JPH1141399A - Fault diagnosis method for image information reader and image information reader capable of executing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the fault diagnosis of an image information reader having a fault diagnois function while using a plurality of test beams having the different quantity of light. SOLUTION: A plurality of test beams B having the different quantity of light are emitted from a test beam output means 50, and the emitted test beams B are respectively read by a photoelectric transducing means 20. A comparing means 40 compares plural read test image signals S1 with a reference image signal T1 corresponding to the image signal provided by reading the respective plural test beams B through the photoelectric transducing means 20 while the relevant device is normal, and it is discriminated whether both the image signals are matched with or not so that the fault diagnosis of the device is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a failure diagnosis of a radiation image information reading apparatus, and more particularly, to a failure diagnosis method of an image information reading apparatus and a failure diagnosis method capable of specifying the cause of failure at higher performance. The present invention relates to an image information reading device capable of performing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a "sheet") on which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded is irradiated with excitation light such as a laser beam, and the radiation image information is accumulated from the sheet. There has been known a radiation image information reading apparatus which is a kind of image information reading apparatus which detects stimulating light which emits stimulating light in response thereto and reads this radiation image information (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-18536, etc.).

In such a radiation image information reading apparatus, a laser beam is scanned over the entire surface of a sheet by, for example, an optical beam scanning means, and stimulated emission light emitted from the sheet is transmitted through a light guide to a photomultiplier. (Photomultiplier) to convert it into an electric signal (image signal). The obtained image signal is subjected to predetermined image signal processing by a signal processing unit, and the processed image signal is converted to a CRT or the like. There is a display device which displays a visible image on a display device. The signal processing unit, for example, performs logarithmic conversion of the image signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion unit using a logarithmic amplifier, and converts the logarithmic image signal into a digital image signal using an analog / digital converter (A / D converter). After performing desired image processing such as frequency processing and gradation processing on the digital image signal, the digital image signal is converted into a TV image signal of the NTSC system or the like.

[0004]

By the way, when a failure occurs in the photoelectric conversion means or the signal processing means, the radiation on the sheet is recorded even though the normal radiation image information is recorded on the sheet. A visible image corresponding to the image information cannot be obtained correctly, and image abnormalities such as generation of noise or abnormalities in a predetermined density range occur.

[0005] When a diagnosis is performed based on an image signal obtained by a radiation image information reading apparatus having such a failure, an abnormality in the diagnostic image is caused by a disease of the subject itself or a failure of the reading apparatus. Must be determined, which makes it difficult to perform a diagnosis with high accuracy.

Therefore, for the purpose of diagnosing whether the photoelectric conversion means and the signal processing means operate normally (ie, failure diagnosis of the apparatus), for example, a test light of a constant light amount readable by the photoelectric conversion means. Is output from the test light output means, the test light is photoelectrically read by the photoelectric conversion means, and the output signal of the photoelectric conversion means or the output signal of each part constituting the signal processing means is converted into a test image signal (pseudo image signal). ), And the test image signal is monitored to automatically determine the cause of the failure, or the test image signal is displayed as a visible image on a display device such as a CRT, and this visible image should be originally obtained. There has been proposed a radiation image information reading apparatus configured so that an observer such as a doctor can judge whether or not there is a failure, thereby performing a failure diagnosis.

However, if a test image signal is obtained by photoelectrically reading only a certain amount of test light as described above and a failure diagnosis is performed based on only the test image signal, a failure caused by a difference in light amount occurs. It is difficult to accurately determine the symptom of the failure or to identify the cause of the failure. For example, when unevenness occurs in the read image only when a small amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion unit, the effect is often caused by stray light, and conversely, only when a large amount of light is input. In the case where unevenness occurs in the image, the cause of the failure may differ depending on the amount of light even if the image signal is the same, such as the noise of the circuit system of the photoelectric conversion unit or the signal processing unit is often caused. This is because various failure causes cannot be isolated by performing a failure diagnosis only with a constant amount of test light.

Further, a test light having only a constant light amount is read photoelectrically, and an output signal of the photoelectric conversion means and an output signal of each component of the image signal processing means are simultaneously monitored. There is also proposed a method of automatically determining the cause of failure by using the method. However, in this method, a large number of signal detection circuit components are required to monitor various signals, so that the apparatus becomes complicated and causes an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a failure of an image information reading apparatus capable of accurately detecting a failure caused by a difference in light amount and identifying a cause of the failure with higher performance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a diagnostic method and an image information reading device capable of performing the method.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for diagnosing a failure in an image information reading apparatus, comprising the steps of: photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal; A test light is input to the photoelectric conversion means, the test light is read by the photoelectric conversion means to obtain a test image signal, and a plurality of test light signals having different light amounts are changed while changing the light amount of the test light. A plurality of test image signals obtained by reading the respective test lights, and a reference image signal corresponding to each of the plurality of test lights, thereby performing a failure diagnosis of the apparatus. is there.

The first image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image information reading apparatus that realizes the first failure diagnosis method, that is, photoelectrically reads light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means. An image information reading apparatus having a failure diagnosis function of obtaining an image signal by means of a test light output means for inputting test light readable by the photoelectric conversion means to the photoelectric conversion means, and a light amount of the test light being changeable Comparing the plurality of test image signals obtained by reading the plurality of test lights having different light amounts with the photoelectric conversion unit and the reference image signals corresponding to the plurality of test lights, respectively. Means.

Here, "test image signal" means
The test image signal is not limited to the test image signal itself read by the photoelectric conversion means, but may be a test image signal obtained by subjecting the signal to some kind of signal processing (for example, image signal processing such as frequency processing and gradation processing). The phrase "perform the failure diagnosis of the device" means performing the failure diagnosis of "until the test image signal is extracted from the photoelectric conversion means". The same applies hereinafter.

The "reference image signal" means that the above-mentioned "up to the point where the test image signal is extracted from the photoelectric conversion means" (hereinafter simply referred to as "the apparatus") is normal. And the reference image signal by the comparison means, if it is possible to recognize that both image signals match, for example, the test light is converted to the photoelectric conversion means when the device is normal. For example, a signal corresponding to an image signal obtained when the image data is input to the device can be used.

A second failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is a failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus which photoelectrically reads light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal. The test light is input to the photoelectric conversion means, the test light is read by the photoelectric conversion means to obtain a test image signal, the read test image signal is reproduced as a visible image, and the light amount of the test light is obtained. While changing the light amount, a plurality of visible images obtained by reading a plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test light beams having different light amounts, for example, a diagnosis person such as a doctor observes the failure diagnosis of the apparatus by observing the plurality of test image signals. It is characterized by performing.

The second image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image information reading apparatus that realizes the second failure diagnosis method, that is, photoelectrically reads light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means. An image information reading apparatus having a failure diagnosis function of obtaining an image signal by means of a test light output means for inputting test light readable by the photoelectric conversion means to the photoelectric conversion means, and a light amount of the test light being changeable A light amount changing means, and an image reproducing means for reproducing a plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts by the photoelectric conversion means as visible images, respectively. It is.

Further, a third method for diagnosing a failure in an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is a method for diagnosing a failure in an image information reading apparatus in which light carrying image information is photoelectrically read by photoelectric conversion means to obtain an image signal. Wherein test light is input to the photoelectric conversion means, the test light is read by the photoelectric conversion means to obtain a test image signal, and the read test image signal matches each of the plurality of desired image signals. Changing the light amount of the test light while monitoring the test image signal, and comparing the light amount of the test light when the test image signal matches each of the plurality of desired image signals with a reference light amount. It is characterized in that a failure diagnosis of the device is performed.

The third image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image information reading apparatus that realizes the third failure diagnosis method, that is, photoelectrically reads light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means. An image information reading apparatus having a failure diagnosis function of obtaining an image signal by means of a test light output means for inputting test light readable by the photoelectric conversion means to the photoelectric conversion means, and a light amount of the test light being changeable A light amount changing unit, and monitoring the test image signal so that a test image signal obtained by reading the test light by the photoelectric conversion unit coincides with each of a plurality of preset desired image signals. Control means for controlling the light amount changing means; and controlling the light amount of the test light when the test image signal coincides with each of the plurality of desired image signals. It is characterized in further comprising a comparison means for comparing the reference amount of light corresponding to each item.

Here, the "reference light amount" is the light amount of each test light from which the plurality of desired image signals can be obtained when the apparatus is normal. The “comparing means” is not particularly limited as long as the light amount of the test light can be compared with the reference light amount, and the light amount of the test light is actually measured and compared with the reference light amount. Alternatively, a control signal of the control unit that controls the light amount changing unit, a light amount change signal of the light amount changing unit that changes the light amount of the test light, and each of the plurality of desired image signals that can be compared with these signals. The light quantity of the test light may be equivalently compared with the reference light quantity by comparing the corresponding reference signal.

In the third image information reading device,
A signal conversion unit configured to convert the test image signal into digital image data obtained by digitizing the test image signal, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined desired image signals converts the desired image signal into a digital value, When a specific bit is set, all bits lower than the specific bit become the same data, and all data of bits higher than the specific bit become zero, and the control means performs the signal conversion. While monitoring the digital image data converted by the means, the light amount of the test light is changed within a range of a predetermined light amount, and when the data of the specific bit of the digital image data changes, the test image signal becomes the desired value. It is desirable to determine that it matches the image signal.

Here, the "predetermined light amount range" means that all the bits of the digital image data which are higher than the specific bit are zero (for example, when the specific bit is 4, the digital image data is from 0000). 1111 range)
The light amount range of the test light is as follows.

Further, "change the light amount" means that when the lower bits are all 1, the digital image data is changed in a direction from the smaller than the desired image signal to the larger, and on the other hand, the lower bit is changed. When the bits are all 0, it means that the digital image data is changed from a direction larger than the desired image signal to a direction smaller.

In any of the above image information reading apparatuses, it is further preferable that the light amount changing means changes the light amount of the test light to a plurality of light amounts set in advance.

Further, in the first or second image information reading apparatus, it is preferable that the change in the light amount of the test light is a change in the light amount such that the test image signal forms a predetermined image pattern.

Here, "image pattern" means an image having a predetermined pattern when a test image signal is displayed as a visible image on a display device. The image is not limited to an image but may be a moving image, and may be a monochrome image or a color image.

Further, it is more preferable that the image pattern is a well-known sine wave or triangular wave (ramp waveform) image pattern used for, for example, adjustment inspection of image equipment.

[0026]

According to the first method for diagnosing failure of an image information reading apparatus and the image information reading apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of test image signals obtained by respectively reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts, Since the configuration is such that the reference image signal corresponding to each of the plurality of test lights is compared, a symptom or presentation is caused by a difference in light amount that cannot be detected in a failure diagnosis using only a constant light amount as in the related art. It is also possible to detect a missing fault.

Further, as in the second method for diagnosing a failure of an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention and the image information reading apparatus,
If a configuration is adopted in which a plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts by the photoelectric conversion means and displaying them on the image display device as visible images, it is possible to visually determine the failure. As a result, it is possible to detect a defect at a small point, and to specify the cause and the failure location with higher performance.

In performing such a failure diagnosis, the failure diagnosis is performed using a predetermined image pattern (for example, a sine wave or a triangular wave pattern), thereby taking into account the characteristics of each unit such as a photoelectric conversion unit and a signal processing unit of the device. It is also possible to perform a performance test by using the method described above, so that it is possible to specify a failure location and its cause with extremely high performance.

Further, according to the third image information reading apparatus failure diagnosis method and the image information reading apparatus of the present invention,
Controlling the amount of test light so that a test image signal that matches the desired image signal can be obtained makes it difficult to obtain the amount of light to be set normally under good conditions. Therefore, the light amount setting in the normal state can be performed easily and accurately. Further, since the approximate light amount value of the test light for obtaining the desired image signal in the normal state can be known in advance, the failure diagnosis can be performed by comparing the light amount value with the actual light amount value. . Further, at the time of the light amount control, the desired image signal and the test image signal are converted into digital values to determine specific bits, and the places where the specific bits of the digital image signal obtained by digitizing the test image signal change are detected. In addition, the light amount can be accurately controlled so that the desired image signal and the test image signal match.

In changing the light amount of the test light at the time of the failure diagnosis, the light amount may be changed among a plurality of light amount values set in advance without changing the light amount in particular. By doing so, it is possible to more easily perform the failure diagnosis.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of a failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention and an image information reading apparatus capable of implementing the method will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a first embodiment to which a failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
The radiation image information reading apparatus according to this configuration includes a scanning unit 10 for scanning the sheet 1 with the excitation light L, and photoelectrically reads the stimulated emission light A emitted from the sheet 1 in response to the excitation light L to read an electric signal (image signal). ), A signal processing unit 30 that performs predetermined image signal processing on the image signal read by the photoelectric conversion unit 20, and compares the image signal read by the photoelectric conversion unit 20 with the reference image signal. The comparing means 40 comprises test light output means 50 for emitting test light B for use in a failure diagnosis function described later, and light amount changing means 52 capable of changing the light amount.

The scanning means 10 includes a laser light source 11 for emitting laser light L having a predetermined wavelength, a rotary polygon mirror 12 for reflecting and deflecting the emitted laser light L, a motor 13 for driving the rotary polygon mirror 12 to rotate, Fθ lens 14 for condensing laser light L, reflecting optical system for reflecting and converging laser light L
An excitation light irradiating means 15 and a conveying means 60 for mounting and transporting the sheet 1 in the direction of the arrow X.

The photoelectric conversion means 20 is a light guide for condensing stimulated emission light A which emits at a light amount corresponding to the radiation image information stored and recorded on the sheet 1 by irradiation of the laser light L.
22, a photomultiplier 24 for amplifying the collected stimulated emission light A and performing photoelectric conversion.

The signal processing means 30 includes a logarithmic amplifier 32, an A / D
It comprises a conversion circuit 33 and an image signal processing circuit. The signal processing means 30 may be any signal processing means normally provided in a radiation image information reading apparatus, and is not an essential component of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the radiation image information reading apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The sheet 1 on which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded by a radiation image recording device (not shown) or the like is placed on a conveying means 60 and conveyed in the direction of the arrow X, and the scanning means 10, the photoelectric conversion means 20, the test light output means 50
Is carried into the reading unit composed of. In the reading unit, a laser beam L emitted from a laser light source 11 is deflected in a predetermined direction by a rotating polygon mirror 12 driven at high speed by a motor 13, and the deflected laser beam L is condensed by an fθ lens 14. Then, the light is reflected by the reflection optical system 15 to irradiate the sheet 1. At this time, the rotation of the rotary polygon mirror 12 in the direction of the arrow K causes the laser beam L to main-scan the sheet 1 in the direction of the arrow Y, and the main scanning and the movement of the conveying means 60 in the direction of the arrow X (sub-scan). Scanning) is combined with the laser beam L uniformly.

From the surface of the sheet 1 irradiated with the laser beam L, stimulated emission light A according to the accumulated and recorded radiation image information is emitted, and the stimulated emission light A is arranged on the upper surface of the sheet 1. Is condensed by the light guide 22
, The image signal S ₀ carrying the image recorded on the sheet 1 is read.

The image signal S ₀ read by the photoelectric conversion means 20 is sent to the signal processing means 30, where the output level of the image signal S ₀ is logarithmically amplified to a predetermined level by the logarithmic amplifier 32, and the A / D conversion circuit After being A / D converted by 33, it is input to the image signal processing circuit 34. Image signal processing circuit 34
In, for example frequency processing, after a predetermined image processing such as gradation processing has been performed, an image corresponding to the image signal S ₀ read is displayed as a visible image on the image display device 38 such as a CRT, diagnosis Provided. Further, the image data is stored as image data in a storage medium 39 such as a hard disk, and may be subjected to data processing later.

On the other hand, the test light output means 50 is a photoelectric conversion means.
20 emits a readable light (test light) B,
Any light may be used as long as the photoelectric conversion means 20 can read photoelectrically. For example, red light emitted from a normal red LED or the like may be used.
When the test light B of the light amount (predetermined light amount) determined by the light amount changing unit 52 is emitted from the test light output unit 50,
Test light B be condensed by the light guide 22, it is photoelectrically converted into test image signals S ₁ read by the photomultiplier 24. Here, the image signal obtained by reading the test light B was test image signals S ₁ is because different from the image signals S ₀ obtained by reading the emitted light A, which is actually emitted from the sheet 1 (hereinafter the test image signals S ₁ simply as image signals S _1). As the test light output means 50, any means may be used as long as the test light B is input to the light guide 22 and a failure diagnosis function described later can be normally performed.

The image signals S ₀ and S ₁ read by the photoelectric conversion means 20 are also input to the comparison means 40 and are configured to be compared with the reference image signal T ₁ . Reference image signal
T ₁ can be recognized as a match between the image signals S ₁ and T ₁ when the image signal S ₁ and the reference image signal T ₁ are compared by the comparing means 40 when the device is normal. For example, an image signal S ₁ obtained when the photoelectric conversion unit 20 reads a predetermined amount of test light B emitted from the test light output unit 50 when the device is normal.
Can be used. Therefore, if the apparatus is normal, the result of comparing the two image signals S ₁ and T ₁ by the comparing means 40 is naturally determined to be the same.

The comparison means 40 does not necessarily need to be a means for inputting the image signal S ₁ from the photoelectric conversion means 20 and comparing it with the reference image signal T _1. For example, the logarithm of the signal processing means 30 it may be configured to enter one of each part of the output signal, such as converter 32 and a / D conversion circuit 33 is compared with the reference image signal T _1. At this time, for the reference image signal T _1, respectively in accordance with the signal form of each part, the device is a result both the image signal S _1, T ₁ compared match the comparison means 40 if normal, it may be input reference image signal T ₁ as it can be determined that. Thus, which varies the target to perform failure diagnosis of the later by taken out of where the image signals S _1, the photoelectric conversion unit 20 after entering the test light B to take out the image signals S ₁ However, this is the subject of the failure diagnosis of the present invention. Therefore,
By "when the device is normal" in the above description, the "place since the photoelectric conversion unit 20 inputs the test light B to take out the image signals S _1" is meant a time normal,
The same applies to the following description.

[0042] then the signal read by the photoelectric conversion means 20 of the radiation image information reading apparatus having the above arrangement, or any of the components of the output signal constituting the signal processing unit 30 and the image signal S _1, the photoelectric conversion unit 20 when there is a failure at the enter the test light to take out the image signal S _1, the failure diagnosis function described.

FIG. 2 shows a photoelectric conversion unit 20, a signal processing unit 30, and a radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the present invention having the above configuration.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part including a comparing unit 40, a test light output unit 50, and a light amount changing unit 52. Hereinafter, the failure diagnosis function of the device will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, a predetermined amount of test light B is emitted from the test light output means 50 as will be described later, and this test light B is read by the photoelectric conversion means 20 and the image signal
It is converted to S _1. The image signals S ₁ is input to the comparator 40. The reference image signal T _1, corresponding to the amount of test light B, may be given a signal value obtained by the photoelectric conversion means 20 when the device is normal, if turned into look up table (LUT), The comparison described below can be performed at high speed.

In general, the symptoms that appear when a failure occurs in an apparatus are various, and even when a failure occurs, some symptoms only show when a certain amount of light is emitted. For example, there is a case where unevenness occurs in a display image only when a small amount of light is input to the photoelectric conversion unit 20, and in this case, stray light is often caused, and conversely, a large amount of light is In some cases, the displayed image may become uneven only when the image is input. In this case, noise is often caused by the circuit of the photoelectric conversion unit 20 or the image signal processing unit 30.

Accordingly, in the failure diagnosis function according to the present invention, the light amount of the test light B is appropriately changed by the light amount changing means 52, and the plurality of test lights B having different light amounts are read by the photoelectric conversion means 20, respectively. the image signal S _1,
Reference image signal T ₁ corresponding to each of the plurality of test lights B
Are compared with each other to determine whether or not both image signals match at each light amount, that is, whether or not a normal image signal can be obtained as a test image signal. As described above, if the failure diagnosis is performed using a plurality of test lights B having different light amounts, a failure that cannot be detected if the diagnosis is performed with a constant light amount, that is, a failure that presents or does not exhibit symptoms depending on the light amount can be performed. It can be detected. Also, if the signal to be compared is extracted from an appropriate part of the signal processing unit 30 instead of the output of the photoelectric conversion unit 20 and compared, it is possible to perform the comparison in consideration of each signal characteristic. Therefore, it becomes easier to specify the location and the cause of the failure.

When the light amount is changed, if the light amount is changed to one of a plurality of predetermined light amounts, it is not particularly necessary to worry about how to set the light amount. Will be able to do it. Further, when comparing signals by using an LUT, the above-described comparison can be performed easily and instantly by comparing data values. Can also be performed.

Next, a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment to which the failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment. As is clear from the figure,
The comparing means 40 in the first embodiment is replaced by an image reproducing means 42.
It has been replaced with a configuration.

[0049] The second radiation image information reading apparatus according to the embodiment, the image signals S ₁ read by the photoelectric converting means 20 of the reference signal B, CRT, etc. The image display apparatus as a visible image by the image reproducing unit 42 (Not shown). As in the first embodiment, a signal visible imaging is not necessarily the image signals S ₁ that the from the photoelectric conversion unit 20 by the image reproducing unit 42, for example, constituting the signal processing unit 30 Any of the output signals of the respective units such as the logarithmic conversion circuit 32 and the A / D conversion circuit 33 may be visualized and displayed. Further, since most of the devices usually include a display device 38 for diagnosis (see FIG. 1), a predetermined signal processing is performed by the signal processing means 30 without providing a display device in the image reproducing means 42 in particular. The diagnosed image signal may be displayed on the diagnostic display device 38 to perform a failure diagnosis described later. That is,
In this case, the signal processing unit 30 also serves as the failure diagnosis image reproducing unit 42 according to the present invention.

The failure diagnosis function according to the second embodiment is such that the light amount of the test light B is appropriately changed by the light amount changing means 52 and the plurality of test lights B having different light amounts are photoelectrically converted.
A plurality of image signals S ₁ read by 20, so that a failure diagnosis by displaying each on the display device as a visible image by the image reproducing unit 42. Since what the image looks like when the device is normal can be known in advance, when the image displayed on the display device is different from the expected image, some failure has occurred in the device. Can be determined. In particular, since it can be visually judged as an image, a defect can be detected to a fine point, and the cause and the failure point can be specified with higher performance.

In the case where a failure diagnosis is performed by visualizing the image by the image reproducing means 42 as described above, the test light B does not need to have a constant light amount during the image observation during the failure diagnosis. The converted image may emit light to be observed as a predetermined pattern image (not limited to a still image but may be a moving image). That is, in this case, the light amount changing means 52 may be configured to emit light whose intensity is modulated by, for example, a well-known pattern signal generator. For example, FIG.
A single sinusoidal image pattern (see FIG. 4 (A)), a sweep sinusoidal image pattern (see FIG. 4 (B)), or a triangular wave (ramp wave or linearity wave) represented by a signal waveform as shown in FIG. (Sometimes) image pattern (Fig. 4
(C)) may be displayed. Note that the video rate of the signal waveform in the figure may be either the vertical rate V or the horizontal rate H. As described above, if the failure diagnosis is performed by visualizing the image as a specific image pattern, the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion unit 20 and the signal processing unit 30 included in the device can be used as the image signal S1 using these pattern images.
Can be checked according to the take-out position, and it is possible to diagnose with high accuracy what kind of failure has occurred in any place.

Next, a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a third embodiment to which the failure diagnosis method for an image information reading apparatus according to the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main part of the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.

In the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the third embodiment, the image signal S _{1 obtained} by reading the reference signal B by the photoelectric conversion means 20 is _one of a plurality of predetermined desired image signals. Control means to match the signal
44 by those configured to control the light quantity changing means 52 while monitoring the image signal S _1. Here, the plurality of desired image signals are image signals obtained when the device is normal, corresponding to a plurality of light amounts of different test light amounts. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the signal monitored by the control unit 44 is not necessarily the photoelectric conversion unit 20.
Does not need to be the image signal S ₁ itself, for example,
The output of each unit such as the logarithmic conversion circuit 32 and the A / D conversion circuit 33 constituting the signal processing means 30 may be monitored.

[0054] First, from the test light output unit 50, the test light B suitable quantity emitted, the test light B is read by the photoelectric conversion means 20, is converted into the image signals S ₁ is input to the control unit 44 You. The control means 44 outputs the image signal S ₁
The light amount changing means 52 is controlled so that the image signal coincides with the set desired image signal. That is, the test light output means 50, the photoelectric conversion means 20, the control means 44, and the light quantity changing means 52 constitute a negative feedback circuit. Therefore, if the device is normal, the control means is operated so that the set desired image signal can be obtained.
A predetermined amount of test light B controlled more stably than 44 is emitted from the test light output means 20. In general, it is difficult to set the light amount accurately in the open loop,
Further, even if the emitted test light B has the same light amount, the image signal obtained by the variation of the photoelectric conversion means 20 and the like may be different. Therefore, as in the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the third embodiment, The configuration of the negative feedback type is effective for stably obtaining a desired image signal when the device is normal according to each light amount.

The failure diagnosis function of the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the third embodiment is performed as follows. As described above, as desired image signal is set to the image signals S ₁ and matches, when trying to control a light quantity changing means 52 by the control means 44, when a fault in the apparatus has occurred, the image since the signal S ₁ is the different manifestations of the image signal in the normal, test light output means 50
The amount of light emitted from the light source is also different from that in the normal case. Therefore, if it is determined whether the amount of light emitted from the test light output means 50 is normal, failure diagnosis can be performed. For this purpose, when the apparatus is normal, the respective light amounts of the test light from which the set desired image signal is obtained (this is referred to as a reference light amount) are compared with the present light amount of the test light (not shown). ).

Since the amount of light emitted from the test light output means 50 has been changed by controlling the light amount changing means 52 by the control means 44, the control signal from the control means 44 to the light amount changing means 52 or the light amount changing means By monitoring the light amount change signal from 52 to the test light output means 50, a failure diagnosis can be performed. This monitoring is provided with a separate comparing means (not shown) for comparing the control signal or the light quantity change signal with the corresponding normal signal (reference signal) as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the control unit 44 itself may be configured to also serve as the comparison unit. Also, as in the second embodiment, the image signal
The S ₁ displayed on the display device with a visible imaging, may be a failure diagnosis by controlling the control means 44 while observing an image doctor or the like is displayed on the display device.

In the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the third embodiment, if the following configuration is adopted, the image signal S ₁ can be more accurately matched with the set desired image signal. it can.

First, when a plurality of desired image signals to be set are converted into digital values and different specific bits are set, all lower bits of the specific bits become the same data (0 or 1). In addition, the desired image signal is set so that the data of the bits higher than the specific bit are all 0.

Next, when changing the amount of the test light B so as to match the desired image signal by the image signals S ₁ is set, converts the image signals S ₁ into digital image data D ₁ that digital binarized and a signal converting means 46, while monitoring the digital image data D ₁ that has been converted to a more to the signal converting means 46 by the control unit 44, and the digital image data D ₁ the data bits more significant than the specific bit are all zero for The light amount of the test light B is changed within the light amount range
The quantity of light at the data of the specific bit of the digital image data D ₁ is changed from 0 to 1, or from 1 to 0 may be the amount of test light B. For this reason, for example, when all the lower bits of the specific bit are set to 1, the light amount change signal of the light amount changing means 52 increments the digital value, and when the data of the specific bit changes from 0 to 1 In addition, when all bits lower than the specific bit are set to 0, the light amount change signal of the light amount changing unit 52 decrements the digital value, and when the data of the specific bit changes from 1 to 0. Should be detected. In this way, when the device is normal,
And the image signal S ₁ is desired image signal, can be made to match more accurately.

A specific example according to the above description will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing characteristics of an output value (digital image data D ₁ ) of the image signal S ₁ with respect to the amount of the test light B. Here, the specific bits of the desired image signal are 4, 6 and 8 bits, respectively, and the image data is 1 bit.
It shall be represented by 0 bits.

[0061] First, a description will be given of a case of changing the desired image signal and the light quantity of the testing light B so that the digital image data D ₁ matches the specific bit is 4. First test light B
The digital value of the light amount change signal is set to zero (digital value B0) so that the light amount of the light amount becomes zero, and the digital value is gradually incremented. Accordance with the digital value of the light amount change signal is incremented, the digital image data D ₁ is also gradually increased, close to eventually 0000000111. When the digital value is further incremented, it becomes 00000010
Beyond 00. That is, the data of the specific bit 4 changes from 0 to 1 at the boundary of the digital value B1 of the light amount change signal. If the test light B having the light quantity when the data of the specific bit 4 changes from 0 to 1 is emitted from the test light output means 20, the desired image signal with the specific bit of 4 and the digital image data D ₁ (ie, The image signal S ₁ ) substantially coincides with the image signal S ₁ ). If the increment of the digital value of the light amount change signal is made to be a small value (for example, one by one), it is possible to make the coincidence with high accuracy.

[0062] To change the desired image signal and the light quantity of the testing light B so that the digital image data D ₁ matches the specific bit is 6, further increments the digital value of the light quantity changing signals, the digital image data D _It suffices that the test light B having the light amount when the data of the specific bit 6 changes from 0 to 1 when 1 exceeds 00000000000 is emitted from the test light output means 20. If the digital value of the light amount change signal is B2, I just need. Similarly, to change the desired image signal and the light quantity of the testing light B so that the digital image data D ₁ matches the specific bit is 8, further increments the digital value of the light quantity changing signals, the digital image data D ₁ is 00100000
It is sufficient that the test light output means 20 emits the test light B of the light amount when the data of the specific bit 8 changes from 0 to 1 beyond 00, and the digital value of the light amount change signal is
B3 will do.

[0063] To detect the specific bit is changed from 0 to 1, first the specific bit set to 8, the digital image data D ₁ is decremented digital value of the light quantity changing signals from the place of more than 0.01 billion, above The specific bits may be set to 6 and 4 in accordance with the order.

As described above, the specific bit is set by expressing the desired image signal by a digital value, and the light amount when the data of the specific bit of the digital image data D _{1 obtained} by converting the test image signal S ₁ into a digital value changes. as the amount of test light B desired image signal and the digital image data D ₁ are identical,
By controlling the light quantity changing means 52 by the control means 44 to change the light quantity, simple and accurate light quantity control can be performed.

In the above description, the case where the light amount of the test light B is gradually increased has been described.
The desired image signal is first set, and the digital value of the light amount change signal is decremented so that the light amount of the test light B is gradually reduced, so that the desired image signal having the specific bit of 6 or 4 is sequentially set. It doesn't matter.

[0066] Incidentally, such a when the light quantity changes, it is necessary to perform light quantity changing in the range of light intensity data bits more significant than the specific bit is all zeros of the digital image data D _1. This, for example, even bits when a particular bit is attempting to set a desired image signal of 4, as a specific bit of data as such exceeds the amount of the proper range digital image data D ₁ 0000101000 changes 6 This is because the image data is not proper, for example, is 1. From such a viewpoint, it is preferable that the digital value of the light amount change signal is incremented or decremented by a small value. Further, by performing the light quantity changing in increments or decrements a digital value of the light quantity change signal, it is simple to control the above description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this example, a particular digital image data D ₁ As long as the test light B of the light amount where the bit changes can be emitted from the test light output means 20, any light amount change may be performed.

In any of the above embodiments,
When changing the light amount of the test light by the light amount changing means 52, if the light amount is changed from a plurality of light amounts set in advance,
Since it is possible to instantly compare whether or not the image signal or the light amount is assumed, the failure diagnosis function can be performed in a shorter time.

In the above description, the image information reading apparatus and the failure diagnosis method according to the present invention are applied to a radiation image information reading apparatus. However, the image information reading apparatus and the failure diagnosis method according to the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above. The present invention is not limited to this example, and the present invention can be similarly applied to other image information reading devices that obtain image signals by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the first radiation image information reading apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of a second radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which test light in the second radiation image information reading apparatus is turned into a pattern image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main part of a third radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram in which a part of a main part of the third radiation image information reading apparatus is changed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining control of the amount of test light in a third radiation image information reading apparatus in which a part of the main part is changed.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Scanning means 20 Photoelectric conversion means 30 Signal processing means 40 Comparison means 42 Image reproduction means 44 Control means 50 Test light output means 52 Light intensity change means L Excitation light A Stimulated emission light B Test light S ₀ Stimulated emission by photoelectric conversion means Image signal obtained by reading light S ₁ Image signal obtained by reading test light by photoelectric conversion means T ₁ Reference image signal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/04 Z

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A failure diagnosis method for an image information reading device for obtaining an image signal by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, comprising: inputting test light to the photoelectric conversion means; A plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts while changing a light amount of the test light; and A failure diagnosis method for the image information reading device, wherein the failure diagnosis of the device is performed by comparing a reference image signal corresponding to each of the lights. 2. A method for diagnosing a failure of an image information reading apparatus for obtaining an image signal by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, comprising: inputting test light to the photoelectric conversion means; The test light is read by a conversion unit to obtain a test image signal, the read test image signal is reproduced as a visible image, and a plurality of test lights having different light amounts are read while changing the light amount of the test light. A failure diagnosis method for the image information reading device, wherein the failure diagnosis of the device is performed by observing a plurality of visible images obtained by reproducing the plurality of test image signals obtained. 3. A method for diagnosing a failure of an image information reading device for obtaining an image signal by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, comprising: inputting test light to said photoelectric conversion means; The test light is read by a conversion unit to obtain a test image signal, and the light amount of the test light is changed while monitoring the test image signal so that the read test image signal matches each of a plurality of desired image signals. The failure diagnosis of the device is performed by comparing the light amount of the test light when the test image signal matches each of the plurality of desired image signals with a reference light amount corresponding to each of the plurality of desired image signals. A method for diagnosing a failure in an image information reading apparatus. 4. An image information reading apparatus for obtaining image signals by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, wherein a test light readable by said photoelectric conversion means is input to said photoelectric conversion means. A light output unit, a light amount changing unit capable of changing a light amount of the test light, a plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts by the photoelectric conversion unit,
An image information reading device, comprising: a comparing unit that compares a reference image signal corresponding to each of the plurality of test lights. 5. An image information reading apparatus for obtaining image signals by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, wherein a test light readable by said photoelectric conversion means is input to said photoelectric conversion means. A light output unit, a light amount changing unit capable of changing a light amount of the test light, and a plurality of test image signals obtained by reading a plurality of test lights having different light amounts by the photoelectric conversion unit.
An image information reading apparatus comprising: an image reproducing unit that reproduces a visible image. 6. An image information reading apparatus for obtaining image signals by photoelectrically reading light carrying image information by photoelectric conversion means, wherein a test light readable by said photoelectric conversion means is input to said photoelectric conversion means. A light output unit, a light amount changing unit capable of changing a light amount of the test light, and a test image signal obtained by reading the test light by the photoelectric conversion unit matches each of a plurality of preset desired image signals. Control means for controlling the light amount changing means while monitoring the test image signal; and adjusting the light amount of the test light when the test image signal matches each of the plurality of desired image signals. An image information reading device comprising: a comparing unit that compares the reference light amount with each of the desired image signals. 7. A signal conversion means for converting the test image signal into digital image data which has been digitized, wherein each of the predetermined plurality of desired image signals is
When the desired image signal is converted to a digital value and different predetermined specific bits are set, all bits lower than the specific bit become the same data, and all data higher bits than the specific bit are all data. The control unit changes the light amount of the test light within a predetermined light amount range while monitoring the digital image data converted by the signal conversion unit, and the specific bit of the digital image data is changed. 7. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the data changes, it is determined that the test image signal matches the desired image signal. 8. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said light amount changing means changes the light amount of the test light to a plurality of light amounts set in advance. 9. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the change in the light amount of the test light is a change in the light amount such that the test image signal forms a predetermined image pattern. 10. The image pattern according to claim 9, wherein the image pattern is a sine wave or a triangular wave image pattern.
The image information reading device according to the above.