JPH03135543A - Radiograph information recording and reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform an action test for a device without emitting radiant rays from a radiation source by outputting a pseudo recording signal in the case of detecting that an accumulating phosphor sheet is capable of recording, and outputting a conveyance commanding signal based on the pseudo recording signal. CONSTITUTION:The device is provided with a detecting means 27 for detecting that the accumulating phosphor sheet IP is capable of recording in an image recording part 12 and outputting a recording capable signal, and a pseudo recording instructing means for outputting the pseudo recording signal based on the recording capable signal. And also the device is provided with the conveyance commanding means for outputting the conveyance commanding signal for conveying at least the accumulating phosphor sheet IP in the image recording part 12 to an image reading part 14 based on the pseudo recording signal. Thus, the accumulating phosphor sheet can be conveyed from the image recording part, and the action test can be performed without actually emitting the radiant rays from the radiation source.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is a radiation control system that enables a device to be operated in a simulated imaging state by emitting radiation in a simulated manner, thereby making it possible to perform various operational tests. The present invention relates to an image information recording/reading device.

[Prior Art] When a certain type of phosphor is irradiated with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.), part of the energy of this radiation is accumulated in the phosphor. Then, when the phosphor is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, the phosphor exhibits stimulated luminescence depending on the accumulated energy. A phosphor exhibiting such properties is called a stimulable phosphor (stimulable phosphor).

Using this stimulable phosphor, radiation image information of a subject such as a human body is stored and recorded on a sheet of stimulable phosphor, and this is scanned with excitation light to cause stimulated luminescence. A radiation image information recording and reproducing system has been proposed that obtains an image signal by photoelectrically reading it and processes this image signal to obtain a radiation image of a subject that is suitable for diagnosis (for example,
JP 55-12429, JP 56-11395, JP 55-163472, JP 56-104645, JP 5
5-116340 etc.). In this system, the final image may be reproduced as a hard copy or as a visible image on a CRT.

In any case, in such a radiation image information recording and reproducing system, the stimulable phosphor sheet does not ultimately record image information, but temporarily stores image information in order to provide an image to the final recording medium as described above. Because it carries
This stimulable phosphor sheet may be used repeatedly, and such repeated use is extremely economical.

In addition, for example, a mobile station such as an X-ray imaging unit may be equipped with a radiation image information recording/reading device that uses a stimulable phosphor sheet, and the mobile station may be used to travel to various locations for group examinations and take X-rays. In some cases, it is inconvenient to stack multiple stimulable phosphor sheets, and there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be loaded on a moving vehicle. Therefore, if a stimulable phosphor sheet is made to be reusable and mounted on a moving vehicle, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is reused, it is possible to take radiation images of a large number of objects using the moving vehicle. Therefore, it is extremely useful in practice. Furthermore, if continuous imaging is performed through this cyclical reuse, the imaging speed can be increased in mass medical examinations, which has an extremely large practical effect.

In addition, in order to reuse the stimulable phosphor sheet in this way, the radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet after the stimulated luminescence light has been read can be absorbed by, for example,
392 and No. 56-12599, the residual radiation image may be erased, and the stimulable phosphor sheet may be used again for recording radiation images.

Based on the above-mentioned viewpoints, the present applicant has proposed a circulating conveyance means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of accumulating and recording a radiographic image along a predetermined circulation path, and a circulation means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of accumulating and recording a radiation image, By irradiating radiation with
an image recording section that accumulates and records radiographic image information on the sheet; an excitation light source located in the circulation path that emits excitation light that scans the sheet on which radiographic image information is accumulated and recorded in the image recording section; an image reading section having a photoelectric reading means for reading stimulated luminescence light emitted from a sheet scanned by light to obtain an image signal; an erasing section that releases residual radiation energy on this sheet prior to image recording on a subsequent sheet;
We have previously proposed a radiation image information recording/reading device (hereinafter referred to as a built-in type device) in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is repeatedly used by circulating it between the various parts. (Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-1922
No. 40, JP-A-60-176032, etc.).

By the way, with this type of device, it is necessary to perform an operation test at the time of installation or when performing a life test. Therefore,
In conventional devices, tests were performed by actually emitting radiation from a radiation source and repeating the imaging operation.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In this case, in the radiographic imaging apparatus, if radiation is emitted from the radiation source for operation testing, an actual radiation source is required, making it difficult to test the apparatus alone. In addition, problems such as radiation exposure may occur.

Furthermore, there must always be someone who performs shooting operations to perform tests. In addition, there arises the disadvantage that the lifetime of the radiation source is degraded.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image capturing apparatus that can perform an operation test of the apparatus without emitting radiation from a radiation source.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a circulation conveyance means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of storing and recording radiographic images along a predetermined circulation path; an image recording section in the circulation path that accumulates and records radiation image information on the sheet by irradiating the sheet with radiation having image information; An image reading device comprising an excitation light source that emits excitation light to scan a sheet on which image information is stored and recorded, and a photoelectric reading means that reads stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet scanned by the excitation light to obtain an image signal. Department and
an erasing section located in the circulation path and configured to emit residual radiation energy on the sheet before an image is recorded on the sheet after the image has been read by wiping the image reading section. A radiation image information recording/reading device includes: a detection means for detecting that a stimulable phosphor sheet becomes recordable in an image recording section and outputting a recordable signal; and a detecting means for outputting a recordable signal based on the recordable signal. A pseudo recording instruction means; and a transport command means for outputting a transport command signal for transporting at least the stimulable phosphor sheet in the image recording section to the image reading section based on the pseudo recording signal. shall be.

[Function] In the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus of the present invention, when the detection means detects that the stimulable phosphor sheet becomes recordable in the image recording section, the pseudo recording instruction means outputs a pseudo recording signal. Based on this pseudo recording signal, the transport command means outputs a transport command signal, thereby making it possible to transport the stimulable phosphor sheet from at least the image recording section without driving the radiation source.

[Embodiments] Next, preferred embodiments of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of a radiographic imaging system 10 having a radiographic image information recording/reading device according to this embodiment. In this case, the radiation imaging system 10 includes a radiation source 11 that emits X-rays, and a radiation source 11 that emits X-rays.
an imaging switch 13 that outputs an imaging signal based on an operator's imaging command; and a radiographic image information recording/reading device 15.
It consists of

Note that the radiation source 11 and the radiation image information recording/reading device 15
A subject (not shown) is disposed between the two, and X-rays transmitted through the subject form a desired radiographic image on an image recording sheet, which will be described later.

In FIG. 2, the radiation image information recording/reading device 15 basically includes an image recording section 12, an image reading section 14, an erasing section 16, a special imaging equipment section 18, and a control section 20. The image recording section 12, the image reading section 14, the erasing section 16, and the photographing special section 18 are connected by a conveyance system that conveys a stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) that is an image recording sheet.

The image recording unit 12 is a photographing stand 2 that protrudes from the front of the image photographing system 10 and is movable in the vertical direction along the front surface.
1. Inside the imaging platform 21, a link mechanism 26 is provided, which holds a stimulable phosphor sheet IP between a front plate 22 and a rear plate 24, and is movable in the direction of arrow ASB under the driving action of a motor 29.
will be decorated. Further, at the lower ends of the front plate 22 and the rear plate 24, the link mechanism 26 holds and releases the stimulable phosphor sheet 1-IP at the point where the displacement is completed in the six directions of the arrows, and the link mechanism 26 is attached to the arrow B A shutter mechanism is provided which retains the stimulable phosphor IP during displacement in the direction. The image recording unit 12 is provided with a sensor 27 as a detection means that outputs a photographing enable signal when the stimulable phosphor IP is in a photographable state.

The image reading section 14 is connected to the image recording section 12 via transport systems 28 and 30. This image reading unit 14 is connected to two sets of nip rollers 32.34 which sandwich the stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) supplied via the conveyance system 30, and to the stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) between the nip rollers 32.34. an optical unit 36 that irradiates a laser beam as scanning light;
and a condensing unit 38 that reads the image recorded on the stimulable phosphor IP as stimulated luminescence light by a laser beam.

An erasing section 16 is arranged after the image reading section 14 . The erasing unit 16 has an erasing light source 40 such as a halogen lamp,
The erasing light from the erasing light source 40 erases the radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet IP.

A photographing special equipment section 18 is arranged after the erasing section 16. The photographic special equipment section 18 consists of a conveyance path bent by rollers 42 and 44, and this conveyance path includes a first standby zone 46,
It has a second standby zone 48 and a third standby zone 50,
It is connected to the image recording section 12 via a conveyance system 51 .

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the radiation image information recording/reading device 15, and has a setting display unit 60 on the outer surface of its side plate.
will be placed. The setting display section 60 includes a human power section 62 that issues instructions for operating the radiation image information recording/reading device 15.
and a display section 64 that displays the operating status of the radiation image information recording/reading device 15. In this case, the human power section 62 functions as a pseudo-imaging instruction means that outputs a pseudo-imaging signal when manually issuing the pseudo-imaging command in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control section 20 includes a CPU 66, which is connected to a sensor 27 and a motor 2 disposed in the image recording section 12 via an interface 68.
9 is connected. Further, an input section 62 and a display section 64 of a setting display section 60 are connected to the CPU 66 via an interface 70 . Note that the CPU 66 functions as a pseudo photographing instruction means and an export instruction means.

The radiographic imaging system according to this embodiment is basically configured as described above, and its operation and effects will be explained next.

First, the operation of the radiographic imaging system 10 during imaging will be schematically explained.

After setting a subject in front of the imaging table 21 in the radiation image information recording/reading device 15, the imaging switch 13 is operated and the radiation source 11 emits X-rays.

The X-rays pass through the subject, and a radiographic image is recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP of the image recording section 12.

The phosphor sheet (P) with the image recorded thereon is transferred in the six directions of arrows under the action of the link mechanism 26 based on the photographing signal from the photographing switch 13, and then the shutter mechanism moves the stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) As a result, the stimulable phosphor sheet NIP falls under its own weight and is transported to the image reading section 14 via the transport systems 28 and 30.

In the image reading unit 14, a laser beam is irradiated from the optical unit 36 to the stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) which is nipped and conveyed by the nip rollers 32 and 34, and the stimulated luminescence light obtained thereby is collected by the focusing unit 38. and converted into an electrical signal.

On the other hand, after the stimulable phosphor sheet IP on which the image has been read is conveyed to the erasing section 16, the image is erased by the erasing light source 40.

The stimulable phosphor sheet IP from which the image has been erased is conveyed to the first standby zone 46 of the photographic special equipment section 18 and placed in a standby state for the next photographing.

On the other hand, the other stimulable phosphor sheets (IPs) disposed in the first to third standby zones 46, 48 and 50 are sequentially conveyed to the image recording section 12 via the conveyance system 51, and are stored for the next photographing. Offered. In this case, in the image recording section 12, the front plate 22
is displaced in the direction of arrow B under the action of the link mechanism 26 with the stimulable phosphor sheet IP sandwiched between the stimulable phosphor sheet IP and the rear plate 24,
The M-laminated phosphor sheet IP is set at the photographing position.

Next, an operation test of the radiation image information recording/reading device 15 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

Therefore, the operator selects the test mode from the input section 62 in the setting display section 60 and issues a command to start the test operation.

In this case, when the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is set to the photographing position by the link mechanism 26, the sensor 27 supplies a photographing enable signal to the CP 066 via the interface 68 (Sl).

Next, when the worker inputs a pseudo photographing command from the input section 62, the human power section 62 sends a command to C via the interface 70.
A pseudo photographing signal is supplied to the PU 66 (S2). Therefore, the CPU 66 outputs an unloading command signal to the motor 29 via the interface 68 (S3). The motor 29 operates the link mechanism 26 to displace the stimulable phosphor IP in the six directions of arrows. As a result, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is carried out to the image reading section 14 side.

In this way, in this embodiment, the radiation source 11 does not emit X-rays (the stimulable phosphor sheets IP are sequentially conveyed,
An operation test of the radiation image information recording/reading device 15 can be performed.

Note that it is also possible to perform this operation test unattended without receiving a pseudo photographing command from an operator.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation test in an unattended state.

In this case, when the stimulable phosphor IP reaches the imaging position, the sensor 27 detects its state and sends an imaging enable signal to C.
Supplies to PU66 (SIO).

Therefore, upon receiving the photographing enable signal, the CPU 66 outputs a pseudo photographing signal and starts a timer (
Sll). Note that this timer may be a timer configured in software, or may be a timer configured in hardware such as a timer circuit. And CPU6
6 is when the predetermined time set in the timer has elapsed (
S12), outputting an unloading command signal to the motor 29;
As a result, the link mechanism 26 is displaced, and the stimulable phosphor IP is carried out (513).

In this embodiment, by setting the time set in the timer to the time required for photographing, it is possible to perform an operation test in a state that approximates the state during actual photographing. Note that if the predetermined time set by the timer is set to O, for example, the stimulable phosphor IP can be continuously carried out from the imaging position, and thereby,
For example, it is also possible to determine the service life of the radiation image information recording/reading device 15.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, since the stimulable phosphor sheet is configured to be able to be carried out from the image recording section based on the pseudo imaging signal, radiation is actually emitted from the radiation source. This is not necessary, and the operation of the radiation image information recording/reading device can be tested under the best environment.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the radiation image information recording/reading device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radiation image information recording/reading device in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is the control unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation test of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation test in another embodiment. 10...Radiation image capturing system 11...Radiation source 12...Image recording unit 14...Image reading unit 15...Radiation image information recording/reading device 16...
・Erasing section 18...Special camera section 20
...Control unit 27...Sensor 29
...Motor 66...CPU IP...Stormative phosphor sheet 60...Setting display section FIG, 3 7 Procedure correction (voluntary) November 27, 1999 1゜Indication of incident 1999 Patent Application No. 274366 2゜Name of the invention Radiographic image information recording/reading device 3゜Relationship with the person making the amendment case

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) a circulation conveyance means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of accumulating and recording radiation images along a predetermined circulation path;
an image recording section in the circulation path that accumulates and records radiation image information on the sheet by irradiating the sheet with radiation having image information; an excitation light source that emits excitation light that scans a sheet on which image information is accumulated and recorded;
an image reading section having a photoelectric reading means for reading stimulated luminescence light emitted from a sheet scanned by the excitation light to obtain an image signal; In a radiation image information recording/reading device, the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided with an erasing section that releases residual radiation energy on the sheet before an image is recorded on the sheet, wherein the stimulable phosphor sheet is in the image recording section. detection means for detecting that recording is enabled and outputting a recordable signal; pseudo recording instruction means for outputting a pseudo recording signal based on the recordable signal; based on the pseudo recording signal, at least the image recording section 1. A radiation image information recording/reading device comprising: transport command means for outputting a transport command signal for transporting a certain stimulable phosphor sheet to an image reading section.