JP2002023292A - Radiation image information reader with removable cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image information reader which makes a cassette removable during the reading of a stimulable phosphor sheet. SOLUTION: The radiation image information reader 100 is provided with a brush 3 of a light-shielding means to prevent light from entering the inside of the device 100, when removing the cassette 10. The operating state of the device 100 is displayed outside by an LED 8, to announce the timing for mounting of the cassette 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation image information reading apparatus, and more particularly to a radiation image information reading apparatus, in which a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in a cassette is carried into the apparatus, and the radiation accumulated in the stimulable phosphor sheet. The present invention relates to a device for reading image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When radiation is irradiated, a part of the radiation energy is accumulated. Then, when irradiation with excitation light such as visible light or laser light is performed, an accumulated light exhibiting stimulated emission according to the accumulated radiation energy is emitted. Phosphor (stimulable phosphor)
The excitation light, such as laser light, is used to temporarily accumulate and record radiation image information of a subject such as a human body on a sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet in which a stimulable phosphor is laminated on a support. Deflection scanning is performed for each pixel to generate stimulating light sequentially from each pixel, and the stimulating light is photoelectrically sequentially read by a photoelectric reading unit to obtain an image signal, and stored after reading the image signal. Image recording / reproducing system (Computed Radiogra
phy = CR) is widely used in practice.

Further, in order to increase the detection quantum efficiency of radiation image formation, that is, the radiation absorptivity, the photostimulated luminous efficiency, and the extraction efficiency of the photostimulated luminescent light, the conventional photostimulable phosphor has a radiation absorbing function and an energy storage function. To separate
A phosphor with excellent radiation absorption and a phosphor with excellent response of stimulated emission are used for radiation absorption and radiation image information storage, respectively, and the phosphor with excellent radiation absorption (radiation absorbing phosphor) is used. It absorbs radiation and emits light in the ultraviolet or visible region, absorbs this emitted light using the above-mentioned phosphor having excellent responsiveness to stimulated emission (storage-dedicated phosphor), and accumulates its energy to produce a visible light. There has also been proposed a system in which light is excited by light in the infrared region to emit the energy as stimulated emission light, and the stimulated emission light is photoelectrically sequentially read by a photoelectric reading unit to obtain an image signal (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-110,086). Flat 11-372978
issue).

The image signals obtained by these systems are subjected to image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing suitable for observation and interpretation, and the image signals after these processings are applied to a diagnostic visible image. (Final image) recorded on film,
Alternatively, it is displayed on a high-definition CRT and used for diagnosis by a doctor or the like. On the other hand, when the stimulable phosphor sheet is irradiated with erasing light emitted from a light source such as a sodium lamp to emit residual energy, the sheet can again store and record radiation image information, and can be used repeatedly. .

Here, the radiation image information reading apparatus used in the radiation radiation image recording / reproducing system described above is a raster scan system, that is, a point excitation system and a point condensing system, and a phosphor sheet are relatively moved. Scanners that read the entire phosphor sheet and obtain radiation image information are often used.

Further, from the viewpoints of shortening the reading time of the stimulated emission light and reducing the size and cost of the apparatus, a line light source for irradiating the phosphor sheet with excitation light linearly is used as the excitation light source. As the photoelectric reading means, a line sensor in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged along the length direction (hereinafter, main scanning direction) of the linear portion of the sheet irradiated with the excitation light by the line light source is used. At the same time, one of the line light source and the line sensor and the phosphor sheet move relative to the other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the linear portion (hereinafter referred to as a sub-scanning direction). There has been proposed a configuration provided with scanning means for performing
60-111568, JP-A-60-236354, JP-A-1-101540, etc.).

More specifically, such a radiation image information reading apparatus reads radiation image information stored in a stimulable phosphor sheet by the following process.

That is, the stimulable phosphor sheet storing the radiographic image information is mounted on the radiographic image information reading apparatus in a state of being stored in the cassette, and after the cassette is opened, the stimulable phosphor sheet described above is sheeted. It is taken out of the cassette by a device such as a leaf. Next, the accumulated stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed to the reading unit by a conveyance mechanism such as a belt conveyor. The radiation image information reading unit performs sub-scanning by mechanically transporting the stimulable phosphor sheet in one direction, and deflects the laser beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The main scanning is performed by irradiating excitation light such as the light, thereby stimulating light emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet is detected using the light receiving and photoelectric conversion units of the reading unit, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is detected. Obtain the accumulated radiation image information.

In this method, the movement for carrying the stimulable phosphor sheet into the apparatus is used as sub-scanning, and reading is performed together with the loading of the phosphor sheet. Therefore, the time can be reduced. When a stimulable phosphor sheet that cannot be bent (hereinafter, referred to as a rigid type) is used, there is a problem that a space for carrying in the phosphor sheet is required, and the apparatus becomes large.

Therefore, the stimulable phosphor sheet is once carried into the apparatus, set at the reading position of the reading unit, and then the main scanning and the sub-scan described above are performed, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is read and the radiation image is read. Methods for obtaining information have also been proposed. Above all, the method of carrying the stimulable phosphor sheet to the reading position and performing the sub-scanning by moving the reading unit of the radiation image information reading device while fixing it at that position simplifies the control and makes the entire device compact. Therefore, it is considered highly realistic.

[0011]

However, in the above-described system, the cassette remains attached to the radiation image information reading device while the radiation image information reading device is reading the loaded stimulable phosphor sheet. . The stimulable phosphor sheets have various lengths, and some have a length of about 45 cm, while those of the rigid type cannot be bent. Since the length of the cassette must be at least longer than the length of the stimulable phosphor sheet, if the cassette is accidentally touched during reading, the vibration will affect the reading unit and become uneven. There is also a problem that image quality is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a radiation image information reading apparatus capable of safely removing a cassette while reading a stimulable phosphor sheet.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a radiation image information reading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) according to the present invention, which comprises a detachable means for detachably attaching a cassette to the apparatus and a stimulable phosphor sheet in the apparatus. Reading means for obtaining radiation image information, display means for displaying an operation state of the apparatus outside the apparatus,
From the cassette mounted on the apparatus, the stimulable phosphor sheet in the cassette is taken out, and the loading means for moving the sheet to the reading position of the reading means, and when the cassette is removed, no light enters the apparatus. It is characterized by having a light shielding means.

Here, the "loading means" means that the stimulable phosphor sheet in the cassette is taken out from the cassette mounted on the radiation image information reading apparatus, and the taken stimulable phosphor sheet is taken out of the cassette. It is moved to the reading position of the reading means, and a combination of a sheet and a belt conveyor can be applied. In addition, the loading means,
A cassette discharge unit that carries the cassette or a part of the cassette into the apparatus together with the stimulable phosphor sheet, moves the stimulable phosphor sheet to a reading position of the reading unit, and then discharges the cassette; It shall include those further provided with means.

The radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention is provided with an erasing means for erasing the radiographic image information stored in the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading the stimulable phosphor sheet. preferable.

Further, the "reading means" may be a raster type scanner, or may be one which performs excitation by a line light source and photoelectric conversion by a line sensor.

Furthermore, in order to make the apparatus compact and simplify control, it is preferable that the reading means moves to read the stimulable phosphor sheet. That is, when reading the stimulable phosphor sheet, the sub-scanning is preferably performed by moving the reading unit. Such a reading method can greatly reduce the size of the apparatus, particularly when a rigid-type stimulable phosphor sheet is used.

The "display means" displays the operating state of the apparatus of the present invention outside the apparatus, and indicates "operating", "reading", "erasing" indicating the operating state of the apparatus. , “Read complete”, “Erase complete”, etc.
What is most useful in the present invention is information indicating whether to remove the cassette and information indicating the timing of mounting the removed cassette.In light of the operation state of the apparatus, `` cassette can be removed '', It is preferable to display a message indicating that "cassette cannot be removed" and "attach cassette". The "display means"
The operation state of the apparatus or whether or not to remove the cassette, and the timing of attaching the removed cassette to the outside, for example, as long as it can inform the operator, may be a display of characters,
The display may be performed by lighting lamps of different colors according to the operation state of the device.

Further, when a phosphor sheet is present inside the apparatus (during reading, erasing, or the like), it is displayed that if a cassette containing another phosphor sheet is to be inserted into the apparatus, the phosphor sheet cannot be carried in. Alternatively, a mechanism that allows only an empty cassette to be inserted into the apparatus may be provided to further enhance safety.

The "light-shielding means" is for preventing external light from leaking to the radiation image information reading device when the cassette is removed, and employs a light-shielding brush, a light-shielding roller, a shutter, and the like. And may also be used as light shielding means when the cassette is mounted.

[0021]

According to the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention, the cassette can be removed. By providing the light shielding means, even if the cassette is removed while reading the phosphor sheet, it is possible to prevent light from leaking into the apparatus. Since the cassette can be removed, the cassette can be removed during reading, and the cassette can take up space during reading of the apparatus, thereby preventing the cassette from interfering with the operation.

Further, if the cassette is removed during reading, the problem that the reading is affected by inadvertent movement of the cassette can be solved, which is safe.

Further, since the display means for notifying the operating state of the apparatus to the outside is provided, the cassette can be safely removed and the progress of reading can be surely recognized.

[0024]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1
As shown in FIG.
The reading unit 2 reads a stimulable phosphor sheet mounted in the apparatus and obtains radiation image information stored in the stimulable phosphor sheet. An erasing lamp 7 for erasing image information;
A rail 4 for moving the reading unit 2 and the erasing lamp 7 in the X (+) or X (-) direction, a belt 5 for transporting the stimulable phosphor sheet, a support table 6, and a cassette 10 to be described later. A feeder 1 serving as a support and a guide when the device 100 is mounted on the device 100; a brush 3 for preventing external light from entering the device 100 when mounting and removing a cassette 10 described later; And an LED 8 for notifying the operating state of the device to the outside. L
All parts except the ED 8 and the feeder 1 are housed in the housing 9 so that light does not enter the inside of the apparatus 100 from the outside.

Next, the operation of the apparatus 100 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, first, in order to mount the cassette 10, the feeder 1 is tilted sideways (in the direction of the arrow X (-)). As described above, the feeder 1 is a plate-like member that supports the cassette 10 and guides the cassette 10 to be easily mounted in the apparatus 100, and is mounted on the outside of the housing 9. The cassette 10 containing the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is mounted in the apparatus 100 by the operator through the mounting port 9a on the upper part of the feeder 1. Mounting port 9
a is located at the upper part of the feeder 1 as shown in FIG.
A linear opening opened in the housing for mounting the cassette 10 in the apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.
The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 in the cassette 10 mounted on the sheet No. 00 is conveyed by the belt 5 in the direction of the arrow X (+), and set at the reading position of the reading unit 2. At this time, the belt 5 is also a support for the sheet 11. When the movement of the belt is stopped, the LED 8 indicates "installation completed", and the cassette 10 can be removed. As shown, the device 1
The brush 3 whose width in the Y direction is larger than the width of the same direction 9a in the vicinity of the mounting opening 9a inside the 00 prevents the light from leaking into the apparatus 100 even when the cassette 10 is removed. be able to. Of course, if a brush or the like is provided also in the mounting opening 9a, the light shielding effect can be further enhanced.

Next, when the cassette 10 is removed and the feeder 1 is also set up in the arrow Y direction, the apparatus 100
Reading can be started. When removing the cassette 10,
The light blocking effect of the brush 3 prevents external light from leaking into the device 100, and is therefore safe.

The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is read by the reading unit 2. The reading unit 2 performs a photoelectric conversion by receiving a line light source that projects excitation light on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 and a photostimulated light emitted from the phosphor sheet 11 by irradiation of the excitation light from the line light source. It is composed of a line sensor for outputting the obtained electric signal, an optical system for excitation and light reception, and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the reading unit 2 excites and excites the phosphor sheet 11 from the rightmost end standby position while moving (sub-scanning) along the rail 4 in the arrow X (+) direction. A reading consisting of processes such as light reception and photoelectric conversion is performed. Reading unit 2
Is performed while the reading unit 2 is moving in the direction of the arrow X (+), the LED 8
"Reading" is displayed according to the movement of. In addition. During reading, the erasing lamp 7 moves together with the reading unit 2 while being turned off.

When the reading unit 2 moves to the leftmost end of the rail 4 and completes reading of the phosphor sheet 11, the erase lamp 7
Lights up, erases the radiation image information stored in the phosphor sheet 11, and moves along the rail 4 with an arrow X (-).
Move in the direction. At this time, the reading unit 2 does not operate, but moves in the direction of the arrow X (-) together with the erase lamp 7, so that the
Numeral 8 displays “under erasing” according to the movement of the reading unit 2.

The erasing of the phosphor sheet 11 is completed by the erasing lamp 7, and the reading unit 2 and the erasing lamp 7 are
Return to the rightmost standby position. The LED 8 displays "erase completed". The feeder 1 is turned sideways as shown in FIG. 2, and the cassette 10 is mounted. The phosphor sheet 11 that has been read and erased is returned to the cassette 10 by the movement of the belt 5.

As described above, according to the radiation image information reading apparatus 100 of the present invention, by providing the brush 3 as a light shielding means, the cassette 10 can be safely held while the fluorescent sheet 11 is being read. Can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the cassette 10 that has become unnecessary during reading takes up space, and it is also possible to prevent reading failure due to the cassette 10 being moved during reading due to a mistake or the like.

Further, since the operating state of the apparatus 100 is externally displayed by the LED 8, the operator can know the operating state of the apparatus by displaying the LED 8,
The cassette 10 can be mounted or removed at an appropriate timing.

In this embodiment, the line light source and the line sensor of the reading unit 2 are arranged on the same surface side (upper side) of the phosphor sheet in order to reduce the size of the apparatus. May be separately arranged on the side of the surface. In this case, the phosphor sheet 11 is
, That is, between the line light source and the line sensor. In the case of adopting a configuration that is separately arranged, the support of the sheet or the like is illuminated so that the stimulating light is transmitted to the surface of the sheet opposite to the surface on which the excitation light is incident. It is necessary to be light-transmitting.

Although the reading section 2 of the radiation image information reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment uses a line light source and a line sensor, a conventional raster-type scanner may be used.

The radiation image information reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment
When the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is installed, only the phosphor sheet 11 is taken into the apparatus 100. However, the entire cassette 10 containing the phosphor sheet 11 is carried into the apparatus 100, and the phosphor sheet 11 When the installation of the cassette 11 is completed, only the cassette 10 may be discharged.

In the apparatus 100 of this embodiment,
Although the erasing is performed after reading the phosphor sheet, the erasing may be performed not only immediately after reading but also when necessary (for example, before recording radiation information), if desired. Good. Further, since the cassette itself may have an erasing section, the erasing section need not be provided.

In this embodiment, the LED 8 is used to externally display the operation state of the apparatus 100. However, it is sufficient that the operation state of the apparatus is known. For example, lamps of different colors are turned on according to the operation state of the apparatus. You may make it.

Further, in this embodiment, a brush is used as the light-shielding means, but a light-shielding roller or a light-shielding roller for preventing light from leaking into the apparatus when the cassette is removed.
A shutter or the like may be used.

As the stimulable phosphor sheet used in the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention, a phosphor which absorbs radiation and a radiation energy, that is, a phosphor which accumulates radiation image information, is commonly used. May be used. However, as described above, the use of a sheet containing a phosphor dedicated to storage can improve the image quality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a radiation image information reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the radiation image information reading apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a cassette mounting opening of the radiation image information reading apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the radiation image information reading apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Feeder 2 Reading part 3 Brush 4 Rail 5 Belt 6 Support base 7 Erase lamp 8 LED 9 Housing 9a Mounting port 10 Cassette 11 Storage phosphor sheet

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 1/04 H04N 1/04 EF term (reference) 2G083 AA03 BB04 CC09 CC10 DD11 DD17 DD18 EE07 EE10 2H013 AC03 BA03 5B047 AA05 AA17 AB02 BA01 BA02 BB02 BC18 5C062 AB17 AB23 AB29 AB30 AD05 AE01 BD04 5C072 AA01 CA02 DA15 MA01 NA02 NA10 VA01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A radiation image information reading apparatus, comprising: a detachable means for detachably attaching a cassette to the apparatus, a reading means for reading a stimulable phosphor sheet in the apparatus to obtain radiation image information, and an operation of the apparatus. Display means for displaying a state outside the apparatus; loading means for taking out the stimulable phosphor sheet in the cassette from the cassette mounted on the apparatus and moving the sheet to a reading position of the reading means; and A radiation image information reading apparatus comprising a light shielding means for preventing light from entering the apparatus when the apparatus is removed. 2. The carrying-in means carries in the cassette or a part of the cassette into the apparatus together with the stimulable phosphor sheet, and moves the stimulable phosphor sheet to a reading position of the reading means. 2. The radiation image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cassette discharging means for discharging the cassette. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing unit configured to erase the radiation image information stored in the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading the stimulable phosphor sheet.
Or the radiation image information reading device according to 2. 4. A radiation image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means is a raster type scanner. 5. The radiation image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means performs excitation by a line light source and photoelectric conversion by a line sensor. 6. The radiation image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading means moves to read the stimulable phosphor sheet.