JP2004264576A - Radiation image information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image information reader that can efficiently perform a processing for a cassette in a normal state without interruption and securely recognize a cassette in an abnormal state. <P>SOLUTION: The loading state of a cassette 12 loaded in a cassette loading part 38 is detected or a pulling out state of a stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is detected by a detection part 121 arranged at a 2nd processing part 72; and the detection result is displayed on the radiographic image information reader 10 and the cassette 12, and the cassette 12 is discharged to a cassette discharge part 40 irrelevantly to whether the cassette is normal or abnormal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radiation image configured to take out a stimulable phosphor sheet from a cassette supplied from a cassette loading unit, and read out radiation image information accumulated and recorded on the sheet, and then erase the remaining radiation image information. The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, radiation images using a stimulable phosphor sheet that accumulates part of the irradiated radiation energy and emits stimulating light according to the accumulated radiation energy by irradiating excitation light such as visible light. Information reading devices are known.
[0003]
The radiological image information reader includes, for example, a cassette loading unit in which a cassette holding a stimulable phosphor sheet in which radiographic image information of a subject such as a human body is accumulated and loaded, and an accumulation property that is supplied after being detached from the cassette. A reading unit that irradiates the phosphor sheet with excitation light and reads the radiation image information; and an erasing unit that irradiates the storable phosphor sheet from which the radiation image information has been read and erases the remaining radiation image information. It is prepared for. The stimulable phosphor sheet that has been subjected to the erasing process is reused by being held in the cassette again and discharged to the outside (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0004]
Here, the stimulable phosphor sheet is formed by forming a stimulable phosphor layer on which radiation image information is recorded on a support, and in order to obtain a desired stimulated emission light, the stimulable phosphor sheet is formed. It is necessary to set the front and back of the cassette holding the body sheet correctly and load it. Further, in order to remove the stimulable phosphor sheet from the cassette or to correctly set the direction of the radiographic image information to be read, it is necessary to load not only the front and back of the cassette but also the loading direction.
[0005]
Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, a code storage element is disposed at a specific portion of a cassette, while a code reading unit that reads a code of the code storage element is disposed in a cassette loading unit, and the code reading unit is configured to transmit the code If it is not possible to read the code, or if a code that cannot be identified is read, it is determined that the cassette is in an abnormal state, and an error display etc. is displayed, and a technique to prevent the cassette from being taken into the device is proposed. doing.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-156716 A (paragraph [0198], FIG. 6)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-43565 (FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2001-503880 (FIG. 2)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in Patent Document 1, if an abnormality is detected in the cassette loading state, the cassette cannot be supplied into the apparatus to proceed with processing unless the operator corrects the state. Even if it is determined that the cassette is in a normal state and is taken into the apparatus, if the stimulable phosphor sheet cannot be normally removed from the cassette, the process cannot be performed at that time. End up. Further, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, since it is not configured to detect the cassette loading state, if there is a cassette in the wrong loading state, the process is interrupted there, or inappropriate processing is performed. .
[0008]
In any case, unless the operator corrects the cassette state, there is a problem that processing is interrupted due to erroneous loading or cassette abnormality, resulting in time loss.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can efficiently perform processing on a cassette in a normal state without interruption, and can reliably recognize a cassette in an abnormal state. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image information reading apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cassette loading unit in which a plurality of cassettes for storing a stimulable phosphor sheet in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded, and the accumulating property taken out from the cassette. Irradiating excitation light to the phosphor sheet, photoelectrically reading the obtained stimulated emission light, and reading the radiation image information, irradiating the storage phosphor sheet with erasing light In a radiation image information reading apparatus having an erasing unit for erasing the remaining radiation image information,
A detection unit for detecting the state of the cassette;
A cassette discharge section for discharging the cassette for storing the stimulable phosphor sheet;
And a display unit for displaying the state of the cassette detected by the detection unit and discharged to the cassette discharge unit.
[0011]
In this case, the cassette that is detected to be in an abnormal state is discharged to the cassette discharge unit, so that the processing of the cassette in the normal state can be efficiently performed without being obstructed by the cassette in the abnormal state. Can do. Moreover, since the state of the detected cassette is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to reliably recognize whether or not the cassette is normal. Therefore, the operator can perform appropriate processing on the cassette when there is an abnormality in the cassette.
[0012]
In addition, as an abnormal state of the cassette, the cassette loaded in the cassette loading unit is improperly loaded, or the cassette itself is defective, and the stimulable phosphor sheet cannot be taken out from the cassette. Etc.
[0013]
The display unit is disposed in the radiation image information reading apparatus, and an operator can recognize the state of the cassette according to the display. In addition, the display unit may be disposed in the cassette, and the state of the cassette detected by the detection unit may be recorded by the state recording unit disposed in the radiation image information reading apparatus and displayed on the display unit. it can.
[0014]
Furthermore, a transport mechanism for transporting the cassette from the cassette loading section to the cassette discharge section is provided, and when an abnormal state is detected by the detection section, the cassette is transported directly to the cassette discharge section without being supplied to the reading section. While the process for the cassette in the normal state can be continued, the cassette in which the abnormal state is detected can be discharged to the outside without performing the reading process.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is an external view of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10.
[0016]
The radiographic image information reader 10 reads the radiographic image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 accommodated in the cassette 12 shown in FIG. 3, erases the remaining radiographic image information, and stores it in the cassette 12. It has a function to discharge.
[0017]
Here, the cassette 12 has an opening 16 for inserting and removing the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 at one end, and the cassette 12 is loaded in the radiation image information reading device 10 at a specific location on the other end. A reflective marker 18 is provided for detecting. Further, on the side surface of the cassette 12, an identification unit 20 made of a barcode or the like on which the identification information for management for specifying the size of the cassette 12 and the storage phosphor sheet 14 to be stored is recorded is disposed. The
[0018]
Further, on the front side of the cassette 12 near the opening 16, the identification state recorded in the identification unit 20 is held and state information transmitted from a state recording unit described later in the radiographic image information reading apparatus 10 is received. A state holding unit 22 made of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or the like to be held is disposed. Furthermore, a display unit 24 such as an LCD for displaying the state of the cassette 12 held by the state holding unit 22 is disposed in front of the cassette 12 near the reflective marker 18.
[0019]
As the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 accommodated in the cassette 12, for example, a hard sheet formed by evaporating a columnar stimulable phosphor layer 28 on a support substrate 26 made of a hard material such as glass can be used. . The stimulable phosphor layer 28 is formed by using a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, a CVD method, or an ion fretting method in which the stimulable phosphor is heated to evaporate in a vacuum container and is deposited on the support substrate 26. Can be formed. The stimulable phosphor layer 28 thus formed has a columnar shape in which the stimulable phosphor is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, each of which is optically independent and irradiated. The image quality can be made clear by reducing the scattering of the excitation light and reducing the granularity of the image.
[0020]
Locking leaf springs 30 a and 30 b are attached to both sides of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14. When the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is inserted into the cassette 12, these locking leaf springs 30 a and 30 b are attached. 30 b is locked in the holes 34 a and 34 b of the cassette 12. Thereby, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 can be fixedly held on the cassette 12. The lock of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 can be released by inserting a lock release pin (described later) into these holes 34a and 34b. Further, holes 36 a and 36 b for inserting discharge pins (described later) for discharging the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from the cassette 12 are formed at both ends of the surface of the cassette 12 where the reflective marker 18 is disposed. The
[0021]
The radiographic image information reading apparatus 10 includes a cassette loading unit 38 that can load a plurality of cassettes 12, a cassette discharge unit 40 that discharges a plurality of processed cassettes 12, and a cassette loading unit 38 and a cassette discharge unit. A cassette conveying unit 42 (conveying mechanism) that conveys between 40 and a main body 44 that performs a reading process and an erasing process on the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 taken out from the cassette 12 are provided. The cassette loading unit 38 and the cassette discharge unit 40 are disposed at the front portion and the rear portion of the main body portion 44. The radiation image information reading apparatus 10 is surrounded by a casing 46 and configured to be movable via casters 48a to 48d. On the side surface of the casing 46, a display unit 49 for displaying various information including the operating state of the radiation image information reading device 10 and the state of the supplied cassette 12 is disposed.
[0022]
The cassette loading unit 38 has a loading box 50 in which a plurality of cassettes 12 of various sizes can be loaded simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface portion 52 of the loading box 50 is inclined downward in a direction away from the main body portion 44, and the cassette 12 is placed inside the radiation image information reading device 10 on the bottom surface portion 52 at the bottom. A lid member 54 constituting a take-in portion to be taken in is disposed. The wall portion 51 of the loading box 50 that holds the cassette 12 is set to be inclined by a predetermined amount in a direction away from the main body portion 44 side so that the cassette 12 is loaded in a stable state.
[0023]
A plurality of sensors S <b> 11 to S <b> 54 for detecting the loaded state of the loaded cassette 12 are disposed on the bottom surface portion 52 including the lid member 54 of the cassette loading unit 38. Sensors S <b> 11 to S <b> 54 detect the presence or absence of light reflected by the reflective marker 18 disposed at the end of the cassette 12. In this case, the sensors S <b> 11 to S <b> 14 are arranged along the lid member 54 at predetermined intervals to be described later, and detect the loading state of the cassette 12 loaded on the lid member 54. Each set of sensors S21 to S24, S31 to S34, S41 to S44, and S51 to S54 detects the loading state of each cassette 12 loaded side by side on the cassette 12 loaded on the lid member 54.
[0024]
The lid member 54 is opened by a lid opening / closing motor 56 and takes the cassette 12 into the radiation image information reading apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, display units 58 a to 58 e that indicate the loaded state of the cassette 12 are arranged on the side of the cassette loading unit 38 corresponding to the position where each cassette 12 is loaded. Established.
[0025]
The cassette transport unit 42 includes a first processing mechanism 62 and a second processing mechanism 64 that hold the cassette 12 supplied from the cassette loading unit 38. The first processing mechanism 62 is guided by guide members 66 and 68 disposed vertically, and extends from the first processing unit 70 below the cassette loading unit 38 to the third processing unit 74 via the second processing unit 72. It is configured to be able to reciprocate between them. The second processing mechanism 64 is guided by guide members 66 and 68 and is configured to be able to reciprocate between the third processing unit 74 and the fourth processing unit 76 below the cassette discharge unit 40.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 5, the upper and lower portions of the first processing mechanism 62 are movably supported in the guide grooves 82 and 84 of the guide members 66 and 68 via the support shafts 78 and 80. The first processing mechanism 62 includes support members 88 a and 88 b that support the lower end portion of the cassette 12 supplied from the cassette loading unit 38 by the nip roller 86. The support members 88a and 88b are solenoids that drive forward and backward discharge pins 89a and 89b for discharging the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from the cassette 12 by being inserted into holes 36a and 36b formed at the ends of the cassette 12, respectively. 91a and 91b are disposed. In addition, the first processing mechanism 62 includes a reading unit 93 that reads the barcode of the state holding unit 22 disposed in the cassette 12 supplied from the cassette loading unit 38 and the size information of the cassette 12 recorded on the IC chip. Prepare.
[0027]
The support members 88a and 88b, together with the solenoids 91a and 91b, are configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the connecting plates 90a and 90b extending in the substantially vertical direction along the first processing mechanism 62. Each of the connecting plates 90a, 90b has rack members 92a, 92b extending in the horizontal direction, and a pinion gear 94 meshes with the rack members 92a, 92b. Alignment plates 96a and 96b are disposed substantially at the center of the connection plates 90a and 90b. When the connection plates 90a and 90b move close by rotation of the pinion gear 94, the cassette 12 is moved to the first processing mechanism. The width is adjusted to the center of 62.
[0028]
An unlocking pin for releasing the locked state of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 with respect to the cassette 12 by being inserted into holes 34a and 34b formed on both sides of the cassette 12 at the upper ends of the connecting plates 90a and 90b. Solenoids 100a and 100b for advancing and retracting 98a and 98b are provided.
[0029]
The second processing mechanism 64 includes gripping plates 102 a and 102 b that grip both sides of the cassette 12 conveyed to the third processing unit 74 by the first processing mechanism 62 and are movable in the vertical direction. Note that the grip plates 102a and 102b are disposed at portions that do not interfere with the width adjusting plates 96a and 96b constituting the first processing mechanism 62.
[0030]
The cassette discharge unit 40 includes a storage box 110 that stores a plurality of cassettes 12 discharged from the fourth processing unit 76 through the lid member 108 by the nip roller 106. In this case, in the vicinity of the nip roller 106, state recording units 107a and 107b for recording the state of the cassette 12 detected by the sensors S11 to S54 or the detecting unit 121 as state information in the state holding unit 22 of the cassette 12 are provided. Is done. As in the case of the loading box 50 of the cassette loading unit 38, the storage box 110 is configured with the bottom surface portion 112 inclined.
[0031]
The main body 44 is separated from the cassette transport section 42 by the partition wall 114, and the shutter mechanisms 116 and 118 are disposed at the part where the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 enters and exits, so that the main body 44 is in a light-tight state. Retained. The shutter mechanisms 116 and 118 can be configured, for example, by providing a shutter mechanism that opens and closes when the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 enters and exits, or a light shielding member that is in sliding contact with the stimulable phosphor sheet 14.
[0032]
A nip roller 119 for supplying the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 to the main body 44 is disposed between the shutter mechanism 116 and the second processing unit 72. In addition, a detection unit 121 that detects the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 taken out from the cassette 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the nip roller 119. In addition, the detection part 121 can be comprised by an infrared sensor, for example.
[0033]
The main body 44 is provided with a linear reading conveyance path 120 extending vertically upward. Excitation light scanning that irradiates the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the reading conveyance path 120 in the main scanning direction at the substantially central portion of the reading conveyance path 120. A portion 122 is provided. In addition, one end portion of a light collecting guide 124 that is near the main scanning line by the excitation light L and collects the photostimulated luminescent light obtained from the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is disposed, and the other end portion of the light collecting guide 124 is disposed. Is provided with a photoelectric conversion unit 126 (reading unit) made of a photomultiplier or the like that converts the stimulated emission light into an electrical signal.
[0034]
Above the reading conveyance path 120, a sheet conveyance unit 128 that conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from which the radiation image information has been read is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. The sheet conveying unit 128 includes a pair of upper and lower nip rollers 134 and 136 that are guided by the guide members 130 and 132 and configured to be movable in the horizontal direction.
[0035]
A shutter mechanism 118 is disposed below the sheet conveying unit 128 that has moved to the cassette discharge unit 40 side. An erasing unit 138 (erase unit) that erases radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is disposed between the shutter mechanism 118 and the third processing unit 74 of the cassette transport unit 42. . The erasing unit 138 has a plurality of light sources that output erasing light such as halogen lamps. Note that nip rollers 140 and 142 for supplying the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from the main body portion 44 to the cassette conveying portion 42 are disposed above and below the erasing unit 138.
[0036]
FIG. 6 shows a detection processing circuit that detects and processes the state of the cassette 12. The detection processing circuit determines the state of the cassette 12 based on a detection signal from the sensors S11 to S54 provided in the cassette loading unit 38 or a detection signal from the detection unit 121 provided on the second processing unit 72. And a status recording unit 107 a and 107 b for recording the status information of the cassette 12, which is a determination result by the determination unit 60, in the status holding unit 22 of the cassette 12. The state of the cassette 12 detected by the sensors S11 to S54 and the detection unit 121 is displayed on the display unit 49 of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 and the display unit 24 of the cassette 12. Further, the state of the cassette 12 detected by the sensors S11 to S54 is displayed on the corresponding display units 58a to 58e of the cassette loading unit 38.
[0037]
The radiation image information reading apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.
[0038]
First, the operator loads the cassette 12 that stores the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 on which the radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in the loading box 50 of the cassette loading unit 38. In this case, the loading box 50 can be loaded with a plurality of cassettes 12 having different sizes at the same time. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a maximum of five cassettes 12 can be loaded simultaneously.
[0039]
When the cassette 12 is loaded, the sensors S11 to S54 disposed on the bottom surface 52 of the loading box 50 detect the loading state of each cassette 12. The determination unit 60 determines the loading state of each cassette 12 based on the detection signals from the sensors S11 to S54, and displays the determination results on the display units 58a to 58e of the cassette loading unit 38 and the display unit of the radiation image information reading device 10. 49 (see FIG. 6).
[0040]
Here, based on FIGS. 7-12, the determination method of the loading state of the cassette 12 is demonstrated.
[0041]
There are two types of cassettes 12; a large size cassette 12A having a width DA and a small size cassette 12B having a width DB (DA> DB), and the width D of the loading box 50 is the width DA of the large size cassette 12A. Is set to be approximately equal to. In addition, the reflective marker 18 disposed at the end of each large-size cassette 12A and small-size cassette 12B has a width K and is arranged at a distance m from the side of each of the large-size cassette 12A and the small-size cassette 12B. Shall be established. Further, in the sensors S11 to S54 disposed on the bottom surface portion 52 of the loading box 50, the distance from the both sides of the loading box 50 is set to the distances d1 to d5 from the display portions 58a to 58e. .
[0042]
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the large-size cassette 12A is loaded in the loading box 50 so that the state holding unit 22 and the like are in front, and the opening 16 into which the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is inserted is at the top. Show. In this case, if the relationship m <d1 <m + K <d1 + d2 is set, only the sensor S11 (S21, S31, S41, S51) detects the reflective marker 18. Accordingly, the determination unit 60 determines that the loading state of the large size cassette 12A is normal, and displays the display units 58a to 58e corresponding to the position of the loading box 50 in which the large size cassette 12A is loaded, for example, in green. The determination result indicating the normal loading state is displayed by lighting up.
[0043]
FIG. 8 shows a state in which the large-size cassette 12A is loaded in the loading box 50 so that the state holding unit 22 and the like are on the main body unit 44 side. In this case, if the relationship of m <d5 <m + K <d5 + d4 is set, only the sensor S14 (S24, S34, S44, S54) detects the reflective marker 18. Therefore, the determination unit 60 determines that the loading state of the large size cassette 12A is abnormal, and displays the display units 58a to 58e corresponding to the position of the loading box 50 in which the large size cassette 12A is loaded, for example, in red. The determination result indicating the abnormal loading state is displayed by lighting up.
[0044]
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the small-size cassette 12B is loaded in the loading box 50 in a state where the small-size cassette 12B is brought close to the display unit 58a to 58e with the state holding unit 22 or the like facing forward. In this case, similarly to the large-size cassette 12A shown in FIG. 7, the determination result that the loaded state is normal can be known by the display units 58a to 58e.
[0045]
FIG. 10 shows a state in which the small size cassette 12B is loaded in the loading box 50 in a state where the state holding unit 22 and the like are in front and are separated from the display units 58a to 58e. In this case, only the sensor S12 (S22, S32, S42, S52) detects the reflective marker 18 if the relationship D-DB + m <d1 + d2 <D-DB + m + K <d1 + d2 + d3 is set. Therefore, the determination unit 60 determines that the loading state of the small size cassette 12B is normal, and displays the display units 58a to 58e corresponding to the position of the loading box 50 in which the small size cassette 12B is loaded, for example, in green. The determination result indicating the normal loading state is displayed by lighting up.
[0046]
The width K of the reflective marker 18 is set to a predetermined width satisfying d2 <K, and at least one of the sensors S11 (S21, S31, S41, S51) or S12 (S22, S32, S42, S52) can detect the reflective marker 18. With this setting, even when the small-size cassette 12B is loaded in an arbitrary position of the loading box 50, it is possible to reliably detect that the loading state is normal.
[0047]
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the small-size cassette 12B is loaded in the loading box 50 in a state where the state holding unit 22 and the like are on the main body 44 side and brought close to the display units 58a to 58e. In this case, if the relationship D-DB + m <d5 + d4 <D-DB + m + K <d5 + d4 + d3 is set, only the sensor S13 (S23, S33, S43, S53) detects the reflective marker 18. Accordingly, the determination unit 60 determines that the loading state of the small size cassette 12B is abnormal, and displays the display units 58a to 58e corresponding to the position of the loading box 50 in which the small size cassette 12B is loaded, for example, in red. The determination result indicating the abnormal loading state is displayed by lighting up.
[0048]
FIG. 12 shows a state in which the small-size cassette 12B is loaded in the loading box 50 in a state where the state holding unit 22 and the like are in front and separated from the display units 58a to 58e. In this case, if the relationship of m <d5 <m + K <d5 + d4 is set, only the sensor S14 (S24, S34, S44, S54) detects the reflective marker 18. Accordingly, the determination unit 60 determines that the loading state of the small size cassette 12B is abnormal, and displays the display units 58a to 58e corresponding to the position of the loading box 50 in which the small size cassette 12B is loaded, for example, in red. The determination result indicating the abnormal loading state is displayed by lighting up.
[0049]
The width K of the reflective marker 18 is set to a predetermined width satisfying d4 <K, and at least one of the sensors S14 (S24, S34, S44, S54) or S13 (S23, S33, S43, S53) can detect the reflective marker 18. With this setting, even when the small-size cassette 12B is loaded in an arbitrary position of the loading box 50, it is possible to reliably detect that the loading state is abnormal. Further, when the cassette 12 is loaded in the cassette loading unit 38 with the up / down or vertical / horizontal positions being wrong, since any of the sensors S11 to S54 cannot detect the reflective marker 18, it is determined that the loading state is abnormal. Can do.
[0050]
As described above, the loading state of the cassette 12 with respect to the cassette loading unit 38 can be detected. In this case, the operator can collectively perform correction work for the cassette 12 in an abnormal loading state as necessary according to the display states of the display units 58a to 58e. The loading state of the cassette 12 in the cassette loading unit 38 can also be displayed on the display unit 49 of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10.
[0051]
Here, in the above description, in order to detect the loading state of the cassette 12, the presence or absence of light reflected by the reflective marker 18 is detected by the sensors S11 to S54. However, for example, instead of the reflective marker 18, It is also possible to detect a loading state by arranging a barcode including identification information at a specific location of the cassette 12 and determining whether or not the barcode can be read by the barcode reader. In this case, if it is set as a restriction condition that the cassette 12 is loaded in the state where it is moved toward the display units 58a to 58e, the loading state of the cassette 12 is detected by the barcode reader provided only on the display units 58a to 58e side. can do. Further, if the barcode is read by scanning the laser beam over a wide range, it is possible to detect the loading state of the cassette 12 loaded in an arbitrary position of the loading box 50.
[0052]
Furthermore, as a detection unit for a loaded state, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a magnetic sensor, an eddy current detection sensor, or the like can be used. In this case, for example, it is desirable to dispose a metal member that does not generate a magnetic field on the side of the cassette 12 that is used in the vicinity of the patient in order to eliminate the concern that a malfunction such as a pacemaker may occur.
[0053]
Furthermore, a mechanical detection unit such as a micro switch is provided on the loading box 50 side, and the detection state is loaded depending on whether or not a detection member such as a recess provided on the cassette 12 side is mechanically operated. Can also be configured to detect.
[0054]
The information relating to the loading state of the cassette 12 detected as described above is an external device connected to the radiation image information reading device 10, for example, a terminal device for inputting a patient ID or the like recorded in the cassette 12 It is also possible to notify the operator of the processing status in the radiation image information reading apparatus 10.
[0055]
The operator confirms the loading state of the cassette 12 displayed on the display units 58a to 58e or 49, or confirms the information related to the loading state notified from the radiation image information reading device 10, and enters an abnormal loading state. The loading state of a certain cassette 12 can be corrected collectively. Therefore, the operator can quickly correct the loading state, leave the radiation image information reading apparatus 10, and shift to another work.
[0056]
Next, the cassette loading unit 38 drives the lid opening / closing motor 56 to rotate the lid member 54, and sequentially takes the cassettes 12 loaded on the lid member 54 into the radiation image information reading apparatus 10. In this case, since the bottom surface portion 52 constituting the cassette loading unit 38 is set to be inclined so that the lid member 54 side is downward, the cassette 12 sequentially moves to the lid member 54 side by its own weight, The image information is read into the image information reading apparatus 10. When the lid member 54 detects that the cassette 12 loaded in the cassette loading unit 38 is abnormal, the lid member 54 holds the cassette 12 in the abnormal state by holding the closed state. It is possible not to be taken into the interior of 10.
[0057]
On the other hand, the cassette 12 taken into the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 is nipped and conveyed by the nip roller 86 and supplied to the first processing mechanism 62 that stands by in the first processing unit 70. In this case, after the size information recorded in the state holding unit 22 is read by the reading unit 93 of the first processing mechanism 62, the lower end portion of the cassette 12 is supported by the support members 88a and 88b (see FIG. 5). ). The size information of the cassette 12 can also be obtained from information recorded on the identification unit 20 by a barcode or the like. Next, when the pinion gear 94 is rotated, the rack members 92a and 92b are displaced, and the width adjusting plates 96a and 96b are moved close to each other, whereby the cassette 12 is positioned in the width direction.
[0058]
As described above, the position of the cassette 12 in the width direction is automatically adjusted inside the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 by the width adjusting plates 96a and 96b provided in the first processing mechanism 62. Therefore, the operator can load the cassette 12 into the cassette loading unit 38 without specially being aware of the loading position.
[0059]
After the cassette 12 is aligned, the support members 88a and 88b are displaced by a predetermined amount in the vertical direction along the connecting plates 90a and 90b in accordance with the size information read by the reading unit 93, so that the cassette 12 is positioned in the vertical direction. Done.
[0060]
After the cassette 12 is positioned as described above, the first processing mechanism 62 conveys the cassette 12 to the second processing unit 72 while being guided by the guide members 66 and 68. Next, when the solenoids 100a and 100b disposed on the upper portion of the first processing mechanism 62 are driven, the lock release pins 98a and 98b are inserted into the holes 34a and 34b of the cassette 12, and the locking leaf spring 30a. 30b is released. Next, the solenoids 91 a and 91 b disposed on the support members 88 a and 88 b of the first processing mechanism 62 are driven, whereby the discharge pins 89 a and 89 b are inserted into the holes 36 a and 36 b of the cassette 12. As a result, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 accommodated in the cassette 12 is exposed from the opening 16 to the top.
[0061]
In this case, when the detection unit 121 disposed on the upper part of the second processing unit 72 detects the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, the determination unit 60 (FIG. 6) determines that the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is normal from the cassette 12. It is determined that it has been taken out. On the other hand, for example, there is an abnormality in the mechanism of the cassette 12 or the operation of the solenoids 100a and 100b for unlocking the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, or the cassette 12 has been loaded in the wrong state. When the unlocking cannot be performed and the detection unit 121 cannot detect the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, the determination unit 60 determines that the extraction state of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is abnormal. These determination results by the determination unit 60 are displayed on the display unit 49 together with information for specifying the cassette 12.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is taken out from the cassette 12 in a normal state, the nip roller 119 disposed on the upper portion of the second processing unit 72 causes the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 protruding upward from the cassette 12. Is fed into the main body 44 through the shutter mechanism 116.
[0063]
Further, the first processing mechanism 62 that holds the cassette 12 that has discharged the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 to the main body 44 conveys the cassette 12 to the third processing unit 74 while being guided by the guide members 66 and 68. The second processing mechanism 64 having the grip plates 102a and 102b is waiting in the third processing section 74, and after the grip plates 102a and 102b grip both sides of the cassette 12, the support member of the second processing mechanism 64 is supported. The cassette 12 is transferred to the guide members 66 and 68 by the 88a and 88b retracting downward.
[0064]
The second processing mechanism 64 holding the cassette 12 moves to the third processing unit 74 and stands by. Further, the first processing mechanism 62 moves to the first processing unit 70 and performs processing for the next cassette 12 supplied from the cassette loading unit 38.
[0065]
The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 supplied to the main body 44 is sub-scanned and conveyed upward by the reading conveyance path 120 and is main-scanned by the excitation light L output from the excitation light scanning unit 122. From the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 irradiated with the excitation light L, stimulated emission light corresponding to the stored and recorded radiation image information is output. The stimulated emission light is guided to the photoelectric conversion unit 126 through the light collection guide 124 and converted into an electric signal.
[0066]
The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from which the radiation image information has been read is sandwiched by nip rollers 134 and 136 at the upper and lower portions, and is displaced by a predetermined amount in the horizontal direction by the sheet conveying unit 128 while being guided by the guide members 130 and 132. Next, the paper is conveyed downward by the nip rollers 134 and 136 via the shutter mechanism 118.
[0067]
An erasing unit 138 is disposed below the shutter mechanism 118, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 sandwiched and conveyed downward by the nip rollers 140 and 142 is irradiated with erasing light from the erasing unit 138. The remaining radiation image information is erased. The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 that has been erased is inserted from the opening 16 into the cassette 12 that stands by in the third processing unit 74.
[0068]
The cassette 12 storing the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is transferred to the fourth processing unit 76 by the second processing mechanism 64 and then displaced upward while being gripped by the gripping plates 102a and 102b. Next, the upper end portion of the cassette 12 is held by the nip roller 106 and is discharged to the storage box 110 of the cassette discharge portion 40 through the lid member 108. In this case, since the bottom surface portion 112 constituting the cassette discharge portion 40 is set to be inclined so that the side away from the lid member 108 is down, the discharged cassette 12 is moved by its own weight and is stored in the storage box. 110 is stacked.
[0069]
On the other hand, the cassette 12 supplied in an abnormally loaded state from the cassette loading unit 38 or the detection unit 121 disposed on the upper part of the second processing unit 72 detects an abnormality in the state in which the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is taken out. The cassette 12 thus carried is conveyed to the third processing unit 74 while holding the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, and then conveyed from the third processing unit 74 to the fourth processing unit 76 by the second processing mechanism 64. Next, the upper end portion of the cassette 12 is nipped by the nip roller 106 and discharged together with the cassette 12 in a normal state to the cassette discharge portion 40 via the lid member 108.
[0070]
At this time, the state recording units 107 a and 107 b disposed in the vicinity of the nip roller 106 record state information indicating that the cassette 12 is in an abnormal state on the state holding unit 22 of the cassette 12. The cassette 12 in which the state information indicating the abnormal state is recorded displays the information on the display unit 24. The operator checks the display unit 24 of the cassette 12 discharged to the cassette discharge unit 40, and if there is a cassette 12 on which status information indicating an abnormal state is displayed, corrects the defective part of the cassette 12 and corrects the cassette. It can be loaded into the loading unit 38 and processed again. During this time, the process for the cassette 12 in the normal state can be continued regardless of the presence or absence of the cassette 12 in the abnormal state.
[0071]
In the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, while the erasing process by the erasing unit 138 and the storing process of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 in the cassette 12 are performed, the radiation for the next stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is performed. Since the image information reading process can be performed in parallel, the processes for the plurality of cassettes 12 loaded in the cassette loading unit 38 can be performed very efficiently.
[0072]
FIG. 13 is an external view of the radiation image information reading device 160 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is an internal configuration diagram of the radiation image information reading device 160. The same components as those in the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
The radiation image information reading device 160 includes a cassette loading unit 162 that can load a plurality of cassettes 12, a cassette discharge unit 164 that discharges a plurality of processed cassettes 12, and a storage phosphor sheet that is stored in the cassette 12. 14, and a cassette transport unit 168 that transports the cassette 12 from the cassette loading unit 162 to the lower part of the main body unit 166 and from the lower part of the main body unit 166 to the cassette discharge unit 164. .
[0074]
The cassette loading unit 162 and the cassette discharge unit 164 are disposed adjacent to the front portion of the main body 166. Shutter mechanisms 170 and 172 are disposed on the lid member 54 that takes in the cassette 12 in the cassette loading unit 162 and the lid member 108 that ejects the cassette 12 in the cassette discharge unit 164. The main body 166 and the cassette transport unit 168 constituting the radiation image information reading device 160 are held in a light-tight manner by the casing 174 and the shutter mechanisms 170 and 172.
[0075]
The cassette transport unit 168 includes a first processing mechanism 62 that moves between the first processing unit 176, the second processing unit 178, and the third processing unit 180 via guide members 66 and 68. In addition, the main body 166 has a linear conveyance path 182 extending vertically upward, and along the conveyance path 182, the erasing unit 138, the excitation light scanning unit 122, the collection unit 138 from the third processing unit 180 side. The light guide 124 and the photoelectric conversion unit 126 are arranged.
[0076]
The radiation image information reading device 160 according to the second embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.
[0077]
When a plurality of cassettes 12 are loaded into the cassette loading unit 162 by an operator, the loading state of each cassette 12 is detected by the sensors S11 to S54 (see FIG. 4) and the determination result is a side portion of the cassette loading unit 162. Are displayed on the display units 58a to 58e and the display unit 49 of the radiation image information reading device 160. The worker can correct the loading state of the cassette 12 determined to be abnormal in accordance with the displayed state information.
[0078]
Next, the cassette 12 is supplied from the cassette loading unit 162 to the first processing unit 176 of the cassette transporting unit 168 and then transported to the third processing unit 180 by the first processing mechanism 62.
[0079]
Next, when the detection unit 121 detects that the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 has been taken out from the cassette 12 in the third processing unit 180, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is conveyed to the main body 166 by the nip roller 119. It is supplied to the path 182, is sub-scanned and conveyed upward, and is subjected to main scanning with the excitation light L output from the excitation light scanning unit 122. The stimulated emission light obtained from the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is guided to the photoelectric conversion unit 126 via the light collection guide 124 and converted into radiation image information as an electrical signal.
[0080]
The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from which the radiographic image information has been read is conveyed downward by the conveyance path 182 and is irradiated with erasing light from the erasing unit 138 to erase the remaining radiographic image information. The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 from which the radiation image information has been erased is stored in the cassette 12 waiting in the third processing unit 180, then conveyed to the second processing unit 178, and then discharged to the cassette discharge unit 164. .
[0081]
On the other hand, in the third processing unit 180, when the detection unit 121 cannot detect the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, the third processing unit 180 determines that the cassette 12 is abnormal and displays the abnormal state on the display unit 49. The cassette 12 in which the abnormal state is detected is conveyed to the second processing unit 178 in a state where the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is accommodated, and then discharged to the cassette discharge unit 164 via the nip roller 106 and the shutter mechanism 172. The At this time, state information is recorded on the state holding unit 22 of the cassette 12 by the state recording units 107 a and 107 b disposed in the vicinity of the nip roller 106. The cassette 12 in which the abnormal state is recorded displays the information on the display unit 24. The operator can check the display unit 24 of the cassette 12 discharged to the cassette discharge unit 164 and perform necessary processing.
[0082]
FIG. 15 is an internal configuration diagram of the radiation image information reading apparatus 190 according to the third embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 or 160 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0083]
The radiographic image information reading device 190 is disposed on the front and back of the main body 192, the main body 192, the cassette loading unit 38 and the cassette discharging unit 40 capable of loading a plurality of cassettes 12, and the first processing unit 176. And a cassette transport unit 168 for transporting between the second processing unit 178 and the third processing unit 180.
[0084]
The first processing unit 176 is disposed below the cassette loading unit 38, the second processing unit 178 is disposed below the main body 192, and the third processing unit 180 is disposed below the cassette discharge unit 40. Established. The main body 192 is light-tightly configured by a casing 174 and a partition 194 constituting the radiation image information reading device 190, and a shutter mechanism 196 is disposed in the partition 194. The erasing unit 138 is disposed between the shutter mechanism 196 and the second processing unit 178.
[0085]
The radiation image information reading apparatus 190 according to the third embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.
[0086]
A plurality of cassettes 12 are loaded into the cassette loading unit 38 by an operator, and the cassettes 12 whose loading states are detected by the sensors S11 to S54 are supplied to the first processing unit 176 of the cassette transport unit 168, and then the first process. It is conveyed to the second processing unit 178 by the mechanism 62. The detected loading state of each cassette 12 is displayed on the display units 58a to 58e on the side of the cassette loading unit 38 and the display unit 49 of the radiation image information reading device 190.
[0087]
Next, when the detection unit 121 detects that the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 has been taken out from the cassette 12 in the second processing unit 178, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 includes the nip rollers 142 and 140, and the shutter mechanism. 196 is supplied to the main body 192 via the transport path 182, transported to the upper part of the radiation image information reading device 190, and then transported downward to read the radiation image information.
The lower end portion of the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 whose reading has been completed is carried out to the erasing unit 138 side via the shutter mechanism 196, and the remaining radiation image information is erased. Therefore, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 can simultaneously perform the radiation image information reading process by the photoelectric conversion unit 126 and the erasing process by the erasing unit 138.
[0088]
The storable phosphor sheet 14 that has been erased is stored in the cassette 12 waiting in the second processing unit 178 and then moved to the third processing unit 180 by the first processing mechanism 62, and then the cassette 12 is moved into the cassette. It is discharged to the discharge unit 40.
[0089]
On the other hand, in the 2nd process part 178, when the detection part 121 cannot detect the stimulable phosphor sheet 14, it determines with the said cassette 12 having abnormality, and it displays on the display part 49 that it is in an abnormal state. Further, the cassette 12 in which the abnormal state is detected is conveyed to the third processing unit 180 in a state where the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is accommodated, and then discharged to the cassette discharge unit 40 via the nip roller 106. At this time, state information is recorded on the state holding unit 22 of the cassette 12 by the state recording units 107 a and 107 b disposed in the vicinity of the nip roller 106. The cassette 12 in which the abnormal state is recorded displays the information on the display unit 24. The operator can check the display unit 24 of the cassette 12 discharged to the cassette discharge unit 40 and perform necessary processing.
[0090]
FIG. 16 is an internal configuration diagram of the radiation image information reading apparatus 200 according to the fourth embodiment. The same components as those of the radiation image information reading apparatus 190 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0091]
The cassette transport unit 168 constituting the radiation image information reading apparatus 200 includes a first processing mechanism 62 that transports the cassette 12 from the first processing unit 176 to the second processing unit 178, and the cassette 12 from the second processing unit 178. And a second processing mechanism 64 that carries the transport process to the third processing unit 180.
[0092]
The first processing mechanism 62 transports the cassette 12 supplied from the cassette loading unit 38 from the first processing unit 176 to the second processing unit 178, and then detects the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 by the detection unit 121. Then, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 is supplied to the main body 192. The cassette 12 that has supplied the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 to the main body 192 is transferred from the first processing mechanism 62 to the second processing mechanism 64 and waits for the second processing unit 178. Further, the first processing mechanism 62 moves to the first processing unit 176 in order to receive the next cassette 12.
[0093]
The stimulable phosphor sheet 14 that has been processed in the main body 192 is stored in the cassette 12 waiting in the second processing unit 178 while the remaining radiation image information is erased by the erasing unit 138. Next, after moving to the third processing unit 180 by the second processing mechanism 64, it is discharged to the cassette discharging unit 40.
[0094]
Note that the cassette 12 in which the abnormal state is detected by the sensors S11 to 54 of the cassette loading unit 38 or the detection unit 121 of the second processing unit 178 is recorded in the cassette discharge unit after the state information is recorded by the state recording units 107a and 107b. 40 is discharged.
[0095]
As described above, in the radiation image information reading apparatus 200 according to the fourth embodiment, the first processing mechanism 62 receives the cassette 12 from the cassette loading unit 38 and supplies the cassette 12 to the main body 192, and the second processing mechanism 64 uses the cassette 12. Can be efficiently performed in parallel with the process of discharging from the third processing unit 180 to the cassette discharging unit 40.
[0096]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the cassette 12 having the opening 16 at the end and the storage phosphor sheet 14 inserted and removed from the opening 16 is used. For example, a lid member is used. For cassettes that can be inserted into and removed from the stimulable phosphor sheet by opening and closing, and integrated cassettes that are equipped with a protective cover that can be attached to and detached from the radiation image information recording surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. Of course, the same applies.
[0097]
Further, the stimulable phosphor sheet 14 accommodated in the cassette 12 is not limited to the one in which the stimulable phosphor layer 28 is formed on the support substrate 26 made of a hard material. An accumulative phosphor sheet applied to a support substrate can also be used.
[0098]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the bottom surface portion 52 of the cassette loading portions 38 and 162 and the bottom surface portion 112 of the cassette discharge portions 40 and 164 are inclined so that the cassette 12 is moved to a predetermined site using its own weight. However, the cassette 12 may be moved using a cassette moving mechanism.
[0099]
For example, in the cassette loading portions 38 and 162, the wall portion can be moved to the lid member 54 side by using a driving source such as a motor or an elastic member such as a spring, whereby the cassette 12 is moved sequentially to the lid member 54 side. Can be made. Moreover, in the cassette discharge parts 40 and 164, the cassette 12 discharged | emitted via the cover member 108 can be sequentially moved to a predetermined site | part by moving a wall part with drive sources, such as a motor. By comprising in this way, it becomes possible to move the cassette 12 to a predetermined part, without inclining the bottom face parts 52 and 112. FIG.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the radiological image information reading apparatus of the present invention, the cassette state is detected and displayed, and the cassette is discharged to the cassette discharge unit. It can be performed efficiently regardless of the presence or absence of a cassette, and an abnormal cassette can be reliably recognized and subjected to appropriate processing.
[0101]
Further, since the cassette in the abnormal state can be identified according to the displayed state information, the cassette in the normal state and the cassette in the abnormal state can be discharged to the same cassette discharge unit. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated discharge unit for discharging the cassette in an abnormal state, and the apparatus can be easily downsized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a cassette loaded in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional configuration diagram of a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a first processing mechanism in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a detection processing circuit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
7 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a loading state detection process in a cassette loading unit in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an external view of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an internal configuration diagram of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an internal configuration diagram of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an internal configuration diagram of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 160, 190, 200 ... Radiation image information reading device
12 ... Cassette 14 ... Storage phosphor sheet
18 ... Reflection marker 22 ... State holding part
24, 49, 58a to 58e ... display unit 38, 162 ... cassette loading unit
40, 164 ... cassette discharge section 42, 168 ... cassette transport section
44, 166, 192 ... main body 54, 108 ... lid member
60: determination unit 62: first processing mechanism
64: Second processing mechanism 70, 176: First processing unit
72, 178 ... second processing unit 74, 180 ... third processing unit
76: Fourth processing unit 107a, 107b ... Status recording unit
122 ... Excitation light scanning unit 126 ... Photoelectric conversion unit
138 ... Erasing unit S11-S54 ... Sensor

Claims (6)

A cassette loading unit that is loaded with a plurality of cassettes that store a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded, and the stimulable phosphor sheet that is taken out from the cassette is irradiated with excitation light to obtain A reading unit that acquires the radiation image information by photoelectrically reading the stimulated emission light, and an erasing unit that erases the remaining radiation image information by irradiating the storable phosphor sheet with erasing light. In the radiation image information reading device,
A detection unit for detecting the state of the cassette;
A cassette discharge section for discharging the cassette for storing the stimulable phosphor sheet;
A radiation image information reading apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display the state of the cassette detected by the detection unit and discharged to the cassette discharge unit. The apparatus of claim 1.
The radiographic image information reading apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects a loading state of the cassette loaded in the cassette loading unit. The apparatus of claim 2.
The radiation image information reading apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects a state in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is removed from the cassette. The apparatus of claim 1.
The radiographic image information reading apparatus, wherein the display unit is disposed in the apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
A state recording unit that records the state of the cassette detected by the detection unit in the cassette;
The radiographic image information reading apparatus, wherein the display unit is disposed in the cassette and displays the state recorded by the state recording unit. The apparatus of claim 1.
A transport mechanism for transporting the cassette from the cassette loading section to the cassette discharge section;
The radiographic image information reading apparatus, wherein the transport mechanism transports the cassette, in which an abnormal state is detected by the detection unit, directly to the cassette discharge unit without being supplied to the reading unit.

Images