JP4690468B2 - Installation structure of QC phantom - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an installation structure of a QC phantom that performs quality inspection of an X-ray imaging system.

  This type of QC phantom is formed by forming a material having a known X-ray absorption coefficient into a predetermined shape, and is installed in an X-ray imaging system to transmit X-rays projected from an X-ray source. The transmitted X-ray level is received by a receiving medium arranged opposite to the QC phantom and displayed as an X-ray image on a CRT monitor, an X-ray film or the like. Then, the X-ray image is evaluated based on various image evaluation items, and the quality of the X-ray imaging system is inspected.

  By the way, in the X-ray imaging system, in order to ensure the inspection accuracy, it is necessary that the transmitted X-ray level is received in an appropriate reference area of the receiving medium. Therefore, the QC phantom is installed at a position corresponding to the reference position of the reception medium and the inspection target area. However, since the installation work of the QC phantom depends on the skill and intuition of the operator, the QC phantom is used as the reception medium. It may be installed at a position shifted from a predetermined position. For this reason, correction of the installation position of the QC phantom, correction of the display position of the X-ray image, change of the evaluation standard, etc. are forced, resulting in complication of the inspection work, and there is a circumstance that the work automation is remarkably hindered.

  The technical problem of the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an installation structure of a QC phantom capable of reliably installing a QC phantom at a predetermined position of a reception medium. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, a QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention includes a QC phantom and a QC phantom in an installation system in which a QC phantom for inspecting the quality of an X-ray imaging system is installed in the X-ray imaging system. Positioning means is provided for positioning in two directions so that the receiving medium that receives the transmitted X-ray level transmitted through the inside corresponds to a predetermined position.

  Here, the reception medium is a storage phosphor sheet that records the transmission X-ray level or a flat panel device that converts the transmission X-ray level into an electric signal, and the positioning means receives the QC phantom. It is preferable that at least two positioning pins for projecting at positions corresponding to the medium are provided.

  Further, the positioning means includes at least two positioning holes formed in the QC phantom and the at least two positioning holes that are individually inserted into the positioning holes and position the QC phantom at a position corresponding to the receiving medium. It is preferable to include a support unit that supports the QC phantom with a pin protruding therefrom.

  Further, the positioning means protrudes from at least two positioning holes formed in the QC phantom and the receiving medium or a cassette containing the receiving medium so as to position the QC phantom on the receiving medium. And at least two positioning pins individually inserted into the positioning holes.

  Furthermore, the positioning means projects at least two positioning holes formed in the receiving medium or a cassette accommodating the receiving medium and the QC phantom so as to position the QC phantom on the receiving medium. And at least two positioning pins individually inserted into the positioning holes.

  The reception medium may be a storage phosphor sheet that records the transmission X-ray level or a flat panel device that converts the transmission X-ray level into an electrical signal, and the positioning means accommodates the reception medium. Preferably, the cassette includes a recess formed so that the QC phantom is fitted at a position corresponding to the reception medium.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the positioning means includes a concave portion formed so that the receiving medium can be fitted in a part of the QC phantom corresponding to the receiving medium.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the positioning means includes a support unit that has a recess in which the QC phantom can be fitted at a position corresponding to the reception medium and supports the QC phantom.

  The positioning means positions the QC phantom on the receiving medium by abutting the receiving medium or a cassette containing the receiving medium and regulating at least two directions of the receiving medium or the cassette. It is preferable that an abutting member provided on the QC phantom is included.

  The positioning means includes the receiving medium or the receiving medium so as to position the QC phantom on the receiving medium by contacting the QC phantom and restricting at least two directions of the QC phantom. It is preferable to include an abutting member provided in the cassette.

  According to the QC phantom installation structure of the present invention, the QC phantom can be reliably and simply installed at a predetermined position of the reception medium by the positioning means. As a result, the quality inspection of the X-ray imaging system can be simplified, and automation of work can be promoted.

It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom concerning 2nd Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom which concerns on 4th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view in the state seen from the back surface which shows the installation structure of QC phantom concerning 5th Example of this invention. It is the perspective view in the state seen from the back surface which shows the installation structure of QC phantom concerning 6th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom concerning 7th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom which concerns on 8th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the installation structure of the QC phantom concerning 9th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view in the state seen from the back surface which shows the installation structure of QC phantom concerning 10th Example of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the specific example of QC phantom.

  Hereinafter, after briefly explaining the concept of the QC phantom, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

A QC phantom is a radiation-transmissive substrate that is formed with an inspection pattern for inspecting the performance (sharpness, reduction ratio, resolution, etc.) of the radiation image reading device using a material that shields or absorbs radiation. It is a thing.
When performing a performance inspection of the reading device, a radiographic image is taken using the QC phantom as a subject, the image is read by the reading device, QC operation is performed on the read image data, and the result is output to a display or a printer.

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view (X-ray irradiation surface) of an example of a phantom used for such a purpose.
The phantom shown here uses an acrylic resin plate as a substrate and is sealed between two acrylic resin plates so that a burger phantom 130, an edge pattern 132, a mesh pattern 134, a step wedge 136, a scale pattern 138, and a phantom Markers 140a and 140b for detecting the position of each pattern are arranged. The region 142 indicates a region where radiation is shielded by a lead plate.

  The burger phantom 130 is, for example, a series of acrylic resin cylinders having different heights and / or diameters arranged in a regular lattice pattern. Here, as an example, the cylinder made of acrylic resin has a height that increases sequentially in the right direction in the drawing, and a diameter that decreases in the downward direction. From such a radiation image of the burger phantom 130, the low contrast resolution and S / N ratio of the reading device can be inspected.

  The edge pattern 132 includes edge patterns 132a and 132b formed of a tungsten plate having straight edge portions. The edge pattern 132a is in a state where the edge portion is slightly inclined with respect to the main scanning direction of reading by the reading device, and the edge pattern 132b is in a state where the edge portion is slightly inclined with respect to the sub-scanning direction of reading by the reading device. Is arranged. From the radiation image of the edge pattern 132, the resolution and scanning accuracy of the reading device can be inspected.

  The mesh pattern 134 is a pattern made of a steel mesh. In the illustrated example, there are four meshes 134a to 134d, and the density of the meshes sequentially increases from the mesh 134a toward the mesh 134d. The resolution of the reading apparatus can be inspected from the radiation image of such a mesh pattern 134.

  The step wedge 136 is composed of four rectangular copper plates 136a to 136d having different thicknesses. In the step wedge 136 of the illustrated example, the copper plate becomes thicker sequentially from the copper plate 136a to 136d, and the step wedge has a radiation transmission amount. From the radiation image of such a mesh pattern 134, the linearity and dynamic range of the reader can be inspected.

  The scale pattern 138 includes a scale 138a that is a long metal rectangle extending in the main scanning direction of reading by the reading device, and a scale 138b that is a long metal rectangle extending in the sub-scanning direction. Consists of From the radiation image of such a scale pattern 138, the reduction accuracy (geometric dimension accuracy) of the reading device can be inspected.

  When the QC phantom configured as described above is used, it is necessary to reliably install the QC phantom at a predetermined position of the reception medium as described above. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail based on the embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 1, the QC phantom 1 is supported by a support unit 10 erected on the floor. The support unit 10 includes a unit main body 11 formed in a rectangular plate shape with a material having a high X-ray transmittance, and leg portions 12 that support the unit main body 11, and an X-ray source (not shown); The receiving medium that receives the transmission level of the X-rays transmitted through the QC phantom 1, for example, the storage phosphor sheet 13 that records the transmission X-ray level, is disposed oppositely with an optimum distance.

  The unit main body 11 has a concave portion 11a that matches the outer shape of the QC phantom 1 at a position corresponding to a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 13, and a QC is formed at the lower right corner of the concave portion 11a, for example. When the phantom 1 is fitted (indicated by an arrow A), the QC phantom 1 is positioned and fixed so as to correspond to a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 13. That is, for example, the lower right corner 11b in the recess 11a is the abutting reference position here. Moreover, in order to hold | maintain the said support unit 10 in the stable state, the lower end part 12a of the leg part 12 is formed in the large diameter disc shape, and has ensured as much contact area with a floor surface as possible.

  According to the QC phantom installation structure shown in the above embodiment, the QC phantom can be reliably and easily positioned with respect to the storage phosphor sheet (or imaging plate (IP) using the same) or FPD. The effect is obtained.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 2, the support unit 20 that supports the QC phantom 2 includes a unit main body 21 and leg portions 22 that support the unit main body 21, an X-ray source, and a stimulable phosphor sheet 24. Are arranged opposite each other with an optimal distance between them. The unit main body 21 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a material having a high X-ray transmittance, and two positioning pins 23 are provided at predetermined positions on the upper portion of the unit main body 21 so as to protrude in the horizontal direction. Further, the QC phantom 2 has two positioning pins 23 on the unit main body 21 individually corresponding to each other, and a round hole 2a and a long hole 2b penetrating the front and back are respectively formed.

  The QC phantom 2 corresponds to a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 24 by inserting the two positioning pins 23 individually into the round hole 2a and the long hole 2b (indicated by the arrow B). It is designed to be positioned. In addition, the lower end part 22a of the said leg part 22 is formed in disk shape, and is holding the support unit 20 stably. In addition, the round hole 2a is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the positioning pin 23 can be inserted, but the elongated hole 2b is configured so that the positioning pin 23 is inserted with a margin in one direction. This facilitates the positioning of the QC phantom 2.

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the above embodiment, the support unit and the QC phantom are provided with a pin locking mechanism, so that the QC phantom can be positioned reliably and easily regardless of the size of the QC phantom. The effect that it can do is acquired.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
The QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 3 has a cassette 31 in which a stimulable phosphor sheet 32 is accommodated as a receiving medium, and the QC phantom 1 and the stimulable phosphor are located at the center of the cassette 31. A recess 31a is formed in which the sheet 32 can be stacked and accommodated in the thickness direction. Then, the stimulable phosphor sheet 32 and the QC phantom 1 are sequentially overlapped and fitted in such a recess 31a (indicated by an arrow C), so that the QC phantom 1, the stimulable phosphor sheet 32, and Is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position (here, the lower right corner 31b in the recess 31a).

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the above-described embodiment, the concave portion matching the size of the QC phantom is provided in the cassette, so that the QC phantom can be reliably and easily positioned with respect to the stimulable phosphor sheet. The effect of being able to be obtained.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the cassette 41 is formed with a recess 41 a in which the outer shapes of the QC phantom 3 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 are aligned and can be accommodated in the thickness direction. Yes. On one side of the stimulable phosphor sheet 42, two positioning pins 43 protrude in the vertical direction, and the two positioning pins 43 individually correspond to the QC phantom 3 so that the front and back sides are aligned. A penetrating round hole 3a and a long hole 3b are respectively formed.

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the present embodiment, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 and the QC phantom 3 are sequentially accommodated in the recess 41a, first, the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 is placed in the recess 41a. Next, the round hole 3a and the long hole 3b of the QC phantom 3 are individually inserted into the two positioning pins 43 on the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 (indicated by the arrow D). The QC phantom 3 can be reliably positioned at a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 42.

  In the above-described embodiment, the positioning hole through which the positioning pin 43 protruding from the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 penetrates is formed only in the QC phantom 3. However, the positioning hole 43 protrudes from the cassette 41. A positioning hole through which the positioning pin passes may be provided in both the stimulable phosphor sheet 42 and the QC phantom 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the back side showing a fifth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in FIG. 5, a concave portion 4 a that matches the outer shape of the stimulable phosphor sheet 51 is formed in the center portion on the back side of the QC phantom 4, and the abutting reference position in the concave portion 4 a, For example, the stimulable phosphor sheet 51 is fitted to the lower right corner 4 b (indicated by an arrow E) so that the QC phantom 4 is positioned at a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor 51. It has become.

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the above-described embodiment, the QC phantom itself has a cassette function by providing the recess for fitting the phosphor sheet on the back side of the QC phantom. Therefore, an effect is obtained that the relative position between the QC phantom and the stimulable phosphor sheet can be determined with higher accuracy.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 6, an abutting member 61 having an L-shaped cross section is provided at one corner of the QC phantom 5 formed in a rectangular shape so as to protrude to the back surface side. When the corner of the stimulable phosphor sheet 62 comes into contact with the inside of the corner of the abutting member 61 (indicated by the arrow F), the two directions of the stimulable phosphor sheet 62 are restricted, and the QC phantom is controlled. 5 is positioned at a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 62.

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the above embodiment, the QC phantom is attached to the stimulable phosphor sheet by providing an abutting member that engages the phosphor sheet at the back side corner of the QC phantom. Thus, it is possible to obtain an effect that the positioning can be performed reliably and easily.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a seventh embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
The QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 7 has first and second jigs 71 and 72 having a high X-ray transmittance, and a stimulable phosphor sheet at the center of the first jig 71. A first recess 71 a that can accommodate a cassette 73 (not shown) is formed, and a QC phantom 6 that is smaller in size than the cassette 73 is formed at the center of the second jig 72. A second recess 72a that can be accommodated is formed. A cassette 73 is fitted into the first recess 71a, and a QC phantom 6 is fitted into the second recess 72a.

  In addition, two positioning pins 74 are provided on one side portion of the first jig 71 so as to protrude in the vertical direction, and the two positioning pins 74 correspond to one of the corresponding second jigs 72. A round hole 72b and a long hole 72c penetrating the front and back are formed in the side portion at intervals in the vertical direction.

  It should be noted that the cassette 73 fitted in the first recess 71a and the QC phantom 6 fitted in the second recess 72a are both not-shown butting reference positions (for example, not shown) Are set so as to abut against the lower right corners of the recesses 71a and 72a.

  According to the QC phantom installation structure shown in this embodiment, the second jig 72 in which the QC phantom 6 is fitted to the two positioning pins 74 of the first jig 71 in which the cassette 73 is fitted. By providing a pin locking mechanism for individually inserting the circular hole 72b and the elongated hole 72c, the QC phantom 6 can be stored in the stimulable phosphor even when the QC phantom 6 is smaller than the cassette or the stimulable phosphor sheet. The effect that it can position to the predetermined position of a sheet | seat is acquired.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an eighth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
In the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in FIG. 8, an abutting member 82 having an L-shaped cross section is provided at one corner of a rectangular cassette 81. When the corners abut, the two directions of the QC phantom 7 are restricted, and the QC phantom 7 is positioned at a predetermined position of the cassette 81.

  According to the QC phantom installation structure shown in the above embodiment, the QC phantom having a size smaller than the phosphor sheet is brought into contact with the abutting member provided at one corner of the cassette containing the phosphor sheet. As a result, an effect is obtained that the QC phantom can be reliably and easily positioned with respect to the phosphor sheet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a ninth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention.
The QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 9 includes first and second jigs 91 and 92 having high X-ray transmittance. A first recess 91 a that matches the outer shape of the stimulable phosphor sheet 94 is formed in the central portion of the first jig 91, and the size is accumulated in the central portion of the second jig 92. A second recess 92 a is formed in which the outer shape of the QC phantom 8 larger than the fluorescent phosphor sheet 94 is aligned.

  A stimulable phosphor sheet 94 is fitted into the first recess 91a, and a QC phantom 8 is fitted into the second recess 92a. Two positioning pins 93 project from one side of the first jig 91 with a space in the vertical direction, and the one side of the second jig 92 to which the two positioning pins 93 correspond. Are respectively formed with a round hole 92b and a long hole 92c penetrating the front and back.

  According to the installation structure of the QC phantom shown in the present embodiment, the two positioning pins 93 of the first jig 91 on which the stimulable phosphor sheet 92 is fitted are connected to the second QC phantom 8 on which the QC phantom 8 is fitted. Even if the QC phantom is larger than the cassette or the storage phosphor sheet, it is possible to store the QC phantom and the storage characteristics even when the QC phantom is larger than the cassette or storage phosphor sheet. The effect that the relative position with respect to a fluorescent substance sheet can be determined reliably and easily is acquired.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the tenth embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention as seen from the back.
In the QC phantom installation structure shown in FIG. 10, an abutting member 101 having an L-shaped cross section is provided at one corner of the rectangular QC phantom 9, and the abutting member 101 has an accumulation property smaller than that of the QC phantom 9. The corners of the phosphor sheet 102 are brought into contact with each other, and the QC phantom 9 is positioned at a predetermined position of the stimulable phosphor sheet 102.

  According to the QC phantom installation structure shown in the above embodiment, the phosphor sheet 102 having a size smaller than the QC phantom 9 is brought into contact with the abutting member 101 provided at one corner of the QC phantom 9. As a result, an effect that the QC phantom and the phosphor sheet can be positioned reliably and easily is obtained.

  Thus, in the installation structure of the QC phantom of the present embodiment, the QC phantoms 1 to 9 are surely and easily placed at predetermined positions of the stimulable phosphor sheets 13, 24, 32, 42, 51, 62, 92, 102. Therefore, operations such as correction of the installation position of the QC phantoms 1 to 9, correction of the display position of the X-ray image, and change of the evaluation standard are not required, and the inspection speed can be increased. In addition, the reference position and the inspection target area (physical quantity calculation area) in the images of the QC phantoms 1 to 9 are accurately detected, and the automatic inspection can be reliably performed. Moreover, according to this installation structure, regardless of the size of the QC phantoms 1 to 9 and the stimulable phosphor sheets 13, 24, 32, 42, 51, 62, 92, 102, the QC phantoms 1 to 9 The body sheets 13, 24, 32, 42, 51, 62, 92 and 102 can be positioned.

  The embodiment of the QC phantom installation structure according to the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the installation structure described in the above embodiment, and does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Appropriate changes or improvements can be made within the range.

  For example, in the installation structure shown in FIG. 4, the storage phosphor sheet 42 is provided with a positioning pin 43 and the QC phantom 3 is formed with a round hole 3 a and a long hole 3 b. A round hole and a long hole may be formed in 42, and a positioning pin may be protruded from the QC phantom 3.

  Further, in the installation structure shown in FIG. 7, a positioning pin 74 protrudes from the first jig 71, and a round hole 72 b and a long hole 72 c are drilled in the second jig 72. Instead of this, a round hole and a long hole may be formed in the first jig 71 and a positioning pin may be provided on the second jig 72.

  In addition to the storage phosphor sheets 13, 24, 32, 42, 51, 62, 92, and 102, and the cassettes 31, 41, 73, and 81 in which the reception medium is stored, the transmission X-ray level is digital information. It may be an FPD to be converted into a cassette or a cassette containing the FPD.

    According to the QC phantom installation structure of the present invention, the QC phantom can be reliably and simply installed at a predetermined position of the reception medium by the positioning means. As a result, the quality inspection of the X-ray imaging system can be simplified, and a large practical effect that automation of work can be promoted can be obtained.

  The above embodiment shows an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and improvements are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, it may be.

1 to 9 QC phantoms 2a, 3a, 72b, 92b (positioning) round holes 2b, 3b, 72c, 92c (positioning) long holes 4a, 11a, 31a, 41a (positioning) recesses 4b, 11b, 31b, 72d, 92d ( Abutting reference) Corner portion 10, 20 Support unit 11, 21 Unit main body 13, 24, 32, 42, 51, 62, 94, 102 Storage phosphor sheet 23, 43, 74, 93 Positioning pin 31, 41, 73 , 81 Cassette 61, 82, 101 Abutting member 71, 91 First jig 71a, 91a First recess 72, 92 Second jig 72a, 92a Second recess

Claims (7)

An installation system for installing a QC phantom for inspecting the quality of the X-ray imaging system in the X-ray imaging system includes a predetermined position at which the QC phantom and a reception medium that receives a transmission X-ray level transmitted through the QC phantom are located at predetermined positions. The QC phantom is provided with positioning means for positioning in two directions so as to correspond to
The reception medium is a storage phosphor sheet that records the transmitted X-ray level or a flat panel device that converts the transmitted X-ray level into an electrical signal,
The QC phantom installation structure, wherein the positioning means includes an abutting member that positions the QC phantom at a position corresponding to the reception medium. The positioning means is configured to position the QC phantom on the reception medium by abutting the reception medium or a cassette containing the reception medium and regulating at least two directions of the reception medium or the cassette. The QC phantom installation structure according to claim 1 , further comprising an abutting member provided on the QC phantom. The positioning means contacts the QC phantom and regulates at least two directions of the QC phantom, thereby positioning the QC phantom on the reception medium or a cassette in which the reception medium is accommodated. The QC phantom installation structure according to claim 1 , further comprising an abutting member provided. An installation system for installing a QC phantom for inspecting the quality of the X-ray imaging system in the X-ray imaging system includes a predetermined position at which the QC phantom and a reception medium that receives a transmission X-ray level transmitted through the QC phantom are located at predetermined positions. The QC phantom is provided with positioning means for positioning in two directions so as to correspond to
The reception medium is a storage phosphor sheet that records the transmitted X-ray level or a flat panel device that converts the transmitted X-ray level into an electrical signal,
The QC phantom installation structure, wherein the positioning means includes a recess for positioning the QC phantom at a position corresponding to the reception medium. Before Symbol positioning means, the cassette in which the receiving medium is accommodated, according to claim 4, wherein the QC phantom characterized in that it comprises a recess formed to be fitted in a position corresponding to the receiving medium QC phantom installation structure. 5. The QC phantom installation structure according to claim 4 , wherein the positioning unit includes a recess formed in the QC phantom corresponding to the reception medium so that the reception medium can be fitted thereto. 5. The QC phantom according to claim 4 , wherein the positioning unit includes a support unit that has a recess in which the QC phantom can be fitted at a position corresponding to the reception medium, and supports the QC phantom. Installation structure.

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