WO2001084232A1 - Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore - Google Patents

Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001084232A1
WO2001084232A1 PCT/US2001/014172 US0114172W WO0184232A1 WO 2001084232 A1 WO2001084232 A1 WO 2001084232A1 US 0114172 W US0114172 W US 0114172W WO 0184232 A1 WO0184232 A1 WO 0184232A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
imaging plate
cassette
erasing
scanner
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/014172
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001084232A9 (fr
Inventor
Wayne Evans
H. Keith Nishihara
Brian P. Wilfley
Douglas A. Reim
William F. Witt
Sung Kim
Ron Smith
Perry Anderson
Heather Klaubert
Gary Cantu
James Olef Jensen
Eric J. Shrader
Original Assignee
Alara, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alara, Inc. filed Critical Alara, Inc.
Priority to AU2001261128A priority Critical patent/AU2001261128A1/en
Priority to EP01934993A priority patent/EP1305670A4/fr
Priority to JP2001580593A priority patent/JP2004501392A/ja
Publication of WO2001084232A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001084232A1/fr
Publication of WO2001084232A9 publication Critical patent/WO2001084232A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01T—MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION
    • G01T1/00—Measuring X-radiation, gamma radiation, corpuscular radiation, or cosmic radiation
    • G01T1/16—Measuring radiation intensity
    • G01T1/20—Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors
    • G01T1/2012—Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors using stimulable phosphors, e.g. stimulable phosphor sheets
    • G01T1/2014—Reading out of stimulable sheets, e.g. latent image
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N23/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00
    • G01N23/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by transmitting the radiation through the material
    • G01N23/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B42/00—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means
    • G03B42/02—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means using X-rays
    • G03B42/04—Holders for X-ray films
    • G03B42/045—Holders for X-ray films apparatus for loading or unloading the holders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates both to imaging plate scanning systems and to imaging plate erasing systems.
  • the present invention relates to all forms of medical imaging plates, however, a particular preferred application of the present invention is related to storage phosphor imaging plates.
  • Imaging plates such as storage phosphor imaging plates, have become standard in the field of Computed Radiography (CR) as the medium onto which an image of a portion of the patient's body can be stored.
  • the image on such a phosphor imaging plate is extracted by scanning the imaging plate with a scanner.
  • a phosphor imaging plate is scanned by passing a scanning laser beam over the surface of the imaging plate while recording light emitted from the imaging plate in response to the laser beam.
  • a detector such as a photomultiplier
  • phosphor imaging plates are typically housed within imaging plate cassettes to protect them from light, dust, fingerprints, and other / image quality reducing artifacts.
  • imaging plate cassettes offer protection for the imaging plates, thus ensuring a long life such that the imaging plate can be reused again and again.
  • imaging plate To reuse an imaging plate, it must first be scanned, and then erased. Both scanning and erasing release images on the imaging plate by exposing the imaging plate to roughly the same visible wavelength of light. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the imaging plate is not inadvertently exposed to such erasing wavelengths of light prior to scanning. Accordingly, scanning and erasing of the imaging plates are typically carried out in different machines, or at widely spaced apart locations within the same machine. When separate scanning and erasing machines are used, the imaging plate is typically hand transported therebetween while stored in the imaging plate cassette. Specifically, the phosphor imaging plates are first scanned in a scanner, and then are hand carried and placed into a separate erasing machine which passes the plate under a suitable wavelength of light such that all images stored therein are released.
  • a combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system such that it is not necessary to remove an imaging plate from a cassette, scan it with a scanner, remove it from the scanner, place it back into the cassette, hand carry the cassette to an erasing machine, insert the imaging plate into the erasing machine, erase the imaging plate and then return the imaging plate to the cassette for future use.
  • Another problem common to both scanning and erasing machines is the manner in wliich the imaging plates are removed from the cassette. Sometimes, this is simply done by hand (with the imaging plates then placed by hand into the scanner or eraser).
  • a variety of bulky systems using vacuum, gravity, or friction extraction motorized devices have been used to remove an imaging plate from a cassette.
  • One problem with such systems are that they often tend to handle the imaging plate rather roughly. This is especially true of gravity systems in which the cassette is opened such that the imaging plate simply falls into a machine.
  • Extracting a jammed imaging plate from a location deep within a scanner or erasing system can be frustrating and time consuming.
  • the present invention provides a small, compact combination system for both scanning and then erasing an imaging plate.
  • the present invention is ideally suited for use with storage phosphor imaging plates (also known as imaging "screens”), it is not so limited.
  • the present system comprises a compact housing into which an imaging plate cassette is first inserted.
  • An imaging plate infeed assembly within the housing is provided to pull the imaging plate cassette into the housing, open the imaging plate cassette (when it is positioned within the housing) and then remove the imaging plate from the imaging plate cassette for scanning followed by erasing.
  • the present invention provides a combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system which comprises: (a) a housing; (b) an imaging plate infeed assembly positioned within the housing, the imaging plate cassette infeed assembly comprising: (i) a mechanism to pull an imaging plate cassette into the housing; (ii) a mechanism to open the imaging plate cassette; and (iii) a mechanism to remove an imaging plate from the cassette; (c) a scanner positioned within the housing; (d) a curved path erasing assembly positioned between the imaging plate infeed assembly and the scanner; and (e) an imaging plate transportation assembly to move the imaging plate back and forth in a path extending from the imaging plate cassette, past the erasing assembly and through a scan area adjacent to the scanner.
  • the entire body of the imaging plate cassette is pulled fully within the housing of the system prior to opening the cassette and removing the imaging plate positioned therein.
  • An advantage of this preferred aspect of the invention is that the cassette is opened within the darkened interior of the housing, thereby avoiding exposing the imaging plate to any unwanted light which may degrade the image.
  • the imaging plate cassette infeed assembly comprises various components including an imaging plate infeed assembly which comprises: (a) a mechanism to pull an imaging plate cassette into the housing; (b) a mechanism to open the imaging plate cassette; and (c) a mechanism to remove an imaging plate from the cassette. After the imaging plate has been scanned and erased (as will be explained) these same mechanisms are operated in reverse order to place the imaging plate back into the cassette, close the cassette and then push the cassette out of the housing.
  • the present cassette "infeed” assembly advantageously operates both as a cassette "infeed” and a cassette "outfeed” assembly.
  • the imaging plate cassette is inserted through a slot in the side of the housing of the device such that a portion of the cassette is positioned within the housing.
  • the cassette infeed assembly is then activated to pull the cassette into the housing.
  • the cassette (with the imaging plate therein) is re-positioned with a portion sticking out of the slot such that an operator can simply grasp onto the cassette and then pull it fully out of the housing.
  • the mechanism which pulls the imaging plate cassette into the housing comprises a movable shuttle which holds onto the imaging plate cassette; and a shuttle positioning assembly which moves the shuttle back and forth within the housing.
  • the shuttle moves a distance sufficient such that the entire body of the cassette can be pulled into the housing after the shuttle has gripped onto the cassette.
  • alignment guides and detent mechanisms are provided (either on one or both of the shuttle and the cassette) to ensure that the cassette is both firmly positioned on the shuttle and correctly centered on the shuttle.
  • An advantage of centering the cassette on the shuttle is that different sized cassettes (each containing different standard or non-standard sized imaging plates) can be used by the present invention. In fact, with no modification being required to the present invention, it can sequentially accept, scan and erase different sized imaging plates (housed in different sized imaging plate cassettes). Furthermore, as will be seen, each of the present scanning and erasing assemblies, and the present imaging plate transportation systems are suited to move different sized imaging plates therethrough, without introducing positioning errors as the imaging plates are moved therethrough.
  • An imaging plate cassette is a generally flat, plate like structure.
  • the scanner which is incorporated into the present system has a low vertical profile (i.e.: it's short), and the imaging plates are slidably moved across the top of a reference plate which covers this scanner in a flat path which passes right on top of the scanner.
  • the present invention provides a very compact design with the cassette and the scanner being positioned directly on top of one another. This can be accomplished either by positioning the cassette directly above (or directly below, or side by side) the scanner.
  • the scaimer used in the present invention is a circular rotating multi-head scanner, offering the advantages of fast scanning within a low vertical profile.
  • the present invention further comprises novel systems for opening the cassette and for pulling the imaging plate out of the cassette, with these operations being performed in a minimal amount of vertical space.
  • novel systems to unlatch (i.e. unlock) the cassette and to open its top cover just enough to pull the imaging plate out are provided.
  • these systems comprise a claw which is dimensioned to latch onto the top cover of the cassette and pull the top cover open as the shuttle moves the cassette to a final position within the system housing.
  • this claw is biased upwardly, and moves along a track.
  • the present invention further comprises a novel curved path erasing assembly which is advantageously positioned between the scanner and the cassette infeed mechanism.
  • the erasing assembly comprises a curved structure which flips the imaging plate over as the imaging plate is removed from the cassette and is fed into the scanner.
  • the curved structure in the erasing assembly comprises either a curved window (along which the imaging plate slidably passes) or a curved window spaced apart from a curved element (with the imaging plate passing slidably therethrough).
  • the present invention provides a very compact erasing assembly. Being curved, the present erasing assembly considerably reduces the overall size of the present invention.
  • the present curved erasing assembly permits the infeed path of the cassette into the device to be generally parallel to the path the imaging plate takes across the scanner. Doubling the path through which the imaging plate travels over upon itself in this manner effectively cuts the overall length of the present system in half.
  • the present erasing assembly both erases an imaging plate, and guides the imaging plate through the system.
  • an erasing light source may comprise a fluorescent light or a plurality of fluorescent lights or LEDs or a plurality of LED arrays positioned adjacent to (or spaced slightly away from) the curved window, passing erasing light through the curved window, toward the surface of the imaging plate.
  • An advantage of such a curved window design is that the curvature of the window is used to change the direction of travel of the imaging plate while the window permits erasing light to pass therethrough.
  • the curved nature of the present erasing system specifically permits the imaging plate to be fed out of the erasing system in a path which is parallel to path in which the imaging plate was fed into the erasing system. Accordingly, a very compact erasing system design is achieved.
  • one or both of the curved window and the curved element positioned adjacent thereto have surfaces which are fabricated from a low friction material.
  • various surfaces of the erasing assembly may be at least covered with highly reflective materials thus minimizes light leakage and thereby increases the overall effectiveness of the erasing procedure.
  • a highly reflective surface is disposed around the erasing light source to reflect erasing light through the curved window and onto the surface of the imaging plate sliding thereover.
  • An advantage of fabricating the curved window (and optional curved element positioned adjacent thereto) from low friction materials is that the imaging plate will slide easily theracross.
  • a transportation mechanism within the erasing assembly itself to move the imaging plate therethrough.
  • An advantage of using either fluorescent tube lighting or LED erasing lights in the erasing assembly is that the entire erasing assembly need only comprise a short structure relative to the overall length of the imaging plate passing therethrough. Stated another way, only a portion of the imaging plate need be disposed adjacent to the erasing assembly at any time. As such, a "middle band" of the imaging plate can be passing through the erasing assembly at the same time that the proximal end distal ends of the imaging plate extend out of the erasing assembly.
  • many existing erasing systems are much larger and the entire imaging plate must be positioned within an erasing "chamber" such that the entire imaging plate is erased (by turning on erasing lights in the chamber) at the same time.
  • the present invention it is not necessary for the present invention to provide a transportation mechanism within the erasing assembly itself, or to first position the entire imaging plate within the erasing section of the device and then later remove the imaging plate. Rather, in accordance with the present invention, movement of the imaging plate can be controlled without a transportation mechanism within the erasing assembly itself since at least one end of the imaging plate will protrude from the erasing assembly at all times. This protruding end or ends can easily be grabbed by a roller, etc. at either the infeed or the outfeed end of the erasing assembly.
  • the erasing light(s) of the present erasing system are positioned around the outer (convex) surface of the curved window.
  • An advantage of erasing around the outer surface of the curved window is that the outer surface is longer than the inner surface, yielding a greater distance over which the erasing can be carried out. Also, more physical space is available for positioning multiple erasing light sources theraround.
  • An imaging plate transportation assembly is provided to move the imaging plate back and forth in a path extending from the imaging plate cassette, past the erasing assembly and past the scan area adjacent to the scanner. Specifically, and in accordance with the preferred method, the imaging plate is fed into the device until it reaches a position at which it is stopped, and its direction of travel is reversed, passing by the scanner and then through the erasing assembly. As such, the present method specifically provides that the imaging plate is first moved fully into the device, stopped, and then is sequentially scanned and erased while being withdrawn.
  • the present invention also encompasses those applications in which the imaging plate is scanned prior to its direction of travel being reversed (such that it is scanned while being inserted, stopped, and then erased while being withdrawn from the device).
  • the scanner comprises a multi-head scanner, and more preferably a rotating multi-head scanner, and most preferably a rotating three-head scanner.
  • the present scanning system is not so limited.
  • the scanner is covered by a reference plate and the imaging plate is slid across the reference plate (passing through a scan area therealong).
  • the imaging plate is moved across the surface of this reference plate by a belt roller or other device which firmly positions the imaging plate against the reference plate, h preferred aspects, a center portion of the belt (between two rollers suspending the belt) is biased directly against the reference plate.
  • the reference plate has a slot passing therethrough and the scanning head(s) of the scanner move along the slot such that light from the scanning head is directed across the imaging plate as the scanning head is moved along the slot, h most preferred aspects, a rotary scanner is used. Accordingly, in these preferred aspects, the slot in the reference plate is also curved.
  • An advantage of this system is that, by positioning the imaging plate firmly against the reference plate which covers the scanner, a very good light-tight seal is maintained at the scan area where the imaging plate is actually scanned.
  • An important advantage of maintaining such a very good light-tight seal at this location is that it avoids the need for a light filter between the erasing and scanning portions of the present invention.
  • the erasing assembly can be positioned very close to the scanning assembly.
  • a further advantage of the present novel system of slidably moving the imaging plate across a reference plate which covers the scanner is that the imaging plate is maintained at a known (small) distance from the scanning heads passing across thereunder.
  • this separation distance between the imaging plate and the scanning heads remains constant (both as the imaging plate is moved across the reference plate of the scanner and as the scanning heads are rotated such that a scanning beam passes across the surface of the imaging plate) it is possible to advantageously focus the laser beam from the scanning heads into a small spot on the imaging plate (thus achieving constant laser spot size on the imaging plate).
  • This advantage is particularly beneficial when reading the image on the imaging plate as uneven spot size results in unwanted image artifacts on the final (on screen) image.
  • a further benefit of the present preferred scanning system is that the angle of the scanning laser beams with respect to the imaging plate remains constant as the scanner's scanning heads pass across the surface of the imaging plate.
  • a preferred method of scanning and then erasing an imaging plate with a combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system may preferably comprise: (a) inserting an imaging plate cassette into the combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system, wherein the imaging plate is stored within the imaging plate cassette; (b) pulling the imaging plate cassette into the combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system; (c) opening the imaging plate cassette; (d) removing the imaging plate from the imaging plate cassette; (e) moving the imaging plate in a path extending past a curved erasing assembly and then through a scan area adjacent to a scanner; (f) scanning an image on the imaging plate with the scanner; (g) moving the imaging plate back through the scan area and then back past the erasing assembly; (h) erasing the imaging plate with the erasing assembly; (i) placing the imaging plate back into the imaging plate cassette; (j) closing the imaging plate cassette; and (k) pushing the imaging plate cassette out of the combined imaging plate
  • the imaging plate is removed from the cassette (preferably after at least a portion of the cassette has been pulled within the housing of the system). Thereafter, the imaging plate is first moved through the erasing assembly then passing at least partially across the scanner. (In particular, the imaging plate is preferably passed through a scan area adjacent to a reference plate which covers the scanner).
  • the imaging plate is moved a distance such that its distal end passes fully across the scan area (and across the scanner) and is positioned in an outfeed area distal to the scanner. Thereafter, the imaging plate is moved in an opposite direction, moving back across the surface of the reference plate covering the scanner, passing through the scan area, at which time it is then scanned. After passing across the scanner, the imaging plate then passes back through the erasing assembly, at which time any residual images or image artifacts are erased by the erasing system (which is only then turned on).
  • the present system can be used to erase imaging plates without first reading them. This is a standard recommended practice prior to exposing imaging plates when they have been sitting idle for an extended period. In such cases the plates can pick up noise artifacts due to background radiation including cosmic rays.
  • the erase lights can be illuminated continuously both during the in feed direction and the out feed direction of imaging plate motion. This has the benefit of slightly reducing the time required to complete an erase cycle.
  • the imaging plate is first advanced to a position such that its proximal edge passes fully past a curved slot in the reference plate.
  • an advantage of this design is that the outfeed area need even not be as long as the imaging plate.
  • the outfeed area is itself curved downwardly in front of the scanner, further saving space in the present design.
  • An advantage of using a single friction belt drive to slide the imaging plate over the surface of the reference plate covering the scanner is that this avoids image artifacts caused by speed variation and hand-off errors which may instead occur in the case of multiple driving elements.
  • a further advantage of the present curved path erasing system comprising a curved window spaced apart from a curved member is that each of these curved elements can be attached to separate components of the system such that when the present device is opened, these two portions of the eraser assembly move apart, permitting easy access to an image plate which has become j ammed in between.
  • the scanner and the erasing assembly can be positioned close enough together such that portions of the imaging plate can be erased at the same time as other portions of the imaging plate are being scanned.
  • the present device Being very compact, the present device is portable and may be moved room- to-room in a hospital or laboratory setting.
  • all known existing systems are large floor standing devices, typically the size of a large refrigerator.
  • Figs. 1 to 5 show sequential steps in operating the device of the present invention in accordance with a preferred method. As will be explained, the steps shown in Figs. 1 to 5 are carried sequentially to position the imaging plate prior to scanning and are then reversed as the imaging plate is scanned and is then erased. (Optionally, however, the imaging plate may be scanned while being moved from the position of Fig. 4 to that of Fig. 5).
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of the present invention, before an operator has inserted an imaging plate cassette therein.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic side elevation view corresponding to Fig. 1 after the operator has inserted the imaging plate cassette into the invention, with the cassette interlocking with the shuttle.
  • Fig. 3 is a view corresponding to Fig. 2, after the shuttle has been moved to pull the cassette into the device, showing the cassette positioned over top of the scanner.
  • Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3, after the cassette has been opened, showing the imaging plate being removed from the cassette and passing through the erasing assembly.
  • Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4, but with the imaging plate positioned such that a distal end of the imaging plate is within a curved outfeed area distal to the scanner.
  • Fig. 6 A is a schematic side elevation view of one embodiment of the erasing assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6B is a schematic side elevation view of another embodiment of the erasing assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6C is a schematic side elevation view of yet another embodiment of the erasing assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6D is a schematic side elevation view of yet another embodiment of the erasing assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 8 is an exploded view of an optional preferred aspect of the erasing assembly.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a shuttle for moving an imaging cassette within the housing of the device.
  • Fig. 10 is an illustration of an imaging plate cassette approaching the distal end of the shuttle.
  • Fig. 11 is an illustration of the imaging plate cassette interlocked with the shuttle.
  • Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the scanner with reference plate and friction roller belt thereover.
  • Fig. 13 is a side elevation sectional view of the imaging plate being scanned.
  • Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the scanner.
  • Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the scanner and erasing assembly showing the position of the imaging plate prior to the commencement of scanning.
  • Fig. 16 is a schematic side elevation view of a mechanism for opening a top cover on the cassette (prior to opening the cassette).
  • Fig. 17 is a schematic side elevation view of a mechanism for opening a top cover on the cassette (after opening the cassette).
  • Fig. 18 is a side sectional elevation view of an edge of a preferred imaging plate cassette (with an imaging plate resting therein).
  • Fig. 19 is a side schematic view of a system comprising a single continuous belt for moving an imaging plate back and forth through an erasing assembly and past a scanner.
  • Fig. 20 is a schematic of the latching system of an exemplary imaging plate cassette.
  • the present invention provides a combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system which advantageously scans and then erases an imaging plate within a single device which takes up only a very small amount of space.
  • Figs. 1 to 5 show sequential steps in operating the present invention in accordance with a preferred method.
  • a combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system 10 having a housing 11 is provided.
  • a hand H of a human operator is shown holding an imaging plate cassette 20 prior to scanning (i.e.: prior to reading an image stored thereon) and then erasing an imaging plate.
  • Housing 11 has a slot 12 through which the operator inserts cassette 20.
  • cassette 20 is preferably positioned by the operator such that at least a portion of cassette 20 is positioned within housing 11.
  • a movable shuttle 30 is positioned to securely grab or latch onto cassette 20.
  • a shuttle positioning assembly 31 then moves shuttle 30 (and cassette 20 held thereon) to the position shown in Fig. 3.
  • a door 13 closes slot 12 in housing 11 such that light is prevented from entering the interior of housing 11.
  • shuttle 30 and shuttle positioning assembly 31 thus comprise a mechanism for pulling cassette 20 into housing 11.
  • the top cover 21 of cassette 20 is opened when shuttle 30 has moved cassette to its final position within housing 11. As such, top cover 21 of cassette
  • a • mechanism to remove imaging plate 40 from cassette 20 is provided.
  • a grab roller 32 is provided to pull imaging plate 40 out of cassette 20 and a pair of pinch rollers 34 are provided to move imaging plate 40 such that it can then be advanced through erasing assembly 50.
  • imaging plate 40 is then passed through erasing assembly 50, and is then grabbed by friction belt roller 60 and is slid across a reference plate 71 which covers scanner 70.
  • Friction belt roller 60 moves imaging plate 20 to a final position at which the distal end 41 of imaging plate 40 is positioned within a curved outfeed area 80.
  • Outfeed area 80 may optionally comprise a pair of guides 81 and 82.
  • imaging plate 40 After imaging plate 40 is positioned as shown in Fig. 5, it can then be scanned by reversing its direction of travel, (ie: passing imaging plate 40 back across the surface of scanner 70, or, more preferably, across the surface of reference plate 71 which covers scanner 70). Thereafter, imaging plate 40 is moved back through erasing assembly 50 which advantageously erases any latent images or image artifacts in imaging plate 40.
  • imaging plate 40 can be scanned by scanner 70 either as it initially passes distally across scanner 70. However, in a more preferred aspect, imaging plate 40 is scanned by scanner 70 after it has been fully distally advanced into the system (i.e.: passing at least partially into outfeed area 80), stopped, and its direction of travel has been reversed such that it is passing back towards cassette 20 when being scanned.
  • cassette 20 is received into housing 11 and positioned directly above scanner 70. It is to be understood that, housing 11 could alternatively be positioned directly under scanner 70 instead.
  • the path cassette 20 moves back and forth in housing 11 is preferably generally parallel to the path imaging plate 40 travels across scanner 70. Being curved, erasing assembly 50 turns imaging plate 40 around (by flipping it over) in a small space, minimizing the size of housing 11.
  • device 10 is small enough such that a portion of imaging plate 40 can be passing across scanner 70 at the same time that another portion of imaging plate 40 can be passing through curved erasing assembly 50.
  • erasing assembly 50 comprises a curved window 51.
  • imaging plate 20 By sliding imaging plate 20 against curved window 51 (as shown in the sequence of Figs. 1 to 5) imaging plate 40 is flipped over from the orientation in which it was placed in cassette 20 to the orientation in which it is presented to scanner 70.
  • a curved member 52 may be positioned adjacent to curved window 51, thus providing a narrow passageway for an imaging plate to pass therebetween.
  • the spacing between curved window 51 and curved member 52 may be on the order of 0.100 to 0.150 inches (i.e. : just sufficiently wide enough for imaging plate 40 to pass therebetween).
  • surface 55 of curved member 52 can be covered by, or fabricated from, a low friction material (to ease sliding of imaging plate 40 thereover).
  • this low friction material may optionally be selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, zinc coated steel and electroless nickel with Teflon impregnation.
  • surface 55 of curved member 52 can be covered by, or fabricated from, a highly reflective backing surface (disposed on the side of the window opposite the at least one erasing light source). Accordingly, when imaging plate 40 occupies a portion of the area exposed by window 51, the remainder of the area exposed by window 51 exposes some portion of the highly reflective backing surface 55.
  • window 51 may itself be fabricated from (or covered by) a low friction material, including, but not limited to acrylic, polycarbonate or glass.
  • curved window 51 has one or more erasing lights 53 positioned therearound. Any suitable form of erasing light is considered.
  • lights 53 may comprise may comprise arrays of LEDs (positioned at spaced apart intervals around the circumference of curved window 51 as shown in Fig. 7).
  • lights 53 may be mounted on a single board fabricated to conform to the shapes of 51 and 59. For example, by using a flexible circuit board that can be bent to a matching curved shape.
  • all or part of the outside surface 57 of window 51 may also be covered by, or fabricated from, a material which is highly reflective.
  • This highly reflective coating would ensure that erasing light (emitted from lights 53) which is then reflected off the surface of imaging pate 40 is then re-directed towards the surface of imaging plate 40.
  • ensuring a highly reflective surface 57 ensures that light is reflected back and forth through curved window 51, increasing erasing effectiveness.
  • the highly reflective portions of the outside surface 57 of window 51 may be disposed between arrays of erasing lights, or may be disposed between the individual erasing lights in the arrays, or both.
  • a plurality of erasing lights 54 may instead be used.
  • Erasing lamps 54 preferably comprise fluorescent tubes, however, any suitable erasing lamp (including, but not limited to, gas discharge lamps, Na lamps, Ne lamps, metal halide lamps and Xe lamp) may be used.
  • Florescent erasing lights 54 may also be positioned spaced apart intervals around the circumference of curved window 51 similar to lights 53 in Fig. 7). In this case, a highly reflective surface 58 is preferably disposed around lights 54.
  • florescent erasing lights 54 are spaced apart by at least 1.2 times the diameter of the fluorescent tubes thereby allowing light from the back side of the fluorescent tubes to reach imaging plate 40.
  • Erasing lights 53 or 54 are thus positioned to direct erasing light through window 51. Being positioned on the opposite side of window 51 to which imaging plate 20 passes, lights 53 can optionally be positioned very close to imaging plate 40, without interfering with the motion of imaging plate 40 as it slides thereover.
  • the highly reflective material used on surface 57 or 58 may, in preferred aspects, comprise a mirror, white paint, white silkscreen or white or aluminized plastic. However, any suitable highly reflective material is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
  • surface 57 of curved window 51 is preferably either covered with a one-way mirror or is not covered by any reflective coating (such that surface 57 does not simply reflect erasing light back towards lights 54, but instead directs light through curved window 51 towards the surface of imaging plate 40).
  • erasing lights 53 (which may comprise LEDs) or 54 (which may comprise fluorescent tubes, including hot or cold cathode fluorescent tubes) preferably emit a wide spectrum of white visible light to erase imaging plate 40.
  • a thermal blanket 59 may be wrapped around the element comprising surface 58, and /or heating elements 56 may optionally be provided to keep fluorescent tubes 54 warm such that they can be quickly turned on to a desired intensity to erase imaging plate 40. (Lights 54 must be kept turned off when imaging plate 40 is initially advanced through erasing assembly 50 prior to scanning.
  • a further optional aspect of erasing assembly 50 is shown in Fig. 8. in which each of lights 53 comprise an array of LEDs.
  • a member 49 having a plurality of holes passing therethrough is positioned between window 51 and array of lights 53.
  • the surface of member 56 which is positioned against window 51 is preferably made of a highly reflective material, with the individual holes passing through member 56 aligning with the individual light sources in light array 53. Accordingly, the spaces between each of the individual lights in light array 35 will be highly reflective such that light reflected off the surface of imaging plate 40 will be reflected again thereon.
  • a light fransmissive drum 120 having at least one erasing light 121 therein is used to erase imaging plate 40.
  • light fransmissive drum 120 may be rotated such that it pulls imaging plate 40 through erasing assembly 50 A.
  • erasing assembly can be modified such that erasing is carried out on the interior of the curve of the curved erasing assembly.
  • An example is shown in Fig. 6D in which erasing light 54 erases imaging plate 40 as it passes between window 51 and curved member 52.
  • the top/bottom orientation of imaging plate 40 is reversed from that of Figs. 6A, 6B, 7 and 8.
  • the orientation of the scanner assembly is preferably reversed, (i.e.: In the embodiments shown in Figs. 6C and 6D, it may be preferably to pass imaging plate 40 under scanner 70 with scanner 70 being flipped over from the orientation shown in Figs. 1 to 5).
  • shuttle 30 is constructed in a manner such that it securely latches or grabs onto cassette 20.
  • shuttle 30 comprises one or more alignment guides which ensure that cassette 20 is centered thereon.
  • an elevated cleat 32 is provided.
  • One or more detent rollers 33 may also be provided.
  • shuttle positioning assembly 31 which may optionally comprise a worm gear.
  • cassette 20 is initially moved in direction Dl while shuttle 30 remains at a fixed position. (This occurs when the operator initially hand places cassette 20 through slot 12). (See Fig.
  • Cassette 20 preferably has a center slot 22 which mates with elevated cleat 32 such that cassette 20 is firmly centered on shuttle 30.
  • cassette 20 may have a pair of recesses on is underside (not shown) which mate with depressible rollers 33.
  • each of depressible rollers 33 preferably are spring loaded to move up and down in direction D2 Accordingly, when cassette 20 is being slipped across the surface of shuttle 30, depressible rollers 33 are pushed down (by the underside of cassette 20) into the body of shuttle 30.
  • optional backstops 34 projecting upwardly from the back end of shuttle will rest against the front end 23 of cassette 20.
  • depressible rollers 33 When cassette 20 reaches this final position, depressible rollers 33 will lock upward into the recesses (not shown) on the underside of cassette 20, holding cassette 20 in a secured (and centered) position on shuttle 30.
  • hooks deploy to lock the cassette in place on the shuttle when the cassette reaches its final (i.e.: fully received into housing 11) position.
  • cassettes may advantageously be formed with their distal and bottom surfaces which engage the alignment / detent mechanisms at the same location, such that different sized cassettes 20 can be grasped by the same alignment / detent mechanisms on shuttle 30.
  • cassette 20 may be made such that when elevated cleat 32 is received within center slot 22, it releases locking latches 210 (Fig. 20) which permits the cassette to be opened.
  • the actuation mechanisms 211 for these latches are balanced about their pivot points 212 such that elevated cleat 32 pushes against slide mechanism 214, moving slide mechanism in direction D, thus causing actuation mechanisms 211 to rotate in direction R, unlatching latches 212, thereby unlocking cassette 20 (such that its top cover 21 can be opened.
  • pivot points 212 are disposed at the center f gravity of actuation mechanisms 211 so that impacts to the cassette such as when dropped will not cause the latches to disengage.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a view of the cassette 20 / shuttle 30 assembly at a position where it has been partially received into housing 11.
  • a claw 100 is slidably movable along a pair of slots 101 (which are preferably positioned on either side of the cassette 20 / shuttle 30 assembly, and thus shown in dotted lines).
  • a spring 102 is connected to a fixed point 103 (preferably on housing 11). As shuttle 30 moves in direction Dl towards its final position (Fig. 17), claw 101 will latch onto top cover 21, pulling it upwardly thereby opening cassette top cover 21.
  • spring 102 maintains a bias in a direction opposite to the direction in which cassette 20 is inserted, thereby maintaining a constant pressure on the contact between claw 1000 and top cover 21 such that claw 100 does not slip off top cover 21 as cassette 20 moves with shuttle 30. It is to be understood that the present invention also comprises a comparable system in which a bottom cover of cassette 20 is instead opened.
  • imaging plate 40 is positioned to move across the surface of reference plate 71 of scanner assembly 70 by friction belt roller 60. Further preferred details of this aspect of the present invention are seen in Figs 12 to 15, as follows.
  • Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the present system.
  • Scanner assembly 70 preferably comprises a multi-head rotary scanner 72 having a plurality of scanning heads 73, although single-head scanners and scanners which scan in a back and forth in a straight scan path (as opposed to moving around a rotary scan path) may instead be used, all keeping within the scope of the present invention.
  • the present rotary scanner has three scanning heads 73 (spaced 120° apart from one another), however, systems having other numbers of scanning heads are also contemplated in accordance with the present invention.
  • reference plate 71 preferably has a curved slot 74 passing therethrough.
  • Curved slot 74 is positioned directly above the path of travel of successive scanning heads 73. Accordingly, as each successive scanning head 73 passes along slot 74, it scans in a curved line across the face of imaging plate 40. Slot 74 is preferably fabricated to be of a length such that only one of the three scanning heads 73 is passing thereunder at a time.
  • reference plate 71 is made of a low friction material. Suitable examples include acrylic, glass or coated aluminum, although any suitable material is contemplated.
  • a portion of friction belt roller 60 (which is wrapped around a pair of rollers 61 can be biased downwards against reference plate 71 by a pressure plate 65.
  • pressure plate 65 comprises an element having a generally flat bottom surface which may be pushed (by springs, hydraulically, etc.) away from a fixed object or surface 66 such that pressure plate 65 holds imaging plate 40 tightly against reference plate 71 as rotation of rollers 61 causes imaging plate 61 to be passed (in either direction) over slot 74. Accordingly, a light-tight seal is maintained between scanner 70 and imaging plate 40 (preventing errant light from erasing assembly 50 from reaching the "scan area" (i.e. the location at slot 74 at which imaging plate 40 is actually scanned).
  • FIG. 14 shows a top plan view of reference plate 71 (having slot 74 along which scanning heads &3A, 73B and 73 C pass in sequence as scanner 70 is rotated.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates the position occupied by imaging plate 40 prior to the start of scanning.
  • successive scanning heads 73 move along positioned below curved groove 74 thereby scanning across the (bottom facing) surface of imaging plate 40.
  • the width of any particular imaging plate will in part determine the position at which such imaging plate will be located prior to commencing scanning (At which time imaging plate 40 is moved in direction D3 across the scanner). Specifically, in cases when wider imaging plates are used, they must be positioned farther back (i.e. farther away from erasing assembly 50) on the face of the scanner. Conversely, when narrower imaging plates (such as plate 40A shown in dotted lies) are used, they may be positioned farther forward (i.e.: closer to erasing assembly 50) on the face of the scanner at the commencement of scanning. Thus, (a larger sized) portion 43 of (a larger sized) imaging plate 40 is received within outfeed area 80 (Fig. 5), whereas (a smaller sized) portion 43A of (a smaller sized) imaging plate 40 A is received in outfeed area 80.
  • the full length of outfeed area 80 which is occupied by a portion of imaging plate 40 prior to commencement of scanning depends upon the size of image plate 40 which is scanned and erased by the present system. Regardless of the size of imaging plate 40 which is used, however, an advantage of the present system is that curved outfeed area 80 need not exceed the length of the imaging plate (since a portion of the imaging plate can remain positioned on top of reference plate 71 as long as its proximal end 42 is positioned behind slot 74.
  • a continuous friction belt 150 can be wrapped around a plurality of rollers 151 A, 151B and 151C such that this same belt 150 can be used to both pass imaging plate 40 through curved erasing assembly 50 and past scanner 70.
  • FIG. 18 shows a sectional close-up end view of an anti-static system which can be incorporated in cassette 20.
  • a fabric liner 200 may be positioned in contact with a conductive plastic 202 which is grounded to an exterior contact on the cassette (for example, electronic circuit 204).
  • Cassette electronic circuit 204 is then preferably grounded to housing 11 such that built up static energy is dissipated each time any particular cassette 20 is positioned within housing 11.
  • a standard lead layer 205 is preferably positioned under fabric liner 200 with tape layers 206 holding the assembly together.
  • an interior conductive fabric liner 200 is electrically connected to an exterior contact on the cassette where it can contact a grounded point on the housing 11 of system 10.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Facsimile Scanning Arrangements (AREA)
  • Radiography Using Non-Light Waves (AREA)

Abstract

Un système combiné de balayage et d'effacement de plaque d'imagerie, comprenant un boîtier (11), un ensemble d'alimentation (20) en cassette à plaque d'imagerie positionné dans le boîtier. Ledit ensemble d'alimentation en cassette à plaque d'imagerie comprend un mécanisme pour tirer une cassette à plaque d'imagerie dans le boîtier, un mécanisme pour ouvrir la cassette à plaque d'imagerie et un mécanisme pour enlever la plaque d'imagerie de la cassette. Ledit système de balayage et d'effacement de plaque d'imagerie comporte également un scanneur placé dans le boîtier, un ensemble d'effacement à chemin courbe (50), placé entre l'ensemble d'alimentation en plaque d'imagerie et le scanneur, et un ensemble de transport de plaque d'imagerie, conçu pour déplacer ladite plaque en va-et-vient dans un chemin s'étendant de la cassette à plaque d'imagerie, en passant par l'ensemble d'effacement et dans une zone de balayage adjacente au scanneur.
PCT/US2001/014172 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore WO2001084232A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001261128A AU2001261128A1 (en) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Phosphor imaging plate and cassette handling system
EP01934993A EP1305670A4 (fr) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore
JP2001580593A JP2004501392A (ja) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 蛍光イメージングプレートおよびカセット取扱システム

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20132400P 2000-05-02 2000-05-02
US60/201,324 2000-05-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001084232A1 true WO2001084232A1 (fr) 2001-11-08
WO2001084232A9 WO2001084232A9 (fr) 2002-12-12

Family

ID=22745379

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/014176 WO2001084131A1 (fr) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Systemes de detection et de compensation d'artefacts images lors du balayage d'une plaque d'imagerie
PCT/US2001/014172 WO2001084232A1 (fr) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/014176 WO2001084131A1 (fr) 2000-05-02 2001-05-02 Systemes de detection et de compensation d'artefacts images lors du balayage d'une plaque d'imagerie

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1305670A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004501392A (fr)
AU (2) AU2001261128A1 (fr)
WO (2) WO2001084131A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115052077B (zh) * 2022-06-13 2023-09-22 中亿启航数码科技(北京)有限公司 一种扫描装置及方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5081355A (en) * 1989-10-18 1992-01-14 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Radiation image recording and read-out apparatus
US5095209A (en) * 1989-12-28 1992-03-10 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Compact radiation image information reading apparatus having erasing capability
US6121629A (en) * 1997-07-22 2000-09-19 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Radiation image erasing apparatus

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4476873A (en) * 1982-09-03 1984-10-16 Medtronic, Inc. Ultrasound scanning system for skeletal imaging
US5635728A (en) * 1995-06-19 1997-06-03 Denoptix, Inc. Rotating scanner system for reading multiple storage layer radiation screens
US5623146A (en) * 1995-12-08 1997-04-22 Hughes Electronics Thermal imaging device with scanned light emitting diodes (LEDs) having variable width geometry and interlacing
CA2310672A1 (fr) * 1997-11-19 1999-05-27 University Of Washington Scanner optique a debit eleve

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5081355A (en) * 1989-10-18 1992-01-14 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Radiation image recording and read-out apparatus
US5095209A (en) * 1989-12-28 1992-03-10 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Compact radiation image information reading apparatus having erasing capability
US6121629A (en) * 1997-07-22 2000-09-19 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Radiation image erasing apparatus

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1305670A4 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001261129A1 (en) 2001-11-12
AU2001261128A1 (en) 2001-11-12
WO2001084232A9 (fr) 2002-12-12
EP1305670A1 (fr) 2003-05-02
JP2004501392A (ja) 2004-01-15
WO2001084131A1 (fr) 2001-11-08
EP1305670A4 (fr) 2006-09-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6773160B2 (en) Phosphor imaging plate and cassette handling system
EP0288014B1 (fr) Cassette, dispositif et méthode d'essuyage pour une feuille de phosphore stimulable
JP4782839B2 (ja) 記憶フォイル用の位置決め装置ならびに記憶フォイル読み取り機器、記憶フォイルカセット及び記憶フォイル取扱い装置
US7274033B2 (en) Reading method for radiation image information and radiation image reading apparatus
EP1102118B1 (fr) Dispositif de lecture digital d'images radiographiques à balayage vertical
EP1305670A1 (fr) Systeme de manipulation de cassette a plaque d'imagerie au phosphore
JPH0462063B2 (fr)
EP0166512B1 (fr) Appareil à rayons-X
US4787521A (en) Stimulable phosphor sheet stacking tray
EP0747753B1 (fr) Dispositif de balayage pour radiographie PSL avec dispositif empileur de cassettes
JPS60239731A (ja) 放射線診断装置
JP2830974B2 (ja) 走査キヤリツジ及びベルトを具えるｐｓｌラジオグラフイーのための走査装置
JPH0319144B2 (fr)
KR870001990B1 (ko) 방사선 진단 장치
JPS60241047A (ja) 放射線診断装置
JPS60239734A (ja) 放射線診断装置
JPH0570137B2 (fr)
JPH06100792B2 (ja) 蓄積性蛍光体シート用消去装置
JP2006039340A (ja) カセッテ
JPH06100788B2 (ja) 蓄積性蛍光体シ−ト用カセツテ
JP2003156809A (ja) 放射線画像読取装置及び放射線画像消去装置
JPS60241046A (ja) 放射線診断装置
JP2002023292A (ja) カセッテ取外し可能な放射線画像情報読取装置
JP2003295369A (ja) 放射線画像読取装置
JP2004212795A (ja) 医療用カセッテ及び画像処理システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2001934993

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: C2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: C2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2001934993

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2001934993

Country of ref document: EP