Abstract: A reading system for reading information recorded in a radiation image conversion panel containing a flexible substrate having thereon a phosphor layer containing a columnar crystal phosphor, wherein the reading system has a transport section to transport the radiation image conversion panel with curvature when the radiation image conversion panel is transported in the reading system, provided that the radiation image conversion panel has a curvature radius of from 50 to 500 mm during transportation by the transport section in the reading system.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for reading out, in a time-saving and reliable way, X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates with an input unit (12) in which a plurality of cassettes (14) in which a storage phosphor plate to be read out is respectively located, can be input.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for reading out X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates with an input unit, (12) for inputting a plurality of cassettes (14, 28, 32) which can be stacked one behind the other in a direction of stacking (S) within the input unit (12), has an oblong accommodation well (30) for accommodating one of the cassettes (32), the accommodation well (30) being adjacent to the input unit (12), a moving device (50) for horizontally moving the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) along a path of movement, and a deflection element (64, 66) for deflecting a next cassette located within the input unit (12) which is adjacent to the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) and projects at least partially into the path of movement, the deflection element (64, 66) being positioned and designed such that with horizontal movement of the cassette (32) located within the accommodation well (30), due to contact between the cassette (32) located within the accommodation

Abstract: A method and equipment which includes an illustrated-spot illumination-distribution data table for storing an illumination distribution within an illustrated spot and which calculates a coordinate position for a particle or a defect and the diameter of the particle on the basis of detection light intensity data about the particle or defect and the illustrated-spot illumination-distribution data table. Thus, even when the illumination distribution within the illustrated spot based on an actual illumination optical system is not a Gaussian distribution, the calculation of the particle diameter of the detected particle or defect and the calculation of a coordinate position on the surface of an object to be inspected can be attained with an increased accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image carrier for the storage of X-ray information, including an electronic memory for the storage of data, as well as a corresponding system for the processing of such an image carrier. In order to reduce the storage space requirement in the electronic memory of the image carrier, especially with at the same time a high level of availability of all necessary data, it is envisaged that the data stored in the electronic memory of the image carrier contain at least one reference code that refers to data stored in a central memory.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (1) for an optical scanning device (5) has a threaded spindle (16) onto which a spindle nut (23) is threaded. The driving apparatus (1) further includes a coupler (24) for coupling the spindle nut (23) to the scanning device (5). The coupler (24) effects a Cardan coupling in the manner of a Cardan joint. In a technically simple way particularly good synchronisation can be guaranteed during scanning.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for reading out X-ray information of an X-ray image stored in a storage phosphor layer (4) is pivotable and includes acquiring unit (24) for acquiring an orientation of the apparatus (1). In this way, in a technically simple way, good image quality of an X-ray image read out can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a radiography module with this type of apparatus (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a readout device for exposed imaging plates. The inventive device is characterized in that the exposed plates are transported while lying in cassettes. A drive device moves the cassettes across a read gap at a constant speed and is configured as a wheel and disk drive acting upon the cassette rear.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for retrieving information from a storage medium. A first portion of the surface of the storage medium is exposed to stimulating light which diffuses in the storage medium under a second portion of the surface adjacent the first portion. The second portion of the surface is shielded from exposure to the stimulating light. Stimulated light corresponding to the information is received with at least one detector positioned to receive the stimulated light via the second portion of the surface of the storage medium. The stimulated light is released from the storage medium in response to the stimulating light diffused under the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: A computed radiography (CR) system for imaging an object is provided. The system includes a radiation source, a storage phosphor screen, an illumination source and a two dimensional imager. The radiation source is configured to irradiate the storage phosphor screen, and the storage phosphor screen is configured to store the radiation energy. The illumination source is configured to illuminate at least a sub-area of the storage phosphor screen to stimulate emission of photons from the storage phosphor screen. The two dimensional (2D) imager is configured to capture a two dimensional image from the storage phosphor screen using the stimulated emission photons. A method of reading a storage phosphor screen is also provided. The method includes illuminating at least a sub-area of the storage phosphor screen using an illumination source to stimulate emission of photons from the storage phosphor screen.

Abstract: In a method for reading out information stored in a phosphor layer whereby the phosphor layer is stimulated into emitting emission light by stimulation light produced from a light source, the emission light emitted from one or several areas of the phosphor layer is collected by a detector moved relative to the phosphor layer, and then converted into corresponding emission light signals. In order to improve the signal/noise ratio, the light source is momentarily switched off at least once during the movement of the detector relative to the phosphor layer. When the light source is switched off, a background, which is caused by the ambient light and/or dark currents in the detector, is collected by the detector and converted into a corresponding background signal. The background signal is then used for correcting the emission light signals.

Abstract: A method and to a corresponding apparatus for processing information carriers, in particular for reading out storage phosphor plates (2) for storing X-ray information, an information carrier (2) and/or a container (1) in which the information carrier (2) is located being processed, in particular being moved and/or fixed, by at least one mechanical processor (13), the processor (7) being driven by at least one stepper motor (10), and information from the information carrier (2) being read out and/or written in the information carrier.

Abstract: An image information detecting cassette accommodating an image information detecting section capable of reducing its power consumption when not used. When the handle of the cassette is gripped by the operator for carrying, the handle grip signal is outputted from the handle grip detecting section. If the readout signal from the scan/readout section, X-ray ready signal from the external system controller, and release signal from the release switch are not outputted, that is, when the cassette is carried and not used, it is determined to be the out-of-use state by the out-of-use determining means. The low power consumption mode is set by the control section, and the power supply to the image information detecting section, reading light emitting section, detecting section driving section, nonvolatile memory, X-ray buzzer, and matrix indicator is discontinued by the power supply suppressing section.

Abstract: When cassettes are placed on a conveyor disposed in a cassette loader and detectors disposed on a support plate on the conveyor detect information of identification strips on side walls of the cassettes, the cassettes are judged as being loaded properly in the cassette loader. When the detectors fail to detect the identification strips, the cassettes are judged as not being loaded in a desired state in the cassette loader.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method for imaging tissue, for example, includes the steps of mounting the tissue on a computer controlled stage of a microscope, determining volumetric imaging parameters, directing at least two photons into a region of interest, scanning the region of interest across a portion of the tissue, imaging a plurality of layers of the tissue in a plurality of volumes of the tissue in the region of interest, sectioning the portion of the tissue and imaging a second plurality of layers of the tissue in a second plurality of volumes of the tissue in the region of interest, detecting a fluorescence image of the tissue due to said excitation light; and processing three-dimensional data that is collected to create a three-dimensional image of the region of interest.

Abstract: The radiographic image conversion panel includes a recording layer formed of a first accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a radiation as a first primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate energy, and is irradiated with a first secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate a stimulating light beam and a correction marker for detecting a position formed of a second accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a second primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate the energy, and is irradiated with a second secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate light with a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of the first secondarily exciting light beam. The radiographic image acquisition system uses the radiographic image conversion panel.

Abstract: A system for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer, includes: a read-out unit having components for irradiating the phosphor layer with stimulation radiation which can stimulate the phosphor layer to emit emission radiation dependent upon the X-ray information contained in the phosphor layer, and for collecting the emission radiation stimulated in the phosphor layer; and a carrier onto which the read-out unit is mounted. At least one of the components of the read-out unit is mounted onto the carrier over at least one first bearing which has a translatory degree of freedom in a first direction. The first bearing enables movement of the at least one component in relation to the carrier in the first direction.

Abstract: A multicassette autoloader for vertically oriented storage phosphor cassettes includes a front, a back and opposite sides. The autoloader includes an input bin for receiving multiple vertically oriented storage phosphor cassettes stacked together in face-to-face contact, wherein the cassettes are oriented front-to-back with faces facing the autoloader sides, and wherein each of the cassettes contains a storage phosphor which is removable from the cassette; a storage phosphor read location at which a storage phosphor is removed from and replaced in a storage phosphor cassette positioned at the storage phosphor read location; and an output bin for receiving storage phosphor cassettes from the storage phosphor read location for subsequent removal.

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette comprises a shell and a single storage phosphor plate. The shell includes first and second opposite open ends. The single storage phosphor plate is housed within the shell and is adapted to be at least partially removable from the shell through the first and second open ends. A radiation image of the elongate object can be read by extracting a first portion of the single plate through one of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the first portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a first partial image, and then extracting a second portion of the single plate through the other of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the second portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a second partial image. The first and second partial images can be combined to form the image of the elongate object.

Abstract: An apparatus (4) for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a support (10) onto which a storage phosphor plate (1) is laid. The storage phosphor plate (1) comprises the storage phosphor layer (2) and a support layer (3) onto which the storage phosphor layer (2) is applied. Furthermore, a controller (12) is provided for processing X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2). According to the invention, a distance sensor (14, 15) serves to determine a distance of the distance sensor (14, 15) from the storage phosphor plate (1) lying on the support (10), and the controller (12) is designed such that it processes the X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2) dependently upon the distance determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15). An unlevelness determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15) is taken into account by the controller (12) when processing the X-ray information read out.

Abstract: A device can read out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer with an irradiation device for irradiating the phosphor layer with stimulation light which can stimulate the phosphor layer into emitting emission light, and a detector for collecting emission light coming from the phosphor layer and for converting the emission light collected into an analogue detector signal S. In order to increase reliability and resolution when digitising the detector signal, at least two analogue to digital converters are provided which can be operated in different conversion ranges and so can convert the analogue detector signal S into different digital part signal values. Moreover, an analysis device is provided for establishing a digital detector signal value D from the digital part signal values.

Abstract: A scanning system causes a reading light beam to scan a radiation image recording medium which records a radiation image thereon upon exposure to radiation carrying thereon the radiation image and from which a signal is read out according to the radiation image upon exposure to the reading light beam. A mobile body provided with a light source which emits a line-like reading light beam. A driver linearly moves the mobile body in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reading light beam and a holder holds the mobile body in a predetermined position.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus and process for evaluating an image-wise exposed storage film positioned about a cylindrically-shaped member and linearly passed by a slot for interrogation by a laser light beam wherein a processing assembly (laser beam and pentraprism) is co-axially disposed within a processing chamber formed by the cylindrically-shaped member effecting a size reduction of the unit and increased clarity of the resultant image, and wherein the processing assembly includes a plate member disposed for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the processing chamber and having a pentaprism and a luminescence light sensor positioned proximate a contact point of the interrogating light beam with the storage film and further including converter electronics wherein after interrogation, the image scanned is digitally archived in a central processing unit.

Abstract: A reading system for reading information recorded in a radiation image conversion panel containing a flexible substrate having thereon a phosphor layer containing a columnar crystal phosphor, wherein the reading system has a transport section to transport the radiation image conversion panel with curvature when the radiation image conversion panel is transported in the reading system, provided that the radiation image conversion panel has a curvature radius of from 50 to 500 mm during transportation by the transport section in the reading system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a mobile computed radiography (CR) unit is provided. The mobile CR unit includes a CR scanner adapted to acquire one or more images from an image recording medium, and a transport mechanism coupled to the CR scanner, the transport mechanism adapted to facilitate transport of the mobile CR apparatus between locations. In another aspect, the mobile CR unit in constructed as a single free-standing integrated device having a frame that couples together the CR scanner, a display adapted to view the one more images acquired by the CR scanner, and a plurality of wheels that allow the mobile CR unit to be transported from one location to another.

Abstract: In a method for correcting pixels of an x-ray image data set, an x-ray exposure of a subject is acquired with an x-ray device that uses a storage film having a luminescent storage material layer serving as a radiation detector. The sensitivity of the luminescent storage material layer changes dependent on the accumulated x-ray radiation dose to which the storage layer has been exposed. After acquiring the x-ray exposure, the storage film is readout with a readout device and an x-ray image data set is generated that corresponds on a pixel-by-pixel basis with the x-ray exposure. Each pixel of the x-ray image data set is corrected with a correction value allocated to the corresponding pixel in the x-ray exposure, the correction value being adapted to the accumulated x-ray radiation dose to which the region of the storage film, containing the corresponding pixel, was exposed prior to acquiring the x-ray exposure.

Abstract: A radiation image detector includes an up-conversion phosphor layer for emitting fluorescence by irradiation with infrared light, a first electrode layer for transmitting the infrared light, the fluorescence and radiation carrying a radiation image, a photoconductive layer for recording, a charge storage portion, a photoconductive layer for readout, and a second electrode layer for transmitting the infrared light and the readout light. Radiation is recorded as latent image charge in the charge storage portion. The electric charge is read out from the charge storage portion by irradiating the photoconductive layer for readout with the readout light from the second electrode layer side. The up-conversion phosphor layer is irradiated with the infrared light from the second electrode layer side and remaining charge in the vicinity of the first electrode layer is erased by fluorescence emitted from the up-conversion phosphor layer by irradiation with the infrared light.

Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding method for reading out a storage phosphor plate (2) with an insertion device for inserting a cassette (1) in which a movably disposed support (3) is located, on top of which the storage phosphor plate (2) lies, a read-out device (20) for reading out the storage phosphor plate (2) and a conveyance device (11, 12) which takes the storage phosphor plate (2) from the support (3) and conveys it in a first direction (R) to the read-out device (20). In order to achieve the most precise and reliable alignment possible of the storage phosphor plate (2) relative to the read-out device (20) in a simple way, a positioning device (13) is provided for shifting the support (3), on which the storage phosphor plate (2) lies, in a second direction (A) which is different from the first direction (R) so that the support (3) and the storage phosphor plate (2) are aligned relative to the read-out device (20).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling image quality in processing radiographic photothermographic sheet media. A cassette removably contains radiographic photothermographic sheet media and also has an information member. The information member stores information including size of the sheet media stored in the cassette and calibrated conditions for processing the sheet media. A thermal media processor processes an exposed sheet media in accordance with the calibrated processing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiation image reading system. The system includes a radiation source for irradiating a radiation toward a subject. The radiation source has a size “D”. A radiation detector in which large number of detecting devices for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject are arranged in an array form, for generating an image signal of the subject by detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject by each of the detecting devices. An aperture of each of the detecting devices has a size “A”. Also included is a sampling section for sampling the image signal. The size A of the aperture fulfills a condition of B?A?2B. B is a size of a penumbra on the radiation detector. The size B of the penumbra is represented by B=Dx (R2/R1), where R1 is a distance from the radiation source to the subject and R2 is a distance from the subject to the radiation detector.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging apparatus configured for scanning a document, the imaging apparatus including a scanner head having an illuminant and a sensor, and a phosphorescent material forming a phosphorescent area located opposite the scanner head, the method including at least one of performing an ambient light calibration based on a background light emission intensity level of the phosphorescent area; performing an ambient light time calibration based on a decay constant of the phosphorescent material; performing a horizontal calibration to compensate for irregularities in at least one of the illuminant and the sensor across a width of the phosphorescent area; and performing a vertical calibration to compensate for changes of scanning speed of the scanner head in a lengthwise scanning direction along a length of the phosphorescent area.

Abstract: A microscope produces a high magnification stereoscopic image of a specimen by generating in the specimen two needle shaped illuminated regions tilted in optical axis of the microscope using a plurality of pinholes, moveable mirrors, and beamsplitters (37, 70). Light emitted from the needle shaped regions is detected using separate detectors (56, 57). The needle shaped regions are scanned with respect to the specimen using scanner (3). Alternately, a hologram may be used to generate the needle shaped illuminated regions.

Abstract: An optical system for an internal drum readout apparatus is disclosed. The optical system includes a hollow cylindrical segment defining a central axis, a support structure configured and adapted to translate along the central axis, a mirror mounted on the support structure for translational movement therewith and for rotational spinning around the central axis, a light source mounted to the support structure for providing a beam capable of being directed along the central axis which in turn is directed against the medium thereby producing a stimulated light, a detector coaxially aligned with the central axis, the detector being configured and adapted to absorb stimulated light direct toward and reflected off of the angled mirror, and a shroud mounted on the support structure for blocking stimulated light not directed toward the angled mirror, wherein the stimulated light not directed toward the angled mirror would otherwise degrade the medium prematurely.

Abstract: A recording sheet usage count evaluation method enabling, even when plural radiation imaging apparatuses and plural radiographic image reading apparatuses exist, accurate evaluation of cumulative working frequencies of recording sheets commonly used in those apparatuses. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving recording sheet identification information with image data from a radiographic image reading apparatus; (b) counting a usage count of each recording sheet on a basis of the recording sheet identification information received at step (a), weighting a count value in accordance with a set condition, and accumulating the weighted count value to store the accumulated count value in correspondence with the recording sheet identification information; and (c) calculating a total count value for each recording sheet by referring to count values stored in other medical image processing apparatuses and adding the count values to the count value stored at step (b).

Abstract: A storage phosphor reader includes a multicassette autoloader for vertically oriented storage phosphor cassettes, the autoloader having a front, back, and opposite sides. The autoloader includes an input bin for receiving multiple vertically oriented storage phosphor cassettes stacked together in face-to-face contact such that said cassette faces face front and back; wherein each of said cassettes contains a storage phosphor which is removable from said cassette; and an output bin located beside said input bin, said output bin having a storage phosphor read location at which a storage phosphor is removed from and replaced in a storage phosphor cassette positioned at said storage phosphor read location, and having an output region for read cassettes to be subsequently removed from said output bin.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image of an object has been stored, is scanned with stimulating rays, which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet during exposure of the stimulable phosphor sheet to radiation. The light, which is emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet when the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with the stimulating rays, is detected, and an image signal representing the radiation image of the object is acquired. The scanning of the stimulable phosphor sheet with the stimulating rays is performed from an object image-carrying edge area, in which a radiation image pattern representing the object has been stored, the object image-carrying edge area being one of edge areas of the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus and process for evaluating an image-wise exposed storage film positioned about a cylindrically-shaped member and linearly passed a cylindrically-shaped slot for interrogation by a light beam wherein a processing assembly is co-axially disposed within a processing chamber formed by the cylindrically-shaped member and wherein the processing assembly includes a plate member disposed for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the processing chamber and having a pentaprism and a fluorescence light sensor positioned proximate a contact point of the interrogating light beam with the storage film and further including converting electronics for the thus generated fluorescence light wherein after interrogation, the storage film is immediately restored in the same apparatus for subsequent reuse.

Abstract: A method for producing biochemical analysis data includes the steps of collecting light selectively released from a plurality of light releasable regions two-dimensionally formed to be spaced apart from each other in a sample placed on a sample stage by a plurality of light guide member each of which is disposed to face one of the plurality of light releasable regions, leading the thus collected light to a light detector and photoelectrically detecting the light by the light detector. According to this method, it is possible to produce biochemical analysis data having high quantitative characteristics by photoelectrically detecting light emitted from a plurality of light releasable regions even in the case where the plurality of light releasable regions labeled with a labeling substance are formed in a sample at a high density.

Abstract: A method and to a corresponding apparatus for processing information carriers, in particular for reading out storage phosphor plates (2) for storing X-ray information, an information carrier (2) and/or a container (1) in which the information carrier (2) is located being processed, in particular being moved and/or fixed, by at least one mechanical processor (13), the processor (7) being driven by at least one stepper motor (10), and information from the information carrier (2) being read out and/or written in the information carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading out storage phosphor plates (2) for storing X-ray information with one or more rotating conveyance rolls (11 to 14) for conveying the storage phosphor plate (2), an alignment edge (19, 22) to which the storage phosphor plate (2) can be aligned, and a read-out device for reading out the X-ray information stored in the storage phosphor plate (2).

Abstract: Corrective image data obtained by reading a stimulable phosphor sheet which is uniformly irradiated with a radiation are masked, and added and averaged into reference data. The ratio between the reference data and the corrective image data is generated as sensitivity correcting data. Desired radiation image information is then read from the stimulable phosphor sheet, corrected by the sensitivity correcting data, and outputted to an external image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A process for reading a radiation image out of a radiation image storage panel which has a phosphor layer comprising columnar crystals of europium activated cesium halide stimulable phosphor in which a radiation image is recorded, is performed by the steps of: exposing the storage panel to stimulating light in a stimulating energy of 2 to 10 J/m2; photoelectrically collecting a stimulated emission given off from the storage panel; and converting the collected emission into a radiation image in the form of a series of electric image signals.

Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus, including a cassette receiving section, a scanning section, an erase section, and a transport section. The cassette receiving section is adapted to receive a cassette housing a stimulable storage phosphor sheet. The transport section is adapted to transport the sheet along a substantially linear transport path to and from a travel end point in forward and reverse directions, respectively, through the scanning section and the erase section. The scanning section is coupled to the transport section and comprises: an excitation source for directing excitation energy of a first wavelength toward the sheet; a detector for receiving light excited from the sheet by the excitation energy; and a gimbaled mounting mechanism configured to register the scanning section to the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for scanning and processing computed radiography x-ray images in order to maximize the usage of cassette options. The storage phosphor radiography imaging method of the invention employs a cassette comprising a storage phosphor screen adapted to be exposed to x-rays to store a latent x-ray image in the screen and read using a reader. The method includes the steps of: associating cassette information with the cassette using an identification member affixed to the cassette or storage phosphor screen, the cassette information comprising information relating to characteristics of the cassette relevant to the reading of the screen by the reader; prior to reading the exposed storage phosphor screen to generate a digital image signal, scanning the identification member to obtain the cassette information; and reading the exposed storage phosphor screen in accordance with the cassette information to generate the digital image signal.

Abstract: In order to improve the picture quality of X-rays, a read-out control is provided for controlling a read-out device such that a first storage phosphor layer, which has a first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a first read-out mode, and a second storage phosphor layer, which has a second thickness d2 which is greater than the first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a second read-out mode, the second read-out mode being different from the first read-out mode. The scan parameters of the read-out device set in the first read-out mode are different from the scan parameters set in the second read-out mode in at least one scan parameter. The scan parameters are, for example, the size of the pixels, a pulse duration and/or intensity and/or width of a focus range of stimulation light, integration time and/or feed time of the detector.

Abstract: A medical image radiographing system has a medical image reading apparatus to read out identification information of a cassette and a medical image from the cassette recording the medical image radiographed according to radiographing order information, a portable radiographing information apparatus having a correspondence setting section to set correspondence of the identification information of the cassette to the radiographing order information for radiographing using the cassette, and a judging section to judge whether or not the cassette is usable for next radiographing. The correspondence setting section prohibits the setting of the correspondence of the identification information of the cassette, which is judged by the judging section to be nonusable for the next radiographing, to the radiographing order information.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for reading out X-ray information of an X-ray picture stored in a phosphor layer includes: an irradiation device for irradiating the phosphor layer with a stimulating light beam to be moved along a line over the phosphor layer, and in so doing stimulating the phosphor layer into emitting emission light; a detector for collecting the emission light emitted from the storage phosphor layer and for converting the emission light collected into a detector signal S; a processing unit for deducing picture signal values B for pixels of the picture along the line from the detector signal S; and two or more sensors located at different reference positions to collect reference times when the light beam is located at the different reference positions. The processing unit deduces a number of detector signal values D from the detector signal S to deduce the picture signal values B between the two reference times.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a casing accommodating therein a heating mechanism for heating the interior of the casing. The heating mechanism has a heating body mounted on a guide plate along which a stimulable phosphor sheet is fed. When supplied with electric current, the heating body is heated to heat the guide plate to a predetermined temperature. An air blower is disposed in confronting relation to the heating body and is energized to circulate heated air inside the casing. A temperature detector detects the atmospheric temperature inside the casing, and when the detected atmospheric temperature becomes higher than a reference temperature preset in a controller, the controller stops supplying electric current to the heating body.

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette comprises a shell and a single storage phosphor plate. The shell includes first and second opposite open ends. The single storage phosphor plate is housed within the shell and is adapted to be at least partially removable from the shell through the first and second open ends. A radiation image of the elongate object can be read by extracting a first portion of the single plate through one of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the first portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a first partial image, and then extracting a second portion of the single plate through the other of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the second portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a second partial image. The first and second partial images can be combined to form the image of the elongate object.

Abstract: A breast image obtaining apparatus using a solid-sate detector, or stimulable phosphor panel capable of correctly obtaining image information up to the area closer to the chest wall of a subject. when picking up the image, the solid-state detector is moved to a place close to the side wall of the housing on the chest wall side by the moving means to pick up the image up to the area close to the chest wall, and when reading the image, it is moved to the opposite direction to secure the overrun zone between the side wall of the housing and end of the solid-state detector on the subject side. By completing acceleration or deceleration of the reading light exposure section within this zone, the scanning rate of the reading light exposure section is maintained constant across the entire region of the solid-state detector.