JPH11311848A - Device and method for erasing radiation picture, stimulable phosphor panel, case and radiation picture reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation picture erasing device and a radiation picture erasing method to appropriately erase a radiation picture. SOLUTION: Since erasure processing for the after image of a stimulable phosphor panel 21a is controlled for instance in accordance with a photographing state for the stimulable phosphor panel 21a, the intensity of erasing light is enhanced and radiation time is extended for instance when radiation exposure dose to the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is large, so that the after image of the radiation picture is completely erased. On the other hand, when the radiation exposure dose to the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is low, the intensity of the erasing light is lowered and the radiation time is shortened, so that the deterioration of the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is prevented and generation of heat caused by the erasing light is prevented as much as possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image reading technique, and more particularly to a radiation image erasing apparatus and an erasing method for recording an image on a stimulable fluorescent panel using radiation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art X-ray photography is known in which an X-ray is irradiated onto a human body or the like, and the transmitted X-rays are applied to a stimulable fluorescent panel to record an image of an internal tissue of the human body or the like. By the way, in such X-ray photography, the image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel was not immediately read, but the stimulable fluorescent panel was read by a separate image reading device, and the image was converted into a digital signal. Later, there is a system for displaying and storing on a display or the like.

In such a system, once an image is converted into a digital signal and recorded, the image is erased, and the stimulable fluorescent panel can record an image again in X-ray photography. I have. The number of times an image can be repeatedly recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel may exceed 10,000 at most.

As described above, the stimulable phosphor panel is used for a relatively long period of time, and is used in a large number of reciprocating movements between the X-ray imaging apparatus and the image reading apparatus.
On the other hand, the stimulable phosphor panel is usually stored in a cassette, which is a case excellent in impact resistance and dust resistance, since the adhesion of dust or scratches may hinder image formation. It is conveyed or stored between the photographing device and the image reading device.

[0005] By the way, in X-ray imaging used for assisting diagnosis of an affected part, various parts such as a chest, legs, and fingers of a human body are to be imaged.
In addition, even when the imaging part is the same, for example, in the case of a chest, an imaging target may be different each time, such as an image of an internal organ or an image of a rib. Alternatively, even if the subject to be photographed is the same, the degree of fat attachment may vary greatly depending on whether the subject is fat or fat, adult or child, male or female.

[0006] As described above, when the object to be imaged is different, the amount of X-ray bombardment (intensity of irradiated X-ray x irradiation time) is correspondingly obtained
Must be changed and the image corresponding to the object to be photographed must be stored in the fluorescent layer. Therefore, in general X-ray photography,
X-ray technicians and others adjust the amount of bombardment to the optimum value based on their own experience.

[0007]

By the way, at the time of recording an image on the stimulable fluorescent panel, the number of electrons trapped at a high energy level in the fluorescent layer by the irradiation of radiation increases.
By maintaining such a state, an image is recorded. Therefore, if all the electrons having the energy level of the fluorescent layer are emitted, the image is erased, and the image can be recorded again. Therefore, usually, a large amount of erasing light such as halogen light is applied to the stimulable phosphor panel to thereby excite the phosphor layer once and then lower its energy level. Of course, it is also possible to erase the image using an LED or a fluorescent lamp.

However, if the amount of bombardment at the time of X-ray imaging is different as described above, the erasure may be insufficient if the amount of erasing light is not changed accordingly. If it is insufficient, the image recorded in the previous X-ray photography will remain, which may result in blurred images recorded thereafter. Therefore, in order to avoid a situation in which the fluorescent layer is insufficiently erased, the erasing light is generally applied for a longer time than the time required for erasing.

However, since the luminescent layer of the stimulable fluorescent panel is slightly deteriorated by erasing light or heat generated by erasing, it is preferable that the erasing time is short. In addition, a halogen lamp that generates halogen light as erasing light converts a part of the supplied electric power into heat based on its efficiency. There is also a need for a means for ascending and cooling this, which is also undesirable from the viewpoint of energy saving.

An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image erasing apparatus and a radiographic image erasing method capable of appropriately erasing an image in view of the problems of the related art.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a radiation image erasing apparatus according to the present invention controls an erasing process for an afterimage of the stimulable fluorescent panel in accordance with a photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel. It is characterized by doing.

According to the radiation image erasing apparatus of the present invention, input means for inputting information relating to a radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and irradiating the stimulable fluorescent panel with erasing light to erase the recorded radiation image. Erasing means for erasing, wherein the erasing means has changing means for changing the irradiating light irradiation condition based on the information on the radiation image input by the input means.

According to the radiation image erasing method of the present invention, a step of judging a photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel, and a step of changing a erasing process of the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel based on the photographing state are described. It is characterized by consisting of.

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, input means for inputting information relating to the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and irradiating the stimulable fluorescent panel with erasing light, the recorded radiation image is read. Erasing means for erasing, wherein the erasing means has changing means for changing the irradiating light irradiation condition based on the information on the radiation image input by the input means.

[0015]

According to the radiation image erasing apparatus of the present invention, the erasing process for the afterimage of the stimulable fluorescent panel is controlled according to the photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel. If the amount of bombardment is high, by completely increasing the intensity of the erasing light or extending the irradiation time in accordance therewith, it is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiographic image, while on the other hand, If the radiation exposure dose is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly, thereby preventing deterioration of the stimulable phosphor panel and suppressing generation of heat based on the erasing light as much as possible. be able to.

According to the radiographic image erasing apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting information relating to the radiographic image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and the erasing light is applied to the stimulable fluorescent panel to thereby obtain the recorded radiographic image. Erasing means for erasing an image, the erasing means is based on information about the radiation image input by the input means,
Since there is a changing means for changing the irradiation condition of the erasing light, for example, if the radiation exposure amount to the stimulable phosphor panel is high, by increasing the intensity of the erasing light or extending the irradiation time accordingly. It is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiation image, while if the amount of radiation exposure to the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating and to suppress generation of heat based on the erasing light as much as possible.

According to the radiation image erasing method of the present invention, the step of judging the photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel and the step of erasing the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel are changed based on the photographing state. For example, if the amount of radiation bombardment on the stimulable phosphor panel is high, the intensity of the erasing light is increased or the irradiation time is extended accordingly, so that the afterimage of the radiation image is completely completed. Erasing can be performed, while if the amount of radiation exposure on the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly, thereby deteriorating the stimulable phosphor panel. And generation of heat based on the erasing light can be suppressed as much as possible.

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting information relating to the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and the erasing light is irradiated on the stimulable fluorescent panel to thereby record the recorded radiation. Erasing means for erasing an image, the erasing means is based on information about the radiation image input by the input means,
Since there is a changing means for changing the irradiation condition of the erasing light, for example, if the radiation exposure amount to the stimulable phosphor panel is high, by increasing the intensity of the erasing light or extending the irradiation time accordingly. It is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiation image, while if the amount of radiation exposure to the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating and to suppress generation of heat based on the erasing light as much as possible.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radiation image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a radiation image reading apparatus 1 includes a main body 1 provided with a cassette loading unit 10, a transport system 120, and an image reading system 62.
a and a control system (the control unit 100 and the like). First, the cassette loading unit 10 will be described.

In the upper part of the main body 1a, four slots 11 are provided.
a to 11d, into each of which a thin box-shaped cassette 22a to 22d is inserted by the user from obliquely above. Cassettes 22a to 22
d includes sheet-shaped stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d.
Is stored so that it can be easily taken out. It is assumed that radiation images have already been captured on the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d by an imaging device (not shown).

The cassettes 22a to 22d are slot 1
Inside each of 1a to 11d, a pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12d abut on upper and lower surfaces thereof. Light blocking roller 1
2a to 12d are formed slightly longer than the widths of the cassettes 22a to 22d, and are urged in directions approaching each other by urging means 13a to 13d such as springs.
Therefore, the cassettes 22a to 22d and the light shielding roller 12a
To 12d, so that outside light or the like is prevented from penetrating into the main body 1a therethrough.

The restriction portions 14a to 14d provided between the upper light shielding rollers 12a to 12d and the main body 1a function to prevent the light shielding rollers 12a to 12d from approaching by a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, when the cassettes 22a to 22d are not inserted into the slots 11a to 11d of the main body 1a, the pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12d
d is to be kept slightly open.

As described above, the pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12a
2d is kept slightly open so that cassettes 22a to 22d can be inserted into slots 11a.
When inserted into the cassettes 11a to 11d, the insertion ends can easily spread the light shielding rollers 12a to 12d, so that the insertion of the cassettes 22a to 22d is not hindered.

On the other hand, when the cassettes 22a to 22d are inserted by a predetermined distance, the insertion ends (right ends in FIG. 1) come into contact with the locking portions 15a to 15d, and their positions are regulated, and the cassettes 22a to 22d are moved. , Stimulable fluorescent panel 2
It is maintained in a standby state waiting for the removal of 1a to 21d.

Each of the cassettes 22a to 22d includes
A rotation-open type lid is provided at the insertion end. FIG. 1 shows only the lid 23a of the cassette 22a. Each lid is a lid opening / closing means 10 operated under the control of the control unit 100.
1, it can be opened and closed freely. In FIG.
Only 3a is kept open by the lid opening / closing means 101.

Next, the transport system 120 will be described in relation to the operation of the radiation image reading apparatus 1. When the user instructs, for example, to read an image of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in the cassette 22a through the console 81 provided on the upper part of the main body 1a, the control unit 100 first opens the lid 23a by the lid opening / closing means 101. . Next, the control unit 1
00 controls the roller driving means 103 to rotate the roller support arm 41 toward the cassette opening of the opened lid 23a. As a result, the lower end of the roller support arm 41 enters the cassette. At the lower end of the roller support arm 41, a roller 40 that is rotated by power from a motor (not shown) is attached. When the roller 40 rotates counterclockwise in a state in which the roller is in contact with the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, the stimulable fluorescent panel 2 is rotated.
1a is drawn out of the cassette 22a and is delivered to the sub-conveyor 45a. The above operation is the same for the stimulable fluorescent panels 21b to 21d in the cassettes 22b to 22d.

The sub-conveyor 45a having the same structure as the sub-conveyors 45b to 45d is composed of a pair of endless tracks made of adhesive rubber and has a storage fluorescent panel 21a between the endless tracks rotating in opposite directions to each other. Are transported while being clamped. The stimulable fluorescent panel 21a conveyed from the cassette 22a by the sub-conveyor 45a
Is transferred to the main conveyor 47 via the gate 46.

The main conveyor 47 has a substantially J-shape and, like the sub-conveyor, comprises a pair of rubber-based endless tracks having an adhesive property. The stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is conveyed while being pinched. By the main conveyor 47,
Storable fluorescent panel 21 conveyed from sub-conveyor 45a
a is conveyed to the image reading system 62 provided below the main body 1a.

Next, the image reading system 62 will be described in relation to the operation of the radiation image reading apparatus 1. The main conveyor 47 moves the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in the direction of arrow H at a constant speed. At this time, based on the control of the control unit 100, the slit-like laser beam 64 as the excitation light emitted from the main scanning optical system 63 is generated by the stimulable fluorescent panel 21.
a. Therefore, the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is scanned by the laser beam 64 over the entire surface at the moving speed of the main conveyor 47.

In the stimulable phosphor panel 21a which has been irradiated with the laser beam 64, the stimulable luminescent light of the position and the amount corresponding to the radiation image information stored and recorded is generated in the fluorescent layer. Is detected by a photodetector 66 such as a photomultiplier via a light guide 65.
From the photodetector 66, an image signal S indicating the radiation image information stored and recorded in the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is obtained.

The image signal S is input to the image processing unit 130, subjected to image processing based on predetermined identification information, and transmitted to the control unit 100. The control unit 100
Stores the transmitted image signal S, and displays an image on the CRT display device 80 provided in the upper part of the main body 1a based on the stored image signal S.

When the reading of the radiation image information is completed and the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a has moved to the end of the main conveyor 47, the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is returned to the sub-conveyor side by reversing the moving direction of the main conveyor 47. Become like However, an erasing unit 60 having a plurality of erasing light sources 61 is arranged near the upper end of the main conveyor 47, and the erasing from the erasing light source 61 toward the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a conveyed by the main conveyor 47 is performed. It is designed to emit light.

When the erasing light is applied to the fluorescent layer of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, the radiation energy stored after reading the image is released, and the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is released.
a is again in a state in which an image can be recorded.

The stimulable fluorescent panel 21a from which an image has been deleted
Is transferred to the sub-conveyor 45a, and stored in the cassette 22a by the rollers 40 of the roller support arm 41 in the reverse procedure based on the control of the control unit 100, and then the roller support arm 41 is moved from the cassette 22a. It is retracted and the lid 23a is closed.

In the radiation image reading apparatus of the present embodiment, since any of the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d of the cassettes 22a to 22d can read and erase images in the same procedure, for example, While the image of the stimulable fluorescent panel of the cassette is being read, another cassette can be exchanged, thereby improving the efficiency of image reading and reducing the burden on the operator.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the photographing state detecting means 90
Detects the imaging state based on the image information I, the information A on the imaging region, and the radiation value V, and transmits the information on the imaging state to the control unit 100.
The control unit 100 controls the erasing device 61 (FIG. 1) based on the information to erase the images recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d. More specifically, a control mode of the radiation image erasure will be described.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, an X-ray irradiator 200 is arranged behind a patient P to be subjected to X-ray imaging, and a housing 201 in which a stimulable fluorescent panel 21 a is set vertically is arranged in front of the patient P. ing. The magnetic recording medium 121a is located below the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in FIG.
Is provided. In the housing 201, the magnetic recording medium 1
A magnetic head 201a capable of reading information stored in 21a is provided. X-ray irradiation device 200
And the magnetic head 201a are electrically connected to the control unit 100 (not shown in FIG. 3) of the image reading apparatus 1.

When performing X-ray imaging, an X-ray technician uses the control panel 200b of the X-ray imaging apparatus 200 to obtain information on the patient P (sex, age, weight, etc.) and information on the imaging site (chest, leg, Back of the hand).
Such information is transmitted to the control unit 100 of the image reading device 1. On the other hand, the magnetic head 201a of the housing 201 reads data (a maker name, a manufacturing lot number, an ID number, etc.) relating to the stimulable fluorescent panel set in the housing 201 from the magnetic recording medium 121a, and To the control unit 100.

Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 200 obtains the amount of radiation (exposure amount) at the time of X-ray imaging from the current, voltage and time supplied to the X-ray imaging apparatus, and transmits it to the image reading apparatus 1. . After the X-ray imaging, the image of the stimulable fluorescent panel 1 on which the image is recorded is read by the image reading device 1 in the above-described manner. In such a case, the information regarding the image (shading of the image and the like) is transmitted to the control unit 10 of the control unit 1.
0 is transmitted. In the present embodiment, the imaging state detection means 90 of FIG.
00, the housing 201, and the radiation image reading apparatus 1.

The control unit 100 determines the intensity and / or irradiation time of irradiation light necessary for erasing a recorded image in the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a based on the above information and the amount of irradiation. More specifically, it is necessary to increase the intensity of the erasing light and / or lengthen the irradiation time as the amount of bombardment in the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a increases. It is necessary to change the intensity and / or irradiation time of the erasing light because the amount of bombardment of the luminescent fluorescent panel 21a changes.

First, the control unit 100 obtains a reference value of the intensity of the erasing light and the irradiation time based on the information on the amount of irradiation and / or the image. Further, the control unit 100 changes the reference value according to the following parameters. For example, the relationship between each imaging region and the erasing light is as follows. Imaging part Intensity or irradiation time of erasing light Chest Weak / Short upper back Middle leg Strong / Long Therefore, based on the transmitted information, the control unit 100 determines, for example, that the imaging part is the chest of the patient P. , The intensity of the erasing light is controlled to be weaker and / or the irradiation time shorter than the reference value. Further, even if the imaging region is the same chest, the irradiation condition of the erasing light may be changed depending on whether the imaging target is a viscera or a bone. Further, the control unit 100 determines, for example, the degree of fat of the patient P based on the information of the patient P, and controls the intensity and / or irradiation time of the erasing light to be changed accordingly. Further, based on the information on the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, the control unit 100 obtains the inherent sensitivity and the like of the stimulable fluorescent panel corresponding to the ID number, and optimally sets the intensity and / or irradiation time of the erasing light. It has become.

As described above, the control unit 100 can optimally adjust the intensity and / or irradiation time of the erasing light based on the transmitted information and the amount of radiation, so that the image can be sharpened when the image is recorded again. In addition, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating, suppress unnecessary heat generation based on the erasing light as much as possible, and save energy.

Incidentally, the amount of radiation in the X-ray imaging apparatus is:
The radiation sensor 201 provided in the housing 201 of FIG. 3 is not obtained indirectly from the power consumption of the X-ray imaging apparatus 200.
Alternatively, the detection may be performed directly via b. Further, information such as an imaging part is recorded on the floppy FD in the X-ray imaging apparatus 200 and the housing 201, and the floppy FD
May be read by the image reading device 1 together with the image of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, or may be transmitted via wireless communication means using radio waves or the like. Further, in some cases, the operator can input such information to the image reading device 1 by looking at a memo or the like on which the imaging site is described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stimulable phosphor panel according to a modification. In FIG. 4, the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a has a detection label 221a, whose state changes according to the amount of radiation received, attached to the upper right (a place where X-rays are unlikely to be blocked by the patient). After the X-ray imaging, the control unit 1 determines the radiation dose received by the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a based on the change of the detection label 221a.
00 can be entered.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a stimulable phosphor panel according to another modification. For example, one stimulable fluorescent panel is divided, and the legs are X on the right and the chest is X on the left.
Sometimes a line is taken. In such a case, since the amount of radiation received by the leg and the chest is different, an accurate amount cannot be input to the control unit 100 if only one label is attached as shown in FIG. Therefore, the stimulable fluorescent panel 2
The detection labels 221a, 222a, and 223 are provided at the four corners of 1a.
a, 224a can be attached, and the radiation dose received in the divided area of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a can be obtained based on each label and input to the control unit 100. In this case,
The control unit 100 can also change the intensity and irradiation time of the erasing light for each divided area of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cassette as a case of a stimulable phosphor panel according to another embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the cassette storage / image reading apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 6, a plate-shaped stimulable fluorescent panel 321a is a box-shaped cassette main body 322a.
And is closed by a lid 324a. The cassette 322 is composed of the cassette body 322a and the lid 324a.

An IC memory 323a is provided on the upper surface of the cassette body 322a. Such IC memory 32
3a can also store information on the patient P (FIG. 3), information on the stimulable fluorescent panel 321a, and information on the amount of radiation. Note that a memo field 325a in which an X-ray engineer or the like can write characters and symbols is also provided on the upper surface of the cassette body 322a.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the storage / image reading apparatus 300 has a vertical slot 30 as a cassette storage section.
1 to 305 are provided. Information reading means is provided inside the vertical slots 301 to 305.
The storage and image reading device 300 has a built-in radiation image reading device as shown in FIG. 1, and the information read by the information reading means is transmitted to its control unit (not shown in FIG. 5). It has become.

The stimulable fluorescent panel from which the reading of the image has been completed in the storage / image reading apparatus 300 is returned to the cassette 322 after the image is deleted by an erasing device (not shown) controlled by the control unit. Such a cassette 322
Is a vertical slot 301 of the storage and image reading apparatus 300.
To 305 are stored. When the user makes a display request, the control unit (not shown) reads the ID number of the stored cassette via the information reading means. Further, the control unit compares the ID number with the stored information, reads information (a maker name, a lot number, etc.) on the stimulable fluorescent panel in the cassette, and displays the information on the screen of the CRT display device 380.
It is displayed together with the ID number (380
a). Therefore, the user can see this display,
The stimulable fluorescent panel in the stored cassette can be used for optimal photographing.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there.

[0051]

According to the radiation image erasing apparatus of the present invention,
Since the erasing process for the afterimage of the stimulable fluorescent panel is controlled according to the imaging state of the stimulable fluorescent panel, for example, if the radiation exposure amount on the stimulable fluorescent panel is high, the intensity of the erasing light is correspondingly increased. By increasing the irradiation time or extending the irradiation time, it is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiation image, while if the radiation exposure amount to the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the erasing light is accordingly By reducing the intensity or shortening the irradiation time, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating and to minimize the generation of heat due to the erasing light.

According to the radiation image erasing apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting information relating to the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and the erasing light is irradiated on the stimulable fluorescent panel to thereby obtain the recorded radiation image. Erasing means for erasing an image, the erasing means is based on information about the radiation image input by the input means,
Since there is a changing means for changing the irradiation condition of the erasing light, for example, if the radiation exposure amount to the stimulable phosphor panel is high, by increasing the intensity of the erasing light or extending the irradiation time accordingly. It is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiation image, while if the amount of radiation exposure to the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating and to suppress generation of heat based on the erasing light as much as possible.

According to the radiation image erasing method of the present invention, the step of judging the photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel and the process of erasing the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel are changed based on the photographing state. For example, if the amount of radiation bombardment on the stimulable phosphor panel is high, the intensity of the erasing light is increased or the irradiation time is extended accordingly, so that the afterimage of the radiation image is completely completed. Erasing can be performed, while if the amount of radiation exposure on the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly, thereby deteriorating the stimulable phosphor panel. And generation of heat based on the erasing light can be suppressed as much as possible.

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting information relating to the radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and the erasing light is irradiated on the stimulable fluorescent panel to thereby record the recorded radiation. Erasing means for erasing an image, the erasing means is based on information about the radiation image input by the input means,
Since there is a changing means for changing the irradiation condition of the erasing light, for example, if the radiation exposure amount to the stimulable phosphor panel is high, by increasing the intensity of the erasing light or extending the irradiation time accordingly. It is possible to completely eliminate the afterimage of the radiation image, while if the amount of radiation exposure to the stimulable phosphor panel is low, the intensity of the erasing light is reduced or the irradiation time is shortened accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the stimulable phosphor panel from deteriorating and to suppress generation of heat based on the erasing light as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a radiation image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stimulable phosphor panel according to a modification.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a storage phosphor panel according to another modification.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cassette as a case of a stimulable phosphor panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cassette storage / image reading apparatus of FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 radiation image reading device 21 a to 21 d storable fluorescent panel 22 a to 22 d 322 cassette 60 erasing device 90 imaging state detecting means 100 control unit 200 X-ray irradiation device 201 housing 201 a magnetic head 201 b radiation sensor 221 a to 224 a detection label 300 storage Office and image reading device

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hisanori Dono 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A radiation image erasing apparatus, wherein an erasing process for an afterimage of said stimulable fluorescent panel is controlled in accordance with a photographing state of said stimulable fluorescent panel. 2. The radiographic image erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image erasing apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine the imaging state based on at least one of information on an imaging target and information on imaging conditions. Radiation image erasing device. 3. An input means for inputting information relating to a radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and an erasing means for erasing the recorded radiation image by irradiating the stimulable fluorescent panel with erasing light. The radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing means includes a changing means for changing irradiation conditions of the erasing light based on the information on the radiation image input by the input means. 4. A stimulable fluorescent panel from which a radiation image can be read by the radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising storage means for storing information relating to the radiation image. . 5. The stimulable phosphor panel according to claim 4, wherein said storage means electrically records information relating to said radiation image. 6. The stimulable fluorescent panel according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit magnetically records information on the radiation image. 7. The stimulable phosphor panel according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit can write information on the radiographic image using characters or symbols. 8. A case of a stimulable fluorescent panel from which a radiation image can be read by the radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the case has storage means for storing information on the radiation image. 9. The case according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit electrically records information on the radiation image. 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit magnetically records information on the radiation image.
Case described in. 11. The case according to claim 8, wherein information relating to the radiation image can be written in the storage means using characters or symbols. 12. The input means is communicably connected to an imaging device that records a radiation image on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and is configured to input information about the radiation image from the imaging device. The radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 13. An imaging device for recording a radiation image on the stimulable fluorescent panel, wherein information on the radiation image can be written to a storage medium, and the input means comprises:
The radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein information related to the radiation image is read from the storage medium. 14. The radiation image erasing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information on the radiation image includes at least one of information on an imaging target and information on an imaging condition. 15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining a photographing state of the stimulable fluorescent panel; and changing an erasing process of a radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel based on the photographing state. Radiation image erasing method. 16. An input means for inputting information relating to a radiation image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, and an erasing means for erasing the recorded radiation image by irradiating the stimulable fluorescent panel with erasing light. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit includes a changing unit configured to change irradiation conditions of the erasing light based on the information on the radiation image input by the input unit.