JP2004208749A - Radiation image photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent re-photographing of an object accompanying erroneous mounting of a cassette. <P>SOLUTION: In the radiation image photographing device 1 of this invention, the cassettes classified from each other by bar codes are mounted on respective first-third supporting bases 9, 10 and 11. In the radiation image photographing device 1, a radiation source 4 for emitting radiation to the object, a bar code reader for reading the bar code of the cassette and a control part 31 for controlling the emission of the radiation by the radiation source 4 are disposed. Then, the control part 31 judges the propriety of the mounted cassette on the basis of the read result of the bar code reader and controls the radiation source 4 so as to allow the emission of the radiation from the radiation source 4 in the case of judging that the mounted cassette is appropriate and inhibit the emission of the radiation from the radiation source 4 in the case of judging that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing apparatus, and more particularly to a configuration for preventing a subject from being re-photographed due to erroneous mounting of a cassette containing a radiographic image information detecting member.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In general, a radiation image capturing apparatus that uses a substance transmission effect of radiation is widely used for medical image diagnosis, nondestructive inspection, and the like. In particular, in a radiographic image capturing apparatus for mammography used for capturing an image of a specific part of a human body, a radiation image information detecting member that generally shows sensitivity to radiation and forms a two-dimensional radiation image by radiation is used to detect a subject. It is arranged near a supporting object table, and irradiates radiation with the object fixed to the object table to perform radiation imaging of the object. However, according to this photographing method, the subject is photographed in the actual size. However, the contrast of the photographed image is not clear, so that it is difficult to read the fine structure of the photographed part.
[0003]
Therefore, in recent years, a method of obtaining a phase contrast image using a radiation tube (a small-focus radiation source having a focal size of 30 to 300 μm) used in a general medical institution has been applied (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this, the contrast of the boundary of the subject can be clearly described, and a clearer and higher-definition radiation image can be obtained, as compared with an image having only an ordinary absorption contrast. However, in order to obtain such a phase contrast image, it is necessary to provide a certain interval between the subject and the radiation image information detecting member. In addition, considering the viewpoint and cost of equipment to reduce the burden on the subject at the medical site, a “phase imaging mode” for capturing a phase contrast image and a “phase imaging mode” for capturing an image having only a normal absorption contrast. It is desirable that the same radiographic image capturing apparatus can perform radiographic imaging in both of the “normal imaging mode” and the radiographic mode.
[0004]
Therefore, in addition to disposing a support base for detachably supporting the radiation image information detecting member for absorption contrast as usual in the vicinity of the subject table, the phase contrast radiation A support base for detachably supporting the image information detection member is provided, and the mounting position of the radiation image information detection member is switched between a position near the object table and a position distant from the object table, so that the normal imaging mode and the phase can be changed. Radiation imaging in both the imaging mode and the imaging mode can be performed by the same radiation image capturing apparatus.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-238871 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Incidentally, regardless of the normal imaging mode and the phase imaging mode, the radiation image information detecting member is mounted on each support of the radiation image capturing apparatus in a state of being housed in a portable thin box-shaped housing called a cassette. However, before performing radiographic imaging of the subject of the subject, the operator (photographer) must determine a cassette suitable for the radiographic imaging apparatus to be used and mount a predetermined cassette on each support base. Here, since the cassette has a size that conforms to a predetermined standard, the photographer is required to have careful attention to discriminate the cassette from the external shape. If a non-conforming cassette is mounted on the radiographic image capturing apparatus and radiography is performed, the cassette must be replaced with another cassette and radiography must be performed again. Too much time and effort.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of preventing a subject from being re-photographed due to erroneous mounting of a cassette.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is
A radiation image capturing apparatus in which a cassette containing a radiation image information detecting member that detects radiation transmitted through a subject is mounted at a predetermined position,
An identification device for identifying the type of the cassette;
A radiation source for irradiating the radiation toward the subject,
A control unit that controls irradiation of radiation from the radiation source,
With
The control unit includes:
The suitability of the mounted cassette is determined based on the identification result of the identification device, and when it is determined that the mounted cassette is appropriate, irradiation of radiation from the radiation source is permitted, and the mounted cassette is mounted. When it is determined that the cassette is inappropriate, the radiation source is controlled so as to prohibit irradiation of the radiation from the radiation source.
[0009]
In the invention according to claim 1, irradiation of radiation from a radiation source is automatically permitted when the mounted cassette is compatible with a radiation image capturing apparatus, based on the determination result of the suitability of the mounted cassette, When the mounted cassette is not compatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus, irradiation of radiation from the radiation source is automatically prohibited. In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the suitability of the cassette to be mounted is automatically determined, so that the photographer does not need to perform the work of determining the cassette himself, and furthermore, the mounted cassette is not compatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus. In such a case, irradiation of radiation from the radiation source is automatically prohibited, so that if a cassette different from the predetermined cassette is erroneously mounted, no radiation is emitted from the radiation source. Thereby, re-shooting of the subject due to erroneous mounting of the cassette can be prevented. Further, in this case, since re-imaging of the subject is prevented, the amount of radiation exposure given to the subject can be suppressed to a required amount.
[0010]
The invention described in claim 2 is
The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1,
A warning unit that issues a warning based on the suitability of the cassette,
The control unit includes:
Determining the suitability of the cassette to be mounted based on the identification result of the identification device, and controlling the warning unit so that the warning unit issues a warning when determining that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. It is characterized by.
[0011]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued from the warning section when the mounted cassette is inappropriate, so that the photographer can be surely recognized that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. .
[0012]
The invention according to claim 3 is:
A radiation image capturing apparatus in which a cassette containing a radiation image information detecting member that detects radiation transmitted through a subject is mounted at a predetermined position,
An identification device for identifying the type of the cassette;
A warning section for issuing a warning,
A control unit that controls the warning unit;
With
The control unit includes:
Determining the suitability of the mounted cassette based on the identification result of the identification device, and controlling the warning unit so that the warning unit issues a warning when the mounted cassette is determined to be inappropriate. It is characterized by.
[0013]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, if the mounted cassette is not compatible with the radiographic image capturing apparatus, a warning is issued from the warning unit based on the determination result of the suitability of the mounted cassette. In addition, it is possible to reliably recognize that the mounted cassette is inappropriate, and it is possible to prevent the subject from being re-photographed due to erroneous mounting of the cassette. Further, in this case, since re-imaging of the subject is prevented, the amount of radiation exposure given to the subject can be suppressed to a required amount.
[0014]
The invention described in claim 4 is
The radiation image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The cassette is provided with a barcode, non-contact type RFID, or magnetic tape as identification information for identifying the type,
The identification device is a reader corresponding to any of the barcode, non-contact RFID, and magnetic tape attached as identification information of the cassette.
[0015]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, any one of a barcode, a non-contact type RFID, and a magnetic tape is attached to the cassette as identification information of the cassette, and a reader corresponding to the identification information is applied as an identification device. Therefore, it is possible to determine the suitability of the cassette using a conventionally used general-purpose product without introducing a new identification system for identifying the cassette.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 5 is
The radiation image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The cassette is provided with a deformed portion such as unevenness for identifying the type,
The identification device is a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact-type optical element that detects the deformed portion provided on the cassette.
[0017]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a deformable portion such as unevenness is provided to identify the type of the cassette, and a microswitch or an optical element is applied as the identification device. The suitability of the cassette can be determined using a conventional general-purpose product without introducing a new identification system for identification.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
First, the configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is provided with an image capturing section 3 for capturing an image of a subject 2 (subject's breast) with radiation. A radiation source 4 for irradiating radiation downward is provided on the upper part of the imaging unit 3, and a grip bar 5 for supporting a subject is provided on both sides of the imaging unit 3. I have. A subject table 6 for supporting the subject 2 from below is provided substantially at the center of the photographing unit 3. Above the object table 6, a compression plate 7 for compressing the object 2 downward from above is disposed so as to be able to move up and down.
[0020]
In the photographing section 3 having such a configuration, the subject holds the subject 2 while holding the subject 2 on the subject table 6 to support the body, and then the compression plate 7 descends to place the subject 2 on the subject table 6. By pressing and fixing with, radiation imaging by the radiation source 4 can be performed. However, in this state, the subject 2 supported by the subject table 6 faces the radiation source 4 and is located in the irradiation field of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4.
[0021]
Further, a support member 8 extending vertically is disposed below the imaging unit 3. The base end of the first support 9 is attached to the upper end of the support member 8. The first support base 9 is rotatable up and down around the base end below the subject base 6 so that the first support base 9 is held in a state substantially along a horizontal plane or in a state of hanging downward. Has become.
[0022]
A second support 10 and a third support 11 are provided at the center and lower end of the support member 8, respectively. The second and third support bases 10 and 11 are rotatable up and down around a base end, respectively, so as to be held in a state substantially along a horizontal plane or in a state of being folded upward. It has become. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the distal end of the third support base 11 is made expandable and contractible, and when the third support base 11 is folded upward, the distal end is contracted toward the base end side. The third support base 11 can be folded to a regular position.
[0023]
Here, the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11 will be further described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11, and members mounted on the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, two long slide members 12 and 13 orthogonal to each other are arranged on the first to third support bases 9, 10 and 11. Each of the slide members 12, 13 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A rectangular cassette 14 having a predetermined thickness can be detachably mounted on the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11 using a magnet, an adhesive, or the like. When the cassette 14 is mounted, the slide members 12 and 13 are moved to a predetermined position and the side surfaces of the cassette 14 are brought into contact with the slide members 12 and 13 so that the cassette 14 can be positioned at a desired mounting position. Has become.
[0025]
In the cassette 14, a rectangular radiation image information detecting member 15 (details will be described later) which shows sensitivity to radiation and forms a two-dimensional radiation image by the radiation is housed with its surface exposed. I have. That is, the cassette 14 is a housing for storing the radiation image information detecting member 15, prevents physical damage of the radiation image information detecting member 15 during transportation or radiation imaging, and also prevents radiation image information detecting member after radiation imaging. 15 has a function of preventing light from being irradiated.
[0026]
A bar code 14a as identification information corresponding to the type of the cassette 14 is attached to the back surface of the cassette 14 (the surface that comes into contact with the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11). Barcode readers 9a, 10a, and 11a as identification devices for reading the barcode 14a are provided at predetermined positions of the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11 on which are mounted, respectively.
[0027]
When the radiation image information detecting member 15 housed in the cassette 14 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on the first support 9, when the first support 9 is kept substantially in a horizontal plane, the radiation The image information detecting member 15 is located in the irradiation field of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4 so as to face the lower surface of the subject table 6, and keeps the first support table 9 hanging downward. In some cases, the radiation image information detecting member 15 is located outside the irradiation field of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4 when approaching the support member 8.
[0028]
Further, when the radiation image information detecting member 15 housed in the cassette 14 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on the second and third support bases 10, 11, the support bases 10, 11 are substantially in a horizontal plane. Is held, the radiation image information detecting member 15 is located in the irradiation field of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4, and when holding the support tables 10 and 11 in the upwardly folded state, The radiation image information detection member 15 is located outside the irradiation field of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4 when approaching the support member 8.
[0029]
The first support 9 among the first to third supports 9, 10, and 11 is used to support the radiation image information detecting member 15 when capturing an absorption contrast image. The second and third supports 10 and 11 are used to support the radiation image information detecting member 15 when capturing a phase contrast image.
[0030]
In the imaging unit 3 including the first to third support tables 9, 10, and 11, the distance R1 from the radiation source 4 to the subject table 6 is set to 55 to 70 cm. The distance R2 to the support 10 is set to 0.5 to 1.5 times R1, and the distance from the second support 10 to the third support 11 is 0.3 to 1.0 times R1. Is set to
[0031]
In addition to the imaging unit 3, a support base 20 that supports the imaging unit 3 is provided in the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. The support base 20 is provided with a support shaft 21 protruding toward the imaging unit 3, and the imaging unit 3 is fixed to an end of the support shaft 21. With such a configuration, the imaging unit 3 is supported by the support base 20 via the support shaft 21. The support shaft 21 is disposed so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the support base 20 and to be rotatable around the axis, so that the height position and direction (inclination) of the imaging unit 3 fixed to the support shaft 21 can be freely adjusted. It can be adjusted.
[0032]
Further, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is provided with a controller 30 that is connected to the support base 20 and controls and controls the operation of each unit of the capturing unit 3.
Here, a specific control configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, inside the controller 30, a control unit 31 that controls each unit of the imaging unit 3 (see FIG. 1) is provided. The control unit 31 performs a “normal imaging mode” in which the radiation image information detecting member 15 is mounted on the first support 9 and a “normal imaging mode” in which the radiation image information detecting member 15 is mounted on the second support 10. An imaging program for performing radiation imaging of the subject 2 in various imaging modes such as “one phase imaging mode”, “second phase imaging mode” performed by attaching the radiation image information detecting member 15 to the third support 11, Data and the like used for this photographing program are stored. The control unit 31 stores barcode data corresponding to the type of the cassette 14, a collation program for collating the barcode, data used for the collation program, and the like.
[0034]
Further, the controller 30 includes a touch panel 32 for performing input operations such as selection of the above-described “normal imaging mode”, “first phase imaging mode”, and “second phase imaging mode”, and a warning unit for displaying various messages. And a display 33 are provided. The touch panel 32 and the display 33 are respectively connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 is connected to the radiation light source 4 shown in FIG. 1 and the bar code readers 9a, 10a, 11a shown in FIG.
[0035]
Next, the “radiation source 4” will be described in detail.
As the radiation source 4, an X-ray tube having a focal point of 30 to 3000 μm used in a general medical institution is used. Specifically, a radiation tube that emits radiation having a wavelength of about 1 ° is used. The radiation tube emits radiation by converting kinetic energy into radiant energy by accelerating electrons generated by thermal excitation at a high voltage and colliding with the cathode. When taking a radiographic image, this acceleration voltage is set as a tube voltage, the amount of generated electrons is set as a tube current, and the irradiation time is set as an exposure time. By changing the type of the anode (counter-cathode) against which electrons collide, such as copper, molybdenum, rhodium, and tungsten, the radiation energy spectrum to be irradiated can be changed. When copper, molybdenum, rhodium, etc. are used as the anode, a relatively low-energy line spectrum with a narrow energy distribution of radiation is obtained, and its characteristics are used for radiation diffraction crystal analysis and mammography to interpret fine structures. Can be When tungsten is used as the anode, it is a broad-spectrum, relatively high-energy radiation that is used for non-destructive examinations of the human chest, abdomen, head, and general industries. For medical or industrial use, it is characterized by a high radiation dose. In this case, the anode generates heat to cause a large amount of electrons to collide with the anode at a high speed, and the anode may melt at high temperatures. Avoidance is done. That is, it is common to use a rotating anode. Since the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus used for medical or nondestructive inspection purposes, a radiation tube having a rotating anode of molybdenum, rhodium, or tungsten is desirable.
[0036]
Here, the focus of the radiation is, for example, a window viewed from the direction of the subject, which extracts radiation generated by collision of electrons with the rotating anode of the radiation tube. Generally, this is a square, and the length of one side thereof is the focal size. When the shape of the focal point is a circle, it indicates its diameter, and when it is rectangular, it indicates its short side. Methods for measuring the focal size include a method using a pinhole camera, a method using a micro test chart, and the like are described in JIS Z 4704. Normally, the focus size is indicated in the product specification based on a measurement by a radiation tube manufacturer.
[0037]
In order to obtain a clear image without blur, it is necessary to irradiate a certain amount of radiation. Therefore, the lower limit value of the focal size of radiation is determined, and the boundary of the subject 2 caused by refraction of radiation is determined. In order to realize an edge enhancement (phase contrast enhancement) in an optimum state and obtain a sharp image, the distance between the subject 2 and the radiation image information detecting member 15, the distance from the focal point to the subject 2, or the radiation physics. The upper limit of the focal size is determined from the characteristics and the like. Therefore, in order to perform phase contrast imaging in a normal medical facility, the focal spot size needs to be 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and more preferably the focal spot size is 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less.
[0038]
Next, the “radiation image information detecting member 15” will be described in detail.
The radiation image information detecting member 15 has an area necessary to receive the radiation transmitted through the subject 2, and the radiation emitted from the radiation source 4 passes through the subject 2 and is irradiated by the radiation image information detecting member 15. It is observed as in-plane distribution of energy (radiation image information).
[0039]
The radiation image information detecting member 15 is provided with a grid (not shown) for blocking the scattered light in order to prevent the scattered light from the radiation source 4 from affecting the imaging. As the distance increases, the amount of scattered light decreases and the influence on imaging decreases, so that the radiation image information detecting member 15 supported by the second and third supports 10 and 11 does not have a grid. It may be.
[0040]
As the radiation image information detecting member 15, (1) an assembly of a combination of a radiation fluorescent intensifying screen and a silver halide photographic film, (2) a fluorescent plate emitting photostimulable light, and (3) a conversion of radiation energy into light. Image information reading device in which a scintillator and an optical semiconductor element for reading the light are arranged two-dimensionally. (4) A photoconductor for directly converting radiation energy into an electric signal and a semiconductor element for reading the electric signal are two-dimensionally arranged. Arranged radiation image information reading device, (5) One or more sets of a combination of a scintillator for converting radiation into light and a lens for condensing the light on a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. A radiation image information reading device arranged in a matrix, or (6) a scintillator for converting radiation into light, It can be used a radiation image information reading apparatus to replace the electrical signal lead to the MOS type image pickup device.
[0041]
In the case where the radiation image information detecting member 15 is as described in (1) or (2) above, a radiation dose detector as radiation ray detecting means may be provided on the back surface of the radiation image information detecting member 15. When the radiation image information detecting member 15 is a so-called flat panel detector as described in the above (3) to (6) and can directly extract radiation energy directly, the radiation dose detector is not required. Alternatively, the radiation image information detecting member 15 itself may have the same function as the radiation dose detector.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the radiation image information detecting member 15 formed by combining the radiation fluorescent intensifying screen and the silver halide photographic film as shown in (1) is also called an SF system (screen film system). The radiation fluorescent intensifying screen has a rare earth phosphor such as calcium tungstate or gadolinium oxysulfide, and replaces radiation energy with blue or green light. In particular, for the intensifying screen using a rare earth phosphor, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-67365 may be used. Further, as the silver halide photographic film, it is preferable to use one having a photosensitive emulsion coated on only one side of a support or one having a photosensitive emulsion coated on both sides of a support. In particular, in the case of a double-sided film, it is a preferred embodiment to use a photographic light-sensitive material having different photographic characteristics for each emulsion layer sandwiching a film support. It is also preferable to use a photographic film having a layer for absorbing cross-over light between the respective emulsion surfaces of the double-sided film. Regarding the size of the single-sided and double-sided films used in the present embodiment, films of any size can be used, from six-cut size to half-cut size. These silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials are outlined in JP-A-6-67365 and in, for example, "Revised Basics of Photographic Engineering -Silver Salt Photography-" (edited by The Photographic Society of Japan, Corona, 1998). In the case of photographic film development, the average gradation can be increased by raising the processing temperature or extending the processing time. It is preferred to treat with.
[0043]
The phosphor plate that emits stimulable light as described in the above item (2) is one that irradiates infrared light or visible light after irradiation with radiation to induce visible light emission corresponding to the intensity of the already irradiated radiation. That is, a phosphor plate of stimulable emission is placed as the radiation image information detecting member 15, and after irradiation, the phosphor plate is transferred to a laser reader to read the stimulus emission, and the read luminescence is replaced with an electric signal by a photomultiplier tube, and the radiation is changed. An electric signal of an image is obtained. After performing appropriate image processing, the electric signal is displayed on an image display unit such as a monitor, or a hard copy of a radiation image is obtained using an image output unit such as a laser imager. At this time, if the image is an enlarged photographed image, by inputting an enlargement ratio in advance, it can be automatically returned to the actual size and displayed on a monitor or output as a hard copy. Regarding the radiation image information detecting member 15 using the stimulable phosphor, the phosphor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-49080 and an image visualization technique such as stimulable light emission reading are used in the present embodiment. Can be.
[0044]
The radiation image information detecting member 15 for converting radiation into an electric signal described in the above (3) to (6) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-49080 or “Handbook of Medical Imaging” Vol. 1, the technology disclosed in Chapter 4, "Flat panel images for digital radiography" (ed. RV Matter et al., SPIE Press, Bellingham, 2000) can be used in the present embodiment. In these cases, the radiation image information detection member 15 may also serve as a radiation dose detector, appropriately process the electric signal of the radiation image obtained by the radiation image information detection member 15, An image is drawn on a hard copy and used for image diagnosis and the like.
[0045]
In the case where the enlarged radiography is performed in the “phase image radiographing mode” for obtaining the phase contrast image, when the obtained radiation image is output on a hard copy such as a monitor or a photographic film, the actual size of the subject 2 is changed. It is also possible to automatically return to (actual magnification) and display.
[0046]
A hard copy is a material that can be obtained by developing an image with an automatic developing machine using a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material which is heated after being exposed to a laser beam according to radiation image information. Also, the preferred embodiments include those which are developed by the method described above, and those in which an image is drawn by heating according to the radiation image information. Also, a solid ink jet recording method for drawing an image by ejecting a liquid state obtained by heating solid ink at normal temperature from a nozzle, an ink jet recording method for drawing an image by ejecting a dye or pigment which is a liquid at normal temperature from a nozzle, an ink ribbon Use a hard copy by a method of drawing an image by sublimating by heating and fixing it to a detection member, or an ablation image forming method by overheating and evaporating a sheet coated with carbon etc. on the whole surface with laser light based on image information can do.
[0047]
Subsequently, a specific procedure of radiation imaging by the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described.
First, the operator moves the (radiation image information detecting member 15) to a predetermined position on any one of the first to third support bases 9, 10, 11 according to the imaging mode to be imaged. Then, the user mounts the cassette 14), and then operates the touch panel 32 of the controller 30 to select a shooting mode in which shooting is to be performed. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the following description, a case where the cassette 14 is mounted on the first support base 9 and the radiation imaging of the subject 2 is performed in the “normal imaging mode” will be exemplified.
[0048]
Based on the operator's selection of the normal photographing mode, the control unit 31 of the controller 30 performs a process of determining whether or not the cassette 14 mounted on the first support 9 is a regular cassette 14. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the barcode reader 9a to read the barcode 14a of the cassette 14 mounted on the first support 9, and reads the stored barcode data and barcode from the read result. It is determined whether or not the data matches the data of the code 14a.
[0049]
If it is determined that the collated barcode data do not match (including a case where the barcode 14a is not attached to the cassette 14), the control unit 31 controls the display 33 and displays an error message (warning message) on the display 33. ) Is displayed, and the radiation source 4 is controlled to perform a process of prohibiting the irradiation of radiation from the radiation source 4. In this case, by checking the error message on the display 33, the operator can recognize that the cassette 14 mounted on the first support 9 is not a proper cassette 14, and re-install the other cassette 14 again. Without the correction, radiation imaging of the subject 2 cannot be performed.
[0050]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the collated barcode data match each other, the control unit 31 controls the display 33 to display a message indicating that the cassette 14 mounted on the first support 9 is a regular cassette 14. Is displayed, and the radiation source 4 is controlled to perform processing for permitting radiation imaging in the normal imaging mode.
[0051]
In this state, when the subject places the subject 2 at a predetermined position on the subject table 6 while gripping the grip bar 5, the compression plate 7 descends and the subject 2 is pressed and fixed on the subject table 6, and the control unit 31 The radiation source 4 is controlled so that the radiation source 4 emits radiation. Thus, radiation imaging of the subject 2 in the normal imaging mode is started, and a radiation image of radiation transmitted through the subject 2 is formed on the radiation image information detecting member 15 housed in the cassette 14.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the case where the cassette 14 is mounted on the first support 9 and the radiation imaging is performed in the normal imaging mode is exemplified. However, when the radiation imaging is performed in the “first phase imaging mode”, In the case where the cassette 14 is mounted on the second support 10 and the barcode 14a is read by the barcode reader 10a and the radiography is performed in the "second phase imaging mode", the third support 11 The cassette 14 is attached to the scanner, and the barcode 14a is read by the barcode reader 11a. Thereafter, the same barcode collation processing is performed in both the first and second phase imaging modes. .
[0053]
In the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 as described above, when the mounted cassette 14 is compatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 based on the collation result of the bar code 14a of the mounted cassette 14, the radiation from the radiation source 4 is Irradiation is automatically permitted, and irradiation of radiation from the radiation source 4 is automatically prohibited when the mounted cassette 14 is not compatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. That is, in the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, the suitability of the cassette 14 to be mounted is automatically determined by the barcode 14a, and when the cassette 14 does not conform to the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, the radiation imaging by the radiation source 4 is automatically prohibited. It is supposed to be. Therefore, when a cassette 14 different from the predetermined cassette 14 is erroneously mounted, no radiation is emitted from the radiation source 4, thereby preventing re-imaging of the subject 2 due to erroneous mounting of the cassette 14. Further, in this case, since re-imaging of the subject 2 is prevented, the amount of radiation exposure given to the subject can be suppressed to a required amount.
[0054]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0055]
For example, in the present embodiment, when a cassette 14 that is incompatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted on each of the first to third supports 9, 10, and 11, an error message is displayed on the display 33 as a warning unit. Although a warning was issued, a warning buzzer as a warning unit was provided instead of or in addition to the display 33, and the cassette 14 unsuitable for the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 was used by the first to third support bases 9, 10. , 11, the warning buzzer may be sounded to issue a warning. In addition, a display lamp as a warning unit is provided in place of or in addition to the display 33 and the warning buzzer, and a cassette 14 that is incompatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is provided on each of the first to third support bases 9, 10, and 11. When mounted, the display lamp may be turned on or blinked to issue a warning.
[0056]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the barcode 14a as identification information for identifying the type of the cassette 14 is read by the barcode readers 9a, 10a, and 11a to determine whether the cassette 14 is appropriate. Then, a non-contact type RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) label, a magnetic tape, or the like is attached to the cassette 14, and an RFID label attached by an RFID label reader, a magnetic reader, or the like as an identification device instead of the bar code readers 9a, 10a, 11a. , A magnetic tape or the like may be read to determine the suitability of the cassette 14.
[0057]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a deformed portion 14 b (for example, an arc-shaped convex portion) such as unevenness is provided on a side portion of the cassette 14 according to the type of the cassette 14, and a fitting to which the deformed portion 14 b can be fitted. A mating portion 12a (for example, an arc-shaped concave portion) and a contact-type microswitch 16 as an identification device for detecting the deformed portion 14b are provided on the slide member 12, and the deformed portion 14b is fitted to the fitted portion 12a. The suitability of the cassette 14 may be determined based on the opening and closing of the contacts of the microswitch 16 at this time. In place of the microswitch 16, a non-contact type optical element (not shown) as an identification device for detecting the deformed portion 14b of the cassette 14 is provided on the slide member 12, and the deformed portion 14b is When the optical element is fitted into the cassette 12a, the suitability of the cassette 14 may be determined based on whether or not the optical element detects the deformed portion 14b.
[0058]
Further, while changing the material of the cassette 14 according to the type of the cassette 14, electrodes capable of measuring the conductivity of each material are provided on the slide members 12, 13 or the first to third support bases 9, 10, 11 respectively. The cassette 14 may be disposed, and the conductivity of the cassette 14 may be measured using the above-described electrodes to determine whether the cassette 14 is appropriate.
[0059]
Further, even if the suitability of the cassette 14 is not determined by the electrical control as described above, the microswitch 16 (see FIG. 4) and the optical element are omitted, and the deformed portion 14b of the cassette 14 The suitability of the cassette 14 may be determined based on whether or not the cassette 14 is fitted. In this case, the suitability of the cassette 14 can be determined with a simpler configuration, so that the cost of determining the suitability of the cassette 14 (such as the cost of installing the microswitch 16, the optical element, and the like) is minimized. In addition, the operator himself / herself can instantly judge the suitability of the cassette 14 at the time of mounting the cassette 14. Further, such a simple configuration is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 (excluding the microswitch 16), and the fitting body and the fitting body to be fitted to each other are connected to the cassette 14 and the sliding members 12, 13 or the first. To the third support bases 9, 10, and 11, the suitability of the cassette 14 may be determined based on whether or not the fitting body and the body to be fitted are fitted to each other.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the mounted cassette is not compatible with the radiation image capturing apparatus, the irradiation of the radiation from the radiation source is automatically prohibited. Shooting can be prevented.
[0061]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued from the warning section when the mounted cassette is inappropriate, so that the photographer can be surely recognized that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. Can be.
[0062]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued from the warning unit when the mounted cassette is not compatible with the radiographic image capturing apparatus, so that the photographer can be sure that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. Can be recognized, and re-shooting of the subject due to erroneous mounting of the cassette can be prevented.
[0063]
According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to determine the suitability of the cassette by using a conventionally used general-purpose product without introducing a new identification system for identifying the cassette.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing first to third support bases and members mounted on the first to third support bases;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a modification of the example shown in FIG. 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Radiographic imaging device
2 subject
3. Photographing unit
4 ... Radiation source
5… Grip stick
6. Subject table
7 ... compression plate
8 ... Support member
9, 10, 11 ... first to third support bases
9a, 10a, 11a ... bar code reader (identification device)
12, 13 ... Sliding member
12a: Fitted part
14 ... Cassette
14a: bar code (identification information)
14b ... deformed part
15 ... Radiation image information detection member
16 Microswitch (identification device)
20 ... Support base
21 ... Spindle
30 ... Controller
31 ... Control unit
32 ... Touch panel
33 ... Display (warning part)

Claims (5)

A radiation image capturing apparatus in which a cassette containing a radiation image information detecting member that detects radiation transmitted through a subject is mounted at a predetermined position,
An identification device for identifying the type of the cassette;
A radiation source for irradiating the radiation toward the subject,
A control unit that controls irradiation of radiation from the radiation source,
With
The control unit includes:
The suitability of the mounted cassette is determined based on the identification result of the identification device, and when it is determined that the mounted cassette is appropriate, irradiation of radiation from the radiation source is permitted, and the mounted cassette is mounted. A radiation image capturing apparatus, wherein when the cassette is determined to be inappropriate, the radiation source is controlled so as to prohibit irradiation of radiation from the radiation source. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1,
A warning unit that issues a warning based on the suitability of the cassette,
The control unit includes:
Determining the suitability of the cassette to be mounted based on the identification result of the identification device, and controlling the warning unit so that the warning unit issues a warning when determining that the mounted cassette is inappropriate. A radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A radiation image capturing apparatus in which a cassette containing a radiation image information detecting member that detects radiation transmitted through a subject is mounted at a predetermined position,
An identification device for identifying the type of the cassette;
A warning section for issuing a warning,
A control unit that controls the warning unit;
With
The control unit includes:
Determining the suitability of the mounted cassette based on the identification result of the identification device, and controlling the warning unit so that the warning unit issues a warning when the mounted cassette is determined to be inappropriate. A radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The cassette is provided with a barcode, non-contact type RFID, or magnetic tape as identification information for identifying the type,
The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification device is a reader corresponding to one of the barcode, the non-contact type RFID, and the magnetic tape attached as identification information of the cassette. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The cassette is provided with a deformed portion such as unevenness for identifying the type,
The radiation image capturing apparatus, wherein the identification device is a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact-type optical element that detects the deformed portion provided on the cassette.

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