JP2001242568A - Radiograph information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily enable placement of an object on a bed type photography platform and improvement of operability of the photography platform. SOLUTION: The device is provided with a photographing part 80 which once records an object's radiograph information on stimulable phosphor sheet S, and is equipped with the photography platform 16 on which the object is placed in a decubitus posture, a device main body 14 housing a reading part 82 which reads the radiograph information photoelectrically and an erasing part 84 which erases residual radiograph information, and the elevating/lowering mechanism 18 which elevates and lowers the photography platform 16 in relation to the device main body 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a radiation image information reading apparatus for repeatedly recording and reading radiation image information of a subject using a stimulable phosphor sheet contained in the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, stimulable phosphors (stimulable phosphors)
There is known a system that once records radiation image information of a subject such as a human body, reproduces the radiation image information on a photographic photosensitive material such as a photographic film, or outputs a visible image on a CRT or the like. I have.

The stimulable phosphor is composed of radiation (X-ray, α-ray, γ
(Rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.), a part of this radiation energy is accumulated, and after irradiation with excitation light such as visible light, a phosphor that emits stimulated emission according to the accumulated energy is referred to. This stimulable phosphor is usually used as a sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet because of its easy handling.

In the above-mentioned system, for example, a photographing section for temporarily recording radiation image information of a subject on a stimulable phosphor sheet, and irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with the radiation image information recorded thereon with excitation light to emit the excitation light. A reading unit that photoelectrically reads the radiation image information, and an erasing unit that erases the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading the radiation image information are integrally incorporated, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is A so-called built-in type radiation image information reading apparatus that circulates or reciprocates in the apparatus is employed.

[0005] As this type of radiation image information reading apparatus, there is generally known a type having a bed-type imaging table movably arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the conventional radiation image information reading apparatus 1, the imaging table 3 has two horizontal axes X with respect to the apparatus main body 2.
It is supported by floating so as to be movable in the axial direction and the Y-axis direction, and a patient 4 as a subject is placed on the imaging table 3 in a lying posture (lying posture).

Next, the photographer 5 arranges a desired imaging position of the patient 4 in accordance with the irradiation position of the X-ray irradiation unit 6.
The imaging table 3 is moved in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction. Further, the X-ray irradiator 6 is driven, and an operation of capturing radiation image information of a desired part (affected part) of the patient 4 is performed.

[0007]

By the way, in the radiation image information reading apparatus 1 described above, the height H of the imaging table 3 is set to a height position in consideration of the workability of the photographer 5. For this reason, when the height of the patient 4 is short, it becomes difficult for the patient 4 to ride on the imaging table 3, and for example, there is a problem that individual steps must be prepared. Further, it has been pointed out that the work of placing the patient 4 on the imaging table 3 becomes considerably complicated depending on the transport mode of a wheelchair or a stretcher.

The present invention has been made to solve this kind of problem, and a radiation image information reading apparatus capable of easily placing a subject on an imaging table and effectively improving the workability of the imaging table. The purpose is to provide.

[0009]

In the radiographic image information reading apparatus according to the present invention, a photographing section for temporarily recording radiographic image information of a subject is provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and the subject is placed in a lying posture. And a device main body in which a reading unit and an erasing unit are accommodated, and the photographing table can be moved up and down with respect to the device main body via an elevating mechanism. For this reason, the height position of the imaging table is adjusted according to the size of the subject, for example, the height of the patient, or the transport mode of a wheelchair or a stretcher so that the patient can easily get on the imaging table.

Next, after the patient is placed on the imaging table, the imaging table moves up and down to a predetermined working height position. Thereby, the operation of placing the subject on the mounting table can be easily performed, the burden on the patient who is the subject can be greatly reduced, and the workability of handling the imaging table can be effectively improved.

[0011] The imaging table has a top plate that is movable in two axial directions orthogonal to each other in the horizontal direction. Therefore,
By adjusting the photographing table to a desired height position, the operator can smoothly move the photographing table in a desired direction with a good working posture, and the photographing part of the subject can be efficiently moved with respect to the irradiation position. Position adjustment can be performed accurately and accurately.

Further, a lifting foot switch for raising the imaging table and a lowering foot switch for lowering the imaging table are provided, so that the operator can perform the lifting operation of the lifting table without using both hands. Can be easily performed.

Here, when an abnormality occurs during the raising / lowering operation of the imaging table, the raising / lowering operation of the imaging table is forcibly stopped by the emergency stop foot switch. This makes it possible to quickly and reliably avoid damage to equipment and the like.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a radiation image information reading apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the schematic internal configuration of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10.

The radiation image information reading apparatus 10 has an apparatus main body 14 disposed on a floor surface (installation surface) 12 and an imaging apparatus in which a subject, for example, a patient is directly placed in a lying position (side down position). A table 16 and an elevating mechanism 18 that raises and lowers the imaging table 16 with respect to the apparatus main body 14 are provided. Device body 1
4 includes a first main body 20 that accommodates the elevating mechanism 18 and a second main body 22 that is configured separately from the first main body 20. The second main body 22 includes a controller 24 and a switch. The unit 26 is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lifting mechanism 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes first swing arms 30a and 30b which are swingably supported at one end of the first main body 20 (a side away from the second main body 22) via support shafts 28a and 28b; On the other end side (the side close to the second main body portion 22) of the one main body portion 20, there are provided second swing arms 34a and 34b supported to be swingable via support shafts 32a and 32b. First swing arm 3
The connecting shafts 36a and 36b are attached to the substantially central portions of the first and second swing arms 34a and 34b.
The swinging distal ends of the first swinging arms 30a and 30b and the second swinging arms 34a and 34b are engaged with the bottom of an elevating base 38 constituting the imaging table 16.

The first swing arms 30a, 30b have hydraulic cylinders 40a, 40b close to the support shafts 28a, 28b.
Are mounted, and rods 42a and 42b extending from the hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b are attached to mounting members 44.
a and 44b are connected to the upper ends of the second swing arms 34a and 34b. Hydraulic cylinders 40a, 40b
Is a hydraulic unit 46 incorporating valves and pumps.
Is controlled by

A bellows member 48 having a dust-proof and light-shielding function is fixed to the upper part of the elevating base 38 and the upper part of the first main body part 20 so as to extend and contract. As shown in FIG. 4, a movable table 50 that is movable in the short direction (the direction of the arrow X) of the first main body 20 is disposed on the lifting base 38, and the movable table 50 includes A top plate 52 is provided that is movable back and forth in an arrow Y direction (longitudinal direction) perpendicular to the arrow X direction.

A plurality of rollers 54 rotatable about a horizontal axis and a regulating guide roller 56 rotatable about a vertical axis are provided at both ends in the arrow Y direction of the elevating base 38. The movable table 50 is configured in a frame shape,
The roller 54 and the guide roller 56 have a guide portion 58 having a U-shaped cross section on which the roller 54 rolls. Arrow X on movable table 50
At both ends in the direction, a plurality of rollers 60 rotatable around a horizontal axis and a plurality of regulating guide rollers 62 rotatable about a vertical axis are provided.

The top plate 52 has a guide portion 64 having a U-shaped cross section on which rollers 60 and guide rollers 62 roll on both sides in the direction of arrow X, and a linear touch switch 66 along the guide portion 64. Is fixed. The touch switch 66 includes first and second locking means 68 and 70 for locking the movable table 50 and the top plate 52.
ON / OFF control, and while the touch switch 66 is pressed, the locking action of the movable table 50 and the top plate 52 by the first and second locking means 68 and 70 is released. . The top plate 52 has a cover member 7 located outside the touch switch 66.
2 are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first locking means 68 includes electromagnetic brakes 74a and 74b fixed at both ends in the arrow Y direction of the elevating base 38 and at symmetric positions.
The electromagnetic brakes 74a and 74b are provided with a pinion gear 76.
a and 76b are fixed. Racks 78a, 78 corresponding to the pinion gears 76a, 76b are provided on the movable table 50.
b extends in the arrow X direction and is fixed. The second locking means 70 includes electromagnetic brakes 74c and 74d provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the movable table 50, and pinion gears 76c and 76d are fixed to the electromagnetic brakes 74c and 74d. The top plate 52 has pinion gears 76c, 76d
, The racks 78c and 78d extend in the arrow Y direction and are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the elevating base 38 is provided with a photographing section 80 for temporarily recording the radiation image information of the subject on the stimulable phosphor sheet S, while the apparatus main body 14 is provided with the radiation image. A reading unit 82 for irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet S in which information is stored with laser light L as excitation light to read the radiation image information photoelectrically, and remains on the stimulable phosphor sheet S after reading. An erasing unit 84 for erasing the radiation image information to be erased, and, for example, three stimulable phosphor sheets S in the radiation image information reading apparatus 10.
And a circulating transport system 86 for circulating.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stimulable phosphor sheet S
Is circulated and conveyed by sandwiching only the ears Sa and Sb provided on both sides. Reinforcing plates 88a and 88b are fixed to the back side of the stimulable phosphor sheet S.

As shown in FIG. 2, the photographing section 80 includes a positioning member 90 for positioning the stimulable phosphor sheet S.
And a pressing plate 94 that is swingable through a fulcrum 92 for holding the stimulable phosphor sheet S in the photographing unit 80. A roller pair 100a constituting the circulating transport system 86 is disposed near the entrance of the photographing unit 80. The roller pair 100b is separated from the roller pair 100a by a predetermined distance.
Is provided. The roller pairs 100a and 100b are supported by the elevating base 38 and move up and down integrally with the elevating base 38.

In the first main body 20, a plurality of roller pairs 102 constituting a circulating transport system 86 are arranged.
A roller pair 104 independent of the circulation conveyance system 86 is disposed in the second main body 22. Roller pair 100a, 100
b, 102 and 104 are configured to convey only the ears Sa and Sb of the stimulable phosphor sheet S.

The circulating transport system 86 includes a vertical transport path 106 extending vertically from the photographing unit 80 and a vertical transport path 10.
6 and a horizontal conveying path 108 extending horizontally from the lower end to the roller pair 104. After the traveling direction is changed by 180 ° by the roller pair 104, it passes through the reading unit 82 and is Conveyance path 110 extending to
And a switchback transport path 112 connected to the vertical transport path 106 by performing switchback after changing the traveling direction by 180 ° at the tip of the inclined transport path 110. In the switchback transport path 112, a pair of rollers 114 that can rotate forward and backward are arranged.

The circulating transport system 86 has three stimulable phosphor sheets S.
As one standby position, a first standby position ST1 which is a setting position of the photographing unit 80, a second standby position ST2 arranged on the horizontal transport path 108, and a third standby position ST3 arranged on the erasing unit 84 are provided. Can be

The reading section 82 is provided in the second main body section 22, and is provided with a sub-scanning conveyance means 120 for sub-scanning and conveying the stimulable phosphor sheet S in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow A), and a sub-scanning conveyance. A laser beam irradiating means (excitation light irradiating means) 122 for irradiating a laser beam L as excitation light in a substantially vertical direction onto the stimulable phosphor sheet S to perform main scanning; First and second light condensing systems 124 and 126 for photoelectrically reading stimulated emission light generated from the phosphor sheet S are provided.

The sub-scanning conveying means 120 includes first and second roller pairs 128 and 130 which are driven to rotate in synchronization with each other.
Is provided. The first light condensing system 124 includes the stimulable phosphor sheet S
A first light guide 132a arranged along the main scanning line at the irradiation position of the laser beam L on the recording surface of the first light guide 132a, and a first photomultiplier 134a mounted on the first light guide 132a. The second light condensing system 126 is disposed on the back side of the stimulable phosphor sheet S along a main scanning line.
A light guide 132b and a second photomultiplier 134b attached to an end of the second light guide 132b are provided.

The erasing section 84 includes a first erasing unit 140a arranged on the recording surface side of the stimulable phosphor sheet S and a second erasing unit 140b arranged on the back side of the stimulable phosphor sheet S. Prepare. The erasing light sources 14 are provided in the first and second erasing units 140a and 140b, respectively.
2a and 142b are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 24
Lamp group 150 having a plurality of lamps and display 1
52 and a shooting size display lamp group 153 with a switching key
And an operation panel 154 provided with When the power is turned on by operating a console (not shown),
When the photographing size is selected, the lamp groups 150 and 153
Are displayed on the display 152, and the ID number and patient name of the patient registered on the console, the imaging menu, and the like are displayed on the display 152.

The switch section 26 includes a first foot switch 160 for unlocking the top 52 constituting the imaging table 16 in the horizontal direction, and a first foot switch 160 for lowering the imaging table 16. A second foot switch 162, a third foot switch 164 for raising the imaging table 16, and a fourth foot switch 166 for emergency stop forcibly stopping the elevating operation of the imaging table 16. . The fourth foot switch 166 is connected to the pedal cover 16.
When the release button 170 in the pedal cover 168 is rotated in a predetermined direction,
6 can be moved up and down. X above the top plate 52
Line irradiation means 172 is provided.

The operation of the radiation image information reading apparatus 10 thus configured will be described below.

First, an ID card in which ID information such as an ID number and a name of a patient are recorded is created, and the ID card is read by a console (not shown). In this console, the user selects an imaging part such as the chest and abdomen and an imaging menu. Further, a photographing size is selected as needed, and then the patient as a subject is photographed on the photographing table 16.
Place on top.

At this time, the height position (in the direction of arrow Z) of the imaging table 16 is adjusted according to the condition of the patient, the height of the patient, or the transport mode of a wheelchair or a stretcher. Specifically, when the operator steps on the second foot switch 162, the hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b are driven via the hydraulic unit 46 constituting the lifting mechanism 18 (see FIG. 3). For this reason, the rods 42a and 42b of the hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b move inward,
The second swing arms 34a, 34b connected to the mounting shafts 2a, 2b via mounting members 44a, 44b are connected to the support shafts 32a, 3b.
It swings downward with 2b as a fulcrum.

The first swing arms 30a, 30b are connected to the second swing arms 34a, 34b via connecting shafts 36a, 36b.
b is connected to the second swing arm 34a, 34
b swings downward, the first swing arm 30
a and 30b swing downward about the support shafts 28a and 28b. As a result, the elevating base 38 moves downward, and the imaging table 16 descends.

On the other hand, the operator operates the third foot switch 164
, The hydraulic cylinder 40 via the hydraulic unit 46
a and 40b are driven in the opposite direction to the above. For this reason,
First swing arm 30a, 30b and second swing arm 3
The elevating base 38 supported by 4a and 34b moves upward, and the imaging table 16 moves up.

As described above, the height of the imaging table 16 is adjusted so that the patient can easily get on the top 52. Then, in a state in which the patient is lying on the top 52 in the lying position (lying position), the operator selectively operates the second foot switch 162 or the third foot switch 164, and Adjust the height to a position that is easy to work. Further, the operator operates the first foot switch 160 or touches the touch switch 6 provided on the top plate 52.
6, the electromagnetic brakes 74a to 74d constituting the first and second locking means 68 and 70 are kept ON.
Is turned on, the pinion gears 76a to 76d become free, and the movable table 50 and the top plate 52 are unlocked.

Therefore, for example, while the operator keeps pressing the touch switch 66, the top plate 52 is moved back and forth, right and left (arrow X).
Direction and the arrow Y direction), and the height position of the patient is adjusted so that the imaging region of the patient enters the irradiation frame by the X-ray irradiation means 172 (see FIG. 7). Then, after positioning of the imaging region of the patient, the touch switch 6
6, the power of the electromagnetic brakes 74a to 74d constituting the first and second locking means 68 and 70 is turned off, and the movable table 50 and the top plate 52 are turned off.
Is locked immovably.

Next, the X-ray irradiating means 172 is driven, and the radiation image information of the patient is recorded (photographed) on the stimulable phosphor sheet S arranged in the photographing section 80. At this time, the other stimulable phosphor sheets S are placed in the second and third standby positions ST.
2, ST3.

The stimulable phosphor sheet S after the photographing process is taken out of the photographing unit 80 with the ears Sa and Sb held therebetween under the rotation of the roller pair 100a constituting the circulating conveyance system 86, and is taken out from the photographing unit 80. , 102 and transferred from the vertical transport path 106 to the horizontal transport path 108 (see FIG. 6). Further, the stimulable phosphor sheet S is conveyed from the first main body 20 to the second main body 22 under the rotating action of the plurality of roller pairs 102, and passes upward through the roller pair 104.
After the conveyance direction is changed by ゜, the image is sent to the sub-scanning conveyance means 120 constituting the reading unit 82.

In the sub-scanning conveying means 120, the first and second roller pairs 128,
130 is synchronously driven to rotate and the stimulable phosphor sheet S
Is transported in the sub-scanning direction in the direction of arrow A with the ear portions Sa and Sb being sandwiched between the first and second roller pairs 128 and 130. At that time, the laser beam L is derived from the laser beam irradiating means 122 and is irradiated on the recording surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet S to perform main scanning.

Thus, the stimulated emission light emitted from the recording surface side of the stimulable phosphor sheet S is photoelectrically read by the first condensing system 124, and is transmitted through the transparent base surface to transmit the stimulable phosphor sheet S. The stimulated emission light emitted from the back side of the body sheet S is photoelectrically read by the second light collection system 126.

The stimulable phosphor sheet S after the reading process
Is transported from the second main body portion 22 to the first main body portion 20 side,
The sheet is sent to the erasing section 84 along the inclined conveyance path 110. In the erasing section 84, the first and second erasing units 140
a, 140b constituting erasing light sources 142a, 142b
The erasing light is applied to both surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet S through the irradiating device, and the erasing process of the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet S is performed reliably.

The stimulable phosphor sheet S after the erasing process is sent to the switchback conveyance path 112 from the inclined conveyance path 110 by changing the conveyance direction by 180 ° downward. When the roller pair 114 forming the switchback transport path 112 is rotated in the reverse direction, the stimulable phosphor sheet S is transferred from the switchback transport path 112 to the vertical transport path 106, and the roller pairs 100a and 100b are moved. It is arranged in the photographing unit 80 via the camera.

In this case, in the present embodiment, the imaging table 16 provided with the top plate 52 on which the patient is placed in the recumbent position is mounted on the apparatus main body 14 disposed on the floor 12 with the lifting mechanism 1.
8 so as to be able to move up and down. Therefore, when the patient is placed on the top 52, the patient is first placed on the top 52 in accordance with the condition of the patient, the height of the patient, or the transport mode of a wheelchair or a stretcher. The height position of the imaging table 16 is adjusted so that the user can easily get on the vehicle.

Therefore, for example, even if the patient is short, there is no need to prepare any special steps, and the patient can be easily and smoothly transferred from the wheelchair or stretcher to the top plate 52. can do. As a result, the operation of placing the patient on the top plate section 52 and lowering the patient from the top plate section 52 is performed efficiently, and the effect of greatly reducing the burden on the patient and the operator is obtained. Can be

On the other hand, after the patient is placed on the top 52, the operator can adjust the imaging table 16 to a height position where the work can be easily performed via the elevating mechanism 18. For this reason, the operator can move the top plate 52 forward, backward, left and right at a desired height position, and there is an advantage that the operability of the top plate 52 is effectively improved.

The switch unit 26 further includes a second foot switch 162 for lowering the imaging table 16,
A third foot switch 164 for raising the imaging table 16 is provided. Therefore, by using the second and third foot switches 162 and 164, for example, the operator can favorably perform the elevating operation of the imaging table 16 with both hands free.

Further, the switch section 26 is provided with a fourth foot switch 166 for emergency stop. Thereby, when an abnormality occurs during the elevating operation of the imaging table 16,
When the fourth foot switch 166 is depressed, the imaging table 16 is forcibly stopped. This makes it possible to quickly and reliably avoid damage to equipment and the like. When releasing the lock, the pedal cover 168 is rotated, and the release button 170 is turned clockwise, whereby the imaging table 16 can be moved up and down.

[0051]

In the radiation image information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging table on which the subject is placed in the recumbent posture is configured to be able to move up and down with respect to the apparatus main body via the elevating mechanism. Therefore, by adjusting the height position of the imaging table, the work of placing the subject and the operation of handling the imaging table can be easily and smoothly performed, and the operability can be improved at once.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective explanatory view of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the schematic internal configuration of the radiation image information reading apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of a first main body and an imaging table which constitute the radiation image information reading apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the imaging table.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory plan view of first and second locking means provided on the imaging table;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stimulable phosphor sheet.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the imaging table.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of a radiation image information reading apparatus according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Radiation image information reading apparatus 14 ... Device main body 16 ... Imaging stand 18 ... Elevating mechanism 20, 22 ... Main body part 24 ... Controller 26 ... Switch part 30a, 30b, 34a, 34b ... Swing arm 40a, 40b ... Hydraulic cylinder 46 ... Hydraulic unit 50 ... Movable table 52 ... Top plate part 54,60 ... Roller 56,62 ... Guide roller 66 ... Touch switch 68,70 ... Locking means 80 ... Shooting part 82 ... Reading part 84 ... Erasing part 86 ... Circulation transport system 100a, 100b, 102, 104, 114, 12
8, 130 Roller pair 106 Vertical transport path 108 Horizontal transport path 110 Slant transport path 112 Switchback transport path 120 Subscanning transport means 122 Laser irradiation means 124, 126 Light collecting system 160, 162 164, 166: Foot switch 172: X-ray irradiation means S: Storable phosphor sheet Sa, Sb: Ear

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A radiation image information reading apparatus for repeatedly recording and reading radiation image information of a subject using a stimulable phosphor sheet housed in the apparatus, wherein the stimulable phosphor sheet includes the subject. An imaging unit for temporarily recording the radiation image information is provided, an imaging table on which the subject is placed in a recumbent posture, and the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information is recorded is irradiated with excitation light. A reading unit that photoelectrically reads the radiation image information, and a device main body in which an erasing unit that deletes the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading is housed; and An elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering, comprising: a radiation image information reader. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging table includes a top plate that is movable in two axial directions orthogonal to each other in a horizontal direction while the subject is mounted. Radiation image information reading device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ascending foot switch for raising the imaging table, a descent foot switch for lowering the imaging table, and forcibly stopping the elevating operation of the imaging table. A radiation image information reading device, comprising: