JPH03135545A - Radiograph information recording and reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily confirm the number of accumulating phosphor sheets capable of consecutively photographing by detecting the accumulating phosphor sheet at a prescribed position in the device, counting and displaying the number of the sheets. CONSTITUTION:The device is provided with a photographing standby part 18 for housing one or more accumulating phosphor sheets IP, disposed between an erasing part 16 and an image recording part 12, accumulating phosphor sheet detecting means 52, 54 and 56 disposed at the prescribed position in the photographing standby part 18 and an image recording detecting means 52 for detecting that image recording is performed in the image recording part 12 and outputting an image recording signal. And also, the device is provided with a counting means 20 for counting the number of the phosphor sheets IP which are capable of recording the image in the photographing standby part 18 and the image recording part 12 based on the sheet detecting signal from the phosphor sheet detecting means 52, 54 and 56 and the image recording signal, and also the device is provided with a display means 64 for displaying the counted number of the phosphor sheets IP. Thus, the number of the accumulating phosphor sheets which are capable of consecutively photographing can be easily confirmed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a radiation image information recording/reading device that detects and displays the number of stimulable phosphor sheets in an imaging standby position and an imaging section.

[Prior Art] When a certain type of phosphor is irradiated with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, T-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.

11 For example, a mobile station such as an X-ray vehicle 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 medical examinations and take X-rays. In some cases, it is inconvenient to load a large number of stimulable phosphor sheets onto a vehicle, 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) that is built into one device and the stimulable phosphor sheet is circulated between the various parts and used repeatedly. (Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-1922
No. 40, JP-A-60-176032, etc.).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In this type of device, information such as whether or not the device is currently in a state where imaging is possible, or at what time interval it is possible to perform the next imaging is desired. For example, in this apparatus, if the waiting time until the next photographing becomes possible is unclear, there is a risk of imposing an excessive burden on the subject.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image information recording/reading device that can confirm the number of stimulable phosphor sheets that can be continuously imaged.

[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 located in the circulation path and accumulating and recording radiation image information on the sheet by irradiating the sheet with radiation having image information; An image reading unit that has an excitation light source that emits excitation light to scan a sheet on which information is stored and recorded, and a photoelectric reading unit that reads stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet scanned by the excitation light and obtains an image signal. and an erasing section located in the circulation path and configured to emit residual radiation energy on the sheet prior to recording an image on the sheet after the image has been read by the image reading section. A radiographic image information recording/reading device includes: an imaging standby section provided between an erasing section and an image recording section and storing one or more sheets of stimulable phosphor; and a stimulable phosphor disposed at a predetermined part of the imaging standby section. Detecting that image recording has been performed in the phosphor sheet detection means and the image recording section,
an image recording detection means for outputting an image recording signal; and a stimulable phosphor capable of image recording located at the photographing standby position and the image recording section based on the sheet detection signal from the stimulable phosphor sheet detection means and the image recording signal. The method is characterized by comprising: a counting means for counting the number of sheets; and a display means for displaying the number of stimulable phosphor sheets counted by the counting means.

[Function] In the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus of the present invention, the stimulable phosphor sheet is detected by the stimulable phosphor sheet detection means disposed in the imaging standby section, and the number of the stimulable phosphor sheets is counted by the counting means. The number of sheets is counted and displayed on the display means. As a result, the photographer can confirm the number of stimulable phosphor sheets that are present before reaching the imaging standby position.

[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.

In FIG. 1, a radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10 basically includes an image recording section 12, an image reading section 14, an erasing section 16, an imaging standby section 18, and a control section 20. The image recording section 12, the image reading section 14, the erasing section 16, and the photographing standby section 18 are connected by a transport system that transports the stimulable phosphor sheet IP.

The image recording unit 12 has an imaging platform 21 that protrudes from the front side of the radiation image information recording/reading device 10 and is movable in the vertical direction along the front side. Inside the imaging platform 21, a link mechanism 26 is disposed between a front plate 22 and a rear plate 24, which is capable of displacing the stimulable phosphor IP in the directions of arrows A and B.

The image reading section 14 is connected to the image recording section 12 via transport systems 28'J6 and 3o. This image reading unit 14 uses a stimulable phosphor sheet IP supplied via a conveyance system 30.
two sets of nip rollers 32.34 that sandwich the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, an optical unit 36 that irradiates a laser beam as a scanning light to the stimulable phosphor sheet IP between the nip rollers 32.34, and It includes a condensing unit 38 that reads the recorded image as stimulated luminescence light produced 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 image recorded on the stimulable phosphor IP.

A photographing standby section 18 is arranged after the erasing section 16. The photographing standby 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 . Incidentally, in the first to third standby zones 46, 48 and 500, there are sensors 52, 54 and 56 as a stimulable phosphor sheet detection means for detecting stimulable phosphor sheets (IP).
will be placed.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10, and a console 60 is connected to the outside of the apparatus main body. The console 60 includes a human power section 62 that sets conditions for operating the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10, and a human power section 62 that sets the operating conditions of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10, including the number of images that can be taken using stimulable phosphor (IP). It includes a display section 64 for displaying information, and a power switch 65 for turning on the power. Note that the console 60 may be located outside the device 10 and can be operated remotely.

Here, in the circuit configuration constituting the control section 20, the stimulable phosphor sheet (I) in the radiation image information recording/reading device 10 is
The mechanism for detecting the number of images that can be taken by P is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, C P constituting the control section 20
Image recording section 12 is connected to U66 via interface 68.
and each sensor 52, 54 arranged in the photographing standby section 18.
and 56 are connected. Further, a display section 64 of the console 60 is connected to the CPU 66 via an interface 70 .

Further, when radiation is emitted from a radiation source (not shown), an image recording signal indicating that image recording has been performed is input to the CPU 66.

The radiation image information recording/reading apparatus according to this embodiment is basically constructed as described above, and its operation and effects will be explained next.

First, the operation of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10 will be schematically explained. In this case, four stimulable phosphor sheets IP are loaded in the radiation image information recording/reading device 10, and each stimulable phosphor sheet IP is attached to the image recording section 12.
The photographing position in the photographing standby section 18, the first standby zone 46, the second standby zone 48, and the third standby zone 5
0, respectively.

Therefore, after a subject is set in front of the photographing table 21 in the image recording unit 12, X-rays are irradiated from an X-ray source (not shown). 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 stimulable phosphor sheet IP on which the image has been recorded is transported in the direction of the arrow under the action of the link mechanism 26, and then transported to the image reading section 14 via the transport systems 28 and 30.

In the image reading section 14, the optical unit 36 irradiates a laser beam onto the stimulable phosphor sheet IP which is being nipped and conveyed by the nip rollers 32 and 34, and the resulting stimulated luminescence light is collected by the focusing unit 38. 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 imaging standby section 18, and is put on standby for the next imaging.

On the other hand, the other stimulable phosphor sheets IP 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 provided for the next photographing. be given In this case, in the image recording section 12, the front plate 2
The link mechanism 26 is displaced in the direction of arrow B with the stimulable phosphor sheet IP sandwiched between the stimulable phosphor sheet IP and the rear plate 24, and the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is set at the photographing position.

Here, information about how many sheets of stimulable phosphor IP can be continuously supplied to the imaging position is displayed in real time on the display section 64 of the console 60. Therefore, the operation of the control section 20 for this display will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the console 6 of the radiation image information recording/reading device 10
When the power switch 65 provided at 0 is turned on, one stimulable phosphor sheet (IP
is transported to the photographing position of the image recording unit 12, and the remaining three stimulable phosphor sheets (IP) are transported so as to be arranged in the first standby zone 46, the second standby zone 48, and the third standby zone 50. (STPI).

In this state, all four stimulable phosphor sheets IP can be photographed, so the CPU 66 sets 4 as the count of the number of stimulable phosphor sheets IP that can record images.
This count value is transferred to the display unit 64 via the interface 70, and the number of stimulable phosphor sheets IP that can be photographed is displayed on the display unit 64 (SrF2).

Next, when the CPU 66 detects an image recording signal indicating that radiation has been emitted from the aforementioned radiation source (not shown) and imaging has been performed (SrF2), it counts the number of stimulable phosphor sheets (IP) that can be imaged. Subtract 1 from the number (SrF4)
, this count value is displayed on the display unit 64 in the same manner as described above (SrF2).

Here, the first standby zone to the third standby zone 46.48
．． When the stimulable phosphor sheet IP that was waiting at 50 is sequentially conveyed to the photographing device of the image recording section 12 and photographed,
1 will be subtracted from the above count value in order.

Next, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP on which the image has been recorded is conveyed to the erasing section 16 via the image reading section 14, and after reading and erasing are completed, it is conveyed to the first standby conveyance zone 46. The sensor 52 detects that the CP
When U66 detects this (SrF6), it adds 1 to the count of the number of images of the stimulable phosphor sheet (IP) that can be photographed.
TP7), this count value is displayed on the display section 64 in the same way as described above.
(SrF8).

In this way, the number of stimulable phosphor sheets IP that can be photographed is displayed in real time on the display section 64 of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus 10.

Therefore, the photographer can easily confirm the number of stimulable phosphor sheets IP that can be photographed continuously from the number data displayed on the display section 64.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, by detecting the presence or absence of a stimulable phosphor sheet at a predetermined position within a radiographic image information recording/reading device, continuous imaging of M-stimulable phosphor is achieved. You can easily check the number of body sheets.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main part of the control section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the CPU shown in FIG. 2. be. 10...Radiation image information recording/reading device 12...Image recording section 14...Image reading section 16...Erasing section
18... Shooting standby section 20... Control section 5
2.54.56...Sensor 60...Console
IP...Stormable phosphor sheet FfG, 2 FIG, 3 Procedural amendment (voluntary) Indication of November 27, 1999 incident Patent application No. 274368, 2001 2゜Name of invention Radiographic image information record reading Device 3: Relationship with the amended person 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 radiation image information recording/reading device is provided with an erasing section that releases residual radiation energy on the sheet prior to recording an image on the sheet after the image has been erased. an imaging standby section for storing one or more sheets of stimulable phosphor; a stimulable phosphor sheet detection means disposed at a predetermined portion of the imaging standby section; and an image recording section. Detected,
an image recording detecting means for outputting an image recording signal; and a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of image recording located at the photographing standby position and the image recording section based on the sheet detection signal from the stimulable phosphor sheet detecting means and the image recording signal. A radiation image information recording/reading apparatus comprising: a counting means for counting the number of stimulable phosphor sheets; and a display means for displaying the number of stimulable phosphor sheets counted by the counting means.