JPH01198739A - Cassetteless speedy copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a satisfactory image and to shorten the replacing time of an unphotographed accumulating phosphor sheet IP by supporting the IP by a flat belt of a low transmissivity so as to cover practically the entire surface of the IP when the IP is put in a housing means in order to house it in a housing magazine after photographing and orienting the IP toward the housing magazine. CONSTITUTION:A conveying path for an unphotographed IP is provided with a means projecting light on the photosensitive surface of the IP, and a belt conveying mechanism employing the belt of a low transmissivity is also provided. After photographing, the IP 400A enters the housing means 21 from a holder part 101. After the tailing edge of the IP passes by a detecting switch 501, the unphotographed IP 400 is sent to a position opposite to a noise erasing device 30, and is irradiated with light. However, the photographed IP 400A is converted with the belt 301, its surface is not irradiated with light even if the IP 400 to be photographed is irradiated by the erasing device 30. Thus, a satisfactory image can be obtained, and the replacing time of the IP can be shortened.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to medical X-ray diagnostic equipment, and more particularly to a light shielding technique for an imaged stimulable phosphor sheet in a cassette telephotography device using a stimulable phosphor sheet. It is.

[Conventional technology]

In medical X-ray diagnostic equipment, transmitted X-rays from a subject are processed using an image intensifier (ImageIntensi).
fier below, 1.1. Immediately take pictures with X-ray film as necessary.

So-called fluoroscopic imaging tables are widely used. The snapshot device is one of the components of this fluoroscopic imaging table, and is a device that transports and stores the above-mentioned X-ray film.

For a while after the development of quick-shot devices, so-called cassette-type quick-shot devices were mainly used, in which a cassette containing X-ray film was moved from a standby position to a shooting position, the image was taken, and then returned to the standby position. was. However, this cassette-type quick-shooting device can generally only take one image at a time, and requires replacing the cassette each time one film or one subject is photographed. For this reason, there has been a demand for a quick-shooting device that is labor-saving and that can take pictures more quickly. The solution to these problems was a quick-shooting device called a cassette-less quick-shooting device.

This cassette telephoto shooting device takes X-ray films one by one from a supply magazine that stores a large number of X-ray films, takes pictures of them, and after the shooting is finished, it is sandwiched between two intensifying screens, and then moved to the shooting position. It is designed to automatically store the images in a storage magazine in sequence, and has become mainstream, replacing the cassette-type quick copy device.

On the other hand, in recent years, stimulable phosphor sheets have come to be used instead of X-ray films. stimulable phosphor sheet (I
What is a imaging plate' (hereinafter referred to as IP)? When radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays is irradiated, a part of the energy of the radiation is accumulated, and when excitation light such as visible light is irradiated, a part of the energy of the radiation is accumulated depending on the accumulated energy. A flexible material plate is coated with a phosphor that causes stimulated luminescence.

This stimulated luminescence is read by a photoelectric element or the like, and the read signal is used to obtain image information, which is ultimately converted into an image on a CRT or hard copy and used for diagnosis. This IP has the excellent property of being able to be used repeatedly and the image quality can be corrected through image processing, so it is possible to reduce the radiation dose to the subject, and the image information is digital. Therefore, it has the advantage that it is easy to store and search images. Therefore, it has been desired to be able to use this IP in a cassette-less type snapshot device on a fluoroscopic imaging stand.

At present, the mainstream of snapshot devices using IP is the cassette type. For this reason, a cassette-less type IP speed copying apparatus has come to be required for the same reason as that required for X-ray film as described above.

However, when configuring a cassette-less snapshot device using IP (hereinafter referred to as a blade-setter-less IP snapshot device), as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-119340, it is necessary to eliminate noise caused by afterimages and fogging. It is necessary to incorporate a noise canceling device that irradiates the surface of the IP with light.

In order to eliminate this IP noise, it is necessary to
As described in Japanese Patent No. 119340, it is necessary to irradiate several thousand lux/seconds of light (e.g., the light equivalent to several lights if a fluorescent lamp is used as the light source). On the other hand, after photographing, a reading device (cassetteless IP snapshot device does not have a built-in function to process the process of reading the stimulated luminescence using a photoelectric element, etc., and converting it into an image on a CRT or hard copy.Hereinafter, this function will be described below. When the IP is irradiated with light, the accumulated energy is erased, making accurate diagnosis impossible. For this reason, it is necessary to shield the IP already photographed in the cassette-less IP snapshot device from being exposed to the light of the noise canceling device.

An example of a technique for shielding the photographed IP from the light of the noise canceling device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-50529. This is the supply magazine for IP and
The P storage magazine is inserted into a separate dark box within the snapshot device, and an opening/closing shutter is provided on the IP transport path of this dark box. The shutter is closed when light is irradiated onto an unphotographed IP, and opened when the IP passes through.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the technique described in the above publication, it is necessary to add an opening/closing mechanism for the light-shielding shutter, which complicates the mechanism.
It was expected that this would lead to an increase in the size of the device. This is because, as a recent trend in fluoroscopic imaging tables, devices that move the quick-shooting device and the X-ray imaging system (X-ray tube, 1.1., etc.) without moving the subject on the top plate have become mainstream. but,
When configuring such a fluoroscopic photographing table, it is not preferable that the snapshot device becomes large in size.

In addition, the disadvantage of a cassette-less type device is that it is inferior to a cassette-type device.
The time required to replace the P is relatively long compared to the cassette type, and the I
It is conceivable that this drawback becomes noticeable when noise cancellation of P is performed.

Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above-mentioned problems are: a supply magazine for storing unphotographed stimulable phosphor sheets in a stack; a means for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheets taken out from the supply magazine to a photographing standby position; and a means for transporting the photographed stimulable phosphor sheets. In a snapshot device having a storage magazine for storing the image, a means for irradiating light onto the photosensitive surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet taken out from the supply magazine is provided in the conveyance path of the unphotographed stimulable phosphor sheet, and at the photographing standby position. The means for conveying the photographed stimulable phosphor sheet from the storage magazine to the storage magazine is equipped with a belt conveyance mechanism using a belt with low light transmittance that moves while contacting the photosensitive surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. Achieved by a cassette-less copying device.

[Effect]

After photographing, when the IP enters the storage means to be stored in the storage magazine, the IP is supported by a flat belt with low light transmittance that covers substantially the entire surface side and heads toward the storage magazine.

Therefore, even if the IP to be photographed next is irradiated with light, the IP after the photographing is not irradiated with light, making it possible to obtain a good image.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. This embodiment was carried out on a cassetteless fluoroscopic imaging table that can use both X-ray film and IP. I will start by explaining this cassette-less fluoroscopic imaging table.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the general structure of the cassette-less fluoroscopic photographing table. A subject 2 with an X-ray tube device 1 lying on a top plate 6
The X-ray flux 5 is irradiated to the subject 2, and the
The line is incident on 1.1.4.

The subject-transmitted X-ray information from 1.1.4 is displayed on a monitor (not shown) by a video system (not shown)6, and this image is viewed by a doctor or operator and can be edited as necessary. X-ray film or IP with quick copy device 3
Photographed on . The transmitted X-ray information of the subject 2 photographed on an X-ray film or IP is developed in the case of an X-ray film, and in the case of IP, it is applied to the above-mentioned reading device, converted into an image, and used for diagnosis of the subject 2. . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the cassette telephoto copying device, and
This shows the case where a line film is used.

The snapshot device 3 is detachably attached with an X-ray film supply magazine 10 that stores unexposed X-ray films and an X-ray film storage magazine 11 that stores X-ray films that have been photographed. Furthermore, the above-mentioned X
XL film holder section 1 that holds X-ray films sent one by one from the X-ray film supply magazine 10
00 is set. This holder part 100 is moved to the photographing position 111 (
After moving to this imaging position 111, the subject 2 (FIG. 2) is photographed. When the shooting is finished, this holder will be worth 100 yen.
returns to the position shown by the solid line (standby position), and the X-ray film is stored in the storage magazine 11.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the general structure inside the snapshot apparatus, and shows the case where an X-ray film is used. The X-ray film supply magazine 10 is attached to the supply magazine attachment/detachment section 14 of the quick-shooting device 3, and the X-ray film supply magazine 10 stores the X-ray film 2 that has not yet been photographed.
00 are stacked. When an operator wants to take an image, the X-ray film is taken out one by one by the supply section 19 consisting of the suction pad 22 and its driving device (not shown), and the leading end is inserted between the conveying rollers 65 and 66. (shown by the broken line in Figure 1). The conveyance rollers 65, 66 are conveyor rollers 67.68, 71.72, a guide plate 63, a large roller 64, and conveyance rollers 53, 54, 55.5 forming part of a storage means to be described later.
6 and a part of the belt 301 to form the loading section 20,
These rollers and belts are driven by a drive device (not shown) (there may be a plurality of drive devices). In addition,
In the middle of the conveyance path of the carry-in section 20, there is provided a noise canceling device 30 for canceling the noise of the IP when an IP (to be described later) is used, and a control device thereof (not shown), but they are not operated here.

Thereby, the X-ray film 200 taken out from the X-ray film supply magazine 10 is conveyed to the holder section 100 via the conveyance rollers 71 and 72.

The holder part 100 has transport rollers 73 and 74 driven by a drive device different from the roller and belt drive device used in the carrying-in section 2o and the storage means described later, and a container-like shape with one side open. The container member 36 and the plate member 33
, a hinge 37 for movably supporting the plate member 33 within the vessel member 36, intensifying screens 31 and 32 attached to the plate member 33 and the vessel member 36, and the two intensifiers. X-ray film 200 inserted between paper sheets 31 and 32
Close contact mechanisms 39A and 39B consisting of springs for bringing A into close contact with these intensifying screens 31 and 32, and air between the plate member 33 and the vessel member 36 are drawn through holes made in the plate member 33 and the vessel member 36. A hose 70 for suctioning and completely bringing the intensifying screens 31, 32 and the X-ray film 200A into close contact with each other, and an air suction device (not shown), such as a vacuum pump, attached to one end of the hose 7o. , plate member 3
In order to prevent air from leaking between the intensifying screen 3 and the device member 36,
1. A flexible backing member 35 provided around 32
A, 35B, and the rod members 110, 120 for moving the holder part 100 to the photographing position 111 (FIG. 3).
, a guide means 150 consisting of a drive device (not shown), and a bearing 4 that connects the holder part 100 to the guide means 150.
5, 46, a support member 40.41 that is fixed to the container member 36 and supports the bearings 45, 46, an L-shaped member 80 for opening and closing the plate member 33, and a roller 48 that comes into contact with this L-shaped member 80. The support member 4 moves as shown by arrow B together with this roller 48 to pull down the L-shaped member 80 and the plate member 33, and rotatably supports this roller 48.
7, and a drive device (not shown) that performs this operation.
However, roller 48. The holder part 100 having such a structure, consisting of the support member 47 and the drive device (which is supported from outside the holder part 100), is configured so that when the X-ray film is sent from the loading section 20, the plate The member 33 is pulled down by the L-shaped member 80, the roller 48, the support member 47, and a drive device (not shown), and the transport roller 73.
74, the X-ray film 200A is inserted between the intensifying screens 31 and 32 attached to the plate member 33 and the instrument member 36. And the close contact mechanism 39A.

39B, a hose 70, and an air suction device (not shown) attached to one end of the hose 70, the intensifying screens 31 and 32 are completely brought into close contact.

After that, the holder part 100 is attached to the rod members 110 and 120,
It is moved to the imaging position 111 by a guide means 150 consisting of a drive device (not shown), and is used for imaging the subject 2. After photographing, the holder portion 100 is returned to its original standby position by the guiding means 150 again. and,
The plate member 33 is pulled down by the L-shaped member 80, the roller 48, the support member 47, and a drive device (not shown).

Then, the X-ray film 200A is transferred to the transport roller 73°74.
It is taken out from the holder part 100 by.

X that was photographed and photographed in the holder part 100
The line film 20OA has a conveying roller of 50°51.52,
53, 54, 55, 56, large roller 64, and belts 301, 302 connecting these (this belt 301,
302 is a flat belt with low light transmittance, which moves while contacting the surface of the IP when the IP is used, and blocks light from the surface of the IP. A detailed explanation will be given later. ), information board 63. Information board 69. Conveyance rollers 60, 6
1 and the belt 3oO2 guiding plate 62 that connects them, and these 6-ra 50~52.53~56°60~
The film is stored in the X-ray film storage magazine 11 attached to the storage magazine attachment/detachment section 15 by a storage means 21 consisting of a plurality of drive devices (not shown) that drive the X-ray film 61 and a belt. An IP passage detection switch 501 is provided in the middle of the transport path of this storage means, and a barcode reader 500 used when using IP, which will be described later, is provided on the upper part of this X4I film storage magazine 11. .

The IP passage detection switch 501 is provided because the transport paths of the loading section 20 and the storage means 21 partially overlap, and after the end of the photographed IP passes through this switch 501, the unphotographed IP is detected. This is provided to move the noise canceling device [30] to a position facing the noise canceling device [30]. Therefore, unlike this implementation, there is a transport path for unphotographed IPs and a transport path for photographed IPs.
This is not necessary for equipment with separate delivery paths.

Next, the case where IP is used will be explained using FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the general configuration inside a snapshot device when IP is used. The difference from Fig. 4 is the supply magazine 10. The storage magazine 11 is replaced with the IP supply magazine 12. The storage magazine 13 is replaced with the noise canceling device 30, the holder part 100 is replaced with the IP holder part 101, and the supply part 19, the transport part 20. The storage section 21 is the same as that used when using the aforementioned X-ray film. Therefore, these descriptions will be omitted and only the holder portion 101 will be described. Furthermore, I
P holder part 101 is X-ray film holder part 1
00 has the function of bringing the intensifying screen and film into close contact, whereas the IP holder part 101 does not require this function, and is almost the same, so we will explain its structure.
The operation will be omitted. This holder part 101 has conveyor rollers 75 and 76 driven by a drive device different from the roller and belt drive device used for the conveyance path 20 and the storage means 21, and a container shaped like a container with one side open. Part 8
5, a plate member 87, and this plate member 87 is attached to the vessel member 85.
a hinge 86 for supporting the X
A plate member 27 with a low radiation absorption coefficient attached to the device member 85 on the radiation source side, a plate member 28 attached to the plate member 87, and an IP400A inserted between the above two plate members 27 and 28. A close contact mechanism 91A consisting of a spring for bringing the plate members 27 and 28 into close contact with each other.

92B, the device members 110 and 120 for moving the holder part 101 to the photographing position 111 (FIG. 3), the guiding means 150 consisting of a drive device (not shown), and the bearing 83. 84 (same as 45 and 46 explained in FIG. 4), and support members 121 and 122 that are fixed to the vessel member 85 and support the bearings 83 and 84.
an L-shaped member 88 for opening and closing the plate member 87; a roller 48 that contacts this L-shaped member 88; A support member 47 rotatably supports the roller 48, and a drive device (not shown) that performs this operation (however, the roller 48, support member 47, and drive device are connected to each other from outside the holder part 101. supported). Note that the belts 301 and 302 used in the storage means 21 have low light transmittance (preferably, those having no light transmittance are good), and are wide flat belts that substantially cover the entire surface of the IP400. As a result, after photographing, the IP400A comes out of the holder part 101 and enters the storage means 21, and its terminal end is detected by the detection switch.

After passing through the switch 501, the unphotographed IP is sent to a position facing the noise canceling device 30 and is irradiated with light, but the surface of the photographed IP 400A is covered by the belt 301, so at this time, the next photograph is taken. IP400 eraser i
! Even if the light is irradiated at 30, the above photographed IP400A
Since light does not hit the surface of the screen, not only can a good image be obtained, but also the time required to replace the IP is shortened, so the diagnosis time can be shortened and the burden on the subject can be reduced. Note that the barcode affixed to the back surface of the IP 400 is read by the barcode reader 500 provided at the top of the IP storage magazine 13 after the IP 400 is stored in the IP storage magazine 13 .

According to the above embodiment, since the storage means is provided behind the noise canceling device provided in the loading section, direct light from the light source of the noise canceling device does not enter the storage means, and the surface (photosensitive surface) ) is transported while contacting the belt, and there is no risk that the X-ray information stored in the photographed IP will be erased.

In addition, since the unphotographed IP can be sent to the loading section from the moment the photographed IP reaches a predetermined transport position,
It is possible to shorten the time for replacing IPs.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, the light from the noise canceling device is blocked, and the IP that has already been photographed is not irradiated with light, so that it is possible to obtain a good image. Moreover,
Since the time for exchanging IPs can also be shortened, the diagnosis time can be shortened and the burden on the subject can also be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the internal configuration of a snapshot device when using an IP according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the snapshot device;
The figure is an explanatory diagram for explaining the internal configuration of a snapshot device when an X-ray film is used. 2o... Loading section, 21... Storage means, 30... Noise canceller No. 10 Leather 3 Figure No. 41 yen]

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A supply magazine for stacking and storing unphotographed stimulable phosphor sheets, means for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheets taken out from the supply magazine to a photographing standby position, and a means for transporting stimulable phosphor sheets that have been photographed In a snapshot device having a storage magazine for storing a phosphor sheet, a means for irradiating light onto the photosensitive surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet taken out from the supply magazine is provided in the transport path of the unphotographed stimulable phosphor sheet, and The means for transporting the photographed stimulable phosphor sheet from the photographing standby position to the storage magazine is equipped with a belt transport mechanism using a belt with low light transmittance that moves while contacting the photosensitive surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. Features a cassette-less snapshot device. 2. The cassette telephoto copying device according to item 1, wherein the low transmittance belt is formed wider than the photosensitive surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. 3. The cassette telephoto copying device according to item 1, wherein the transport mechanism for the photographed stimulable phosphor sheet is provided behind the light irradiation means.