JP3098993B2 - Radiation image information recording and reading device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stimulable phosphor
The radiation image information is stored and recorded in the
And emits stimulating light in accordance with the stored and recorded image information.
To detect image light and convert image information into electrical signals
Regarding the radiation image information recording and reading device, particularly the device
Radiation image information recording and reading device that can reduce body size
It is related to the location. [0002] Radiation (X-ray, α-ray,
(β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.)
Part of the radiation energy is stored in the phosphor,
When the body is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, the accumulated energy
It is known that phosphors show stimulated emission depending on the gee.
Phosphors exhibiting such properties are stimulable phosphors (stimulable
Phosphor). [0003] Utilizing this stimulable phosphor, the stimulable phosphor is exposed to the human body or the like.
The radiographic image information of the object is temporarily recorded on the sheet of the stimulable phosphor.
And record the stimulable phosphor sheet with excitation light such as laser light.
The two-dimensional scanning produces stimulated emission light, and the resulting shine
The emitted light is read photoelectrically by a photodetector and an image signal
Recording material such as a photosensitive material based on the image signal.
Radiation image of subject on visual display
The radiation image information recording / reproducing system to output as
It has already been proposed by the applicant. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-12429
No. 56-11395. This system uses a conventional radiographic system that uses silver halide photography.
Image over a much wider radiation exposure area compared to the stem
It has the practical advantage of being able to record images. sand
That is, in the case of the stimulable phosphor,
The amount of light emitted by photostimulation after accumulation is extremely high
Is recognized to be proportional over a wide range,
Therefore, radiation exposure dose is considerably large depending on various imaging conditions.
Stimulus emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet
Set the read gain to an appropriate value for the amount of emitted light, and
Conversion means to read the signal and convert it to an electric signal.
, Such as recording materials such as photographic light-sensitive materials and CRT displays
By having the device output a radiation image as a visible image
To obtain a radiation image that is not affected by variations in radiation exposure
Can be The above radiation image information recording / reproducing system
In addition, the stimulable phosphor sheet finally records the image information
Do not give the image to the final recording medium as above
Because it temporarily holds image information for
The stimulable phosphor sheet may be used repeatedly.
And it is extremely economical if used repeatedly.
You. Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has proposed a method of improving the efficiency of the stimulable phosphor.
Radiation image information recording and reading device that realizes
It was previously proposed (for example, JP-A-58-200269). [0006] The above device comprises a support and a solid support on the support.
A stimulable phosphor layer that can store and record a defined radiation image?
And a radiation object through the object
By irradiating, the radiation of the subject
An image recording unit that accumulates and records excess images;
Excitation that emits excitation light that scans a recording medium on which storage is recorded
Emitted from a light source and a recording medium scanned by this excitation light.
Photoelectric reading means for obtaining an image signal by reading the stimulated emission light
Image reading unit having the following, the support, and the image reading unit
Are moved relatively repeatedly, and the recording medium on the support is
Means for circulating movement relative to the reading unit,
Recording after image reading is performed in the image reading unit
Before the image is recorded on the body,
An erasing unit that emits radiation energy
For efficient recycling of the above recording media
It is like that. [0007] By the way, the radiation image
Image information recording and reading devices are mainly used for medical diagnosis.
It is suitable for use in recent years.
There is an increasing demand to make it smaller. Sand
That is, if the equipment is large, the equipment will be relatively large.
Although it can only be used in the center of a hospital,
If the size is reduced, for example, a practitioner can set
Can be used, so the range of use of the device can be greatly expanded.
Will be. However, the sheet is circulated as described above.
Conventional recording and reading devices to be reused are mounted to the above level.
It was proposed on the assumption that the whole
Are not always large, some are large
Not suitable for the request, and some are means for circulating the sheet
And moving means for sub-scanning during reading are required.
The internal moving mechanism becomes complicated as a whole.
There was a practical problem. Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems.
The size of the entire device can be effectively reduced.
Radiation image that can simplify the internal mechanism
The purpose is to provide an image information recording and reading device
is there. [0010] Radiation image information of the present invention
In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reading device is
Body sheet, irradiating the sheet with radiation through the subject
By accumulating and recording the radiation image of the subject on the sheet
Image recording means for storing the radiation image
Scan the plate with the excitation light deflected by the optical deflector.
Excitation light scanning means and the excitation light emitted from the scanning position
Read the radiation image by photoelectrically detecting the stimulating light.
Image reading means comprising photoelectric reading means;
Release the remaining radiation energy on the finished sheet
Erasing means that performs erasing
A read / erase unit, and the read / erase unit
Unit movement to reciprocate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction
Means, wherein the photoelectric reading means uses the excitation light.
Receiving light along a scan line for more than the length of the scan line
A single, elongated surface having a surface and disposed in close proximity to said sheet
Having a photomultiplier;
The chip pliers are brought into contact with the inner surface of the
A pole is provided, and the photostimulable light emission is provided on the outer surface of the light receiving surface.
A filter for transmitting light and cutting the excitation light is provided.
Incident on the photostimulated light more than the photocathode.
When viewed from the incident direction of the stimulated emission light,
A multiplying part of almost the same size as the cathode is arranged,
The sheet is held at a photographing position facing the image recording means.
And the reading and erasing unit is held at the photographing position.
And reciprocated in opposition to the
Read the image information by the image reading means and return
Wherein the erasing is performed by the erasing means.
Things. According to the present invention, a radiation image information recording and reading apparatus according to the present invention is provided.
Holds the stimulable phosphor sheet in the shooting position,
Unit for image reading and erasing
The reading and erasing unit,
And erase, the unit movement direction of the device
The length of the entire device is reduced to almost the length of one sheet.
Can be made compact. The above unit
Sub-scanning of excitation light and erasing light during reading by simply reciprocating
Can irradiate the whole sheet alternately
This makes it easy to move around the equipment.
You. Further, the erasing means moves while facing the sheet.
-Since the entire surface of the sheet is irradiated, erasing light is applied to the entire surface of the sheet at once.
In comparison with the case of irradiating light, a small one is sufficient. Also, the photoelectric reading means as described above
Using a long photomultiplier that is itself small
Unit, making the unit even more compact and
The body can be downsized. [0013] In addition, the length of the scanning line is particularly large as photoelectric reading means.
Single long photomultiply
, A plurality of photos along the scanning line
Each required when using multipliers side by side
Compensates for sensitivity loss at the connection of the photomultiplier
Correction circuit is not required, and the structure can be simplified.
In both cases, on the outer surface of the light receiving surface of the long photomultiplier
Since an excitation light cut filter is provided,
The pliers have excitation reflected from the stimulable phosphor sheet.
No light is emitted and only stimulated emission light is incident,
Accurate radiographic image without noise caused by excitation light
Reading can be performed. Also, the above filter
Is provided on the outer surface of the light receiving surface of the
In addition to being able to demonstrate that function efficiently,
Special support and placement space for the filter
Unnecessary, and therefore very convenient for miniaturization of the entire device
It is. The above-mentioned long photomultiplier
Is provided with the photocathode in contact with the inner surface of the light receiving surface.
So, make the photo multiplier smaller
And the photocathode contacts the inner surface of the light receiving surface.
The photocathode is attached to the stimulable phosphor
Can be placed closer to the surface of the
Therefore, photostimulated light can be efficiently detected by the photocathode.
For example, the photocathode can be positioned far away from the light receiving surface.
It is more compact than using a long photocell, etc.
With a simple structure, even small light can be detected and amplified reliably.
Wear. In addition to this, the multiplication part is brighter than the photocathode.
Disposed from the photocathode by placing it on the downstream side
Photomultipliers emitted downstream in the direction of incidence of the emitted light
Capture and amplify, so photocathode emits light
Photoelectrons emitted downstream in the direction of incidence of light converge
(To be released in a direction to gather at one point)
Captures more of the emitted photoelectrons in the multiplier and amplifies them
And at that time, the size of the multiplication section
The size is almost the same as the photocathode when viewed from the light incident direction.
Multiply the photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode
Can be caught and amplified by the
Light can be detected very efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;
An embodiment will be described. Please note that
Is an embodiment of the present invention that can be understood from the following description.
Radiation image information recording and reading device described in claims of the application
Includes long photomultipliers as photoelectric reading means
This is an embodiment using pliers, and is used as a photoelectric reading unit.
Fluorescent sheet and photodetector connected to its side edge
The embodiment using is not limited to the radiation described in the claims of the present application.
It is not included in the line image information recording and reading device. FIGS. 1A and 1B show an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of the radiation image information recording / reading device.
You. The present apparatus comprises an apparatus main body 1 and an upper part of the apparatus main body 1.
Radiation source such as an X-ray source arranged above the imaging table 11
12 and below the shooting table 11 inside the apparatus main body.
A stimulable phosphor sheet 2 is fixedly held on the surface. Accumulation
The stackable phosphor sheet 2 is stored on a radio-transmissive substrate 2A.
And a stackable phosphor layer 2B.
The recording table 11 also has radiolucency.
The stimulable phosphor sheet 2 is directly fluorescent on the lower surface
A body layer may be formed. This device
Image recording means 10 by the radiation source 12 and the imaging table 11
Is configured. Below the sheet 2, an image reading means 20 is provided.
And the erasing means 30 are placed close to each other and housed together in the housing 3.
A reading and erasing unit 4 is provided as a unit.
The reading and erasing unit 4 is shown by a solid line in FIG.
From the right end position (first position), a solid line is shown in FIG.
Until the left end position (second position), facing sheet 2
Reciprocating. In this embodiment,
Moving path in the direction of arrow A from the first position to the second position
, The arrow A 'from the second position to the first position.
The moving path in the direction is defined as the return path. Also, the reading / erasing unit 4
The unit moving means 40 for reciprocating movement is, for example, a unit.
Screw rod 41 that extends in the direction of knit movement
Unit support part 42 to be fitted to screw rod 41, screw
Gear 43 that is pivotally supported by the key rod, meshes with this gear 43
A gear 44 and a motor 45 for rotating the gear 44 in both forward and reverse directions.
, And the motor 45 screws through gears 33 and 34
-Unit support by rotating rod 41
Move unit 42 to reciprocate unit 4.
Has become. An object is placed on a photographing table 11 of the image recording means 10.
When the object 13 is placed, the radiation source 12 is activated, and
The over-radiation image is projected on the sheet 2 and the radiation of the subject is
Image information is stored and recorded in the phosphor layer 2B of the sheet 2.
When the photographing is completed, the image reader in the unit 4
Reading image information stored and recorded on sheet 2 by step 20
Is performed. The image reading means 20 is for exciting a semiconductor laser or the like.
Light source 21, light on excitation light 21A emitted from this excitation light source
Condensing lens 22 provided on the road, passing through the condensing lens 22
The excited excitation light 21A is deflected in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG.
-Rotating polygon mirror 23, which is an optical deflector that causes main scanning on gate 2
And mirrors 24a, 24b, 24 that change the optical path of the excitation light
c excitation light scanning means, said excitation light scanning means
As a result, the excitation light 21A repeatedly scans the sheet 2 in the main scanning direction.
It is tightened. On the other hand, along with this, the unit 4
Conveyed in the direction of arrow A at a constant speed by the unit moving means 40
As a result, the scanning position of the excitation light 21A moves in the direction of the arrow A.
And the sub-scan is performed.
Excitation light 21A is irradiated over the entire area. Excitation light irradiation of sheet 2
From a location, stimulated emission according to stored and recorded image information
Light is generated, and the stimulated emission light is photoelectrically read by the image reading means 20.
Detected by means. The photoelectric reading means in this apparatus is a main scanning method.
Long photoelectrons extending over the length of the main scanning line
Doubler (photomultiplier) 25 and this photomultiplier
It is provided on the outer surface of the light receiving surface of chip pliers 25 (see FIG. 1).
), Only the stimulated emission light is selectively transmitted to the sheet surface
The excitation light reflected by the light into the photomultiplier
Filter 27 to cut, and through this filter 27
Attached to the entrance end face of the photomultiplier 25,
It consists of a light collector 26 that condenses photostimulated light well.
Of these, Photomultiplier-25 is an example
As shown in Fig. 2 (a) and (b), it is called the Venetian blind type.
It has an electrode structure. Also scan line
The mirror 29 is located at a position facing the photoelectric reading means with the
Efficiently emits photostimulated light emitted to the mirror 29 side
The light is reflected toward the light receiving surface of the light collector.
You. The photomultiplier 25 comprises a main body 25
A has a cylindrical shape, and the main body 25 is opposed to the light receiving surface 25a.
The photocathode 25b contacts the inner surface of the light receiving surface 25a along
(See FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)) and the photocathode 25b
A plurality of dynodes 25c are provided below through insulating members 25d.
It is superimposed and fixed by pins 25e to form a multiplication section 25f.
You. Each of these dynodes 25c is mounted on a single conductive plate.
U-shaped notch and folded bra
It is shaped like India. Below this multiplier 25f
The shield electrode 25g is fixed with the pin 25e via the insulating member 25d.
The anode 25h is provided inside the shield electrode 25g.
You. These electrodes were provided at the end of the main body 25A, respectively.
Each terminal of the terminal group 25i is electrically connected in one-to-one correspondence.
Have been. Further, below the photocathode 25b, that is,
It is located downstream of the cathode 25b in the direction of the photostimulated emission light.
The multiplier 25f is provided as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b).
Then, as viewed from the light receiving surface 25a side, that is, the input of the stimulating light
It is almost the same size as the photocathode 25b when viewed from the launch direction.
Has been established. FIG. 3 shows the structure of the photomultiplier 25.
It shows an electric circuit 50 for operating and taking out the photoelectric output,
The parts corresponding to the parts of the photomultiplier 25 are the same.
One symbol is attached. Photocathode 25b has negative high voltage application terminal
A negative high voltage is applied via 50a. Also, negative high
The negative high voltage applied to the voltage application terminal 50a is the bleeder resistance.
Applied to each node 25c divided by group 50b
Have been. The shield electrode 25g is grounded.
The anode 25h is grounded via the resistor 50c and amplified.
It is input to one terminal of the device 50d. Other than amplifier 50d
The other terminal is grounded and photoelectrically converted from the output terminal 50e.
The obtained image information is extracted as an electric signal. Note that
-25 g of field electrode is not always necessary,
It does not have to be. The extracted image signal is used for necessary image processing.
After processing, a display such as a CRT or a photosensitive filter
It is sent to a recording / reproducing device that performs optical scanning recording on the room. Picture
When the reading of the image information is completed, the reading / erasing unit 4
Moves to the second position as shown by the broken line in FIG.
ing. Reading of image information is completed as described above.
And the reading and erasing unit 4 as shown in FIG.
From the position 2 to the first position in the direction of arrow A ',
The sheet 2 is turned off in the unit 4 conveyed in the direction of arrow A '.
The erasing light is applied to the entire surface by the removing means 30. Eraser
The stage 30 is, for example, an erasing light such as a fluorescent lamp extending in the main scanning direction.
Source 31 and the light emitted from the erasing light source 31
Equipped with a reflector 32 that reflects incoming light to the sheet surface side
I have. In this embodiment, the erasing light source 31 is always lit.
Image recording and reading.
When performing this, as shown in FIG.
FIG. 1 (b) shows a state where the erasing light is shielded and only during erasing.
Light source 31 to retreat on the photomultiplier
A moving shutter 33 that exposes the image is provided. In addition,
Lights the erasing light source 31 only when erasing, and turns off at other times.
In this case, no moving shutter is required.
No. The erasing light source 31 moves the unit 4 in the direction of arrow A '.
Then, the entire surface of the sheet 2 is irradiated. The erasing light source 31 is
-Mainly emits light in the excitation wavelength region of the
Radiation energy remaining on sheet 2 after image reading
-Is caused by irradiating sheet 2 with such light.
Released from the sheet. Sheet 2 after the erasure is completed
A state in which new recording can be performed by image recording means
And the reading / erasing unit 4 is returned to the first position again.
It is. As described above, according to the apparatus of the present embodiment, the
The image is fixed and held facing the image recording means.
The image reading means and the erasing means are integrated with a reading / erasing unit.
The unit is reciprocated to read and erase images.
By doing so, the width of the device can be reduced to nearly one sheet.
Can be done. In particular, reading and erasing in the present embodiment
The unit is a long photomultiplier as a photoelectric reading means.
The use of liers makes it possible to
The size can be made even smaller and the excitation light
Optical path below the photoelectric reading means and the erasing means
The width of the unit itself can be extremely small
it can. In addition, the reading / erasing unit is reciprocated.
Switching between reading and erasing and sub-scanning are completed.
The moving mechanism of the entire device can be simplified. It should be noted that a long photomultiplier for the photoelectric reading means is used.
The pliers are not necessarily the Venetian blinds
It is not limited to a shape, and is conventionally known, such as a box type.
Multiplier consisting of other types of electrodes, or multiple types
Photomultiplier with a multiplication unit composed of multiple electrodes
Can be created by extending the pliers
It is. The specific configuration of each means of the device is also described in the above embodiment.
The present invention is not limited to the above. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
An embodiment will be described. The embodiment described above
The same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of emitting the radiation of the sheet 2.
Read and erase image information from the same side as the irradiated side
Is to leave. Therefore, sheet 2 is a substrate
2A 'is directed downward and the phosphor layer 2B is directed upward.
Fixed by the sheet holding means. Also this
Of course, the substrate 2A 'need not be radiolucent
Absent. The reading and erasing unit 4 includes the sheet 2 and the photographing table.
It reciprocates between 11 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. This unit 4
The unit moving means for moving is not particularly shown.
Is, for example, the length of the unit 4 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.
It is formed slightly larger than the length of the sheet 2 and its side ends
In this case, the same transportation means as in the above-described embodiment can be connected.
No. Also, the excitation light in the reading and erasing unit 4 of this apparatus
The optical path of 21A is a photoelectric reading means 120 and an erasing means which will be described later.
It is formed mainly on the side of 30 and extends along the optical path of the excitation light.
The length of the device in the left-right direction is slightly larger if
However, it is effective in reducing the vertical length of the device.
It is. In this apparatus, the photoelectric reading means is
Fluorescent condensing sheet made of sheet-like molded product containing light
The combination of the light source 126 and the photodetector 125 is used.
ing. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the photoelectric reading means, and FIG.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views. The fluorescent condensing sheet 126 has light on its surface.
When illuminated, this light causes the fluorescence inside the fluorescent collection sheet
The body is excited to produce fluorescence 127, which is
The part repeatedly undergoes total reflection and travels to the end face side. Therefore
From the end face of this fluorescent condensing sheet, so-called stimulated emission light
Emits high-intensity fluorescent light in the form of collected energy
You. Is the amount of emitted fluorescent light 127 a stimulable phosphor sheet 2?
Since it corresponds to the amount of stimulated emission light emitted from the
Attach photodetector 125 to end face of condensing sheet 126 and fluoresce
If the amount of light is detected, the stimulated emission light can be detected indirectly
Will be. The light detector 125 has a small light receiving surface.
To obtain a read image signal with good S / N
Can be. Therefore, in this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG.
The fluorescent light-collecting sheet 126 is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.
A slit 126a for passing the excitation light 21A is formed at the end.
The slit 126a extends along the main scanning position of the excitation light 21A.
And the fluorescent light collection sheet 126
Are extended in the main scanning direction, and the excitation
The sheet 2 is scanned by the light emission 21A, and the sheet 2 is scanned.
2 is received by its inner surface 126e.
It is made to be. The fluorescent light collecting sheet 126 according to the present embodiment is used.
Receives mainly stimulating light having a wavelength of about 400 nm as an example.
The one that emits fluorescence with a wavelength of 500 nm is mainly used.
ing. In addition, such a fluorescent light collection sheet is
Inside, organic phosphor is dispersed and contained in sheet-like plastic.
The first one was from Bayer Japan, "LISA
-Plastic "is sold under the trade name. Again
The above-mentioned photodetector is provided on both end surfaces of the fluorescent light collecting sheet 126 of FIG.
125 are connected one by one to detect the fluorescence described above
It is supposed to. The output of these two photodetectors 125
The forces are added and input to the reading circuit. This photodetector 125
Consists of a CCD type solid state semiconductor device as an example.
Therefore, the photodetector 125 composed of the solid-state semiconductor device is generally
As the spectral sensitivity characteristics decrease on the short wavelength side,
In the case of the fluorescent condensing sheet 126, the wavelength is mainly about 400 nm.
The photostimulated emission light is mainly the fluorescence with a wavelength of about 500 nm, so to speak.
Because it is converted, the photodetector 125 gives a high sense of stimulated emission
Can be detected in degrees. Between this side edge and photodetector 125
Is one that transmits the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent light collection sheet 126.
On the other hand, the reflected light of the excitation light 21A on the stimulable phosphor sheet 2 is
It is preferable to provide a filter for cutting. Fluorescent collection
A specific example of a phosphor contained in an optical sheet is disclosed in
JP-A-56-36549, JP-A-56-104987, JP-A-58-4949
No. 111886, JP-A-59-89302, etc.
Coumarin derivative, thioxanthene derivative, perylene derivative
Organic phosphors such as conductors and polon complexes can be mentioned.
You. The specific shape of the fluorescent light collecting sheet
And arrangement are limited to those shown in the above embodiment.
The surface extends along the main scan line and emerges from the scan position.
Anything that can detect stimulated emission light
It may be. For example, as shown in FIG.
Elongated rectangular fluorescent light with slit 126a '
Condensing sheet 126 'may be arranged facing the scanning line
Then, as shown in FIG.
6 ”is arranged at an angle, and mirror 128
The stimulating light emitted on the 8 side is directed to the fluorescent condensing sheet 126 ″
The detection may be performed while reflecting the light. Also the photo detector
It is not always necessary to provide two on both end faces, one on one side
May be provided. In this case, no photodetector is provided
On the other end surface, deposited metal such as aluminum, metal surface, white paint
A reflective member such as the above may be attached. In addition, as a photodetector
In addition to those mentioned above, photoconductor type
, PIN photo diode, and conventionally known small size
May be used. Further
Pixel division such as SIT, CCD, MOS type solid semiconductor device
When using a type sensor, signal processing such as integration
Is performed. In the two embodiments described above,
Image information can be obtained from the opposite side of the sheet from the irradiation side.
When reading, use a long photomultiplier.
And read from the same side as the irradiation side.
The use of a fluorescent light collection sheet and a photodetector
As described above, reading when using both photoelectric reading units
May be reversed. sand
That is, the long photomultiplier shown in FIG.
The read / erase unit shown in FIG.
Placed between the radiography table and the sheet as in
It can be read and erased from the same side as the launch surface,
Reading and erasing unit equipped with the fluorescent light collecting sheet shown in FIG.
In the same manner as the reading and erasing unit shown in FIG.
And read from the opposite side of the sheet from the irradiation side
May be erased. The reading and erasing unit is not necessarily a sheet.
It is not necessary to arrange it on one side, and the sheet
It may be provided facing both sides. For example, FIG.
As shown in a side view and a front view in FIG.
Below the sheet 2 on which the stimulable phosphor layer 2B is formed
On the side, an excitation light source 21 such as a semiconductor laser, a rotating polygon mirror 23, etc.
Excitation light scanning means and erasing means 30 provided in housing 3 '
Scan with excitation light 21A across sheet 2
Above the sheet 2 facing the position, the above-mentioned fluorescent light collecting sheet
-Photoelectric reading means consisting of
May be. This photoelectric reading means is provided on the side of the sheet 2.
Integrally fixed to the housing 3 'by the provided support means 5.
Therefore, the reading and erasing unit 4 ″ in the apparatus of this embodiment is
Each means in the housing 3 ', the photoelectric reading means, the support means 5,
Consists of Is sheet 2 on the opposite side of the irradiated surface?
Irradiates with excitation light 21A to emit photostimulated light,
Of the emitted light, those emitted above the sheet are fluorescent
The light is condensed by sheet 126 ″ and transmitted to photodetector 125.
You. As described in detail above, the radiation of the present invention
According to the line image information recording and reading apparatus, the sheet is fixed and
Image reading means and erasing means reciprocating with respect to the sheet
The reading and erasing unit is integrated into a unit.
This makes the whole device compact,
The structure can be simplified. For this reason,
Small-scale doctors who have difficulty installing this type of recording and reading device
It can be easily installed in medical institutions,
The use range of the device can be greatly expanded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of a radiation image information recording / reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of a Venetian blind type photomultiplier, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II. FIG. 3 is a drive circuit diagram of the photomultiplier. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an outline of a radiation image information recording and reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5 (a) is a perspective view of a photoelectric reading means using a fluorescent light collecting sheet, and (b) is a sectional view thereof. [FIG. 6] A schematic view showing another example of a fluorescent light collecting sheet [ 7A and 7B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A is a side view, and FIG. 7B is a front view. [Description of References] 4 Reading / Erasing Unit 10 Image Recording Means 12 Radiation Sources 20, 120 Images Reading means 21A Excitation light 23 Rotating polygon mirror 25 Photomultiplier 30 Erasing means 40 Unit moving means 125 Photodetector 126 Fluorescent condensing - theft

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-2769 (JP, A) JP-A-58-51385 (JP, A) JP-A-59-202099 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03B 42/02

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] Stimulable phosphor sheet; image recording means for irradiating the sheet with radiation through a subject to accumulate and record a radiation image of the subject on the sheet; the sheet on which the radiation image is accumulated and recorded is deflected by an optical deflector Image reading means including excitation light scanning means for scanning with the excitation light, photoelectric reading means for photoelectrically detecting the stimulating light emitted from the scanning position of the excitation light and reading the radiation image, and completion of reading. A reading and erasing unit in which erasing means for erasing radiation energy remaining on the formed sheet is integrated as a unit; a unit moving means for reciprocating the reading and erasing unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction of the excitation light. The photoelectric reading means comprises a light receiving surface extending over a length of the scanning line along a scanning line by the excitation light. Having a single long photomultiplier arranged in close proximity to the sheet, wherein the photomultiplier is provided with a photocathode in contact with the inner surface of its light receiving surface, A filter for transmitting the stimulating light and cutting the excitation light is provided on the outer surface of the light receiving surface, and the stimulating light is incident on the downstream side of the photocathode in the incident direction of the stimulating light. A multiplying unit having substantially the same size as the photocathode is disposed when viewed from the direction, the sheet is held at a shooting position facing the image recording unit, and the reading / erasing unit is held at the shooting position. A radiation image information recording device which reciprocates the sheet so as to face the sheet, reads image information by the image reading means on the outward path, and erases the image information by the erasing means on the return path. Reader.