn of the photoelectric conversion panel601and is adapted to apply gate signals to gate electrodes of TFTs provided inside the detection unit elements DD. The gate signals refer to signals for controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the TFTs, and are transmitted through the gate lines G1-Gn. The gate signals include gate ON voltage Von signals for turning on the TFTs and gate OFF voltage Voff signals for turning off the TFTs. The gate driver602is applied to successively apply gate ON voltage Von signals to respective gate lines G1-Gn and apply gate OFF voltage Voff signals while no gate ON voltage Von is applied.

The received signal detector603is connected to the data lines D1-Dm of the photoelectric conversion panel601and is adapted to receive signals detected by the PIN diodes. The received signal detector603collects signals, which are detected by the PIN diodes, during gate ON time at a capacitor (not shown) connected with an OP amp (not shown). The received signal detector603then transmits the collected signals to a shift register (not shown), stores them for at least one gate ON time, and transmits them to an AD converter (not shown). The signals transmitted to the AD converter (not shown) are converted into digital signals and outputted. The finally outputted digital signals are displayed on a digital screen.

The bias power supplier604is connected to the bias lines B1-Bm of the photoelectric conversion panel601and is adapted to apply a bias voltage to the PIN diodes. The PIN diodes, to which a bias voltage is applied, can detect visible rays, which correspond to irradiated X-rays, i.e. which have been converted from X-rays through the optical wavelength conversion member (scintillator), and generate a current corresponding to the detected visible rays. When no bias voltage is applied, the PIN diodes generate no current, even if visible rays are incident, i.e. do not play the role of photosensors.

Each of the driving devices602,603, and604may be integrated and mounted on the photoelectric conversion panel601as an IC chip. Alternatively, the driving devices602,603, and604may be mounted on flexible printed circuit film (not shown) and attached to the photoelectric conversion panel601as a TCP (Tape Carrier Package), or mounted on a separate printed circuit board (not shown).

FIG. 7illustrates an equivalent circuit of the detection unit element DD ofFIG. 6. Referring toFIG. 7, the detection unit element DD includes a TFT605and a photoelectric converter (Pd)606, which is a photosensor. It is assumed in the example shown inFIG. 7that a PIN diode is used as the photosensor201.

The PIN diode plays the role of a photosensor for sensing light. A scintillator is positioned on the TFT and the PIN diode as the optical wavelength conversion member700. The scintillator consists of a material that collides with irradiation and emits light so that, when X-rays are incident, they are converted into light in the visible range and emitted. The emitted visible rays are sensed by the PIN diode, which is a photosensor.

The TFT, in response to a gate signal Gn, transmits an optical signal, which is sensed and outputted by the PIN diode, to the received signal detector603through the data line Dm.

FIG. 8illustrates the arrangement and construction of the detection unit element DD shown inFIG. 7. Referring toFIG. 8, a detection unit element DD provided inside a photodetection substrate600according to the present embodiment is connected with a data line650, a bias line685, and a gate line620.

The data line650delivers a data signal Dm and extends in the second direction.

The bias line685delivers a bias voltage Bm and extends in the second direction. The bias line685is provided with a contact hole (not shown), through which the bias line685and the PIN diode Pd are connected.

The gate line620delivers a gate signal Gn and extends in a direction (first direction) intersecting with the data line650or the bias line685. The gate line620contacts the gate electrode621through a contact hole (not shown).

FIG. 9is a sectional view taken along line A-B ofFIG. 8. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, a gate line620is formed on a base substrate610, which is made of transparent glass or plastic, for example, and is connected with a gate electrode621.

A gate insulating layer630is formed on the gate line620and the gate electrode621. The gate insulating layer630is made of an insulating material, such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx).

A semiconductor layer640is formed on the gate insulating layer630using a material such as hydrogenated amorphous silicon or polysilicon. The semiconductor layer640is formed over the gate electrode621and in a partial area of the gate insulating layer630. The semiconductor layer640preferably has a size large enough to cover both ends of the gate electrode621.

An ohmic contact member641is formed on the semiconductor layer640. The ohmic contact member641may be made of n+ hydrogenated amorphous silicon, which is doped with a high concentration of n-type impurities (e.g. phosphorus (P)), or silicide. The ohmic contact member641is positioned between the semiconductor layer640and source and drain electrodes651and661to reduce contact resistance between them.

The source electrode651is formed on the gate insulating layer630and the ohmic contact member641, which is formed on the left side inFIG. 9. The source electrode651is connected with the data line650.

The drain electrode651is separated from the data line650and is positioned opposite the source electrode651with the gate electrode621interposed between them. The drain electrode661is formed on the gate insulating layer630and the ohmic contact member641, which is formed on the right side.

The drain electrode661is extended to form a lower electrode660. The lower electrode660, including the drain electrode661, is formed in an area of the semiconductor layer640, which forms the TFT, i.e. in an area where the PIN diode is arranged. That is, an extension of the drain electrode661defines the lower electrode660of the PIN diode.

A gate electrode621, a source electrode651, and a drain electrode661constitute, together with a semiconductor layer640, a TFT, which has a channel formed on the semiconductor layer640between the source and drain electrodes651and661.

The PIN diode, which is a photosensor, has semiconductor layers671,672, and673formed on the lower electrode660. Specifically, the PIN diode has an n-type semiconductor layer671, an intrinsic semiconductor layer672, and a p-type semiconductor layer673stacked successively.

The PIN diode has an upper electrode680formed on the semiconductor layers671,672, and673using a transparent conductive material, such as ITO or IZO. The upper electrode680is formed in an area corresponding to the lower electrode660and the semiconductor layers671,672, and673of the PIN diode.

A protective layer690is then formed. The protective layer690is formed on the drain electrode661that is connected with the data line650, on the exposed semiconductor layer640, and on the upper electrode680of the PIN diode. The protective layer690may be made of an inorganic or organic insulating material, such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the protective layer690may have a double-layered structure, which is obtained by stacking layers of inorganic or organic material. A contact hole (not shown) is formed on the protective layer690to expose the upper electrode680. A bias line685is also formed on the protective layer690.

An adhesive layer710is arranged on the protective layer690and the bias line685. An optical wavelength conversion member700is formed on the adhesive layer using a scintillator.

Although not shown in the drawings, an upper case500is arranged on the scintillator600. The upper case is made of a light-transmitting material.

FIG. 10illustrates an X-ray detecting device according to another embodiment. The X-ray detecting device shown inFIG. 10has the same construction as in the case of Embodiment 1, except for the structure of the lower and upper cases100and500.

In the present embodiment, the lower case100has a U-shaped configuration and includes a bottom portion110and lateral walls120formed on the periphery of the bottom portion. Specifically, the lower case100includes a bottom portion110and lateral walls120formed on the periphery of the bottom portion110to define a containing space, in which all of the components are contained. The upper case500is connected to the upper ends of the lateral walls120to cover the opening of the lower case100and seal the containing space. X-rays, applied from the outside, then penetrate the upper case500and reach the optical wavelength conversion member700through the touch panel400. The lower case may be made of a carbon plate, for example, and may have a thickness of about 1.0-5.0 mm. The upper case500is made of a light-transmitting material and may have a thickness of about 1.0-3.0 mm.

FIG. 11illustrates an X-ray detecting device according to still another embodiment. The X-ray detecting device shown inFIG. 11has the same construction as in the case of Embodiment 1, except that it further includes an X-ray interruption sheet810, a support plate820, and a light-generating sheet830.

The X-ray interruption sheet810is arranged between the driving circuit substrate200and the optical wavelength conversion member700of the X-ray detection panel300so that, parts of X-rays, which have been applied from the outside, and which have passed without being converted into visible rays by the optical wavelength conversion member700of the X-ray detection panel300, are prevented from reaching the driving circuit substrate200. The X-ray interruption sheet810according to the present embodiment includes at least one of gold (Au) and lead (Pb) to absorb and interrupt the X-rays. Specifically, the X-ray interruption sheet810may have a thickness of about 1.5 mm or less, for example.

A support plate820is positioned beneath the photodetection substrate600of the X-ray detection panel300to support the X-ray detection panel300.

Specifically, the support plate820is arranged beneath the photodetection substrate600to support the photodetection substrate600. The support plate820may be made of a transparent material, e.g. glass, or a synthetic resin such as acrylate. Although not shown in the drawings, adhesive film may be arranged on the upper surface of the support plate820to attach the photodetection substrate600to the upper surface of the support plate820. The support plate820may have a thickness of about 2-5 mm. The adhesive film may have a thickness of about 0.1-1.0 mm.

A light-generating sheet830is positioned on the X-ray interruption sheet810to irradiate light to the photodetection substrate600of the X-ray detection panel300.

Specifically, the light-generating sheet830may be positioned on the X-ray interruption sheet810while being spaced downwards from the support plate820. The light-generating sheet830can generate light of the same luminance from the entire upper surface, and light generated by the light-generating sheet830passes through the support plate820and reaches the photodetection substrate600. As a result, the unit pixels DD of the photodetection substrate600can be saturated in the same condition. The light-generating sheet830may have a thickness of about 0.1-1.5 mm.

Although not shown in the drawings, a separate support member may be arranged between the driving circuit substrate200and the X-ray interruption sheet810. In this case, separate adhesive film may be provided on the lower surface of the X-ray interruption sheet810to attach the X-ray interruption sheet810to the upper surface of the support member.

As shown inFIG. 12, an X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment may include an X-ray generator30, a collimator20adapted to adjust the X-ray irradiation area by modifying the irradiation range of X-rays50emitted from the X-ray generator30, an X-ray detecting device10adapted to detect X-rays irradiated through the collimator20, and a controller40adapted to control the driving of the X-ray generator30, the collimator20, and the X-ray detecting device10. The X-ray detecting device10in this embodiment is the same X-ray detecting device as described in previous embodiments.

Specifically, the X-ray detecting device includes a lower case100, a driving circuit substrate200arranged on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel300connected with the driving circuit substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into electricity to detect them, a touch panel400arranged on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case500arranged on the touch panel.

The driving circuit substrate200is provided with a driving circuit, which is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel300and the touch panel400to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel. Touch signals generated from the touch panel400and detection signals generated from the X-ray detection panel300are applied to the driving circuit. The driving circuit substrate200is connected with the controller.

The X-ray detection panel300includes a photodetection substrate600adapted to convert light into electricity and generate detection signals and an optical wavelength conversion member700arranged on the photodetection substrate and adapted to convert X-rays, which are applied from the outside, into light of a wavelength absorbed by the photodetection substrate.

By way of summation and review, when X-rays are used clinically, it is desirable to designate a target area to which X-rays are to be irradiated, so that X-rays are directed only to the corresponding part. This may prevent the patient from being excessively exposed to X-rays and may guarantee that only the desired part is exposed to X-rays. A collimator is used to restrict such an irradiation area.

In order to guarantee that X-rays are irradiated only to the corresponding part, the patient's affected area is positioned on an X-ray detecting device, and a collimator, which is arranged near the X-ray generator of the X-ray imaging device, is adjusted. In typical clinical situations, the shutter arranged on the collimator is manually adjusted to regulate the radiation range of X-rays passing through the collimator so as to regulate the irradiation area. Particularly, the X-ray photographer checks the position to which X-rays are to be irradiated, and adjusts the collimator shutter, and then again checks whether the X-ray irradiation area has been adjusted correctly. Recalibration is needed if the X-ray irradiation position has failed to be adjusted correctly. Such manual adjustment of the X-ray irradiation position and designation of the X-ray irradiation area may cause inconveniences. Furthermore, information regarding the X-ray irradiation area is not associated with the X-ray detecting device, and thus, when detection results are displayed after X-ray irradiation, readout is performed throughout the entire area of the X-ray detecting device. This increases the amount of X-ray readout data, and thus delays the readout time and the display time.

Embodiments may provide an X-ray detecting device having a touch panel, which may enable an X-ray photographer to directly mark an X-ray irradiation area on the touch panel and thus easily designate and check the X-ray irradiation area. The touch panel400of the X-ray imaging device may recognizes a touch trajectory on the touch panel, and information regarding the recognized touch trajectory may be delivered to the driving circuit. The information regarding the touch trajectory may be delivered from the driving circuit to the controller, which then adjusts the collimator so that X-rays are irradiated to the area recognized based on the touch trajectory information. The touch trajectory defines the X-ray irradiation area.

The X-ray imaging device according to embodiments, when employed, may make it very easy to mark the X-ray irradiation area simply by dragging the top of the touch panel of the X-ray detecting device. In addition, X-ray readout is performed only on the above marked area, which reduces the readout time and the amount of data to be read. Therefore, when used clinically, the X-ray imaging device according to embodiments lessens the workload on the X-ray photographer, who would otherwise have to retain the patient's affected area on the X-ray detecting device, approach the collimator, designate the X-ray irradiation area, and correct the X-ray irradiation area again, and reduces the X-ray readout time after the imaging process, as well as time to store and transmit data.

Based on the trajectory information from the touch panel, the controller adjusts the collimator so that X-rays are irradiated only to the designated area. Furthermore, the fact that X-ray imaging information needs to be detected only with regard to the designated area shortens detection time, as well as time to store and transmit detected information.

Therefore, the X-ray detecting device having a touch panel according to the embodiments makes it easy to mark an area, to which X-rays are to be irradiated, using the touch panel.