JPS62156650A - Radiation picture information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify and miniaturize a mechanism of the titled reader and prevent the damage of a sheet by making it possible to slide a light shielding shutter on a cassette body and reading the sheet without taking the sheet out of the cassette. CONSTITUTION:A photographed storage type phosphor sheet 2 stored in a cassette 3 consisting of a cassette body 3A, where the sheet 2 is stored, and a light shielding shutter 3B slidable on the cassette body is read. That is, the cassette 3 loaded into a device is carried in a reading part 10 in the direction of an arrow A1 by a carrying means 30, and a detaining claw 40 is engaged with an engaging hole 3b to stop the light shielding shutter 3A in the position for loading, and the exposed sheet is irradiated with an exciting light 11. The exciting light 11 is deflected in the direction approximately vertical to the direction of the arrow A1, and all of the surface of the sheet 2 is scanned two- dimensionally to generate stimulated luminescent. This stimulated luminescent is detected by a photoelectric reading means 12 to read picture information. A remaining radiation energy on the sheet 2 after the end of reading is erased by an erasing part 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to a radiation image information reading device used in a radiation image information recording and reproducing system. The present invention relates to a radiation image information reading device that can read image information without taking out a stimulable phosphor sheet from a cassette.

(Technical background and prior art of the invention) Certain types of phosphors are exposed to radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays.

When irradiated with γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc., a part of this radiation energy is accumulated in the phosphor, and when this phosphor is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, the phosphor changes depending on the accumulated energy. is known to exhibit photostimulence,
A phosphor exhibiting such properties is called a stimulable phosphor (stimulable phosphor).

Using this stimulable phosphor, radiation image information of a subject such as a human body is partially recorded on a sheet of stimulable phosphor, and this stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with excitation light such as a laser beam to make it shine. The resulting stimulated luminescence is read photoelectrically to obtain an image signal, and based on this image signal, the radiation image of the subject is recorded as a visible image on a recording material such as a photographic light-sensitive material, a CRT, etc. The applicant has already proposed a radiation image information recording and reproducing system for outputting radiation image information. (Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 55
-12429, 56-11395, 55-16
No. 3472.

No. 56-104645, No. 55-1163/lo, etc. ) The stimulable phosphor sheet in the above system stores and records radiation image information and temporarily carries the recorded image information until it is read by the excitation light scanning, so that the image information cannot be read. After finishing, it is desirable to erase the image information remaining on the sheet and reuse the sheet. Therefore, as a radiation image information reading device, one has been proposed that combines a reading section that reads the image information recorded on the sheet and an erasing section that erases the image information remaining on the sheet. .

By the way, in the above-mentioned radiation image information reading device, the stimulable phosphor sheet, which has been stored in a cassette in an external imaging device and whose layered shape has been completed, is now loaded into the device while being stored in the cassette. ing. When the cassette containing the photographed sheets is loaded into the reading device,
In the apparatus, the sheet is taken out from the cassette and passed to a sheet conveying means that transports the sheet to a reading section where the reading is performed.

In conventional devices, sheets are taken out from the cassette by attaching the lid of the cassette, which is parallel to the sheet, to the main body of the cassette containing the sheets so that it can be opened and closed. Generally, this is done by opening the opening member, and then using suction means to suction the sheet inside the cassette body, take it out of the cassette body, and transfer it to a nearby sheet conveyance means. In order to take out the sheet, a suction means for suctioning the sheet and passing it to the sheet conveyance means is required, which poses a problem in that the mechanism of the apparatus becomes complicated.

Furthermore, since it is necessary to provide a space within the device for the lid of the cassette to open and close as well as a space for the suction means to move, there is also the problem that the entire device becomes larger. Furthermore, since the sheet is picked up by the suction means and conveyed through the apparatus while being held between rollers, belts, etc., the sheet may be damaged and its lifespan may be shortened.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is an apparatus for reading image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet stored in a cassette and photographed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation image information reading device that can read the sheet without taking it out, simplify the mechanism of the device, reduce the size of the device, and prevent the sheet from being damaged by taking it out from a cassette and conveying it. This is the purpose.

(Configuration of R-light) The radiation image information reading device of the present invention is housed in a cassette consisting of a cassette main body for storing sheets and a light-shielding shutter that is slidable on the cassette main body, and the radiographic image information reading device of the present invention stores information on which images are taken. The cassette is used to read a fluorescent phosphor sheet, and includes a conveying means that stores the sheet and conveys the force C in a direction perpendicular to the scanning of the excitation light, and a light-shielding shutter as the cassette is conveyed. The present invention is characterized by comprising a shutter moving means for moving the sheet relative to the cassette body to expose the sheet at the scanning position of the light beam.

In other words, according to the device of the present invention, the sheets in the cassette are read without being taken out from the cassette, so there is no need for a means for listening to the lid of the 7J tray or a means for sucking the sheets, and the structure of the device is simplified. It is possible to achieve miniaturization. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the sheet from being damaged, the life of the sheet is longer than that of the conventional method.

(Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a radiation image information reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side schematic view showing an overview of its internal structure.

A cassette main body 3 that houses a stimulable phosphor sheet (hereinafter referred to as a sheet) 2 and has substantially the entire upper surface open.
At? Activate the upper surface of the cassette main body 3A,
The cassette 3 consisting of a light-shielding shutter 3B for opening and closing the opening is formed on the - side end surface in the radiation image information reading device 1 after image information is recorded on the internal sheet 2 in an external photographing device. It is loaded horizontally from the insertion port 1a. As shown in FIG. 2, the device 1 includes a reading section 10 that reads image information recorded on the ζ sheet 2, and an erasing section 20 that erases the radiation energy remaining on the sheet 2 after reading is completed. Further, in the apparatus 1, a cassette 3- containing sheets 2 is conveyed to the reading section 10 and an erasing section 20 in this order, and the cassette 3 containing the erased sheets 2 is formed on the other end surface of the apparatus 1. A conveyance means 3 consisting of a guide plate 31 and a conveyance roller 32 is carried out from the discharge port 1b into a tray 4 extending in the apparatus 1.
0 is set.

The reading unit 10 reads sheets 1 to 1 on which image information is stored and recorded.
2 is scanned with an excitation light 11 such as a laser beam, and the stimulated luminescence light emitted from the sheet 2 by the scanning is photoelectrically read by a photomultiplier or other means 12 for outputting a visible image. In the figure, 13 is an excitation light source, 14 is a light deflector such as a luvanometer mirror, 15 is a scanning lens such as a θ lens, and 16 is a device that emits stimulated luminescence light. This is a light guide that guides the light to the photoelectric reading means 12 while causing total reflection.

Incidentally, the cassette 3 inserted into the reading device 1 through the insertion opening 1a has its inner sheet 2 covered by the light-shielding shutter 3B. For this reason, the reading section 1
In order to read the image information recorded on the sheet 2 at 0, it is necessary to slide the light-shielding shutter 3B and expose the sheet 2 inside through the opening of the cassette main body 3A. Therefore, in the device of this actual/JI aspect, a light-shielding shutter 3B is placed in the vicinity of the insertion opening 1a at a portion where the tip of the light-shielding shutter 3B is located when the cassette 3 is loaded into the device. A locking pawl 40 is provided as a shutter moving means for relatively moving the sheet 2 to expose the sheet 2 at the scanning position of the excitation light 11. That is, as shown in FIG.
For example, two of them are provided, and they engage with the engagement holes 3b formed in the light-shielding shutter. By engaging with the engagement hole 3b, the locking claw 40 stops the light-shielding shutter 3B at the position when it is loaded into the device 1. The cassette 3 loaded into the apparatus is transported within the reading section 10 by the transport means 30 in the direction of arrow A + force, but the light-shielding shutter 3B is moved by the locking claw 40.
Therefore, only the cassette main body 3A is actually transported by the transport means 30, and as the cassette main body 3A is transported, the sheets 2 inside the cassette 3 are gradually exposed, and the exposed sheets 2 is irradiated with the excitation light 11.

The excitation light 11 is deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow, which is the transport direction of the cassette 3, and the entire surface of the sheet 2 stored in the cassette body 3A is two-dimensionally scanned by the excitation light 11, resulting in stimulated luminescence. Light is produced. This stimulated luminescence light is detected by the photoelectric reading means 12 and image information is read.

The sheet 2 whose image information has been read in the reading section 10 in this manner is conveyed in the direction of arrow A2 by the conveying means 30 and sent into the erasing section 20 while being stored in the cassette main body 3A.

The erasing unit 20 erases any remaining data on the sheet 2 after the above-mentioned reading is completed. ) This is for erasing one-line image information (radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor is emitted). That is, the radiation image f accumulated and recorded on the sheet 2
After reading the A-report, part of it still remains on the sheet.
In order to reuse this sheet 2, this residual image information is erased in an erasing section 20. The erasing method in the erasing unit 20 may be any method. The erasing unit 20 in this embodiment includes a fluorescent lamp and a tungsten lamp.

A plurality of erasing light sources 21 such as sodium lamps, xenon lamps, and iodine lamps are provided, and the sheet 2 is arranged in the direction of arrow A3.
While being conveyed in this direction, the remaining radiation energy on the sheet is emitted by light irradiation from these erasing light sources 21. Note that while the cassette main body 3A is being conveyed from the reading section 10 to the erasing section 20, the cassette main body 3A is separated from the light shielding shutter 1r 3B that is engaged with the locking claw 40 as described above. The sheets within 3A are irradiated with the erasing light without omission. When the cassette main body 3A separated from the shutter 3B is conveyed through the erasing section 20 and the sheets 2 inside are erased, the cassette main body 3A is separated from the shutter 3B.
: Ejected into the tray 4 from the outlet 1b. That is, the cassette main body 3A is conveyed into the tray 4 by the conveyance roller 32 provided near the discharge port 1b, and after leaving the conveyance roller, it falls to a holding position in the tray 4 by the mountain river and is held in the tray 4. be done.

When the cassette main body 3A containing the sheets 2 that have been read and erased in this manner is ejected into the tray 4, the light-shielding shutter 3B that has been engaged with the locking claw 40 is pulled away from the apparatus 1. If this pulled out light shielding shutter 3B is attached to the cassette main body 3A again, the cassette 3
The upper surface of the cassette main body 3A can be returned to its original state where it is covered by the light-shielding shutter 3B, and the cassette 3 with the light-shielding shutter 3B attached can be used again in the photographing device for new photography. It becomes possible.

As described above, according to the apparatus of this embodiment, by moving the light shielding shutter 3B relative to the cassette main body 3A, the sheets 2 of the cassette main body 3△X are gradually exposed and the sheets are taken out. Since reading can be performed without any force required in conventional devices, complicated and space-consuming mechanisms such as opening and opening of the tube cover and swinging of the suction arm are no longer necessary, simplifying the device and making it more compact. can do. Furthermore, conventionally, sheets that have been taken out of the cassette and read have to be loaded into the cassette after being erased and before being used for photographing again, but with the device of this embodiment, this loading There is also the advantage that the entire record reading system is simplified since two devices for loading are not required. In addition, there is no longer any need for the suction of sheets that was done when taking them out of the cassette or loading them, and the sheets themselves are not pinched by rollers or the like and transported through the device, so there is no damage to the sheets. It is also possible to extend the life of the sheet. Furthermore, the part of the sheet that has not yet been read in the reading unit is covered by a light-shielding shutter.
This prevents the inconvenience of partially exposing the sheet before reading due to reflected light of the excitation light, etc., and enables accurate reading. Note that if there is a demand for further downsizing the device and the erasing is performed in another erasing device, the erasing section may be eliminated from the device and the device may consist only of the reading section.

By the way, various specific structures of the cassette used in the apparatus of the present invention are conceivable in addition to those shown in the above embodiments. For example, FIG. 4 and A- in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, which is a sectional view taken along the line A, the sheet 2 is fixed to a support plate 103E and stored in a cassette main body 103A having an opening 103a through which the entire surface of the sheet 2 can be exposed. , a light-shielding belt 1 in which the sheet 2 is a light-shielding shutter having a thickness larger than the surface of the sheet 2;
03B and a transparent belt 103G having a size larger than the surface of the sheet 2, which are connected in an annular manner to be surrounded by a belt member. A slit 103D and an engagement hole 103H that engages with the locking claw 40 are formed at the connecting portion between the light shielding belt 103B and the transparent belt 103C of this belt member. In other words, the opening 103a of the cassette 103 in which the internal sheet 2 was photographed with an external photographing device is the light-shielding belt 1.
03B is loaded into the reading device, and the locking claw 40 engages with the engagement hole 103H (
As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the cassette 103 is loaded into the reading device, it is transported in the direction of the arrow by the transport means 30 as described above, but the locking pawl 40 resists this transport and closes the slit 103D and the cassette 103. The mating hole 103H is stopped at the engaging position, and the conveying means 30 and the locking claw 40 change the relative position of the slit 103D to the sheet 2 while keeping the position constant. .

Further, the loading position of the cassette 103 is determined such that the position where the slit 103D is formed overlaps with the incident position of the excitation light 11. In this way, the shading belt
103B and a transparent belt 103B, a member of the bell 1 consists of a roller 10 that is pivotally supported on a cassette main body 103A.
3F and 103G, the excitation light 11 enters from the slit 103D and two-dimensionally scans substantially the entire surface of the sheet 2 moving in the direction of the arrow. Further, as the reading by scanning the excitation light 11 progresses, the sheet 2 is gradually covered with the transparent belt 103C, and when the reading is completed, the entire surface of the sheet 2 is covered with the transparent belt 103C. (6th
Figure (b)). Since this transparent belt TO3G allows light to pass through, in this state the cassette 103 is sent to the erasing section 20 and erased. The cassette 103 that has been erased is discharged into the tray 4 in the same way as the cassette main body in the embodiment described above.

When the above-mentioned cassette is used, the cassette main body and the light-shielding shutter (light-shielding belt) are always integrated, making the cassette easier to handle. It goes without saying that when using any of the cassettes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conveyance system within the cassette apparatus can be designed in any direction other than the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the erasing unit is large enough to accommodate the entire cassette, and the cassette after erasing is not ejected into the tray, but the transport means is switched back to return it to the insertion port side of the device. You may also do so. At that time, when using the cassette shown in FIG. 3, the light shielding shutter 3B may be pulled out of the apparatus before the cassette main body 3Δ is returned to the insertion slot, or when the cassette main body 3A is returned. The light shielding cissetter 3B returns to the cassette main body 3A.
A mechanism may be provided within the device that automatically attaches the device.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned locking claw, a magnet can also be used as a moving means for relatively moving the light-shielding shutter.

Any means such as a suction cup that can temporarily fix the light-shielding shutter can be used.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the radiation image information reading device of the present invention, since reading is performed without taking out the sheet from the cassette, the opening/closing means of the lid, the sheet suction means, etc. This eliminates the need for this, which simplifies the structure of the device, and also eliminates the need for space for the movement of the means, resulting in miniaturization of the device. In addition, the sheet is not attracted by the suction means and is not conveyed while being held by rollers or the like, so it is not damaged and its lifespan can be extended longer than in the past. In addition, when repeatedly taking pictures, it is no longer necessary to load the eraser into the cassette, which simplifies the entire system and reduces costs, so its practical value is extremely high. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a radiation image information reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the above device, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cassette used in the above device. , FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the cassette used in the above device, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-Δ of the cassette shown in FIG. 4, and FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position of the cassette main body of the cassette (not shown) and the light-shielding belt. 2...Stormable phosphor sheet 3...Cassette 3A・
...Cassette main body 3B...Light-shielding shutter 10.
...Reading section 20...Erasing section 30...
Conveyance means 40...Latching claw Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Claims (1)

[Claims] A stimulable phosphor sheet stored in a cassette on which image information is recorded is scanned with excitation light to generate stimulated luminescent light from the sheet, and the stimulated luminescent light is photoelectrically detected. A radiation image information reading device that reads the image information includes a cassette main body that stores the sheet;
a transport means for transporting the cassette in a direction perpendicular to the scanning of the excitation light, the light-shielding shutter being slidable on the cassette body; and a transport means for transporting the continuous light shutter relative to the cassette main body as the cassette is transported. 1. A radiation image information reading device comprising: a shutter moving means for exposing the sheet at a scanning position of the excitation light by moving the sheet.