JP2002277992A - Inspecting method for radiographic image photographing device, radiographic image photographing device, and abnormality report system for radiographic image photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspecting method for a radiographic image photographing device by which abnormality of the radiographic image photographing device is easily detected, the radiographic image photographing device, and an abnormality report system for the radiographic image photographing device which can speedily report detected abnormality. SOLUTION: Stable image information can be obtained by irradiation with the ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet-ray lamp 10bk and abnormality of a stimulable phosphor detector 10ba or light converging unit (stimulating light cut filter 10bj, acrylic light converging unit 10bc, and photomultiplier 10bd here) can be detected from a signal value included in the image information. Consequently, the trouble of inspecting the radiographic image photographing device can be eliminated by automatically performing the inspection, for example, before the use without specially taking a test photograph like before. Further, a sign for abnormality occurrence can be read by periodically performing the inspection and the abnormality occurrence to the radiographic image photographing device can be predicted and coped with in advance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a maintenance technique for a radiographic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for detecting a malfunction of an imaging apparatus of the radiographic apparatus when the malfunction occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a radiation image capturing apparatus having a radiation source such as an X-ray source, and an image capturing apparatus for reading out an image by emitting stimulating light from a stimulable phosphor detector excited by the radiation source. Have been. By the way, if any of these stimulable phosphor detectors and the photographing device (including the light collecting unit) is deteriorated or abnormal, there is a problem that a normal radiation image cannot be obtained. In particular, the image signal is deteriorated due to deterioration of the stimulable phosphor detector, deterioration of the light-collecting unit (expansion of the acrylic light collector due to moisture, a decrease in the amount of transmitted light over time, deterioration of the excitation light cut filter, and a decrease in the sensitivity of the photomultiplier). Level will decrease. Therefore, conventionally, in order to detect these abnormalities, test photographing is performed in which the subject is photographed without leaving the subject on a regular basis, and it is checked whether the value of the so-called plain portion is normal.

[0003]

However, it is cumbersome to perform such test shooting regularly, and if the test is performed according to a schedule on the user side, the test shooting may not be possible or may be forgotten. is there. Further, even if the test imaging is determined to be normal, there is a problem that an abnormality occurring in the radiation imaging apparatus cannot be detected until the next test imaging is performed. Further, if the maintenance center is contacted after the abnormality is discovered, it takes a long time for repair, and during that time, there is a problem that the radiographic imaging apparatus cannot be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing apparatus inspection method and a radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of easily detecting an abnormality of a radiographic image capturing apparatus, and a radiation image capturing apparatus abnormality reporting system capable of promptly reporting the detected abnormality. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

(1) An inspection method of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a radiation source and a stimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by radiation irradiated from the radiation source. A method for inspecting a radiation image capturing apparatus including an image capturing apparatus that emits stimulating light by irradiating excitation light and reads image information through a light condensing unit, wherein an ultraviolet ray generator provided in the image capturing apparatus is used. ,
Based on image information obtained by irradiating the stimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet light, the stimulable phosphor detector or the light-collecting unit is detected as abnormal, so the stimulable phosphor detector is Since a latent image is formed by irradiating ultraviolet rays instead of the radiation emitted from the radiation source, stable image information can be obtained by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet ray generator. The abnormality in the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit can be detected from the signal value included in the image information. Therefore, the inspection of the radiation image capturing apparatus is automatically performed, for example, before use without performing the test capturing as in the related art, thereby eliminating the labor of the inspection. In addition, by performing periodic inspections, it is possible to read the signs of the occurrence of abnormalities,
It is possible to predict the occurrence of abnormalities in the radiographic imaging device,
Can be dealt with in advance.

(2) In the inspection method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, the excitation light is applied to a radiation source and a stimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by the radiation emitted from the radiation source. A radiation image-emitting device that emits photostimulated light and corrects a voltage applied so as to be equal to or more than a predetermined output. From the ultraviolet ray generator provided in the imaging device, from the image information obtained by irradiating the stimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet light, or when reading the obtained information, applied to the photomultiplier Since the abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light condensing unit is detected from the state of the high voltage, the ultraviolet ray is irradiated from the ultraviolet ray generator. The abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light-collecting unit can be detected from the signal value included in the image information obtained by the above or the state of the high voltage applied to the photomultiplier. Therefore, the inspection of the radiation image capturing apparatus is automatically performed, for example, before use without performing the test imaging using the radiation source as in the related art, thereby eliminating the labor of the inspection.
Further, by performing the inspection periodically, it is possible to read the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality, to predict the occurrence of the abnormality of the radiation image capturing apparatus, and to cope with it in advance.

(3) Further, it is preferable that the measured value is statistically processed to detect an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit.

(4) Further, it is preferable that the radiation image photographing apparatus has abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit from image information.

(5) The radiation image capturing apparatus of the present invention
A radiation source, and a voltage applied so as to emit stimulable light by irradiating excitation light to the stimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by the radiation radiated from the radiation source, and to have a predetermined output or more. A photographing device that reads image information through a light collecting unit that includes a photomultiplier whose
An ultraviolet ray generator for irradiating ultraviolet rays, and from the ultraviolet ray generator provided in the photographing device, when reading image information obtained by irradiating the photostimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet rays, or when reading image information, Abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light condensing unit from a state of a high voltage applied to the photomultiplier, and by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet ray generating device. An abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit can be detected from a signal value included in the obtained image information or a state of a high voltage applied to the photomultiplier. Therefore, the inspection of the radiation image capturing apparatus is automatically performed, for example, before use without performing the test capturing as in the related art, thereby eliminating the labor of the inspection. Further, by performing the inspection periodically, it is possible to read the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality, to predict the occurrence of the abnormality of the radiation image capturing apparatus, and to cope with it in advance.

(6) The radiographic image capturing apparatus of the present invention
A radiation source, and a voltage applied so as to emit stimulable light by irradiating excitation light to the stimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by the radiation radiated from the radiation source, and to have a predetermined output or more. A photographing device that reads image information through a light collecting unit that includes a photomultiplier that is corrected,
An ultraviolet light generator for irradiating ultraviolet light, and the stimulable phosphor detector or the light condensing unit based on image information obtained by irradiating the stimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light generator. Since the stimulable phosphor detector has a property that a latent image is formed by irradiating ultraviolet rays instead of radiation radiated from the radiation source, By irradiating the ultraviolet ray from the ultraviolet ray generator, stable image information can be obtained, and from the signal value included in this image information, it is possible to detect abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit. Can be. Therefore, the inspection of the radiation image capturing apparatus is automatically performed, for example, before use without performing the test capturing as in the related art, thereby eliminating the labor of the inspection. Further, by performing the inspection periodically, it is possible to read the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality, to predict the occurrence of the abnormality of the radiation image capturing apparatus, and to cope with it in advance.

(7) In the abnormality notification system for a radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, the radiation image capturing apparatus is provided with a communication unit, and information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detecting unit is transmitted to the maintenance center via the communication unit. To be sent to the user,
This eliminates the need to contact the maintenance center one by one, and the maintenance center can conveniently and efficiently manage the radiation image capturing apparatus.

(8) The abnormality notification system for a radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a server connected to the radiation image capturing apparatus alone or in plurality via a network, and relates to an abnormality detected by the abnormality detecting means. Since the information is to be obtained from the radiographic image capturing apparatus to the server via the network,
If the server is managed by the maintenance center, for example, the user does not need to contact the maintenance center each time, and the maintenance center can manage the radiation image capturing apparatus intensively and efficiently. It is.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an abnormality notification system of the radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The radiation image capturing apparatuses 10 arranged in the hospitals A to C are connected to a server 20 managed by a maintenance center D via a network N such as the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system constructed in hospital A. Note that hospitals B and C have similar systems. In the network system of FIG. 2, three radiation image capturing apparatuses 10, a CT scan 11 via a print link 11a, a history server 12 having a hard disk 12a, two imagers 13, and a data server having a hard disk 14a , The MRL 15 via the print link 15a is LA
N, and via a communication controller 16 to an external server 20. Each radiation image capturing device 10 includes a radiation source 31, a capturing device 10b, and a processing unit 10c.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radiation image photographing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 10b includes a stimulable phosphor detector 10ba and a stimulable phosphor detector 10ba that form a radiation image based on radiation emitted from the radiation source 31 and transmitted through the subject as a latent image. A scanning semiconductor laser (red, infrared) 10bb for irradiating excitation light to emit stimulating light according to a latent image, an acrylic concentrator 10bc for condensing and guiding stimulating light, and condensing Photomultiplier tube (PMT: photomultiplier) 10bd for electrically amplifying the stimulated photostimulation and a halogen lamp 10be for erasing afterimages
And A signal (image information) from the photomultiplier 10bd of the photographing device 10b passes through a Log amplifier 10bf and an A / D converter 10bg as shown in FIG.
c. Note that an ultraviolet lamp 10bk as an ultraviolet generator capable of irradiating ultraviolet light is disposed on the entire surface of the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba adjacent to the scanning semiconductor laser 10bb.

The processing unit 10c includes a normal control unit, an image processing unit, and a voltage correction unit 10ca that corrects a high voltage of the photomultiplier 10bd and adjusts an image output signal to be appropriate. Voltage monitoring means 10cb for monitoring the corrected high voltage, data storage means 10cc for storing the high voltage value for a predetermined period, and abnormality detection for statistically processing the stored high voltage value to detect an abnormality. Means 10cd are provided. The abnormality detected here is an abnormality of the imaging apparatus including the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba and the light collecting unit (here, the excitation light cut filter 10bj, the acrylic assembly 10bc, and the photomultiplier 10bd). Although it is not possible to determine whether it is abnormal, it is effective for isolating the problem. Further, it is possible to effectively estimate which device has failed by combining the rate and time of occurrence of an abnormality for each device. The abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit 10cd can be confirmed on the display unit 10ce, and the LAN and the communication control unit (communication unit)
16 to the server 20 of the maintenance center D (FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an inspection method for inspecting an abnormality of the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, such an inspection method will be specifically described. In order to perform the processing of this example, the afterimage of the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba is first erased by the halogen lamp 10be so as not to affect the inspection. Next, the ultraviolet lamp 10bk is turned on to activate the stimulable phosphor detector 10b.
a is irradiated (FIG. 4). This irradiation is desirably performed uniformly over the entire surface of the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba. Then, the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba is scanned and irradiated with excitation light by the semiconductor laser 10bb to generate stimulable emission light. The light is guided to the photomultiplier 10bd, and the light is photoelectrically amplified by the photomultiplier 10bd.

At this time, the photomultiplier 10bd is applied with a voltage corrected by the voltage correcting means 10ca (FIG. 3) of the processing unit 10c so as to output a high voltage, that is, a voltage higher than a predetermined value.

In this embodiment, the applied high voltage is measured by the high voltage monitoring means 10cb. This high voltage measurement of the photomultiplier 10bd is desirably performed every time, for example, when the apparatus is started, or periodically, such as once a week. The measured high voltage values are statistically processed as described below.

[Statistical Processing] In this example, the statistical processing is performed as software processing of the processing unit 10c, which is a known means. For example, statistically comparing the images taken under the same conditions for one year and monitoring the state where the “high voltage value” changes,
If this state changes and exceeds (falls below) the threshold,
The abnormality detection unit 10cd determines that an abnormality has occurred. This determination is based on the number of shots (for example, 1000 shots).
Shot).

In this embodiment, the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba and the light condensing unit (the excitation light cut filter 10
bj, acrylic aggregate 10bc, and photomultiplier 10bd)
Is determined based on the high voltage value of the photomultiplier 10bd, but may be directly determined based on the output value of the photomultiplier 10bd without correcting the voltage of the photomultiplier 10bd.

According to the present embodiment, the inspection of the radiation image capturing apparatus is automatically performed, for example, before use, without performing the test capturing as in the related art.
Inspection time is reduced. In addition, by performing the inspection periodically, it is possible to read the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality, to predict the occurrence of the abnormality in the radiation image capturing apparatus, and to cope with the situation in advance. Further, since the detection result of the abnormality detection unit 10cd can be notified to the maintenance center D, the maintenance center D can determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in each of the radiation image capturing apparatuses and perform a proper process by grasping the occurrence and the tendency. In addition, intensive and efficient management can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system including a radiation image imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging system 50 includes a radiation image capturing apparatus 10 and a controller 102.

When a radiation source (here, an X-ray source) 31 driven by a driving source 32 emits X-rays, a part of the X-ray energy is stored in the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 and thereafter, the X-ray energy is stored in the radiation image capturing apparatus 10. A stimulable phosphor that emits light in response to the accumulated X-ray energy when irradiated with excitation light such as light or laser light. Stimulable phosphor detector 10ba
A radiation image (X-ray transmission plane image) of a subject such as a human body is temporarily stored and recorded by X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation device 30. The photostimulated light is sequentially read photoelectrically by the photoelectric reading section 20 to obtain an image signal. Then, the image reading unit 3 irradiates the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba with the erasing light after reading the image signal, and
The X-ray energy remaining at 0 ba is emitted to prepare for the next imaging.

The radiation image photographing apparatus 10 includes a stimulable phosphor detector 10ba for emitting radiation image information of a subject P as a subject, and a laser diode for generating a laser beam as excitation light for the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba. Laser light source section (semiconductor laser) 10bb
A laser driving circuit 105 for driving the laser light source unit 10bb, an optical system 107 for causing the laser light from the laser light source unit 10bb to scan on the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba, and a laser beam excited by the excitation laser light. Photoelectric reading unit 1 that collects the stimulated luminescence and performs photoelectric conversion to obtain an image signal
20. The photoelectric reading unit 120 includes a light collector 10bc that collects stimulated emission excited by the excitation laser light,
A photomultiplier (photomultiplier) 10bd for photoelectrically converting the light collected by the light collector 10bc, and a high-voltage power supply 10a for applying a voltage to the photomultiplier 10bd
A log amplifier 10bf for amplifying a current signal from a photomultiplier (photomultiplier tube) 10bd, a conversion unit 10bg for converting a current signal into a digital signal by current-voltage conversion / voltage amplification / A / D conversion, and the like. Part 10b
a processing unit 10c for processing the digital signal converted by g and transmitting the corrected digital signal, and transmits the digital signal of the read radiation image information to the controller 102. The processing unit 10c is configured by a RISC processor, and corrects a response delay or unevenness of a digital signal.

The radiation image capturing apparatus 10 further includes a halogen lamp 10be for irradiating an erasing light to emit X-ray energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor detector 10ba after reading the image signal, and a halogen lamp 10b.
e to drive the driver e. Further, the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 includes a laser drive circuit 105, a high voltage power supply 10a, a Log amplifier 10bf, a conversion unit 10bg, a processing unit 10c, and a control unit 17 that controls the driver 115, respectively. Further, the laser light source unit 10bb, the optical system 107, the condenser 10bc of the radiation image capturing apparatus 10,
Photomultiplier 10bd and halogen lamp 10
The be moves as a sub-scanning unit (not shown) integrally with a ball screw mechanism (not shown) in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the laser scanning direction. This sub-scanning unit performs sub-scanning by moving when reading an image,
Erasing is performed when the halogen lamp 10be emits light.

The controller 102 is a personal computer 2
5, a keyboard 26, and a monitor display unit 27,
The digital signal of the radiation image information received from the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 is temporarily stored in a memory, subjected to image processing,
In accordance with an operation input from the keyboard 26, display on the monitor display unit 27 and image processing are controlled, and radiation image information subjected to image processing is output.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there. Radiation refers to, for example, X-rays, but is not limited thereto.

[0029]

According to the present invention, there is provided an inspection method for a radiographic image capturing apparatus and a radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of easily detecting an abnormality of the radiographic image capturing apparatus, and a radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of promptly reporting the detected abnormality. An abnormality notification system can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an abnormality notification system of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system constructed in hospital A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiographic image capturing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an inspection method for inspecting an abnormality of the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging system including a radiation image imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radiation imaging apparatus 31 Radiation source 10b Imaging apparatus 10c Processing unit 16 Communication control unit 20 Server

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A radiation source and a photostimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by radiation emitted from the radiation source, which is irradiated with excitation light to emit photostimulable light,
In a method for inspecting a radiographic image capturing apparatus including an image capturing apparatus that reads image information through a light condensing unit, an ultraviolet ray is applied to the stimulable phosphor detector from an ultraviolet ray generating device provided in the image capturing apparatus. A method for inspecting a radiation image capturing apparatus for detecting an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit based on image information obtained by the method. 2. A radiation source and a photostimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by the radiation irradiated from the radiation source, which is irradiated with excitation light to emit photostimulable light.
A method for inspecting a radiographic image capturing apparatus, comprising: an image capturing apparatus that reads image information via a light collecting unit including a photomultiplier in which a voltage applied so as to be equal to or more than a predetermined output is corrected. When reading image information obtained by irradiating the stimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet ray generator, the stimulable phosphor detector is changed from a state of a high voltage applied to the photomultiplier. Alternatively, a method of inspecting a radiation image capturing apparatus for detecting an abnormality of the light collecting unit. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measured value is statistically processed to detect an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit. 4. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormality detecting unit configured to detect an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit from image information. Inspection method for a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1. 5. A stimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by a radiation source and a radiation radiated from the radiation source, which emits stimulable light to emit a stimulable light, and has a predetermined output or more. An imaging device that reads image information through a light-collecting unit including a photomultiplier in which the applied voltage is corrected, an ultraviolet generator that irradiates ultraviolet light, and an ultraviolet generator that is provided in the imaging device. When reading the image information obtained by irradiating the stimulable phosphor detector with ultraviolet rays, the state of the high voltage applied to the photomultiplier causes an abnormality in the stimulable phosphor detector or the condensing unit. A radiographic image capturing apparatus comprising: 6. A radiation source, and a photostimulable phosphor detector on which a latent image is formed by radiation irradiated from the radiation source is irradiated with excitation light to emit a photostimulable light, and a predetermined output or more is obtained. An imaging device that reads image information through a light-collecting unit including a photomultiplier in which the applied voltage is corrected, an ultraviolet light generator that irradiates ultraviolet light, and from the ultraviolet light generator to the stimulable phosphor detector. A radiation image capturing apparatus comprising: an abnormality detecting unit configured to detect an abnormality of the stimulable phosphor detector or the light collecting unit based on image information obtained by irradiating ultraviolet rays. 7. A radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a communication unit, wherein information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit is transmitted to a maintenance center via the communication unit. Abnormality notification system of the radiation image capturing apparatus. 8. A radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a server connected alone or in plurals via a network, wherein information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detecting means is transmitted via the network. An abnormality notification system for the radiation image capturing apparatus, wherein the abnormality notification system is obtained from the radiation image capturing apparatus by the server.