JPH10339922A - Radiograph information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the self-diagnosis of a fault part. SOLUTION: A reference light input means 31 inputs reference light in a photomultiplier 16 through a light guide 15, and output therefrom is detected by a 1st detection means 41. Whether the photomultiplier 16 is normal or abnormal is decided from the relation of input/output by a decision means 50. In the same manner, whether a logarithmic amplifier 21 is normal or abnormal is decided based on an input value in the amplifier 21 detected by the 1st detection means 41 and the output from the amplifier 21 detected by a 2nd detection means 42. In the same manner, whether an A/D converter circuit 22 is normal or abnormal is decided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation image information reading apparatus, and more particularly to a radiation image information reading apparatus having a self-diagnosis function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When irradiated with radiation such as X-rays and electron beams,
A part of the energy of the radiation is stored, and when the stored part is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light or laser light, a stimulable phosphor (stimulable fluorescent light) that emits stimulated light according to the accumulated energy. Utilizing the properties of the body, a sheet-shaped stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “IP (image medium plate)”) in which a layer of the stimulable phosphor is laminated on a support is attached to a human body. Once the radiation image information of the subject is recorded, the sheet is scanned with laser light to generate stimulated emission light, and the stimulated emission light is read photoelectrically to generate an electrical image signal for each pixel. A radiation image information recording / reproducing system that outputs a radiation image of the subject as a visible image to a recording medium such as a photographic photosensitive material or a display device such as a CRT based on the obtained image signal is already well known. (JP-A-55-12429, JP-A-56-11395, JP-A-56-12395)
-11397).

This system has a practical advantage in that an image can be recorded over a very wide range of radiation exposure as compared with a conventional radiographic system using a silver halide film, and has a practical advantage. (Rashidokurafi) is widely used especially in the medical field.

In the above-mentioned radiation image information recording / reproducing system, a device having a function of irradiating an excitation light to an IP to read stimulated emission light and outputting an image signal is used. It is called an image reading device.

[0005]

The above-described radiation image information reading apparatus or radiation image information recording / reproducing system guides the stimulated emission light to a photoelectric conversion means such as a PMT (photomultiplier) via a light guide. To an electrical signal, logarithmically convert the signal to a log amp, convert the obtained signal into a digital signal with an A / D converter, and temporarily store this image signal in a memory before outputting it as a visible image (this memory Is not an indispensable configuration).

By the way, when a failure occurs in any one or more of these components,
Despite normal radiation image information being recorded in the IP, a visible image corresponding to a film or the like is not finally reproduced, noise is generated, or an abnormality is found in a predetermined density range. Will cause abnormal reproduction.

In this case, a doctor or a radiographic technologist who looks at the reproduced image asks whether the abnormality of the image is due to a disease of the subject itself or a failure of radiographic image capturing. Or a malfunction of the reader must be determined. That is, in the former case, it is necessary to perform re-photographing, whereas in the latter case, there is no need to perform re-photographing.

In the latter case as well, it is necessary to immediately identify and repair the faulty portion of the reading device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a radiation image information reading apparatus capable of easily specifying which element in a processing stage of the radiation image information reading apparatus has failed. The purpose is to do so.

[0010]

A first radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the present invention determines an abnormal component by detecting an output value of each component when reference light is input. Characterized in that:

That is, the first radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention scans the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiographic image information of the subject is stored with excitation light such as laser light, and scans the stimulable phosphor sheet with the excitation light. The stimulated emission light emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet is photoelectrically read by a photoelectric conversion means such as a PMT to obtain an image signal, and the obtained image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the obtained logarithm is obtained. In a radiation image information reading apparatus for converting an image signal into digital image data by an A / D converter and outputting the digital image data, a standard amount of light (light emitted from an LED or other light source) is input to a photoelectric conversion unit. Reference light input means, first detection means for detecting an image signal after photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion means, and second detection means for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by a log amplifier. And detecting means, third detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter
Detection means, and first detection means when a reference amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means,
A photoelectric conversion unit, a log amplifier, or an A / D converter; a determination unit that determines a failed device based on detection results of the second detection unit and the third detection unit; It is.

Specifically, if the photoelectric conversion means is normal, the result of detection by the first detection means when a reference amount of light is input is an output value assumed in advance,
If the photoelectric conversion unit is abnormal, the detection result by the first detection unit will be a value different from the output value assumed in advance. Thus, the determination means can determine whether the photoelectric conversion means is normal or abnormal.

The input current to the log amplifier is the value detected by the first detection means because it is the output value of the light conversion means. Since the input current to this log amplifier is known, the output of the log amplifier is known. A value is also assumed in advance. Therefore, if the log amplifier is normal, the result of detection by the second detecting means will be an expected output value, and if the log amplifier is abnormal, the result of detection by the second detecting means will be different from the expected output value. Value. Thus, the determination means can determine whether the log amplifier is normal or abnormal. Hereinafter, whether the A / D converter is normal or abnormal can be determined from the detection result by the second detection unit and the detection result by the third detection unit.

The second radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention is different from the first apparatus in that a final output value when a reference light, a current or a voltage is input to each component is inputted. It is characterized in that an abnormal component element is determined by detection.

That is, the second radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention scans the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiographic image information of the subject is stored, and emits light from the sheet by scanning the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulated emission light is read photoelectrically by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. In the radiation image information reading device that converts and outputs, the reference light input unit that inputs a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion unit, the reference current input unit that inputs a reference current to the log amplifier, Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter; detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter; The detection result by the detection means when the light amount of the reference is input to the photoelectric conversion means by the light input means, and the detection when the reference current is input to the log amplifier by the reference current input means by the reference current input means A photoelectric conversion unit, a log amplifier or an A / D converter based on a detection result by the detection unit and a detection result by the detection unit when the reference voltage is input to the A / D converter by the reference voltage input unit. And a determination means for determining a faulty device among the converters.

Specifically, if a detection result by the detecting means when a reference voltage is input to the A / D converter is an output value assumed in advance, the A / D converter is normal, and If not, the A / D converter can be determined to be abnormal. In addition, when the A / D converter is normal, if the detection result by the detection means when a reference current is input to the log amplifier is an output value that is assumed in advance, the log amplifier is normal, and the log amplifier is assumed to be normal. If it is not an output value, the log amplifier can be determined to be abnormal. If the A / D converter is abnormal, the A / D
It is necessary to replace the D converter with a normal one. Similarly, in a case where both the A / D converter and the log amplifier are normal, if the detection result by the detection means when the reference light is input to the photoelectric conversion means is an output value assumed in advance, the photoelectric conversion means If it is normal and the output value is not the expected output value, the photoelectric conversion unit can be determined to be abnormal. Also in this case, if the A / D converter or the log amplifier is abnormal, it is necessary to replace them with normal ones in advance.

The third radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention, like the second apparatus, has a final output value state when a reference light, current or voltage is input to each component. Is used to determine an abnormal component based on the above. The second device automatically detects the abnormal component by the detecting means when the detecting means detects a final output value based on each input. On the other hand, the third device merely provides a visible image by the image reproducing means based on the final output value, and the final judgment for identifying the abnormal component is to observe the visible image. It is entrusted to a physician or a radiographic imaging technician.

That is, the third radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention scans the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiographic image information of the subject is stored and emits light, and emits light from the sheet by scanning the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulated emission light is read photoelectrically by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. In the radiation image information reading device that converts and outputs, the reference light input unit that inputs a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion unit, the reference current input unit that inputs a reference current to the log amplifier, Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter, and an image for reproducing digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter as a visible image It is characterized in that a raw device.

As the image reproducing means, an image output means such as a laser printer (LP) for outputting a visible image to a medium such as a film or an image display means such as a CRT can be used.

A fourth radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which the first apparatus and the second apparatus are combined,
The stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information of the subject is stored is scanned with the excitation light, and the stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically read by a photoelectric conversion unit to form an image. Signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is
In a radiation image information reading apparatus for converting and outputting digital image data by a / D converter, reference light input means for inputting a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion means; First detection means for detecting an image signal, reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier, and second detection means for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier. Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter, third detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter, and reference light input means As a result of the detection by the first detecting means when the reference amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion means, the reference current input means supplies the log amp with the reference And the detection result by the third detection means when the reference voltage input means inputs the reference voltage to the A / D converter. And a determination means for determining a faulty device among the photoelectric conversion means, the log amplifier or the A / D converter based on the above.

The fifth radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention further comprises a memory for temporarily storing digital image data with respect to the first apparatus. Is characterized by determining the constituent elements of

That is, in the fifth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention, the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information of the subject is stored is scanned with the excitation light, and the sheet is emitted by the excitation light scanning. The stimulated emission light is read photoelectrically by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. In a radiation image information reading apparatus for converting and temporarily storing the digital image data in a memory and outputting the digital image data, reference light input means for inputting a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion means; A first detector for detecting an image signal after photoelectric conversion, a second detector for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier, Third detecting means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the converter, fourth detecting means for detecting digital image data temporarily stored in the memory, and the photoelectric converting means by the reference light input means When the amount of light serving as the reference is input to the photoelectric conversion device based on the detection results by the first detection means, the second detection means, the third detection means, and the fourth detection means, A determination means for determining a faulty device among the conversion means, the log amplifier, the A / D converter, and the memory is provided.

The sixth radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention further comprises a memory for temporarily storing digital image data with respect to the second apparatus, and also inputs a reference signal to this memory, In this case, an abnormal component is determined by detecting a final output value that also takes into account the input of a signal.

That is, the sixth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention scans the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information of the subject is stored and records the light, and emits light from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light. The stimulated emission light is read photoelectrically by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. A radiation image information reading apparatus for converting the digital image data into a memory and temporarily storing the digital image data in a memory, and outputting the digital image data; Reference current input means for inputting a current to be used as a reference, reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter, and a reference electric signal to the memory. Inputting reference signal input means, detecting means for detecting digital image data temporarily stored by the memory, and detecting when the reference light input means inputs the reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion means. The detection result by the means, the detection result by the detection means when the reference current is input to the log amplifier by the reference current input means, the reference voltage to the A / D converter by the reference voltage input means. The photoelectric conversion unit and the log amplifier based on the detection result by the detection unit when the input is input and the detection result by the detection unit when the reference electric signal is input to the memory by the reference signal input unit. , An A / D converter or a memory for determining a faulty device.

The seventh radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention further comprises a memory for temporarily storing digital image data with respect to the third apparatus, and also inputs a reference signal to this memory. The image reproducing means provides a visible image based on the final output value from the memory.

That is, in the radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information of the subject is stored is scanned by the excitation light, and the excitation light scans the stimulable phosphor sheet. The emitted stimulating light is read photoelectrically by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, and the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. In the radiation image information reading device that converts the digital image data into a temporary storage by a memory and outputs the digital image data,
Reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means, reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier, and input of a reference voltage to the A / D converter Reference voltage input means, reference signal input means for inputting a reference electric signal to the memory, and image reproducing means for reproducing digital image data temporarily stored by the memory as a visible image. It is assumed that.

An eighth radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a memory for temporarily storing digital image data in the fourth apparatus, and combines the fifth apparatus and the sixth apparatus. An excitation light is scanned on a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit. The image signal is read out to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter, and the digital image data is temporarily stored in a memory. A radiation image information reading device for storing and outputting the reference light input means for inputting a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion means; First detection means for detecting an image signal, reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier, and second detection means for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier. , The A / D
Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the converter, third detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter, and inputting a reference electric signal to the memory. Reference signal input means for
A fourth detection unit for detecting digital image data temporarily stored by the memory, and the first detection unit when the reference amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion unit by the reference light input unit. A detection result, the detection result by the second detection means when the reference current is input to the log amp by the reference current input means,
The detection result of the third detection means when the reference voltage is input to the A / D converter by the reference voltage input means, and the reference electric signal to the memory by the reference signal input means Determining means for determining a faulty device among the photoelectric conversion means, the log amplifier, the A / D converter, and the memory based on a detection result by the fourth detection means when the input is made; Is what you do.

[0028]

According to the first radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention, an abnormal component is detected by detecting the output value of each component when the reference light is inputted by each detecting means. Can be determined. That is, when the detection result by the first detection means when the light amount of the reference light is input by the reference light input means is an output value assumed in advance, the photoelectric conversion means is normal, If is not the output value assumed in advance, the determination unit can determine that the photoelectric conversion unit is abnormal.

Further, since the detection result by the first detection means is an input current to the log amplifier, the input current to the log amplifier is known, and the detection result by the second detection means can be assumed in advance. Therefore, if the detection result is an assumed value, the log amplifier can be determined to be normal, and if not, the log amplifier can be determined to be abnormal. Further, since the detection result by the second detection means is the input voltage to the A / D converter, the input voltage to the A / D converter is known, and the detection result by the third detection means is assumed in advance. be able to. Therefore, if the detection result is an expected value, the A / D converter can be determined to be normal, and if not, the A / D converter can be determined to be abnormal by the determination means.

The fifth radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention further comprises a memory at the subsequent stage of the A / D converter with respect to the first radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention. A fourth detecting means for detecting a signal; and determining whether the memory is normal or abnormal by the first detecting means of the present invention.
Similarly to the radiation image information reading apparatus of the above, the determining means can make a determination based on the detection result of the third detecting means and the detection result of the fourth detecting means.

According to the second radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention, the detection result by the detecting means which is the final output value when the reference voltage input means inputs the reference voltage to the A / D converter. Is the output value assumed in advance, A /
The D converter is normal, and if it is not the expected output value, A
The determination means can determine that the / D converter is abnormal. Further, when the A / D converter is normal, the detection result by the detection means, which is the final output value when a reference voltage is input to the log amplifier by the reference current input means, is an output value assumed in advance. If so, the log amplifier is normal, and if the output value is not the expected output value, the log amplifier can determine that the log amplifier is abnormal.
If the A / D converter is abnormal, it is difficult to determine whether the result of detection by the detecting means is due to an abnormality in the A / D converter or a log amplifier.
When it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the detection result of the / D converter alone, it is necessary to replace it with a normal one in advance. Further, in a case where the A / D converter and the log amplifier are normal, a detection result by the detection unit, which is a final output value when the reference light is input to the photoelectric conversion unit by the reference light input unit, is assumed in advance. If the output value is the output value, the photoelectric conversion unit is normal, and if the output value is not the expected output value, the determination unit can determine that the photoelectric conversion unit is abnormal. If the A / D converter or the log amplifier is abnormal, it is determined whether the detection result by the detection unit is due to the A / D converter abnormality, the log amplifier abnormality, or the photoelectric conversion unit abnormality. Because it is difficult to do
If it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the detection result of the A / D converter alone and the detection result obtained when the A / D converter and the log amplifier are connected in series, it is necessary to replace these with a normal one in advance. is there.

In the third radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the final output value from the A / D converter can be reproduced as a visible image by the image reproducing means. If the visible image reproduced by the image reproducing means when a reference voltage is input to the D converter is reproduced as a previously assumed visible image, the A / D converter is normal and the A / D converter operates normally. A / D if not
If the converter is abnormal, a reproduced visible image observer such as a doctor can determine that the converter is abnormal. Also, when the A / D converter is normal, the log amplifier is normal if the reproduced visible image when the reference voltage is input to the log amplifier by the reference current input means is a previously assumed visible image. If it is not the assumed visible image, the log amplifier can be determined to be abnormal. If the A / D converter is abnormal, it is difficult to determine from the visible image whether the A / D converter is abnormal or the log amplifier is abnormal. It is necessary to replace the battery with a normal one beforehand. Further, in a case where the A / D converter and the log amplifier are normal, if the visible image obtained when reference light is input to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means is a previously assumed visible image, the photoelectric conversion means is If the image is normal and is not an assumed visible image, the photoelectric conversion unit can be determined to be abnormal.
If the A / D converter or the log amplifier is abnormal, it is determined whether the detection result by the detection unit is due to the A / D converter abnormality, the log amplifier abnormality, or the photoelectric conversion unit abnormality. A / D
If it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the determination result of the converter alone and the determination result when the A / D converter and the log amplifier are connected in series, it is necessary to replace these with a normal one in advance.

The sixth radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention is different from the second radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention in that a memory is further provided after the A / D converter. Reference signal input means for inputting a signal to be used to determine whether the memory is normal or abnormal, by inputting a reference signal to the memory by the reference signal input means as in the second radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention. Then, the output value is detected by the detection means, and when the output value is a value assumed in advance, the memory is normal, and when the output value is not the value assumed in advance, the memory is abnormal and the memory is abnormal. it can. The determination of the memory is performed prior to the determination of the A / D converter.

The seventh radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention is different from the third radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention in that a memory is provided after the A / D converter. Reference signal input means for inputting a signal to be used to determine whether the memory is normal or abnormal, as in the third radiographic image information reading apparatus of the present invention, wherein a reference signal is input to the memory by the reference signal input means. The visible image is reproduced by the image reproducing means based on the output value, and the observer such as a physician who observes the visible image informs the observer that the visible image is a previously assumed image. If the image is not the image that has been processed, it can be determined that the memory is abnormal. The determination of the memory is performed prior to the determination of the A / D converter.

The fourth radiographic image information reading device of the present invention is the same as the first radiographic image information reading device of the present invention described above.
The first detection means detects the output value of the photoelectric conversion means by inputting the reference light to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means, and detecting the output value of the photoelectric conversion means by the first detection means. If the detection result by the means is a value assumed in advance, the photoelectric conversion means can be determined to be normal, and if not, the photoelectric conversion means can be determined to be abnormal by the determination means. Similarly, the reference current is input to the log amplifier by the reference current input means, the output value of the log amplifier is detected by the second detection means, and if the detection result by the second detection means is a value assumed in advance, The log amplifier is normal, and if it is not an assumed value, the log amplifier can be determined to be abnormal by the determination means. A reference current is input to the A / D converter by the reference voltage input means, and A / D conversion is performed.
The output value of the D converter is detected by the third detecting means, and if the detection result by the third detecting means is a value assumed in advance, the A / D converter is normal and must have the assumed value. For example, the A / D converter can be determined to be abnormal by the determination means.

An eighth radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is different from the fourth radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention in that a memory is further provided at a stage subsequent to the A / D converter. Signal input means for inputting a signal to be used as a reference signal, and fourth detection means for detecting an output value from the memory. Similarly to the device, the reference signal is input to the memory by the reference signal input means, and the output value is detected by the fourth detection means. If the output value is a value assumed in advance, the memory is normal and the memory is normal. If not, the memory can be determined to be abnormal by the determining means.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the first radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.
In the illustrated radiation image information reading apparatus, a stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter, referred to as a sheet) 60 is disposed on an endless belt 19 which is rotated by a motor (not shown), and a laser for exciting the sheet 60 is provided above the sheet 60. A laser light source 11 for emitting light L, a rotary polygon mirror 13 for reflecting and deflecting the laser light L, and a motor 12 for rotating the rotary polygon mirror 13
And the laser beam L reflected and deflected by the rotating polygon mirror 13 is applied to the sheet
A scanning lens 14 that converges on 60 and scans at a constant speed is provided.

Further, immediately above the sheet 60 on which the laser beam L is scanned, the sheet 60 is excited by the laser beam L.
A light guide 15 that collects the photostimulated light M emitted from the upper surface of the light emitting device from above is disposed close to the light guide. The light guide 15 is connected to a photomultiplier (photomultiplier tube) 16 for photoelectrically detecting the stimulated emission light M condensed and converting it into an analog image signal y.

A logarithmic amplifier 21 is connected to the photomultiplier 16, and the logarithmic amplifier 21 is connected to the analog image signal y.
Is log-converted to output a logarithmic image signal q. The logarithmic amplifier 21 further includes an analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter, A
/ D conversion circuit 22), and the logarithmic image signal q is sampled at a predetermined sampling period T by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and converted into digital image data Q. The digital image data Q is output, subjected to image processing by an image processing device as needed, and then a visible image represented by the image data is reproduced by a display device or an LP (laser printer). Provided for diagnosis.

The radiation image information reading apparatus further comprises a reference light input means 31 for inputting a reference light amount M0 to the photomultiplier 16 via the light guide 15, an analog image signal after photoelectric conversion by the photomultiplier 16, a first detecting means 41 for detecting y0 and a second detecting means for detecting a logarithmic image signal q0 logarithmically converted by the logarithmic amplifier 21
42, third detection means 43 for detecting digital image data Q0 digitally converted by the A / D conversion circuit 22, and reference light input means 31 when the light M0 of the reference light quantity is input to the photomultiplier 16. , The first detection means 41, the second
And a determination unit 50 for determining a faulty device in the photomultiplier 16, the logarithmic amplifier 21, or the A / D conversion circuit 22 based on the detection results of the detection unit 42 and the third detection unit 43.

Next, the operation of the radiation image information reading apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

The stimulable phosphor sheet 60 on which the radiation image information is stored is set at a predetermined position on the endless belt 19. The sheet 60 set at this predetermined position
Is conveyed (sub-scanning) in the direction of arrow Y by the endless belt 19.

On the other hand, the laser light L emitted from the laser light source 11 is reflected and deflected by a rotary polygon mirror 13 driven by a motor 12 and rotated at a high speed in the direction of an arrow. After being converged on the surface of the sheet 60 and scanned at a constant speed, the surface of the sheet 60 is main-scanned in the arrow X direction. By the main scanning of the laser beam L and the sub-scanning of the sheet 60, the sheet 60 is irradiated with the laser beam L over the entire surface.

The laser beam L illuminating the sheet 60 is applied to the sheet
The 60 stimulable phosphors are excited to emit stimulating light M according to the radiation image information stored and recorded on the sheet 60.

The stimulated emission light M emitted from the sheet 60 is guided to the photomultiplier 16 by the light guide 15 arranged close to the upper surface of the sheet 60,
Is detected photoelectrically. The light guide 15 is made by molding a light-guiding material such as an acrylic plate, and is arranged so that a linear incident end face extends along a main scanning line on the stimulable phosphor sheet 60, The light receiving surface of the photomultiplier 16 is connected to the emission end face formed in an annular shape. The stimulated emission light M that has entered the light guide 15 from the incident end face travels through the inside of the light guide 15 by repeating total reflection, exits from the emission end face, is received by the photomultiplier 16, and receives radiation image information. Light intensity p of the stimulated emission light M
Is the analog image signal y by the photomultiplier 16.
Is converted to

The analog signal y output from the photomultiplier 16 is logarithmically amplified by the logarithmic amplifier 21 and converted into a logarithmic image signal q.

The logarithmic-amplified image signal q thus log-amplified is input to the A / D conversion circuit 22. The A / D conversion circuit 22 synchronizes the logarithmic-image signal q with the scanning of the laser light L to obtain a predetermined value. , And converts the digital image data Q into digital image data Q for each pixel by quantization, and outputs the digital image data Q to an image reproducing apparatus.

Here, a self-failure diagnosis in the case where a component of the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment has a failure and a visible image reproduced by the output digital image data has an abnormality will be described.

First, the reference light input means 31 emits light (eg, an LED) having a reference light amount.
Is input to the photomultiplier 16 via the. The photomultiplier 16 photoelectrically converts the input reference light M0 and outputs a corresponding image signal y0. The image signal y0 corresponding to the reference light M0 is detected by the first detecting means 41,
It is input to the judgment means 50. Here, a conversion table for photoelectric conversion by the photomultiplier 16 is stored in advance in the determination means 50, and an output value in a normal state with respect to the input of the reference light M0 is obtained according to this table. The image signal y0 detected by the first detection means 41 is compared with the image signal y0, and when they substantially match (for example, within a range of ± 5% based on a calculated value based on the table), the photomultiplier 16 is determined to be normal, If they do not match at all (for example, outside the range of ± 5%), the photomultiplier 16 is determined to be abnormal.

Further, the image signal y0 is logarithmically amplified by the logarithmic amplifier 21 to output a logarithmic image signal q0. The logarithmic image signal q0 corresponding to the image signal y0 is detected by the second detecting means 42 and input to the determining means 50. Here, a conversion table for logarithmic amplification by the logarithmic amplifier 21 is stored in advance in the determination means 50, and a normal output value with respect to the input image signal y0 is obtained according to this table. Are compared with the logarithmic image signal q0 detected by the detecting means 42, and when they substantially match (for example, ±
If the logarithmic amplifier 21 is normal (within the range of 5%), the logarithmic amplifier 21 is determined to be abnormal.

Furthermore, this logarithmic image signal q0 is A /
The data is converted into digital image data Q0 by the D conversion circuit 22.
The digital image data Q0 corresponding to the logarithmic image signal q0 is detected by the third detecting means 43 and input to the determining means 50. Here, a conversion table for A / D conversion by the A / D conversion circuit 22 is stored in advance in the determination means 50, and an output value in a normal state with respect to the input logarithmic image signal q0 is obtained according to this table. The output value is compared with the digital image data Q0 actually detected by the third detection means 43, and when they substantially match (within a range of, for example, ± 5% based on a calculated value based on the table), A / The D / A converter 22 is determined to be normal, and if they do not match at all (for example, outside the range of ± 5%), the A / D converter 22 is determined to be abnormal.

As described above, according to the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment, even when the output digital image data is abnormal, the photomultiplier which is a main component constituting the radiation image information reading apparatus is provided. 16. Of the logarithmic amplifier 21 or the A / D conversion circuit 22, a faulty element can be easily identified, which is very useful for quick recovery.

The radiation image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which digital image data Q output from the A / D conversion circuit 22 is sequentially and sequentially output to the image reproducing apparatus. The digital image data Q may be temporarily stored in a memory, that is, after the digital image data of the entire image is output from the A / D conversion circuit 22, and then output at a time. Is A /
What is necessary is just to employ | adopt the structure which provided the memory 23 in the latter stage of the D conversion circuit 22. When such a configuration is adopted, as shown in FIG. 2, the main part is provided with a fourth detecting means 44 for detecting the output signal of the memory 23, and the normal or abnormal judgment of the memory 23 is determined. The determination unit 50 may determine based on the detection result of the third detection unit 43 and the detection result of the fourth detection unit 44.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of an embodiment of the second radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

In contrast to the radiation image information reading device shown in the drawing and the radiation image information reading device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the outputs of the photomultiplier 16, the logarithmic amplifier 21, and the A / D conversion circuit 22 are detected. Instead of these elements, a reference light input means 31, a reference current input means 32 and a reference voltage input means 33 for inputting a reference light M0, a reference current y0 or a reference voltage q0 to these elements, respectively, are provided. An abnormal component is determined by inputting light, current or voltage which is a reference of the above, and detecting the output value from the A / D conversion circuit 22 which is the final output value by the digital image data detecting means 40. The determination is made by the means 50.

First, the reference voltage q0 is inputted to the A / D conversion circuit 22 by the reference voltage input means 33. The input reference voltage q0 is converted into digital image data by the A / D conversion circuit 22. The digital image data corresponding to the reference voltage q0 is detected by the digital image data detecting means 40 and input to the determining means 50. Here, a conversion table for A / D conversion by the A / D conversion circuit 22 is stored in advance in the determination means 50, and a normal output value with respect to the input reference voltage q0 is obtained according to this table. The output value is compared with the digital image data actually detected by the digital image data detecting means 40, and when they substantially match (within a range of, for example, ± 5% based on the calculated value based on the table), the A / D conversion circuit 22 is determined to be normal, and when they do not match at all (for example, outside the above ± 5% range), the A / D conversion circuit
22 is determined to be abnormal.

If the A / D conversion circuit 22 is determined to be abnormal, the A / D conversion circuit 22 is replaced with a normal one, and the reference current input means 32 supplies the reference current y0 to the logarithmic amplifier 21. input. The input reference current y0 is logarithmically amplified by the logarithmic amplifier 21 to output a logarithmic image signal. This logarithmic image signal is further converted by an A / D conversion circuit.
The data is input to the A / D conversion circuit 22 and is converted into corresponding digital image data by the A / D conversion circuit 22. This converted digital image data is detected by the digital image data detecting means 40,
It is input to the judgment means 50. Here, a conversion table for logarithmic conversion by the logarithmic amplifier 21 is stored in advance in the determination means 50, and an output value in a normal state with respect to the input reference current y0 is obtained according to this table. The value after the conversion by the A / D conversion circuit 22 is obtained in accordance with the above-mentioned conversion table of the A / D conversion, and the obtained value and the digital image data actually detected by the digital image data detecting means 40 are compared with each other. When the values substantially match (for example, within the range of ± 5% based on the calculated value based on the table), it is determined that the logarithmic amplifier 21 is normal. When the values do not match at all (for example, outside the range of ± 5%), The logarithmic amplifier 21 is determined to be abnormal.

If it is determined that the logarithmic amplifier 21 is abnormal, the logarithmic amplifier 21 is replaced with a normal logarithmic amplifier, and the reference light input means 31 sends the reference light M to the photomultiplier 16.
By inputting 0 and storing the conversion table of the photoelectric conversion by the photomultiplier 16 in advance in the determination means 50 in the same manner as above, it is possible to determine whether the photomultiplier 16 is normal or abnormal.

As described above, according to the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment, even when the output digital image data is abnormal, the photomultiplier which is a main component constituting the radiation image information reading apparatus is provided. 16. Of the logarithmic amplifier 21 or the A / D conversion circuit 22, a faulty element can be easily identified, which is very useful for quick recovery.

The radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which digital image data Q output from the A / D conversion circuit 22 is sequentially and sequentially output to an image reproducing apparatus. The digital image data Q may be temporarily stored in a memory and then output at one time. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a memory 23 is provided at a stage subsequent to the A / D conversion circuit 22. . When such a configuration is adopted, as shown in FIG. 4, the main part is provided with a reference signal input means 34 for inputting a reference image signal to the memory 23, and the reference signal input means 34 Is input to the memory 23, the output of the memory 23 is detected by the digital image data detecting means 40, and the determining means 50 is determined based on the detected digital image data and the input reference signal.
The values calculated inside are compared by the determination means 50. When these values substantially match, the memory 23 can be determined to be normal, and when they do not match at all, the memory 23 can be determined to be abnormal.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment of the third radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

The radiation image information reading apparatus shown in the figure is different from the radiation image information reading apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. A CRT 70 for displaying digital image data, which is an output value from the / D conversion circuit 22, as a visible image, and an image processing means 80 for performing predetermined signal processing for displaying the digital image data on the CRT 70. While the image information reading apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 automatically determines a faulty device based on numerical data, the image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment displays a visible image based on the above numerical data. Then, a doctor or the like who observes this visible image can determine a faulty device based on the state of the visible image.

First, the reference voltage q0 is input to the A / D conversion circuit 22 by the reference voltage input means 33. The input reference voltage q0 is converted into digital image data Q0 by the A / D conversion circuit 22. The digital image data Q0 corresponding to the reference voltage q0 is input to the image processing means 80, where predetermined digital gradation processing is performed, and the processed image data Q0 'after the image processing is input to the CRT 70. . Where CR
At T70, a visible image corresponding to the image data Q0 'is displayed.

Here, doctors, radiographers, etc.
Is observed, and it is determined whether or not the image is the same or substantially the same as the original image to be displayed when the reference voltage q0 is applied.

If the determination is "same", it can be determined that the A / D conversion circuit 22 is normal. If not, the A / D conversion circuit 22 is faulty (abnormal). Can be determined.

If the A / D conversion circuit 22 is determined to be abnormal, the A / D conversion circuit 22 is replaced with a normal one. If the A / D conversion circuit 22 is determined to be normal, the operation is continued. Then, the reference current y0 is input to the logarithmic amplifier 21 by the reference current input means 32. The input reference current y0 is logarithmically amplified by the logarithmic amplifier 21 to output a logarithmic image signal. The logarithmic image signal is further input to the A / D conversion circuit 22 and is converted by the A / D conversion circuit 22 into corresponding digital image data. The converted digital image data is subjected to a predetermined gradation process by the image processing means 80 and output to the CRT 70 in the same manner as described above.

Here, a doctor or the like observes the visible image displayed on the CRT 70 in the same manner as described above, and makes a judgment on the observed image in the same manner as described above, thereby determining whether the logarithmic amplifier 21 is normal or abnormal. it can.

Hereinafter, similarly, whether the photomultiplier 16 is normal or abnormal can be easily determined by a doctor or the like based on the visible image.

As described above, according to the radiation image information reading apparatus of the present embodiment, even when the output digital image data is abnormal, the photomultiplier which is a main component constituting the radiation image information reading apparatus is provided. 16. A visible image that allows a doctor or the like to easily determine a faulty element of the logarithmic amplifier 21 or the A / D conversion circuit 22 is represented by C
It can be displayed on the RT 70, which is very useful for prompt recovery from a failure.

The radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which digital image data Q output from the A / D conversion circuit 22 is sequentially and sequentially output to the image reproducing apparatus. The digital image data Q may be temporarily stored in a memory and then output at one time. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a memory 23 is provided at a stage subsequent to the A / D conversion circuit 22. . When such a configuration is adopted, as shown in FIG. 6, the main part is provided with a reference signal input means 34 for inputting a reference image signal Q0 to the memory 23, and the reference signal input means 34 A signal is input to the memory 23, and based on the output of the memory 23, image processing is performed by the image processing means 80, image display is performed by the CRT 70, and the displayed visible image is observed.
23 pass / fail judgments can be made.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of an embodiment of the fourth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

The illustrated radiation image information reading apparatus is a combination of the first and second radiation image information reading apparatuses of the first and second embodiments of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

That is, with respect to the reader shown in FIG. 1, the photomultiplier 16, the logarithmic amplifier 21, and the A / A
The D conversion circuit 22 further includes reference light input means 31, reference current input means 32, and reference voltage input means 33 for inputting reference light M0, reference current y0, or reference voltage q0, respectively. The reference light, current or voltage is input to the logarithmic amplifier 21 and the A / D conversion circuit 22, respectively, and the output value of the photomultiplier 16, the output value of the logarithmic amplifier 21, and the output value of the A / D conversion circuit 22 are changed. By detecting the abnormal components with the first detecting means 41, the second detecting means 42, and the third detecting means 43, respectively, the determining means 50 determines the abnormal component. Since the operation of this embodiment is based on a combination of the above-described two embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 or FIG. 6 except that the memory 23 is added to the embodiment shown in FIG. A reference signal input means 34 for inputting a reference image signal to the memory 23 and a fourth detection means 44 for detecting an output signal of the memory 23. Reference image signal and fourth detection means
The determination means 50 may determine based on the detection result by 44.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a first radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a fifth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a second radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of an embodiment of a sixth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a third radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a seventh radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a fourth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment of an eighth radiation image information reading apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 15 light guide 16 photomultiplier 21 logarithmic amplifier (log amplifier) 22 A / D conversion circuit 31 reference light input means 41 first detection means 42 second detection means 43 third detection means 50 determination means 60 stimulable fluorescence Body sheet 70 CRT 80 Image processing means M Photostimulated light y Analog image signal (current) q Logarithmic image signal (voltage) Q Digital image data

Claims (8)

[Claims] An excitation light scans a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information of a subject is stored, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit. A radiographic image information reading apparatus that reads an image signal by reading the image signal, logarithmically converts the image signal with a log amplifier, converts the logarithmic image signal into digital image data with an A / D converter, and outputs the digital image data. Reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means, first detection means for detecting an image signal after photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion means, and logarithm logarithmically converted by the log amplifier A second detection unit for detecting a converted image signal; a third detection unit for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter; and a reference light input unit. The photoelectric conversion means based on the detection results of the first detection means, the second detection means, and the third detection means when the reference amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion means. A determination unit for determining a failed device among a log amplifier and an A / D converter. 2. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. A radiographic image information reading apparatus that reads an image signal by reading the image signal, logarithmically converts the image signal with a log amplifier, converts the logarithmic image signal into digital image data with an A / D converter, and outputs the digital image data. A reference light input unit for inputting a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion unit; a reference current input unit for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier; and a reference voltage to the A / D converter Reference voltage input means, detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter, and reference light input means to the photoelectric conversion means. A detection result by the detection unit when a certain amount of light is input, a detection result by the detection unit when the reference current is input to the log amp by the reference current input unit, and a detection result by the reference voltage input unit. Said A
A determination unit that determines a faulty device among the photoelectric conversion unit, the log amplifier, and the A / D converter based on a detection result of the detection unit when the reference voltage is input to the / D converter. A radiation image information reading device, comprising: 3. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. A radiographic image information reading apparatus that reads an image signal by reading the image signal, logarithmically converts the image signal with a log amplifier, converts the logarithmic image signal into digital image data with an A / D converter, and outputs the digital image data. A reference light input unit for inputting a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion unit; a reference current input unit for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier; and a reference voltage to the A / D converter A radiological image, comprising: a reference voltage input unit for performing a digital image data conversion by the A / D converter; and an image reproducing unit for reproducing a digital image data as a visible image. Broadcast reader. 4. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. A radiographic image information reading apparatus that reads an image signal by reading the image signal, logarithmically converts the image signal with a log amplifier, converts the logarithmic image signal into digital image data with an A / D converter, and outputs the digital image data. A reference light input unit for inputting a reference amount of light to the photoelectric conversion unit; a first detection unit for detecting an image signal after photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion unit; and a reference current for the log amplifier. Reference current input means for inputting, second detection means for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier, and reference for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter Pressure input means, third detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter, and light having the reference light amount input to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means. The detection result by the first detection unit, the detection result by the second detection unit when the reference current is input to the log amp by the reference current input unit, and the detection result by the reference voltage input unit. Based on the detection result by the third detection unit when the reference voltage is input to the A / D converter, a faulty device among the photoelectric conversion unit, the log amplifier, and the A / D converter is determined. A radiation image information reading device comprising: a determination unit. 5. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and the stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. The image signal is read out to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter, and the digital image data is temporarily stored in a memory. A radiographic image information reading device for storing and outputting the reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means; and a first detecting means for detecting an image signal after the photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion means. Detecting means; second detecting means for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier; digital image digitally converted by the A / D converter Third detection means for detecting data, fourth detection means for detecting digital image data temporarily stored in the memory, and light of the reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means. Is input based on the detection results by the first detection means, the second detection means, the third detection means, and the fourth detection means. A radiation image information reading apparatus comprising: a D converter or a memory; 6. An excitation light scans a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information of a subject is stored, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit. The image signal is read out to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter, and the digital image data is temporarily stored in a memory. In a radiation image information reading device that stores and outputs the reference light, reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means, reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier, Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter; reference signal input means for inputting a reference electric signal to the memory; Detection means for detecting the stored digital image data, a detection result by the detection means when the reference light input means inputs the light amount of the reference to the photoelectric conversion means, the reference current input means A detection result by the detection unit when the reference current is input to the log amplifier, and a detection result by the detection unit when the reference voltage is input to the A / D converter by the reference voltage input unit. And a failure of the photoelectric conversion unit, the log amplifier, the A / D converter, or the memory based on a detection result by the detection unit when the reference electric signal is input to the memory by the reference signal input unit. A radiation image information reading apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines a device. 7. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and the stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. The image signal is read out to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter, and the digital image data is temporarily stored in a memory. In a radiation image information reading device that stores and outputs the reference light, reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means, reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier, Reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter; reference signal input means for inputting a reference electric signal to the memory; Radiation image information reading apparatus comprising the image reproducing means for reproducing a visible image digital image data stored at. 8. A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which radiation image information of a subject is stored and recorded, is scanned with excitation light, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet by the scanning of the excitation light is photoelectrically converted by photoelectric conversion means. The image signal is read out to obtain an image signal, the image signal is logarithmically converted by a log amplifier, the logarithmized image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter, and the digital image data is temporarily stored in a memory. A radiographic image information reading device for storing and outputting the reference light input means for inputting light of a reference light amount to the photoelectric conversion means; and a first detecting means for detecting an image signal after the photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion means. Detection means; reference current input means for inputting a reference current to the log amplifier; and second detection for detecting a logarithmic image signal logarithmically converted by the log amplifier. A stage; reference voltage input means for inputting a reference voltage to the A / D converter; third detection means for detecting digital image data digitally converted by the A / D converter; Reference signal input means for inputting a reference electric signal; fourth detection means for detecting digital image data temporarily stored in the memory; and light quantity serving as the reference to the photoelectric conversion means by the reference light input means. The detection result by the first detection means when the light of the second input is input, the detection result by the second detection means when the reference current is input to the log amp by the reference current input means, the reference voltage The detection result by the third detection means when the reference voltage is input to the A / D converter by the input means, and the detection result by the reference signal input means Judgment for determining a faulty device among the photoelectric conversion unit, the log amplifier, the A / D converter, or the memory based on a detection result by the fourth detection unit when the reference electric signal is input to the memory. And a radiation image information reading apparatus.