Apparatus and method for controlling X-ray radiation field of X-ray imaging apparatus

A method of controlling an X-ray radiation field of an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector arranged opposite to the X-ray generator, the method comprising:

• emitting light from a light-emitting unit comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements, the light-emitting unit disposed adjacent to one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector toward the other one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements have a fixed relative position with respect to each other;
• detecting the emitted light using a light-receiving unit comprising a plurality of light-receiving elements, the light-receiving unit disposed adjacent to the other one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the plurality of light-receiving elements have a fixed relative position with respect to each other;
• setting the X-ray radiation field based on the detected light;
• and
• controlling driving of X-ray generation units of the X-ray generator that correspond to the set X-ray radiation field, to emit an X-ray, and
• wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements have a fixed relative position with respect to the one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector during controlling the X-ray radiation field of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

• a cylindrical assembly comprising:
• an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector arranged opposite to the X-ray generator,
• a light emitter configured to emit light and disposed adjacent to one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, the light emitting comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements, and
• a light receiver configured to detect the light and disposed adjacent to the other one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, the light receiver comprising a plurality of light-receiving elements,
• wherein the light emitter and the light receiver are arranged in parallel and opposite to one another along a circumference of the cylindrical assembly and have an elongated linear shape that extends in a direction parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical assembly;
• and
• a controller configured to control setting of an X-ray radiation field based on the detected light,
• wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements have a fixed relative position with respect to each other,
• wherein the plurality of light-receiving elements have a fixed relative position with respect to each other, and
• wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements have a fixed relative position with respect to the one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector during controlling the X-ray radiation field of the X-ray imaging apparatus.