JP2000214550A - Stimulable phosphor sheet for both-side recording and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to directly correspond a stimulable phosphor sheet for both-side recording and information in this sheet to each other with the sheet described above and an image processor for processing the image data obtained by reading the radiation image information recorded on the sheet. SOLUTION: A bar code label indicating identification information is stuck to an identification information addition region S1 of the sheet 1 for both sides. The bar codes of the sheet 1 recorded with the image information are read by a scanner 20. The identification information is determined from the read bar codes and is inputted to a sheet management means 50. The sheet management means 50 reads the information on the sheet 1 previously registered in correspondence to the sheet 1 via the identification information and sets the procedures of the image processing in an image processing means 40. The image processing means 40 converts the image data of the identification information addition region S1 in a reading image data D1 to the image data indicating a uniform density (for example, full black) as the image data D2 for output.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording and an image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a radiation is irradiated, a part of the radiation energy is accumulated, and then when an excitation light is irradiated, a stimulable phosphor (stimulable phosphor) which emits stimulated light according to the accumulated energy is used. Then, radiation image information of a subject such as a human body is once photographed and recorded on a sheet-shaped stimulable phosphor, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with excitation light such as laser light to generate stimulated emission light, A radiation image recording / reading system that photoelectrically reads the stimulated emission light to obtain an image signal; and a radiation image recording / reading system that converts a radiation image of a subject into a recording material such as a photographic photosensitive material based on the obtained image signal. A radiation image recording / reproducing system to which a radiation image reproducing system for outputting a visible image to a CRT or the like is already well known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 55-12429 and 56-1).
No. 1395).

In the above-mentioned radiation image recording and reading system, a single-sided recording stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter, also referred to as a "single-sided sheet") capable of recording radiation image information on one side thereof is used. In some cases, a stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording that can be recorded on both sides (hereinafter, also referred to as a “double-sided sheet”) may be used.

In the case of a single-sided sheet, conventionally, identification information for identifying the sheet is attached to a surface opposite to the recording surface by a bar code or the like for each sheet, and based on information obtained by reading the information. Thus, the sheet is associated with information on the sheet (for example, information on an image to be recorded, such as patient information, and a use history, characteristics, and type of the sheet). At the time of recording, information on the sheet such as patient information is registered in the sheet management unit in association with the identification information,
When reading the radiation image information, based on the identification information obtained by reading with a bar code reader or the like, information about the sheet registered in association with the identification information is extracted from the sheet management unit, based on the information, The identification information is used for image processing, sheet management, and the like, such as setting the image processing procedure of the image data obtained by reading, erasing or exchanging an afterimage.

On the other hand, in the case of a double-sided sheet, since both sides are used for recording and reading, if a label with a bar code or the like is attached, the radiographic image information in that portion cannot be read correctly, which hinders reading. In view of not attaching any labels that cause the above problem, the barcode label attached to the single-sided sheet was not attached to the sheet. In addition, the correspondence between the sheet and the information on the sheet is not directly attached to the sheet but is indirectly attached, for example, by attaching a label to a cassette accommodating the sheet.

[0006]

However, if the identification information is indirectly attached to the cassette or the like instead of directly to the double-sided sheet, the correspondence between the sheet and the information on the sheet can only be indirectly associated. For this reason, when a sheet is taken out from the cassette, if the taken out sheet is not returned to the original cassette, the correspondence between the sheet and the information about the sheet is not guaranteed, and setting of the image processing procedure or erasing or replacing the afterimage is not appropriate. There was a problem that can not be done.

Further, in a built-in type system having a plurality of sheets inside the apparatus, if a failure occurs during imaging, there is a problem that correspondence between the sheets and patient data cannot be obtained, and which sheets are used many times. There has been a problem that the correspondence between the usage history information such as whether there is a seat and the seat cannot be taken, and it is not possible to properly determine the replacement time of each seat.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a double-sided sheet capable of directly associating a sheet with information on the sheet, and an image obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the sheet. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device for processing data.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to the present invention is a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of recording radiation image information of a subject on both sides thereof. The information is provided on at least one surface of the sheet.

[0010] As a method of attaching identification information to a sheet, any method may be used. For example, there is a method of attaching information indicating shading such as a bar code, a method of attaching magnetic information, and the like. In this case, for example, printing may be performed directly on a sheet, or a label or the like on which a barcode or the like is printed may be attached.

It is preferable that the identification information is attached to the outer edge of the sheet, particularly, the identification information is applied to substantially the entire outer edge of one side of the sheet.

Further, it is more desirable that the sheet according to the present invention be one in which the identification information is provided by a phosphor which emits fluorescence by irradiation with excitation light for reading radiation image information. Here, the wavelength of “fluorescence” is desirably substantially the same as the wavelength of stimulated emission light that is emitted by the excitation light for reading the radiation image information and that represents the radiation image information recorded on the sheet.

A first image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the sheet, wherein identification information is added to the image data. The image data of the identification information added area is converted into image data representing uniform density.

A second image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the sheet, wherein identification information is added to the image data. The image data of the identification information added area is converted into image data indicating related information related to the radiation image information.

Here, "converting the image data of the identification information added area to which the identification information is added to image data indicating the related information related to the radiation image information" corresponds to the identification information added area of the output image. Any type may be used as long as image data based on the identification information is output to the position where the identification information is to be output. For example, as described above, after converting the image data of the identification information addition area into image data representing uniform density, the area may be data in which image data based on the identification information is overwritten,
The data may be obtained by overwriting this area with image data based on the identification information without converting the image data into image data representing uniform density.

According to a third image processing apparatus of the present invention, image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on a sheet to which identification information is attached over substantially the entire outer edge portion or one outer edge portion thereof is provided. An image processing apparatus for processing
It is characterized in that, out of the image data read from the sheet, the entire image data of the outer edge of one side of the sheet including the identification information added area to which the identification information is added is invalidated.

Here, "invalidating the entire image data of the outer edge" means that the radiation image information obtained from the outer edge is not treated as valid, and for example, the outer edge is excluded. For example, only the radiation image information is the target of the output image.

In the above-mentioned various image data conversion, not only the image data is immediately converted as described above, but also the image data and related information indicating the mode of converting the image data are separately stored. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the image is output in a converted form when the image is output.

[0019]

According to the stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to the present invention, the identification information of the sheet is attached to at least one surface of the sheet. It can be directly associated with information. Accordingly, it is possible to set an image processing procedure of image data obtained by reading the radiation image information recorded on the sheet, and it is also possible to appropriately perform the history management of the sheet, such as performing erasing or exchanging an afterimage. become.

Further, even if a plurality of sheets are mixed and the sheet is taken out of the cassette or the built-in device fails, it is possible to directly associate the sheet with information on the sheet based on the identification information attached to the sheet. It becomes possible.

If identification information is added to the outer edge portion of the sheet, even if the radiation image information in this portion cannot be read correctly and the output image is disturbed, the influence thereof is minimized. Can be.

Further, if the identification information is given by a phosphor which emits fluorescence having a wavelength substantially the same as the wavelength of the stimulating light emitted by the irradiation of the excitation light for reading the radiation image information, the identification information can be obtained. Even when the radiation image information recorded on the sheet is read with a photomultiplier or the like, the identification information can be read at the same time without providing any special means for reading, so that the apparatus can be simplified.

Further, if the image data of the identification information added area to which the identification information is added is converted into image data representing a uniform density, the output image at that portion is not obstructive.

The image data of the identification information addition area is
If the image data is converted into image data indicating related information related to the radiation image information, information on the image such as a patient name can be output to that part, which is convenient and does not give an unpleasant feeling.

Further, when a double-sided sheet to which identification information is added is used over the outer edge or substantially the entire outer edge of one side thereof, one side of the sheet including the identification information addition area to which the identification information is added is provided. By invalidating the entire image data of the outer edge portion, only the radiation image information excluding that portion can be used as the target of the output image, and the image does not give any annoying feeling.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A are views showing a double-sided sheet (accumulative phosphor sheet for double-sided recording) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A shows the sheet 1 in which the identification information addition area S1 is a part of the outer edge of the sheet, and FIG. 2A shows the identification information addition area S2 as substantially the entire outer edge of one side of the sheet. 2 shows sheet 2.

Each sheet can record radiation image information of a subject on both sides thereof, and a label in which identification information is recorded by a bar code based on density information is pasted in each identification information addition area. Have been.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which processes image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the double-sided sheets 1 and 2. is there. As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes a barcode scanner 2 serving as an identification information reading unit that reads barcodes, that is, identification information, in identification information addition areas S1 and S2 of sheets 1 and 2.
0, the stimulating luminescence light reading means 30 which scans the sheets 1 and 2 with a laser beam as excitation light, photoelectrically reads the stimulating luminescence light emitted from each of the sheets 1 and 2, and outputs read image data D1; An image processing unit 40 performs predetermined image signal processing on the image data D1, and a sheet management unit 50 manages the sheets 1 and 2 based on the read identification information.

As the barcode scanner 20, any type can be used as long as it can read the identification information of the identification information added areas S1 and S2.

The stimulating luminescence light reading means 30 may be any device that can scan each of the sheets 1 and 2 with a laser beam and photoelectrically read the stimulating luminescence light emitted from each of the sheets 1 and 2. Such a thing may be used. For example, a system including a well-known scanning optical system and a photoelectric conversion unit such as a photomultiplier used in the above-described radiation image recording / reading system or radiation image recording / reproducing system can be used. In this example, the photomultiplier 32 is used.

The image processing means 40 performs predetermined image signal processing on the read image data D1 read from the sheets 1 and 2, and also includes, in the read image data D1, an identification information addition area S1 to which identification information is added. , S2 are converted into image data representing uniform density to obtain output image data D2. This output image data D2 is
An image based on the data D2 is input to image display means such as a CRT (not shown) to be displayed as a visible image, or is input to a storage device (not shown) and temporarily stored, and is provided for later processing.

At the time of recording, the sheet management means 50 uses the identification information to identify the sheet 1 and information about the sheet 1 (for example, information about an image to be recorded such as patient information, use history, characteristics, type, etc. of the sheet). ) Are registered in association with each other, and when reading the radiation image information, the image processing procedure in the image processing means 40 is performed in accordance with the information on the registered sheet based on the identification information read at substantially the same time. It is used for setting or managing the history of the sheet 1.

The operation of the image processing apparatus 10 for reading the sheet 1 will be described below.

The sheet 1 on which radiation image information has been stored and recorded by a radiation image information recording device (not shown) or the like is placed on a transport means (not shown) and transported in the direction of arrow Y in the figure.

The bar code scanner 20 reads the bar code of the conveyed sheet 1, obtains identification information corresponding to the code, and inputs the identification information to the sheet management means 50. The sheet management unit 50 reads information on the sheet 1 registered in advance in association with the sheet 1 based on the input identification information, and sets an image processing procedure in the image processing unit 40 based on the information.

In the stimulated emission light reading means 30, first, the sheet 1 is main-scanned in the direction of arrow X by laser light, and the main scanning and the movement (sub-scanning) of the sheet 1 in the direction of arrow Y by the conveying means are performed. And irradiate the sheet 1 with laser light uniformly. From the surface of the sheet 1 irradiated with the laser light, stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information is emitted. The stimulated emission light is condensed by a light guide 31 arranged on the upper surface of the sheet 1, and
By performing the photoelectric conversion by 2, an image signal carrying image information recorded on the sheet 1 is read, and read image data D1 obtained by digitizing the image signal is output to the image processing means 40.

The image processing means 40 reads the read image data D1
Among them, the image data of the identification information addition area S1 is converted into image data representing a uniform density to obtain output image data D2. In this example, the image data of the identification information addition area S1 is made to be all black, and as shown in FIG. 1B, an example of an image based on the output image data D2 obtained by reading the sheet 1 is displayed. The upper part of the image area corresponding to the additional area S1 is output as black. In the figure, portions corresponding to areas where radiation image information is recorded other than the identification information addition area S1 are shown blank.

After the above-mentioned processing is completed, the sheet management means 50 erases an afterimage for erasing the afterimage remaining on the sheet 1 or issues a warning to that effect when the time for replacing the sheet 1 has come. And so on.

When the sheet 2 is read by the image processing apparatus 10, as shown in FIG.
The entire upper part of the image area corresponding to the identification information addition area S2 is output as black.

Next, an image processing apparatus 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although not shown, the image processing device 11 is provided with the image processing unit 4 of the image processing device 10.
0 is replaced by an image processing means 41. Other than the image processing means 41, the barcode scanner 20, the stimulated emission light reading means 30, and the sheet management means 50
This is the same as the image processing apparatus 10 described above.

The image processing means 41 includes two sheets 1, 2
Of the read image data D1 read out from the image data of the identification information addition areas S1 and S2 is converted into image data indicating related information related to radiation image information carried by the read read image data D1 and output image data D3.

In this image processing apparatus 11, the conveyance of the sheets 1 and 2, the reading of the identification information by the bar code scanner 20, and the output of the read image data D1 by the stimulating light reading means 20 are described above. The operation is the same as the operation of No. 10.

When the sheet 1 is read by the image processing apparatus 11, the image processing means 41 converts the image data of the identification information addition area S1 of the read image data D1 into the radiation image information carried by the read image data D1. The image data is converted into related image data to obtain output image data D3. For example, information on an image such as a patient name is input from the sheet management unit 50 to the image processing unit 41 based on the identification information,
FIG. 1C shows output image data D3 obtained by reading sheet 1.
As shown in the example of the image based on the identification information addition area S1
For example, a patient name such as “Taro Fuji” is output in a part of the upper part of the image area corresponding to “. The image data in this area is not limited to the patient name, and may be any image data as long as the image data indicates relevant information related to the radiation image information carried by the read image data D1. Good. In addition, for the portion other than the identification information addition region S1 in the upper portion of the image region, an image based on the read radiation image information may be output, or may be converted into image data representing uniform density and output. Good.

In the image processing apparatus 11, the sheet 2
Is the same as when the sheet 1 is read, and the same image as that shown in FIG. 1C is output.

Next, an image processing apparatus 12 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although not shown, the image processing device 12 is provided with the image processing unit 4 of the image processing device 10.
0 is replaced by an image processing means 42. Other than the image processing means 42, the barcode scanner 20, the stimulated emission light reading means 30, and the sheet management means 50
This is the same as the image processing apparatus 10 described above.

The image processing means 42 includes two-sided sheets 1 and 2
Invalidates the entire image data of the outer edge of one side of the sheet including the identification information added areas S1 and S2 to which the identification information is attached, specifically, the entire outer edge This outputs the image data of the area excluding.

The conveyance of the sheets 1 and 2, the reading of the identification information by the bar code scanner 20, and the output of the read image data D 1 by the stimulated emission light reading means 20 in the image processing apparatus 12 are described above. The operation is the same as the operation of No. 10.

When the sheet 2 is read by the image processing apparatus 12, the image processing means 42 outputs an image of an area of the read image data D1 excluding the entire outer edge of one side of the sheet including the identification information addition area S2. The data is referred to as output image data D4. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, an example of an image based on output image data D4 obtained by reading sheet 2 is as follows.
The entire upper part of the image area corresponding to the identification information addition area S2 is excluded (cut) and output.

In the apparatus 12, reading the sheet 1 is the same as reading the sheet 2, and the same image as that shown in FIG. 2C is output.

In the above description, a method of attaching a label on which a barcode is recorded is adopted as a method of adding identification information to a sheet, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. is not. For example, a barcode may be printed directly on a sheet.

In addition to the bar code, magnetic information or the like may be attached to the sheet. In the case of attaching magnetic information, it goes without saying that the identification information reading means of the image processing apparatus may be changed to one capable of reading magnetic information.

The identification information may be given by a phosphor that emits fluorescence having a wavelength substantially the same as the wavelength of the stimulating light emitted by the irradiation of the excitation light for reading. Then, even if no special means for reading the identification information is provided, when the radiation image information recorded on the sheet is read by a photomultiplier, the identification information can be read at the same time,
The device can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a sheet in which an identification information adding area according to the present invention is a part of the outer edge of a double-sided sheet. FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an image read from the sheet in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. (B), showing an example of an image obtained by reading this sheet in the image processing apparatus of the second aspect (C).

FIG. 2A is a view showing a sheet in which an identification information adding area according to the present invention is substantially the entire outer edge of one side of a double-sided sheet;
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image obtained by reading the sheet in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, double-sided recording stimulable phosphor sheet 10 image processing device 20 barcode scanner as identification information reading means 30 photostimulated emission light reading means 40 image processing means 50 sheet management means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A double-sided recording stimulable phosphor sheet capable of recording radiation image information of a subject on both sides thereof, wherein identification information of the sheet is attached to at least one surface of the sheet. Stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording. 2. The stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is attached to an outer edge of the sheet. 3. The sheet according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is provided over substantially the entire outer edge of one side of the sheet.
The stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to the above. 4. The double-sided recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is provided by a phosphor that emits fluorescence when irradiated with excitation light for reading the radiation image information. Stimulable phosphor sheet. 5. The stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is provided by printing density information. 6. An image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on a double-sided recording stimulable phosphor sheet according to claim 1, wherein An image processing apparatus for converting image data of an identification information added area to which the identification information is added, into image data representing uniform density. 7. An image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on a double-sided recording stimulable phosphor sheet according to claim 1, wherein An image processing apparatus for converting, from data, image data of an identification information added area to which the identification information is added, into image data indicating related information related to the radiation image information. 8. An image processing apparatus for processing image data obtained by reading radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet for double-sided recording according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: An image processing apparatus for invalidating the entire image data of the outer edge of one side of the sheet including the identification information added area to which the identification information is added.