JPH0546934B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention accumulates and records radiation image information of a subject on a stimulable phosphor sheet, and then irradiates this with excitation light to produce stimulated luminescence according to the accumulated and recorded image information. The present invention relates to a radiation image information recording/reading device capable of detecting light to read image information and convert it into an electrical signal, and more specifically, it is configured to circulate and reuse a stimulable phosphor sheet within the device, and If the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet is damaged, the stimulable phosphor sheet is not subjected to image information recording, reading and erasing steps,
The present invention relates to a radiation image information recording/reading apparatus configured to simply circulate the transport system until the operator replaces the damaged stimulable phosphor sheet.

Certain types of fluorophores are exposed to radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays,
When irradiated with γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc., part of the energy of this radiation is accumulated in the phosphor, and then when the phosphor is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, the accumulated energy is Accordingly, the phosphor exhibits stimulated luminescence. A phosphor exhibiting such properties is called a storage phosphor.

Using this type of stimulable phosphor, radiographic image information of subjects such as the human body can be stored on a sheet made of a stimulable phosphor (hereinafter referred to as a ``stimulable phosphor sheet'' or simply a ``sheet''). This stimulated luminescence is produced by irradiating it with excitation light, and this stimulated luminescence light is read photoelectrically to obtain image information, and this image signal is electrically processed to provide a method suitable for diagnosis. A radiation image information recording and reproducing method for obtaining a radiation image of a subject has been proposed. (For example, JP-A-55-12429,
No. 55-116340, No. 55-163472, No. 56-11395
No. 56-104645, etc.). In this way, the final image obtained can be reproduced as a hard copy, reproduced on a display device such as a CRT, or recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape for long-term storage. . In any case,
In the radiation image information recording and reproducing method, the stimulable phosphor sheet is not used to ultimately record image information, but is used to provide an image to a different recording medium as described above. , it only temporarily records image information, and for this purpose, the stimulable phosphor sheet may be used repeatedly, and it is extremely economical and convenient to use it repeatedly in this way. . Furthermore, for example, a mobile station such as an X-ray imaging 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 examinations and take X-ray images. In such cases, it is inconvenient to load a large number of stimulable phosphor sheets into a car.
Furthermore, there is a limit to the number of seats that can be loaded onto a moving vehicle. Therefore, a stimulable phosphor sheet is loaded onto a moving vehicle so that it can be used repeatedly, and radiation image information for each subject is recorded on it. If the stimulable phosphor sheet is stored on a recording medium with a large recording capacity such as a tape, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is erased once to obtain the next image information and then reused, it can be stored in a large number of images by moving vehicles. This is extremely practical because it allows radiographic images of a subject to be captured without being restricted by location. moreover,
By cyclically reusing it in this way, it becomes possible to perform continuous imaging, which increases the speed at which image information can be captured in mass medical examinations, making it possible to obtain image information in a short time and efficiently. .

By the way, in order to recycle and reuse the stimulable phosphor sheet as described above, the radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet after the stimulated luminescence light has been read out is No. 56-12599, the remaining radiation image is erased by irradiating the sheet with light or heat, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is used again to record the radiation image. Just use it.

Based on this knowledge, the present applicant proposed a circulating conveyance means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of accumulatively recording radiation images along a predetermined circulation path, and a circulating means for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet capable of accumulating and recording radiation images, and a method for conveying radiation through the sheet through a subject in the circulation path. an image recording section that accumulates and records radiographic image information of a subject on the sheet by irradiating the image with the radiation image; an image reading section including an excitation light source and photoelectric reading means for reading stimulated luminescence light emitted from a sheet scanned by the excitation light to obtain an image signal; and an erasing section that releases radiation energy remaining on the sheet prior to image recording on the sheet after image recording, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is circulated between the respective sections. We have already proposed and filed a patent application for a so-called built-in type radiation image information recording/reading device configured to be used repeatedly.

The radiographic image information recording/reading device having such a structure has the advantage of being able to continuously and efficiently record and read radiographic image information.

However, if scratches or the like appear on the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet that is being reused as described above, the image information obtained by the image reading device will no longer be accurate, and therefore, for example, if the subject If you are a patient, it cannot be denied that there is a possibility of misdiagnosis by the doctor. To this end, the stimulable phosphor sheet with exposed scratches on its surface as described above must be removed from the recycling process as soon as possible.

However, if a maintenance person is always present with the image information recording/reading device, it is possible to promptly deal with such inconveniences, but this does not necessarily mean that the device is used under such favorable conditions. Often, the damaged stimulable phosphor sheet is not removed from the recycle process at the desired time. Furthermore, in the case of group medical examinations and the like where image information is obtained by loading a stimulable phosphor sheet onto a moving vehicle as described above, there is little possibility that the above-mentioned administrator will be present, and the accumulation of abrasions and The reality is that fluorescent phosphor sheets are also subjected to image recording, image reading, and erasing steps in the normal cyclical reuse process, regardless of the presence or absence of scratches.

However, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of radiographic image information obtained from such scratched stimulable phosphor sheets, so each step of reading, recording and erasing is difficult. There is an inconvenience that it is completely wasted.

Therefore, as a result of intensive research and efforts, the inventors of the present invention have reproduced the image information obtained by the radiation image information recording/reading device, for example, on a recording film as a visible image, or on a display device such as a CRT. Output this film, or
When a doctor, etc. visually checks the image reproduced by CRT to make a diagnosis, if a linear or planar pattern that cannot be imagined from the patient's radiation image is displayed, It is determined that there are scratches on this stimulable phosphor sheet, and the manager converts the stimulable phosphor sheet by so-called skipping the image recording, image reading and erasing steps. By removing this from the normal cyclical reuse process, it is possible to obtain efficient and accurate image information.
It has been found that the above-mentioned inconveniences can be eliminated.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform image recording, image reading, and erasing of residual images on the stimulable phosphor sheet when there are scratches or other scratches on the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet to be reused. Radiographic image information that can be avoided by simply passing through the process without being subjected to any process, and that can efficiently and accurately obtain radiographic image information of the subject using the remaining stimulable phosphor sheet. To provide a record reading device.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention includes a circulation conveyance means for conveying a plurality of stimulable phosphor sheets capable of accumulating and recording radiographic image information along a predetermined circulation path, and a circulation means interposed in the circulation path. an image recording section that accumulates and records radiation image information of a subject on the sheet by irradiating radiation through the subject onto the sheet; and an image recording section that is interposed in the circulation path and accumulates and records radiation image information in the image recording section. an image reading section having an excitation light source that emits excitation light for scanning the sheet scanned by the excitation light, and a photoelectric reading means for reading stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet scanned by the excitation light to obtain an image signal; an erasing section interposed therein that releases radiation energy remaining on the sheet prior to recording an image on the sheet after the image has been read in the image reading section; and the plurality of cumulative fluorescent lights. The apparatus has an input means for specifying one of the body sheets, and receives an output from the input means and allows at least one of the sheets specified by the input means to pass through without recording an image in the image recording section. and a control means for controlling the circulation conveyance means.

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.

First, the basic configuration of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus according to the present invention is as shown in FIG. That is, an image recording section 4 for recording radiographic image information on the stimulable phosphor sheet A is provided on the way of the circulating conveyance means 2 for conveying a plurality of stimulable phosphor sheets A, and an image recording section 4 for recording radiation image information on the stimulable phosphor sheet A; An image reading section 5 that irradiates the stimulable phosphor sheet A with excitation light such as a laser beam to obtain stimulated luminescence light, converts it into an electrical signal and reads image information, and an image reading section 5 that reads image information. and an erasing section 6 for erasing the afterimage of the photostimulated luminescence by irradiating erasing light from the stimulable phosphor sheet A. control means 8 for temporarily avoiding a predetermined stimulable phosphor sheet identified by the image recording process from the image recording process thereof.

Therefore, the mechanical structure of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus having the above-mentioned basic structure is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 indicates a standing type (chest type) radiation image information recording/reading device, and the device 10 includes a first housing 12 extending in the vertical direction and a second housing 12 extending in the horizontal direction. 2 casings 14. At the upper front of the first housing 12 is a recording section (image recording section) 1 for recording a radiation image of a subject.
6 is disposed, and on the other hand, an operation section 18 is provided above the side wall thereof.
will be placed.

Next, the internal configurations of the first casing 12 and the second casing 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

A bending belt conveyor 20 is disposed at the top of the first casing 12 , and a first roller group 22 rotatably slides on the bending portion of the belt conveyor 20 , and a first guide member 24 approaches this roller group 22 . will be placed. Inside the recording section 16, a pair of belt conveyors 28a and 28b for sandwiching and positioning the stimulable phosphor sheet 26 are disposed so as to be movable horizontally in the figure. Belt conveyors 30a, 30b are further disposed on the exit side of the belt conveyors 28a, 28b, and in this case,
The belt conveyor 30b extends slightly lower than its counterpart, the belt conveyor 30a. A bent belt conveyor 32 is provided further below these belt conveyors 30a, 30b, and a second roller group 34 is provided at the bent portion. Above the second roller group 34 is a second guide member 36 located close to the belt conveyor 32.
will be placed. A bending belt conveyor 40 is further disposed on the exit side of the bending belt conveyor 32 via a guide member 38, and in this case,
A third roller group 42 is rotatably in sliding contact with the bent portion of the belt conveyor 40. The image reading unit 44 includes a belt conveyor 46 and a belt conveyor 4.
8 are arranged in series with each other. A laser light source 50 is installed above the belt conveyors 46 and 48 that constitute a part of the image reading unit 44, and the output laser light 58 is scanned in the width direction onto the sheet 26 on the belt conveyors 46 and 48. A mirror 52 and a galvanometer mirror 56 are provided. By this reciprocating movement of the galvanometer mirror 56, the laser beam 58 is main-scanned over the sheet 26 on which the radiation image has been accumulated and recorded. Note that, after a radiation image is recorded on the sheet 26 in the image recording section 16, the sheet 26 is conveyed to the image reading section 44 by driving the sheet circulating conveyance means. At the scanning position of the laser beam 58 on the sheet 26, there is a condensing optical element 6 along the main scanning line.
0 is placed. Stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet 26 irradiated with the laser beam 58 enters the condensing optical element 60 from the incident end face of the condensing optical element 60, and is guided through the condensing optical element 60 by total reflection.
The stimulated luminescent light is received by a photomultiplier 62 connected to the emission end surface of the 0 and photoelectrically read out. At the same time as the main scanning of the laser beam 58 is performed as described above, the sheet 26 is transferred to the belt conveyor 46.
and 48, the sheet 26 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A in the figure (that is, a direction substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction) to perform sub-scanning, and the accumulated radiation image information is read over the entire surface of the sheet 26. The image signal read by the photo multiplier 62 is transmitted to the image processing circuit 116 (see FIG. 4) via the image signal input/output circuit 117 (see FIG. 4), where necessary image processing is performed. Top, display device 11
4 (see FIG. 4), and the radiation image is reproduced. Further, the radiation image may be reproduced by performing optical scanning recording on a photosensitive film, or may be temporarily recorded on a recording device such as a magnetic tape for that purpose.

By the way, a slightly bent belt conveyor 64 is arranged on the exit side of the belt conveyor 48 arranged in series as described above, and a third belt conveyor 64 is provided at the bent part.
A group of rollers 66 are rotatably in sliding contact with each other. A third guide member 68 is provided on the exit side of the third roller group 66 and the belt conveyor 64, and a nip roller 70 is provided above the guide member 68. A fourth guide member 72 is provided on the exit side of the nip roller 70, and further faces the erasing section 74 on the exit side. The erasing section 74 has a nip roller 76a surrounded by a casing at one end and a nip roller 76b also surrounded by a casing at the other end. The exit side of the nip roller 76b faces the fifth guide member 78, and the exit side of the fifth guide member 78 faces the nip roller 80. The nip roller 80 is provided adjacent to a relatively long sixth guide member 82, and
The guide member 82 is provided opposite to the first bending conveyor belt 20 .

In the above configuration, the apparatus of the present invention includes a position detection sensor at a predetermined position in order to grasp the positional relationship of the plurality of stimulable phosphor sheets 26a to 26d that are cyclically conveyed by the belt conveyor. is provided.

In this embodiment, first, the first position detection sensor 100a is connected to a pair of belt conveyors 28a,
28b and the belt conveyor 3 arranged below it
The second position detection sensor 100b is arranged in a spaced apart part between the belt conveyor 3 and the belt conveyor 3.
It is arranged near the terminal part of 2. Further, the third position detection sensor 100c is disposed immediately before the bent portion of the belt conveyor 40 connected to the bending belt conveyor 32, and the fourth position detection sensor 100c
d is disposed near and immediately before the terminal end of the belt conveyor 48 extending in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the position detection sensor 100e is connected to the guide member 68 and the nip roller 7.
Further, the position detection sensor 100f is arranged at a spaced apart part between the guide member 78 and the nip roller 80. Finally, position detection sensor 1
00g, the guide member 82 and the belt conveyor 20 are arranged in a spaced apart part.

Therefore, as described above, the position detection sensor 100a
See FIG. 4 for a control circuit for controlling the belt conveyor constituting the conveyance system to stop or increase its speed upon receiving the position detection signal of the stimulable phosphor sheet from the position detection sensor 100g. This will be explained in detail below.

Therefore, the position detection sensors 100a to 10
The output side of 0g is connected to a control circuit 102 which is substantially composed of a microcomputer, an input device 108 is connected to this control circuit 102, and an imaging signal to the radiation source 104, that is, an input device 108 is connected to this control circuit 102. , a controller 106 for sending shot signals S is connected. Note that the controller 106 is pressed by the operator to control the radiation source 10.
A switch 112 for irradiating radiation from 4 to a subject 110 is connected. The control circuit 102 also includes an image signal input/output circuit 11.
7 is connected. On the other hand, the radiation image information signal of the subject 110 detected by the photo multiplier 62 provided in the image reading unit 44 is once input to the image processing device 116 via this image signal input/output circuit 117, and is subjected to appropriate image processing. After the radiation image has been subjected to the image processing, the radiation image is sent to the display device 114, and the radiation image is displayed on the display device 114 in real time. Furthermore, the output side of the control circuit 102 is connected to a rotational drive source for the belt conveyor constituting the conveyance system, that is, a motor M1 that drives the belt conveyor 28b, a motor M2 that drives the belt conveyor 32, and a motor that drives the belt conveyor 40. M3, motor M that drives the belt conveyor 46
4. Motor M5 that drives the belt conveyor 48;
Drive circuits 118a to 118g of the motor M6 that drives the nip roller 70 and the motor M7 that drives the nip roller 80 are connected.

Furthermore, the output side of the control circuit 102 is connected to the input side of the photomultiplier 60 so as to control the activation of the photomultiplier 62.

Here, as described above, the control circuit 102 actually utilizes a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 130 that substantially constitutes the control circuit 102 is of a well-known type, and basically includes an input/output port 131, an input port 132, a CPU 134, a ROM 136,
Includes RAM 138, output port 140 and timer 142. The output signals of the position detection sensors 100a to 100g are introduced to the input port 132, while the output signals of the position detection sensors 100a to 100g are inputted from the output port 140 to energize the drive circuits 118a to 118g to drive the motor M1.
The configuration is such that a drive control signal for rotationally driving M7 to M7 is output. When the stimulable fluorescent pair sheets 26a to 26d are carried into the blocks B1 to B7 divided by the position detection sensors 100a to 100g, the RAM 138 stores the respective positions and fluorescent sheets. A table 144 is included so that the sheet number and sheet number can be looked up by the CPU 134 at any time. In this case, the ROM 136 has a function that controls the CPU 134 to wait for the stimulable phosphor sheet 26 containing scratches when it reaches a predetermined position, or to fast-forward it and feed it to the next block. The program to do this is stored in memory.

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

First, in this embodiment, a stimulable phosphor sheet 26a,
Assume that 26b, 26c and 26d are waiting for circular reuse. Then, as described above, the blocks are divided into blocks B1 to B7 corresponding to the respective sensors 100a to 100g. That is, the positional information of the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B1 is detected by the position detection sensor 100g during its conveyance, and the positional information of the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B2 is detected by the position detection sensor 100g. It is detected by the detection sensor 100a. On the other hand, the position information of the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B3 is detected by a position detection sensor 100b, and the position detection function of the sheet in block B4 is performed by a position detection sensor 100c. The position information of the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B5 is obtained by the position detection sensor 100d, and the eraser 7
The position information of the stimulable phosphor sheet derived from 4 is detected by the position detection sensor 100e. Finally, the position information of the sheet in block B7 is detected by the position detection sensor 100f.

Therefore, when the subject 110 waits for radiography and keeps his or her chest in contact with the recording unit 16 of the radiographic image information recording/reading device, the belt conveyor is driven and the 4 A first sheet 26a of the stimulable phosphor sheets is positioned between the belt conveyors 28a and 28b.

Therefore, when the operator presses the switch 112, the imaging signal S from the controller 106 is sent to the radiation source 104, and the subject 110 is irradiated with a predetermined radiation from the radiation source 104.
The subject 11 is placed on the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a.
A radiation image of 0 is photographed and recorded. The stimulable phosphor sheet 26a that has been photographed is transferred to the belt conveyor 2.
Under the urging action of 8a and 28b, the belt conveyors 30a and 30b and the belt conveyor 32
Then, it is transported to a position directly below the sensor 100b shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the position detection sensor 100a detects the passage of the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a and sends it to the control circuit 102.
At the same time, stimulable phosphor sheets 26d and 26 located before the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a
c, 26b are conveyed by a conveyor belt under the rotational action of motors M1 to M7. Normally, the stimulable phosphor sheet 26c, which is conveyed by the belt conveyors 46 and 48 after passing through the block B3, is placed under the image reading device 44, that is, the laser beam 58 from the laser light source 50 is used for the sliding action of the galvanometer mirror 56. is scanned onto the sheet surface. By this scanning, stimulated luminescence light corresponding to radiation image information emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet 26c is collected by the light guide sheet 60 and sent by the photomultiplier 62.
The photomultiplier 62 converts the stimulated luminescent light into an electrical signal, and this signal is sent to the image processing device 11 via the image signal input/output circuit 117.
6, and after being subjected to image processing, it is reproduced as a visible image on a display device 114. This radiographic image will be checked by a doctor.

After the image information has been read, the stimulable phosphor sheet is introduced into the erasing section 74, processed to eliminate the afterimage under the lighting action of the erasing light source, and then passed from block B6 to block B7. The image is again output to the image recording section 16, that is, block B1.

Therefore, if there is a scratch such as an abrasion on the stimulable phosphor sheet that is recycled as described above, the scratch will be displayed on the display device 114 overlapping with the radiation image of the subject 110. ,
In some cases, there is a possibility that the radiation image information of the subject 110 will not be displayed accurately. This is visually recognized mainly by a doctor or the like who constantly monitors the display device 114. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process of circulating one stimulable phosphor sheet through the conveyance system, including the treatment when there are scratches on the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, will be described. This will be explained below.

First, in this embodiment, for example, the presence or absence of scratches on a stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter, in the flowchart, the stimulable phosphor sheet is referred to as "IP") is determined by comparing bit patterns. Therefore, the radiographic image information reading apparatus 10 is started using a start switch (not shown). As a result, the motors that drive the belt conveyor and nip rollers that make up the conveyance system operate at a constant speed (STP1). As a result, the correlation between the position existing at that time and the phosphor sheet 26 is read and recorded in the table 144. That is, table 144 will be created. In this case, the image reading section 44 is used to scan the phosphor sheet 2.
You may also read the barcode affixed to the back of the sheet 6 to obtain information on the position and sheet number. After the table 144 is created in this way (STP2),
It is checked via the CTR 114 whether there are any scratches on the surface of the phosphor sheet 26 (STP3). When the presence of a scratch is confirmed, the number of the phosphor sheet 26 is inputted via the input device 108 (STP4). In effect, one bit is set (STP5) for a particular phosphor sheet 26 with a flaw in the table 144, thereby providing information on the position of the phosphor sheet and the presence or absence of a flaw in the table 144. become.

Next, while the radiation image information reading device 10 is in operation, an interrupt operation is performed under the action of the timer 142 of the microcomputer 130 (STP6). This interrupt operation is performed to read the bit patterns of the four stimulable phosphor sheets 26 from the input port 132 (STP7). The read bit pattern is stored in RAM
At 138, the block position and sheet number are relatively stored in the P area via the bit pattern as shown in the table 144 shown in the figure (STP8). After the bit pattern is stored in the RAM 138 in this manner, the computer 130 returns to the main routine operation (STP9). Accordingly, the computer 130 performs other operations, such as controlling the conveyance system and feeding the phosphor sheet to the next belt conveyor.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the interrupt operation is performed again under the action of the timer 142 (STP10), and the input port 13
The bit pattern is read from 2 (STP11) and stored in the Q area of the RAM 138 (STP12). Then, the bit pattern stored in the P area and the bit pattern stored in the Q area are compared (STP14), and the position information of the phosphor sheet 26 corresponding to a predetermined position on the table 144 is updated ( STP15). In this way, the identification numbers of the phosphor sheets 26 in blocks B1 to B7 are identified in relation to their positions. In this state, the CPU 134 outputs the drive circuits 118a to 1 from the output port 140.
Send a drive signal to 18g and drive circuit 118
A to 118g drive belt conveyors constituting the respective conveyance systems. As a result, for example, the stimulable phosphor sheet present in block B1 is fed to block B2, and the stimulable phosphor sheet present in block B2 is fed to block B3. Similarly, the stimulable phosphor sheet present in block B4 is fed to block B5, and is also present inside the erasing section 74, that is, inside the erasing box, where it is subjected to the erasing action. The stimulable phosphor sheet is fed to the next block, B7.

By driving the conveyance system in this way, the position detection sensors 100a to 100g send information to the CPU 134 as to whether or not a stimulable phosphor sheet is present in each block.

Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a exists in the block B1 (STP16), and if the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a is present, the microcomputer 130 basically next selects the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a in the block B2. It is confirmed whether or not the position detection sensor 100b exists based on the output signal of the position detection sensor 100b (STP17). If there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B2, block B1
It is determined whether or not the stimulable phosphor sheet 26a is damaged (STP18). In other words, the presence of scratches is caused by the CPU
134 looks up the stimulable phosphor sheet with scratches from the sheet number already recorded in the table 144, and when this stimulable phosphor sheet is at the position of block B1, this block B1
The stimulable phosphor sheet is fed to block B2 without taking a radiographic image (STP19). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no scar, the radiation image information recording/reading device 10 is determined to be sufficient for imaging (STP20), and a message indicating that the device is in a ready state is displayed, and the X-ray operator confirms this ready state. Then, the switch 112 is pressed to take an X-ray (STP21). When this shot of X-rays is achieved, the ready state of the device is released to prevent the next shot until the next preparation is completed (STP22), and the cumulative fluorescence of block B1 is released in the same way as above. The body sheet is then fed to block B2. On the other hand, if the X-ray shot is not achieved in STP21, the phosphor sheet 26 of block B1
will continue to the next step.

By the way, although the stimulable phosphor sheet is sent to block B2 in this manner, whether or not there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B2 is determined based on the output of the position detection sensor 100b. If there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B2 (STP23), if it is determined that there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B3 based on the output signal of the position detection sensor 100c (STP24), the The stimulable phosphor sheet can be fed to block B3 (STP25). When a stimulable phosphor sheet is fed to block B3 and there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B3 (STP26), the stimulable phosphor sheet that has reached block B3 is blocked to proceed to the next step. Check whether there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in B4 (STP26). If there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B4, the stimulable phosphor sheet that has reached block B3 is looked up from table 144 to see if there is a flaw (STP27), and it is determined that there is a flaw. In this case, the belt conveyors 46 and 48 are driven faster than in the normal state to quickly transport the stimulable phosphor sheet of block B3 to the rear end of block B4 (STP29). In other words, the CPU 134
When information is obtained from the RAM 138 that the stimulable phosphor sheet in step 3 has a flaw, a signal for faster feeding than in the normal state is sent from the output port 140 to the drive circuits 118d to 118e, and the drive circuit 118d , 118e drive predetermined motors of the belt conveyors 46, 48 for rapid feeding. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stimulable phosphor sheet of block B3 is not particularly damaged (STP28), the stimulable phosphor sheet of block B3 is transferred to the image reading unit 44 by driving the conveyance system in the normal state. is energized, excitation light is irradiated onto the stimulable phosphor sheet that has reached block B4, and its image information is read (STP30).

By the way, when the stimulable phosphor sheet is present in block B4 (STP31), when feeding the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B4, first the stimulable phosphor sheet is placed in block B5. Determine whether it exists (STP32). Block B5
If a stimulable phosphor sheet is present in the microcomputer 130, i.e., substantially
No drive signal is issued from the CPU 134 to the drive circuit 118f. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B5, the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B4 is fed to block B5 (STP33). Also, block B
If there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B6 (STP34), when feeding this stimulable phosphor sheet to the next block B6, it is checked whether or not there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in the block B6. Judge (STP35). If it is determined that there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B6, the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B5 is fed to block B6 (STP35), and the CPU 134 controls the timer 142 to emit the stimulable phosphor sheet. Configure settings (STP36). Therefore, within the time set by the timer 142, the erasing section 74 processes the remaining image by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with erasing light from the erasing light source disposed therein. Furthermore, if there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B6 (STP37), it is determined whether or not there is a scratch on the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B6 in order to make it standby for the next photographing ( STP39). If it is determined that there is no scratch, wait for the time set by the timer 142 to elapse (STP40), and then determine whether or not there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B7 (STP41). ). If the time has not elapsed, proceed to the next step. On the other hand, if it is determined in STP39 that there is a scratch on the stimulable phosphor sheet in block B6, then in STP41 it is determined whether or not there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B7, and If there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B7, the damaged stimulable phosphor sheet is sent to block B7 (STP42).

By the way, if there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B7 (STP43), the process returns to the start and repeats the same flow. On the other hand, block B7
If there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B1, then it is determined whether or not there is a stimulable phosphor sheet in block B1 (STP44), and it is determined that there is no stimulable phosphor sheet in block B1. Only when it is determined that the stimulable phosphor sheet of block B7 is fed to the block B1 (STP45), the process returns to STP16, and the same flow is repeated indefinitely while the device is operating.

If there is a scratch on the stimulable phosphor sheet as a result of the above flow, blocks B1, B4, and B6 are skipped and the system remains in this state until the stimulable phosphor sheet associated with the scratch is replaced. Continue.

Note that in the embodiment described above, a case is shown in which it is determined whether or not a scratch has occurred on the sheet by looking at the radiation image displayed on the display device 114, but the image processed signal output from the image processing device 116 It goes without saying that the judgment may be made by looking at the radiographic image recorded and reproduced on the recording medium by the method.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the image recording section allows the sheet to pass through without recording an image on the sheet where the scratch has occurred, the image reading section passes the sheet at high speed, and the erasing section allows the sheet to pass through the sheet in a predetermined manner. During the erasing time, the data is allowed to pass through without remaining in the erasing section. In this case, in the image reading unit, scanning of the galvanometer mirror 56 may be stopped and the photomultiplier 62 may be deenergized, but it is better to utilize the image reading function as is and rapidly feed the sheet without unnecessary equipment. It is preferable that there is no need to start and stop. Further, although the erasing light source may be turned off in the erasing section, it is similarly more preferable to rapidly feed the sheet with continuous lighting.

It goes without saying that a sheet with scratches may be allowed to pass through the image recording section without image recording, and the image reading section and erasing section may function in the same way as normal sheets for circulation conveyance. .

According to the present invention, the stimulable phosphor sheet, which prevents accurate display of the radiation image of the subject, is skipped in the radiation image information recording/reading device without achieving its original function. By using only a normal stimulable phosphor sheet with no scratches, it is possible to efficiently obtain radiographic image information of a subject without being particularly confused by defective radiographic image information.
Moreover, since it is possible to avoid irradiating the subject with unnecessary radiation, there is an advantage that when the subject is a human body, it is useful for protecting the subject.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various improvements and changes in design are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram for explaining the gist of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation image information recording/reading device according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is the radiation image information recording/reading device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the control system of the radiation image information recording/reading apparatus, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control circuit in the control system shown in FIG. 4. ,
6A to 6D are flowcharts for conveying a stimulable phosphor sheet based on the control circuit shown in FIG. 5. 2... Circulating conveyance means, 4... Image recording section, 5...
...image reading unit, 6...erasing unit, 7...input means,
8...Control means, 10...Radiation image information recording/reading device, 12...First housing, 14...Second housing,
16... Image recording section, 18... Operation section, 20...
Belt conveyor, 22... roller group, 24... guide member, 26... stimulable phosphor sheet, 28
a, 28b, 30a, 30b, 32... Belt conveyor, 34... Roller group, 36, 38... Guide member, 40... Belt conveyor, 42... Roller group, 44... Image reading section, 46, 48 ... Belt conveyor, 50 ... Laser light source, 52 ... Mirror, 56 ... Galvanometer mirror, 58 ... Laser light, 60 ... Light guide sheet, 62 ... Photo multiplier, 64 ... Belt conveyor, 66
... Roller group, 68 ... Guide member, 70 ... Nip roller, 72 ... Guide member, 74 ... Erasing section, 76a, 76b ... Nip roller, 78 ...
Guide member, 80... Nip roller, 82... Guide member, 100a to 100g... Position detection sensor, 102... Control circuit, 104... Radiation source,
106...controller, 108...input device,
110...Subject, 112...Switch, 114
...Display device, 116... Image information processing device, 117... Image signal input/output circuit, 118a
~118g...drive circuit, 130...microcomputer, 131...input/output port, 13
2...Input port, 134...CPU, 136...
...ROM, 138...RAM, 140...output port, 142...timer, 144...table.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Circulating transport means for transporting a plurality of stimulable phosphor sheets capable of accumulating and recording radiation image information along a predetermined circulation path, and irradiating the sheets with radiation through a subject, which is interposed in the circulation path. an image recording section that accumulates and records radiation image information of a subject on the sheet; and an excitation light source that is interposed in the circulation path and emits excitation light that scans the sheet on which the radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in the image recording section. an image reading section having a photoelectric reading means for reading the stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet scanned by the excitation light to obtain an image signal; and an image reading section interposed in the circulation passage and reading the image in the image reading section. an erasing unit that releases radiation energy remaining on the sheet prior to image recording on the sheet after the stimulable phosphor sheet, and one of the plurality of stimulable phosphor sheets; control means for receiving an output from the input means and controlling the circulating conveyance means so that the sheet designated by the input means passes through the sheet without recording an image in the image recording section; A radiation image information recording/reading device comprising: