JP4092883B2 - Condenser, condensing device, and image reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is, for example, an image information reading device that reads radiation image information accumulated in a stimulable phosphor sheet, image information recorded on an X-ray film, a printing film, and the like, and a collection used in the image information reading device. The present invention relates to an optical device and a light collecting device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, light including image information obtained by two-dimensionally scanning a beam such as laser light on a sheet on which image information is recorded and irradiating the sheet with the beam light is used as a photomultiplier tube or the like. An image information reading apparatus that reads image information recorded on a sheet by being detected by the light detecting means has been put into practical use.
[0003]
Examples of such an image information reading device include a plate making scanner, an X-ray film scanner, and a radiation image reading device that reads radiation image information recorded on a storage phosphor sheet.
[0004]
Hereinafter, a radiographic image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor sheet will be mainly described.
A part of the radiation energy is accumulated when radiation is emitted, and then the human body, etc., using a stimulable phosphor that emits the amount of stimulated emission light corresponding to the accumulated energy when irradiated with excitation light such as visible light. A radiographic image of the subject was once photographed and recorded on a sheet-like storage phosphor, and the photostimulated luminescence obtained by scanning the storage phosphor sheet with excitation light such as a laser was photoelectrically read to obtain an image signal. As a result, a system for displaying an image signal of a subject as a visible image on a recording material such as a photosensitive material or a CRT based on the image signal has been put into practical use.
[0005]
The radiation image reading device used in this system is a scanning optical system for irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet storing the radiation image information with excitation light, and the stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor by the excitation light irradiation. A light detector for detecting light and a light guide for guiding the stimulated emission light to the light detector are provided.
[0006]
In the above system, the energy of the stimulated emission light emitted from the stimulable phosphor upon irradiation with excitation light is extremely weak and non-directional. Since the signal-to-noise ratio of the radiographic image obtained by the reading device greatly depends on the energy received by the photodetector, it is important how efficiently this weakly stimulated emitted light is guided to the photodetector when the device is implemented. Each company has proposed the method.
[0007]
(1) As a means for increasing the efficiency of transmitting the photostimulated luminescence light to the photodetector (hereinafter referred to as the light collection efficiency), for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-16667, it extends along the main scanning line. A long photomultiplier having a light-receiving surface and disposed in the vicinity of the storage phosphor sheet; and a reflective optical member that reflects the stimulated emission light emitted from the storage phosphor sheet toward the light-receiving surface; There is an image reading apparatus characterized by providing the above.
[0008]
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-16667, and is a diagram showing a conventional example of FIG. 1 (the overall configuration diagram of the first embodiment) described later. is there.
[0009]
In FIG. 17, a laser beam (excitation light) emitted from a laser diode passes through a collimating lens and an imaging lens, is deflected by a polygon mirror, and is (mainly) scanned with a predetermined beam diameter on a storage phosphor sheet. The
[0010]
When a beam strikes the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed in the direction of the arrow, stimulated emission light is generated according to the image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and this stimulated emission light (hereinafter referred to as light). A part of the light is reflected by the reflective optical member and enters the end face of the light guide sheet-like member that guides light to the long photomultiplier tube.
[0011]
The light incident on the light guide sheet-like member enters the long photomultiplier tube while being totally reflected inside, and the long photomultiplier tube photoelectrically converts the incident light.
The signal photoelectrically converted by the long photomultiplier tube is signal-processed by a signal processing means (not shown), displayed on a CRT, printed out by a printer, or recorded on an external recording device such as a hard disk.
[0012]
In this case, it is possible to prevent a decrease in light collection efficiency by generating a reflection-enhancing film on the reflective optical member or by forming an antireflection film on the end face of the light guide sheet-like member such as an acrylic plate. The light guide sheet-like member has a flat plate shape, and the incident stimulated emission light is totally totally reflected on the inner surface and does not leak outside.
[0013]
Furthermore, since the light receiving surface of the long photomultiplier tube is sufficiently long in the main scanning direction and sufficiently wide with respect to the light emitting surface of the light guide sheet-like member, most of the stimulated emission light emitted from the light guide sheet Since it reaches the photodetector, the light collection efficiency is basically good.
[0014]
(2) For example, as in US Pat. No. 5,598,008, in a radiation image reading apparatus that reads radiation image information accumulated in a stimulable phosphor sheet, a cylindrical concentrator coated with a diffuse reflection material has also been proposed. Yes.
[0015]
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus described in US Pat. No. 5,598,008, and is a diagram showing a conventional example of FIG. 1 (the overall configuration diagram of the first embodiment) described later.
[0016]
In FIG. 18, the light beam (excitation light) emitted from the light source is deflected by the polygon mirror and the mirror, passes through the entrance opening and the exit opening that are opened in the main scanning direction of the collector, and then the stimulable phosphor sheet. A (main) scan is performed with a predetermined beam diameter.
[0017]
When a beam strikes the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed in the direction of the arrow, stimulated emission light is generated according to the image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and this stimulated emission light (hereinafter referred to as light). Part of the light enters the condenser through the exit opening.
[0018]
The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the concentrator has a structure as shown in FIG. 19, and the stimulated emission light (excitation light) is internally reflected as indicated by the arrow in the concentrator, and the photodetector ( The light detector enters a photomultiplier tube) and photoelectrically converts the incident light.
[0019]
The signal photoelectrically converted by the photodetector is subjected to signal processing by a signal processing unit (not shown) and displayed on a CRT, printed out by a printer, or recorded on an external recording device such as a hard disk.
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional example having the above configuration has the following problems.
(1) In the case of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-16667, the long photomultiplier tube has a complicated structure and is compared with a general small photomultiplier tube (not long enough to cover the main scanning range). However, it was very expensive and caused a system cost increase.
[0021]
(2) In the case of US Pat. No. 5,598,008, although it can be manufactured at a low cost, the opening for scanning the excitation light has a large leakage due to the presence of a plurality of openings including an incident opening and an exit opening, and There is a problem that the attenuation of incident light is large because the number of reflections inside the collector until reaching the photodetector is large, and it is necessary to increase the reading time in order to increase the SN ratio of the image when it is made into an apparatus. There was a problem. Furthermore, according to this patent, since the concentrator is installed close to the sheet, the arrangement of the concentrator becomes inflexible when it is made into an apparatus, and design may be difficult depending on the type of the reading device. .
[0022]
(3) Even in an image information reading device (scanner) such as an X-ray film having a laser scanning system, if the light collection efficiency is low, an attempt to improve the SN ratio of the image results in a longer reading time and a shorter reading time. When trying to do so, there was a problem if the S / N ratio of the image deteriorated.
[0023]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the first problem is that an expensive and long photomultiplier tube (photodetection) is used without using a large and complicated condensing body. Or a large-diameter photomultiplier tube (photodetector), and to provide a small and low-cost image reading device, condensing device, and concentrator.
[0024]
The second problem is to efficiently transmit light including image information obtained by scanning the image-recorded sheet with stimulated emission light or laser emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet to the photodetector. It is possible to provide an image reading device, a light condensing device, and a light condensing device that can obtain image information with a good S / N ratio and shorten the time for reading image information.
[0025]
A third problem is to provide a light condensing device and an image information reading device in which a light concentrator does not have to be disposed in the vicinity of the sheet, and the device configuration can be made flexible.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention for solving the above problems is solved by the following means.
  (1) The invention according to claim 1 is a long reflecting member that includes an incident opening and whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector that detects light in the reflecting member; And the shape of the light reflecting surface and the incident light so as to repeat reflection so that light incident from the incident opening rotates in one direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. Set the position of the opening.The photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. It is a collector characterized by becoming small as it goes to the end part side which is not arranged.
[0027]
  The shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident opening are repeated so that the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. As a result, the light does not leak from the incident opening while the light incident on the collector rotates in one direction. Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector.Further, the photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is greater than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. A shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the end side where the photodetector is not provided to the end side where the photodetector is provided to the end side where it is not provided by decreasing as it goes toward the end side where it is not arranged As a result, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced. Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened. Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0028]
  (2) The invention according to claim 2 is a long reflecting member that includes an incident opening and whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface; and a photodetector that detects light in the reflecting member; The reflection member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member, the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction, The shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident aperture are set so as to repeat reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to one direction.The photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. It is a collector characterized by becoming small as it goes to the end part side which is not arranged.
[0029]
The reflection member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member, the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction, and then the one direction. By setting the shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident opening so as to repeat reflection rotating in the opposite direction, the light incident on the condenser is rotating in one direction. Does not leak light from the entrance aperture.
[0030]
Even if the light rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the light does not leak as long as the light deviates from the incident opening.
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0031]
  In addition, when the reflecting member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction, a lot of light repeats reflection that rotates in one direction, and then repeats reflection that rotates in the opposite direction to one light. As the direction becomes shorter, the amount of light that rotates in the opposite direction to one direction and repeats reflection decreases, and the amount that rotates in one direction and repeats reflection increases. That is, light that reaches the end in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member increases before rotating in one direction and repeating the reflection.Further, the photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is greater than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. A shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the end side where the photodetector is not provided to the end side where the photodetector is provided to the end side where it is not provided by decreasing as it goes toward the end side where it is not arranged As a result, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced. Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened. Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0032]
(3) The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the perpendicular of the incident aperture is shifted from the central direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the condenser. It is a condensing device.
[0033]
Since the perpendicular of the incident aperture is shifted from the central direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector, the number of reflections until the light incident from the incident aperture leaks from the incident aperture is reduced. Become more.
[0034]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0035]
(4) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two curvature radii. It is an optical device.
[0036]
The reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature so that light incident from the incident opening rotates in one direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After repeating the reflection, the reflection rotating in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0037]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0038]
(5) The invention according to claim 5 is the light collector according to claim 4, wherein the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having two radii of curvature.
The reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having two radii of curvature, so that light incident from the incident opening rotates in one direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After repeating the reflection, the reflection rotating in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0039]
(6) The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface comprising a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature. It is a concentrator in any one of 1-3.
[0040]
The reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature, so that the incident light can be seen from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After the light incident from the opening repeats the reflection that rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0041]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0042]
(7) The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes which are inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having two radii of curvature. It is a concentrator of description.
[0043]
The reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes that are inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having two radii of curvature, so that the incident aperture is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After the light incident from the part repeats the reflection rotating in one direction, the reflection rotating in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0044]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0045]
(8) The invention according to claim 8 is provided with a long reflecting member that includes an incident opening and whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector that detects light in the reflecting member; The reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature, or an arc-shaped having at least two radii of curvature, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. A light collector having a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in shape.
[0046]
In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature, or inscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature. Alternatively, by having a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of circumscribed planes, the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. Since the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information is efficiently conducted to the photodetector. can do. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0047]
(9) In the invention according to claim 9, the photodetector is provided on both end sides of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is more on the center side than on the end side. The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is small.
[0048]
The photodetector is provided on both end sides of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is smaller on the center side than on the end side, that is, from the center of the reflecting member. By adopting a shape in which the diameter increases toward both ends, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0049]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0050]
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, since the optical path length from the incident position to the photodetector is shortened by providing the photodetectors on both ends of the reflecting member, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0055]
  (10Claim10The invention described in the above is characterized in that the light detector is provided in the central portion of the side surface of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger on the central portion side than on the end portion side. Claims 1 to9It is a concentrator in any one of.
[0056]
The photodetector is provided at the center of the side surface of the reflecting member, and the sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger on the center side than on the end side, leading to the photodetector. The number of reflections in the reflection member is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0057]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0058]
  Further, since the detector is provided at the central portion of the side surface of the reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low in cost. (11Claim11The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflection member includes at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film.10It is a concentrator in any one of.
[0059]
Since the reflecting member includes at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film, a high reflectance can be obtained and light attenuation is reduced.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0060]
  (12Claim12The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflecting member has wavelength selectivity.11It is a concentrator in any one of.
  Since the reflection member has wavelength selectivity, the reflectance of light that becomes noise other than the frequency of light including image information can be reduced.
[0061]
  Further, it is possible to delete a filter having wavelength selectivity or to reduce its performance.
  Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the detector is improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
  (13Claim13The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an end reflection member is provided on an end portion side where the photodetector is not arranged, on both ends of the reflection member.12It is a concentrator in any one of.
[0062]
By providing the reflecting member on the end portion side where the photodetector is not disposed among the both end portions of the reflecting member, there is no light leaking from the end portion of the collector, and light including image information is efficiently emitted. Image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of the image information can be shortened.
[0063]
  (14Claim14The invention according to claim 1, wherein the end reflection member includes at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film.13It is a concentrator of description.
[0064]
Since the end reflection member has at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film, a high reflectance can be obtained, and light attenuation is reduced.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0065]
  (15Claim15The invention according to claim is characterized in that the reflecting member has wavelength selectivity.13Or14It is a concentrator of description.
  Since the reflection member has wavelength selectivity, the reflectance of light that becomes noise other than the frequency of light including image information can be reduced.
[0066]
Further, it is possible to delete a filter having wavelength selectivity or to reduce its performance.
Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the photodetector can be improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0067]
  (16Claim16The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that an optical filter having wavelength selectivity is provided in at least one of the light receiving surface of the photodetector and the vicinity of the incident aperture.15It is a concentrator in any one of.
[0068]
By providing an optical filter having wavelength selectivity in at least one of the light receiving surface of the photodetector and the vicinity of the incident opening, light that becomes noise other than the frequency of light including image information is reduced. Can do.
[0069]
Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the detector is improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0070]
  (17Claim17The described invention includes an elongate reflecting member having an entrance opening and having a mirror-like light reflecting surface on the inner surface, a concentrator including at least one photodetector, and the condensing And a light guide member for guiding light to the incident opening of the vessel.
[0071]
  By having a light guide member that guides light to the entrance opening of the concentrator, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased and the apparatus configuration can be made flexible.
  Claims17In the case of the described invention, the light collector has an incident opening, a long reflecting member whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and at least one or more photodetectors. Well, it is not limited to the shape of the concentrator in the embodiments described later.
[0072]
  (18Claim18In the invention described in claim 1, the concentrator is characterized in that16A concentrator according to any one of the preceding claims.13It is a condensing device of description.
  The concentrator comprises:16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0073]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0074]
  (19Claim19The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that the perpendicular of the exit surface of the light guide member is deviated from the center direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the condenser.17Or18It is a condensing device of description.
[0075]
Since the perpendicular of the exit surface of the light guide member is deviated from the central direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector, the light incident from the entrance opening of the reflector of the collector enters. The number of reflections until leakage from the opening increases.
[0076]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0077]
  (20Claim20The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that the light guide member is formed such that the width in the longitudinal direction is narrower at the exit opening than at the entrance opening.17Thru19It is a condensing device in any one of.
[0078]
The light guide member is formed such that the width in the longitudinal direction is narrower at the exit opening than the entrance opening, thereby reducing the width in the longitudinal direction (main scanning direction) of the entrance opening of the condenser. . That is, the length of the collector in the longitudinal direction can be shortened without degrading the image quality, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.
[0079]
  (21Claim21The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that the light guide member is formed such that the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is thinner at the exit opening than at the entrance opening.17Thru20It is a condensing device in any one of. The light guide member has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction such that the exit opening is thinner than the entrance opening, thereby reducing the area occupied by the entrance opening in the reflecting member. .
[0080]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the entrance aperture is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, so that image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or image information. The reading time is shortened.
[0081]
  (22Claim22The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that an antireflection coating is applied to at least one of an incident surface and an output surface of the light guide member.17Thru21The condensing apparatus in any one of.
[0082]
By applying an anti-reflection coating to at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface of the light guide member, it is possible to reduce the reflection of light on at least one of the entrance surface and the exit surface of the light guide. Light containing information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector.
[0083]
  Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
  (23Claim23The described invention is an image information reading device that scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects emitted light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, and reads the image information on the sheet. Claims 1 to16An image information reading apparatus comprising the condenser according to any one of the above.
[0084]
  The concentrator comprises:16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0085]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0086]
  (24Claim24The described invention is an image information reading device that scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects emitted light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, and reads the image information on the sheet. Claim17Thru22An image information reading device comprising the light collecting device according to any one of the above.
[0087]
  Claim17Thru22By having the condensing device according to any one of the above, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased, and the device configuration can be made flexible.
  It is not necessary to use a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
[0088]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0089]
  (25Claim25The invention according to the invention scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects at least one of transmitted light and reflected light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, An image information reading apparatus for reading the image information of claim 1.16An image information reading apparatus comprising the condenser according to any one of the above.
[0090]
  The concentrator comprises:16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0091]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0092]
  (26Claim26The invention according to the invention scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects at least one of transmitted light and reflected light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, In the image information reading device for reading the image information of17Thru22An image information reading device comprising the light collecting device according to any one of the above.
[0093]
  Claim17Thru22By having the condensing device according to any one of the above, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased, and the device configuration can be made flexible.
  It is not necessary to use a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
[0094]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0100]
  (27Claim27The described inventionA collector comprising an incident opening, a long reflecting member whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member;The reflecting member has a light reflecting surface including a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature.CollectionIt is an optical device.
[0101]
The reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature, so that the incident light can be seen from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After the light incident from the opening repeats the reflection that rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0102]
  (28Claim28The described invention includes a long reflecting member whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member on one end side of the reflecting member. A light collecting unit having a single incident opening for introducing light into the light collecting unit and having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, It is a condensing device which becomes smaller as it goes to the end side where the photodetector is not arranged from the end side where it is arranged.
[0103]
The photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflection member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member is arranged from the end side where the photodetector is arranged. The cross-sectional area is reduced from the end side where the photodetector is provided to the end side where the photodetector is not provided to the end side where the photodetector is provided. As a result, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0104]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced and the incident opening is single, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening is reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0105]
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0106]
  (29Claim29The invention of claim 127 or 28And a long light guide member that guides light to the incident opening of the light collector described in 1).
[0107]
  By having a light guide member that guides light to the entrance opening of the concentrator, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased and the apparatus configuration can be made flexible.
  (30Claim30In the image information reading apparatus, the light is scanned on a sheet on which image information is recorded, the emitted light according to the image information of the sheet is detected, and the image information of the sheet is read.29Collection of descriptionsLightAn image information reading apparatus characterized by having a device.
[0108]
  The concentrator is claim29By using the described concentrator, it is not necessary to use a long or large-sized photodetector, which is expensive, and is small and low-cost.
  Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0109]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(1) First embodiment
First, the overall configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0110]
In the figure, the laser beam (excitation light) emitted from the laser diode 1 passes through the collimating lens CL and the imaging lens IL, and is then deflected by the polygon mirror 3 so as to have a predetermined beam diameter on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 ( Main) Scanned.
[0111]
When a beam strikes the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 conveyed in the direction of arrow I, stimulated emission light is generated according to the image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4, and this stimulated emission light (hereinafter referred to as “stimulated emission light”). Part of the light is reflected by the reflective optical member 5 on which the reflection-increasing coating is applied as a reflective optical member, and part of the light is directly used as a guide member for guiding the light to the condenser 10 and the condenser 10. The light is incident on the incident end face 6 a of the light guide plate 6 of the light collecting device 9.
[0112]
The width of the cross section of the light guide plate 6 in the direction in which light is guided is gradually narrowed. That is, the length (L2) in the main scanning direction on the exit end surface 6b on the condenser 10 side is shorter than the length (L1) in the main scanning direction on the incident end surface 6a on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 side. The structure. In the present embodiment, the taper angle is set to an angle at which substantially total reflection can be maintained. For example, when the refractive index of the light guide plate 6 is 1.5, there is no light leaking from the light guide plate 6 until the taper angle is about 6 °. Therefore, the length of the condenser 10 is shortened without reducing the reading width. It is possible. Further, if the taper angle is increased to reduce the light collection efficiency to some extent, the size of the light collector 10 in the longitudinal direction can be further reduced. There is also an advantage that the condensing device 9 can be made smaller.
[0113]
The light reflected by the reflective optical member 5 enters the end face 6a on the side of the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 of the light guide plate 6 made of a material such as acrylic having a high transmittance as a guide member.
The light that has entered the light guide plate 6 is output from the output end surface 6 b on the light collector 10 side while being totally reflected inside the light guide plate 6, and enters the light collector 10.
[0114]
The concentrator 10 is provided with a long reflecting member 11 whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and photoelectron multiplication as a photo detector that is provided at both ends of the reflecting member 11 and photoelectrically converts incident light. It consists of tubes 12 and 13.
[0115]
In this embodiment, filters 14 and 15 for attenuating the wavelength region of the laser beam (excitation light) are provided so as to be in contact with the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube 13.
Instead of the filters 14 and 15, a long filter may be provided between the incident surface of the light guide plate 6 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 4, or between the light guide plate 6 and the condenser 10.
[0116]
Signals photoelectrically converted by the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are added by the signal adding means 21, processed by the signal processing means 22, and then displayed on the CRT 23, printed out by the printer 24, a hard disk or the like. Or 25 external recording devices.
[0117]
The high voltage supplied to the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 is adjusted so that the signals photoelectrically converted by the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 have substantially the same level.
Further, the adding means 21 may be performed in an analog manner or digitally.
[0118]
An erasing lamp 17 for erasing image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 is provided downstream of the light guide plate 6. The image information remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 from which the image information has been read is erased by the erase lamp 17.
[0119]
1 is a cross-sectional view in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member in FIG. 1, and shows the reflecting surface by omitting the outer peripheral surface. FIG. 2 and FIG. The concentrator 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, which is a diagram showing the reflection surface with the surface omitted.
[0120]
In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, the state of light reflection is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical reflecting member 11 ′ (indicated by a phantom line with a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) having no taper in the longitudinal direction. It is shown in a state on a simple cross section.
[0121]
As shown in FIG. 2, the reflecting member 11 has an incident opening 51 that extends in the longitudinal direction for incident light and is connected to the emission end face 6 b of the light guide plate 6.
In the present embodiment, the perpendicular line on the end face 6 b that is the exit surface of the light guide plate 6 is shifted from the center direction of the cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the reflecting member 11.
[0122]
In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 11, the light reflecting surface 11a, which is the inner surface of the reflecting member 11, has a structure in which the arcs of two circles C1 and C2 having different radii of curvature are combined. The centers O1 and O2 are shifted.
[0123]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 11 is tapered at an angle γ, and the reflecting member 11 is located closer to the center than the end where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are disposed. 11 has a smaller cross-sectional area.
[0124]
The light incident on the reflecting member 11 is attenuated according to the reflectance of the reflecting surface every time it is reflected by the light reflecting surface 11a. Therefore, the higher the reflectance of the light reflecting surface 11a, the better.
The light reflecting surface 11a of the present embodiment is composed of a combination of a glossy metal (evaporated aluminum in this embodiment) and a multilayer film, and the reflectance is 95% or more.
[0125]
The multilayer film of this embodiment is made of TiO₂Although a six-layer structure in which NaF is alternately stacked is used, the present invention is not particularly limited to the above materials, and it is desirable that the refractive index difference be as large as possible in order to increase the reflectance.
[0126]
In addition, as the light reflecting surface 11a, TiO₂, SiO₂May be a multilayer film of 20 or more layers alternately stacked, or may be stacked by a combination of two or more materials. Regarding the multilayer film, there are various ways of designing the film to obtain the required spectral reflectance, but the thickness of each layer is preferably about ¼ wavelength of the light to be reflected. The film configuration does not limit that the thickness of each layer is substantially the same.
[0127]
Furthermore, it is necessary to select a material for the multilayer film that has a high transmittance in the wavelength range of signal light in order to minimize absorption.
Here, the progress of light in the reflecting member 11 will be described.
[0128]
(1) How light travels in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the reflecting member 11
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 as a comparative example of FIG. FIG. 4 is also a diagram showing the reflection surface with the outer peripheral surface omitted.
[0129]
In FIG. 4, a perpendicular (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4) with respect to the surface of the entrance opening 51 ′ (indicated by an oblique line) is directed toward the center of a cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the reflecting member 11 ′. Furthermore, this is an example in which the cross-sectional shape is a circle in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 11 '.
[0130]
In this configuration, there is light that leaks from the incident aperture 51 ′ with a very small number of reflections such as once, twice, and three times.
In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the light incident from the incident opening 51 of the reflecting member 11 is in one direction (in the case of FIG. 2, the counterclockwise direction. The reflection is repeated while the rotation direction of the reflection immediately afterward is referred to as the forward direction). When the reflected light passes between the centers O1 and O2 of the two semicircles, the direction is opposite to the one direction (in the case of FIG. 2, the clockwise direction. The direction opposite to the forward direction is hereinafter referred to as the reverse direction). , And the light is emitted from the incident opening 51.
[0131]
In FIG. 2, the state of light reflection has been described with light on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when a cylindrical reflecting member 11 'having no taper in the longitudinal direction is used for simplicity. Also, the reflecting member 11 having a taper is subjected to the same action as described above. (Here, the number of reflections from when light enters from the incident opening 51 until it exits from the incident opening 51 is N times.)
While the light incident on the condenser 10 is rotating in the forward direction in the reflecting member 11, light does not leak from the incident opening 51 [because the incident opening 51 is upward]. Moreover, even if it rotates in the reverse direction, it will not leak if the incident opening 51 is removed. Therefore, if the photomultiplier tube 12 can be reached while reflecting inside the reflecting member 11, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening 51 is reduced.
[0132]
(2) How light travels in the longitudinal section in the reflecting member 11
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 as a comparative example. Note that FIG. 5 is also a diagram showing a reflection surface with the outer peripheral surface omitted.
[0133]
FIG. 5 shows a cylindrical reflecting member having a substantially constant cross-sectional area. In this configuration, when the light is incident substantially perpendicular to the light reflecting surface 11a ', it must be reflected a considerable number of times before reaching the light receiving surfaces of the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13.
[0134]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the light reflecting surface 11a of the reflecting member 11 has a taper of an angle γ in the longitudinal direction.
Therefore, even if the light is incident perpendicular to the A surface, if the angle formed by the perpendicular of the A surface and the light reflected by the A surface is θ,
θ = γ × n (n: number of reflections)
Therefore, the light reaches the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 with a small number of reflections.
[0135]
In addition, although the light on the surface where the center of the reflecting member 11 is divided in the longitudinal direction has been described, the light incident on the reflecting surface at a different angle also has the same effect as described above, although there is a difference depending on the taper angle at the reflecting portion. Receive.
[0136]
Accordingly, by tapering in the longitudinal direction so that the cross-sectional area of the reflecting member 11 is smaller on the center side than on the end side where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are arranged, the incident light is reflected with a small number of reflections. The photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are reached.
[0137]
Since the light incident on the reflecting member 11 of the condenser 10 is attenuated according to the reflectance of the light reflecting surface 11a for each reflection, the higher the reflectance of the reflecting surface, the better. Furthermore, since the number of reflections decreases as the diameter of the concentrator increases, the condensing efficiency increases as the diameter increases.
[0138]
Therefore, it is desirable that the photomultiplier tube has a larger photocathode area. As the taper angle increases, the number of reflections until reaching the light receiving surfaces of the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 decreases.
[0139]
On the other hand, if the inner diameter of the light reflecting surface 11a is not sufficiently large with respect to the width of the incident opening 51 (indicated by W in FIG. 2), light leaking from the incident opening 51 increases, so that the photomultiplier tube 12, The inner diameter of the light reflecting surface 11a, the width (W) of the incident opening 51, and the taper angle (γ) are determined so that more light reaches the 13 photocathodes.
[0140]
According to the above configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since it is only necessary to provide the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 on the end face of the long reflecting member 11 of the condenser 10, it is not necessary to use a large and complicated condensing body and is expensive and long. Therefore, it is possible to realize a small-sized and low-cost image reading device, condensing device, and concentrator without using a photomultiplier tube (photodetector).
[0141]
(2) The perpendicular line on the end face 6b, which is the exit surface of the light guide plate 6, is shifted from the center direction of the cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the reflecting member 11 as a result of reflection. In the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the member 11, the light reflecting surface 11a, which is the inner surface of the reflecting member 11, has a structure in which the arcs of two circles C1 and C2 having different radii are combined. The light can be controlled so as to be reflected only, so that the amount of light leaking from the incident opening 51 before reaching the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 is reduced, and the light containing image information is efficiently photomultiplied. Conduction to the tubes 12,13 is possible. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0142]
Further, the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are formed by tapering in the longitudinal direction so that the cross-sectional area of the reflecting member 11 is smaller on the center side than on the end side where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are disposed. The number of reflections in the reflecting member 11 is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0143]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture 51 is reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0144]
(3) By providing a light guide plate (light guide member) 6 for guiding light to the incident opening 51 of the reflecting member 11 of the condenser 10,
(1) Light can be efficiently guided to the condenser 10 as compared with the case where the light guide plate 6 is not provided.
[0145]
That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the light reflected by the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 is scattered light, and when there is no light guide plate 6, the incident opening 51 of the light collector 10 and the stimulable phosphor sheet. Since the distance to 4 is increased, the amount of light that does not enter the incident aperture 51 of the condenser 10 increases.
[0146]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 is provided by providing the light guide plate 6 and disposing the end surface 6 a of the light guide plate 6 in the vicinity of the stimulable phosphor sheet 4. Most of the light reflected by the light enters the light guide plate 6 and can be efficiently guided to the condenser 10.
[0147]
(2) As shown in FIG. 6B, the laser beam can be irradiated substantially perpendicularly to the stimulable phosphor sheet 4, so that the image quality of the read image is hardly affected by mechanical vibration or the like. it can.
[0148]
(3) It is not necessary to arrange the condenser 10 in the vicinity of the stimulable phosphor sheet 4, and the configuration of the image reading apparatus can be made flexible.
That is, in the radiation image reading apparatus using the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 having the above-described configuration, an erasing lamp 17 for erasing information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 is necessary after the reading is completed. The distance between the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 and the collector 10 can be set arbitrarily by providing the light guide plate 6 and changing the length of the light guide plate 6, so that the erasing lamp can be arranged in the vicinity of the phosphor sheet 4. The internal layout of the device can be made flexible. Further, the light guide plate 6 can be bent within a range where total reflection can be maintained, and the layout inside the apparatus can be made flexible.
[0149]
(4) By providing the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 at both ends of the reflecting member 11, the optical path length from the light incident position in the reflecting member 11 to the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 is one photomultiplier tube. Since it is shorter than the time, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, and the reading time of the image information is shortened.
[0150]
(5) Since the filters 14 and 15 are provided in the vicinity of the light receiving surfaces of the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13, when used in a radiation image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor sheet, the wavelength differs from the stimulated emission light. The amount of excitation light incident on the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 is reduced, and image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information is shortened.
[0151]
(6) In general, the quantum efficiency of the long photomultiplier photocathode is lower than that of other photomultiplier photocathodes. Therefore, the condensing efficiency including the quantum efficiency of the photomultiplier tube photocathode is higher in the configuration of the present embodiment and is advantageous in the SN ratio and cost of the image. Further, the size of the apparatus can be reduced without using a large light guide.
[0152]
(7) The light guide plate 6 has a length (L2) in the main scanning direction on the end face 6b on the condenser 10 side shorter than a length (L1) in the main scanning direction on the end face 6a on the stimulable phosphor sheet 4 side. By having such a tapered structure, the length of the condenser tube in the main scanning direction can be shortened without degrading the image quality, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. Further, if the taper angle is increased to reduce the light collection efficiency to some extent, there is an advantage that the size of the light collector 10 in the longitudinal direction can be further reduced and the light collector 10 can be made smaller.
[0153]
If L1> L2, it is not necessary to provide a taper over the entire region. For example, a taper may be partially provided as shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a curved taper may be provided.
[0154]
(8) Since the reflecting member 311 having the shape shown in FIG. 14 described later can reduce the average distance from the light incident position to the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube, and the taper angle can be made larger than that shown in FIG. The light collection efficiency is better than the type shown in FIG. 14, and depending on the conditions, it is possible to almost eliminate light leaking from the collector opening. At this time, the condensing loss is only due to the reflectance of the reflecting surface.
[0155]
At this time, the shape of the end face 6b from which the light of the light guide plate 6 is emitted is desirably a shape that does not generate a gap between the reflection opening 11 and the incident opening 51.
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The following modifications are also possible.
[0156]
(1) The light reflecting surface 11a of the reflecting member 11 of the condenser 10 does not need to have an arc shape having at least two curvature radii, but an arc shape having at least two curvature radii. Alternatively, it may be a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes that are inscribed (see FIG. 8A) or circumscribed (see FIG. 8B).
[0157]
(2) Even if the reflecting member 11 of the condenser 10 is a hollow cylindrical member whose inner surface is a reflecting surface, the reflecting member 11 is made of a substantially transparent material that does not transmit light through the inside, and its outer surface is referred to as a light reflecting surface 11a. It may be a rod-shaped one.
[0158]
(3) The shape in which the cross-sectional area of the reflecting member 11 is smaller on the center side than on the end side where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are arranged is not only a linear taper but also a stepped shape. It can be curved, and any shape can be used as long as the cross-sectional area gradually decreases.
[0159]
(4) The light reflecting surface 11a need not be a combination of vapor-deposited aluminum and a multilayer film, but may be only a multilayer film, for example, a single aluminum with a gloss or a gloss. A combination of aluminum and a multilayer film may be used as long as the reflectivity is sufficiently high in the wavelength range of incident light and the flatness is high enough that light is not greatly scattered.
[0160]
(5) In order to reduce the number of reflections, it is preferable that the taper angle of the concentrator is large within the range of the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube.
(6) Needless to say, the rotation direction of light reflection on the light reflecting surface 11a of the reflecting member 11 may be forward or reverse.
[0161]
(7) The condensing device 9 and the concentrator 10 are not only a reading device that reads out radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor, but also a reading device, that is, an X-ray, that transmits transmitted light and reflected light according to the image information of the sheet. It can be used in an apparatus including a light detection means that requires a high signal-to-noise ratio or high-speed reading, such as a film scanner, a plate making scanner, a surface inspection device, and a condenser.
[0162]
(8) Although the filters 14 and 15 are provided in the vicinity of the light receiving surfaces of the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13, the filters may be provided on the end surface 6 a or the end surface 6 b of the light guide plate 6. In this case, in order to reduce loss due to reflection at the end faces 6a and 6b, it is preferable to optically join the filter and the light guide plate with an adhesive having a refractive index close to each other.
[0163]
(9) The reflecting surface 11a of the reflecting member 11 is not circular in cross section, and may be a polygon combined with flat plates.
(10) The reflection member 11 may have wavelength selectivity so as to attenuate the excitation light and highly reflect the stimulated emission light.
[0164]
(11) In the light guide plate 6, the width of the cross section in the direction in which the light guide plate 6 guides light is gradually narrowed toward the incident opening 51, but as shown in FIG. A taper angle (δ) may be provided in the thickness direction of the cross section so that the taper angle gradually decreases as it approaches the incident opening 51. Note that FIG. 9 is also a view showing a reflection surface with the outer peripheral surface omitted, as in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0165]
By setting it as such a structure, the area which the entrance opening part 51 in the reflection member 11 occupies can be narrowed.
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the entrance opening 51 is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, so that image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or an image can be obtained. The information reading time is shortened.
[0166]
In FIG. 9, the taper angle (δ) is provided in the entire region in the thickness direction of the cross section in the direction of guiding light so that the taper angle gradually decreases as it approaches the incident opening 51. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a taper may be partially provided.
[0167]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, a curved taper may be provided.
(2) Second embodiment
11 and FIG. 11, which is a configuration diagram for explaining the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 12, which is a cross section viewed from the direction A in FIG. This embodiment is also an apparatus that reads image information recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet.
[0168]
In these drawings, a laser beam emitted from a laser diode (not shown) is deflected by a polygon mirror (not shown) and (main) scanned on the stimulable phosphor sheet 204.
[0169]
Then, the stimulated emission light according to the image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet 204 is generated from both surfaces (front surface, back surface) of the stimulable phosphor sheet 204, and the surface opposite to the surface hit by the laser beam. The stimulated emission light (hereinafter referred to as light) on the back surface is incident on the light collecting device 209.
[0170]
The condensing device 209 includes a concentrator 210 and a light guide plate 206 as a guide member that guides light to the concentrator 210.
The concentrator 210 is a long reflecting member 211 whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photomultiplier tube provided at both ends of the reflecting member 211 as a photodetector for detecting incident light. 212, 213.
[0171]
As shown in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 211 of the present embodiment is such that the cross section of the light reflecting surface 211a is a single circle. The light reflecting surface 211a has the same reflection characteristics as the light reflecting surface 11a of the first embodiment.
[0172]
The light incident from the incident opening 251 of the reflecting member 211 is reflected by the light reflecting surface 211a in the forward direction, and the light impinging on the light reflecting surface 211a changes the direction of reflection in the reverse direction, and then from the incident opening 251. Outputs externally.
[0173]
Therefore, even in the case of the cross-sectional shape of the reflecting member 211 of the present embodiment example, as in the case of combining two semicircles having different radii as in the cross-sectional shape of the reflecting member 11 of the first embodiment example, a plurality of times. If it is not reflected, light does not leak from the incident opening 251.
[0174]
Also with the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
In the above configuration, the light on the back surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 204 is collected using the light collecting device 209. However, as shown in FIG. Optical devices 209 ′ and 209 ″ may be further provided, and light emitted from the back and front surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet 204 may be collected using the three light collecting devices 209, 209 ′ and 209 ″. Note that FIG. 13 is also a diagram showing a reflection surface by omitting the outer peripheral surface of the condenser.
[0175]
Furthermore, the light emitted from the back surface and the front surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 204 is obtained using two light collecting devices, that is, the light collecting device 209 and one of the light collecting devices 209 ′ and 209 ″. The light may be collected, or the light emitted from the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 204 may be collected by using only the light collecting devices 209 ′ and 209 ″ without using the light collecting device 209.
[0176]
Although the above embodiment has been described with an example using a stimulable phosphor sheet, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a reading apparatus that reads a transmissive original such as a film.
[0177]
(3) Third embodiment
A description will be given with reference to FIG. 14 which is a configuration diagram of a main part for explaining a third embodiment. The reflecting member of FIG. 14 shows only the reflecting surface, omits the outer peripheral surface, and shows the reflecting surface.
[0178]
The reflecting member 11 of the first and second embodiments is arranged in the longitudinal direction so that the cross-sectional area of the reflecting member 11 is smaller on the center side than on the end side where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are arranged. Although tapered, the reflecting member 311 of the concentrator 310 of this embodiment is provided with a photomultiplier tube 312 at one end, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 311 is The taper was applied so as to become smaller toward the end side where the photomultiplier tube 312 is not disposed than the end side where the photomultiplier tube 312 is disposed.
[0179]
A reflection mirror 331 with an increased reflection coating was provided as an end reflection member on the end side where the photomultiplier tube 312 was not provided.
According to such a configuration, part of the light incident on the reflecting member 311 of the condenser 310 is directly incident on the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube 312, and part of the light is reflected on the light reflecting surface 311 a of the reflecting member 311. A part of the light reflected and incident on the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube 312 and reflected in the opposite direction of the photomultiplier tube 312 is reflected a plurality of times inside the reflecting member 311 and directed toward the photomultiplier tube 312. In addition, the remaining part is reflected by the reflecting mirror 331, reflected by the inner surface of the reflecting member 311 a plurality of times, and incident on the photocathode of the photomultiplier tube 312.
[0180]
Also with the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
Furthermore, by providing the reflection mirror 331 on the end side where the photomultiplier tube 312 is not disposed, no light leaks from the end of the reflection member of the condenser 310, and light including image information is efficiently detected by the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0181]
(4) Fourth embodiment
A description will be given with reference to FIG. 15, which is a main part configuration diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment.
The reflecting member 11 of the first and second embodiments is arranged in the longitudinal direction so that the cross-sectional area of the reflecting member 11 is smaller on the center side than on the end side where the photomultiplier tubes 12 and 13 are arranged. Although tapered, the reflecting member 411 of the concentrator 410 of this embodiment is provided with a photomultiplier tube 412 at the center of the side surface of the reflecting member 411, and the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 411 is cut off. The taper was applied so that the area was larger on the central portion side than on the end portion side.
[0182]
Then, on both end portions of the reflecting member 411, reflecting mirrors 431 with an increased reflection coating were provided as end reflecting members.
According to the above configuration, the photomultiplier tube 412 is provided in the center of the side surface of the reflecting member 411, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member 411 is larger on the center side than on the end side. The number of reflections in the reflecting member 411 up to the photoelectron multiplier tube 412 is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0183]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections in the reflection member 411 is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening of the reflection member 411 to which the light guide plate 406 is connected is reduced, and the light collection efficiency is improved.
[0184]
Therefore, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photomultiplier tube 412, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0185]
Further, since the photomultiplier tube 412 is provided at the center of the side surface of the reflecting member 411, it is not necessary to use a long or large-sized photodetector, which is small and low in cost. In addition, since the photomultiplier tube is not disposed on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the collector, the length in the longitudinal direction can be further shortened. In addition, although the example which provided one photomultiplier tube in the center demonstrated, two or more may be sufficient and the location provided is not limited to the center part of the longitudinal direction of a collector.
[0186]
【Example】
Among the light incident on the reflecting member of the collector of the first to third embodiments, there are light that directly reaches the photomultiplier tube and light that is reflected by the reflecting mirror and directed toward the photomultiplier tube. The number of reflections inside the collector can be greatly reduced as compared with the cylindrical collector shown in FIG. 5, and the number of reflections is M times, and the first embodiment has been described. The present inventor has found that almost no light leaks from the aperture of the collector when the relationship with the number of reflections N is M <N.
[0187]
In fact, by providing a cross-sectional structure and a taper structure that satisfy this condition, it was possible to manufacture a concentrator with very high condensing efficiency.
FIG. 16 shows measurement results of light collection efficiency in the longitudinal direction of various light collectors when the light reflecting surface is 98%.
[0188]
The collector of each plot is as follows.
●: Cylindrical (with mirror) concentrator is a non-tapered columnar shape as shown in FIG. 5, and the cross-sectional shape is perpendicular to the end face, which is the exit surface of the light guide plate, as shown in FIG. Is a reflecting member toward the center of the cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) seen from the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, and is a collector provided with a photomultiplier tube on one end face side and a reflection mirror on the other end face side.
[0189]
Δ: In the tapered type (with mirror) concentrator, the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member as shown in FIG. 14 becomes smaller from one end side toward the other end side. As shown in FIG. 4, the perpendicular line on the end surface, which is the exit surface of the light guide plate, is directed to the center of the cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) viewed from the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. It is a concentrator provided with a photomultiplier tube on the end face side having a larger area and a reflection mirror on the end face side having a smaller area.
[0190]
▲: The V-shaped concentrator is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member as shown in FIG. 3 is smaller on the center side than on the end side. As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical line on the end surface, which is the exit surface of the light guide plate, is a reflecting member toward the center of the cross-section (cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) seen from the longitudinal direction of the reflective member. A concentrator provided with a tube.
[0191]
A: Tapered type + taper type of ammonite collector means that the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member as shown in FIG. 14 goes from one end side to the other end side. As shown in FIG. 2, the ammonite is a cross section in which the perpendicular line on the end surface, which is the exit surface of the light guide member, is viewed from the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the light reflecting surface that is the inner surface of the reflecting member has a structure in which two circular arcs having different curvature radii are combined. Thus, each of the semicircles is a reflecting member whose center is shifted, and is a concentrator provided with a photomultiplier tube on the end face side having the larger area and a reflecting mirror on the end face side having the smaller area.
[0192]
◆: V type + V type of ammonite collector is a taper such that the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member as shown in FIG. 3 is smaller on the center side than on the end side. As shown in FIG. 2, the cross section of the ammonite is a cross section in which the perpendicular on the end surface, which is the exit surface of the light guide member, is viewed from the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the light reflecting surface, which is the inner surface of the reflecting member, has a structure in which two circular arcs having different curvature radii are combined. This is a concentrator with a photomultiplier tube provided on both end face sides with a reflecting member whose center is shifted.
[0193]
As can be seen from the figure, it was confirmed that the light collection efficiency was 70% or more with the V-shaped concentrator of plot ▲, and the light collection efficiency was 85% or more with the V-type + ammonite concentrator of plot ♦.
[0194]
Furthermore, considering the sensitivity of the photocathode of the short photomultiplier tube used in the present invention is about 1.5 times that of the photocathode of the long photomultiplier tube, it is sufficiently SN-like. Can also be replaced.
[0195]
This measurement data is the light collection efficiency when the reflectance of the light reflecting surface of the reflecting member of the condenser is 98%, and it is possible to further improve the light collecting efficiency by improving the performance of the reflecting surface. is there.
[0196]
From the above, by using the concentrator of the present invention, there is no need for a large and complicated condensing guide and a very expensive long photomultiplier tube, which are conventionally used, and a low-cost and small-sized reader is manufactured. Not only has it become possible, it has been confirmed that there is a tremendous advantage of improving SN.
[0197]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
  (1) According to the invention described in claim 1, as seen from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected so as to rotate in one direction. By setting the shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident opening, light does not leak from the incident opening while the light incident on the condenser rotates in one direction. Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector.Further, the photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is greater than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. A shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the end side where the photodetector is not provided to the end side where the photodetector is provided to the end side where it is not provided by decreasing as it goes toward the end side where it is not arranged As a result, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced. Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0198]
(2) According to the invention described in claim 2, the light incident from the incident opening is in one direction when the reflective member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction and viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflective member. The light reflecting surface and the position of the incident aperture are set so that the reflection rotating in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated after repeating the reflection rotating in the direction. While the incident light rotates in one direction, no light leaks from the incident opening.
[0199]
Even if the light rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the light does not leak as long as the light deviates from the incident opening.
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0200]
  In addition, when the reflecting member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction, a lot of light repeats reflection that rotates in one direction, and then repeats reflection that rotates in the opposite direction to one light. As the direction becomes shorter, the amount of light that rotates in the opposite direction to one direction and repeats reflection decreases, and the amount that rotates in one direction and repeats reflection increases. That is, light that reaches the end in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member increases before rotating in one direction and repeating the reflection.Further, the photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is greater than the end side where the photodetector is disposed. A shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the end side where the photodetector is not provided to the end side where the photodetector is provided to the end side where it is not provided by decreasing as it goes toward the end side where it is not arranged As a result, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced. Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0201]
(3) According to the invention described in claim 3, since the perpendicular of the incident aperture is shifted from the central direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the condenser, the incident aperture is incident from the incident aperture. The number of reflections until the emitted light leaks from the incident opening increases.
[0202]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0203]
(4) According to the invention of claim 4, the reflection member has an arc-shaped light reflection surface having at least two radii of curvature, so that the reflection member is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member. After the light incident from the incident opening repeats the reflection that rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0204]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0205]
(5) According to the invention of claim 5, the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having two radii of curvature, so that the incident light is seen from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After the light incident from the opening repeats the reflection that rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0206]
(6) According to the invention described in claim 6, the reflection member has a light reflection surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature. As seen from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the light incident from the incident aperture repeats reflection that rotates in one direction, and then repeats reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction.
[0207]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0208]
(7) According to the invention described in claim 7, the reflection member has a light reflection surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having two radii of curvature. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the light incident from the incident aperture repeats reflection that rotates in one direction, and then repeats reflection that rotates in a direction opposite to the one direction.
[0209]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0210]
(8) According to the invention described in claim 8, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature, or at least By having a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes that are inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having two radii of curvature, the light enters from the incident opening as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. After repeating the reflection that the light rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the opposite direction to the one direction is repeated, so that the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, Light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0211]
(9) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the photodetector is provided on both ends of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is closer to the center than the end. Since the diameter is smaller, that is, the diameter increases from the center of the reflecting member toward both ends, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced. Less.
[0212]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0213]
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, since the optical path length from the incident position to the photodetector is shortened by providing the photodetectors on both ends of the reflecting member, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0217]
  (10Claim10According to the described invention, the light detector is provided at the center of the side surface of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger on the center side than on the end side. The number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0218]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the amount of light leaking from the incident aperture is also reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0219]
  Further, since the detector is provided at the central portion of the side surface of the reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low in cost. (11Claim11According to the described invention, since the reflecting member has at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film, a high reflectance can be obtained, and light attenuation is reduced.
[0220]
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0221]
  (12Claim12According to the described invention, the reflection member has a wavelength selectivity, so that the reflectance of light that becomes noise other than the frequency of light including image information can be reduced.
[0222]
Further, it is possible to delete a filter having wavelength selectivity or to reduce its performance.
Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the detector is improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0223]
  (13Claim13According to the described invention, by providing the reflection member on the end portion side where the photodetector is not arranged among the both end portions of the reflection member, there is no light leaking from the end portion of the collector, and image information Can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of the image information can be shortened.
[0224]
  (14Claim14According to the described invention, the end reflection member includes at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film, so that a high reflectance can be obtained and light attenuation is reduced.
[0225]
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0226]
  (15Claim15According to the described invention, the reflection member has a wavelength selectivity, so that the reflectance of light that becomes noise other than the frequency of light including image information can be reduced.
[0227]
Further, it is possible to delete a filter having wavelength selectivity or to reduce its performance.
Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the photodetector can be improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0228]
  (16Claim16According to the invention described above, noise other than the frequency of light including image information is provided by providing an optical filter having wavelength selectivity in at least one of the light receiving surface of the photodetector and the vicinity of the incident aperture. The amount of light that becomes can be reduced.
[0229]
Therefore, the SN ratio of light including image information received by the detector is improved, and image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0230]
  (17Claim17According to the described invention, by having the light guide member that guides light to the incident opening of the light collector, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the light collector is increased, and the apparatus configuration can be made flexible.
[0231]
  (18Claim18According to the described invention, the concentrator comprises16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0232]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0233]
  (19Claim19According to the described invention, the normal of the exit surface of the light guide member is deviated from the center direction of the cross section of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light collector, whereby the incident aperture of the reflecting member of the light collector The number of reflections until the light incident from the part leaks from the incident opening increases.
[0234]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening before reaching the photodetector is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector. Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0235]
  (20Claim20According to the invention described above, the light guide member is formed such that the width in the longitudinal direction is narrower at the exit opening than the entrance opening, so that the longitudinal direction (main scanning) of the entrance opening of the condenser Direction) can be narrowed. That is, the length of the collector in the longitudinal direction can be shortened without degrading the image quality, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.
[0236]
  (21Claim21According to the described invention, the light guide member is formed so that the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is thinner at the exit opening than the entrance opening, so that the entrance opening in the reflecting member occupies the light guide member. The area can be reduced.
[0237]
Therefore, the amount of light leaking from the entrance aperture is reduced, and light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, so that image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or image information. The reading time is shortened.
[0238]
  (22Claim22According to the invention described above, the light guide member is provided with an antireflection coating on at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface of the light guide member, thereby reflecting light on at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface of the light guide. The light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector.
[0239]
  Therefore, image information with a good SN ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
  (23Claim23According to the described invention, the concentrator comprises16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0240]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0241]
  (24Claim24According to the described invention, the claims17Thru22By having the condensing device according to any one of the above, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased, and the device configuration can be made flexible.
[0242]
It is not necessary to use a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0243]
  (25Claim25According to the described invention, the concentrator comprises16By using the concentrator according to any one of the above, it is possible to avoid the use of a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, which is small and low-cost.
[0244]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0245]
  (26Claim26According to the described invention, the claims17Thru22By having the condensing device according to any one of the above, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the concentrator is increased, and the device configuration can be made flexible.
[0246]
It is not necessary to use a high-cost long or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0250]
  (27Claim27According to the described invention, the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes that are inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature, and thus is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. When viewed from the direction, after the light incident from the incident opening repeats the reflection that rotates in one direction, the reflection that rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction is repeated.
[0251]
  (28Claim28According to the described invention, the light detector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member, and the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is the end side on which the light detector is disposed. By decreasing toward the end side where the photodetector is not arranged, that is, from the end side where the photodetector is provided to the reflecting member to the end side where the photodetector is not provided, the connection is cut off. By adopting a shape that reduces the area, the number of reflections in the reflecting member leading to the photodetector is reduced, and attenuation due to reflection is reduced.
[0252]
Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced and the incident opening is single, the amount of light leaking from the incident opening is reduced, and the light collection efficiency is increased.
Therefore, light including image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[0253]
Further, since the photodetector is provided on the end portion side of the long reflecting member, it is not necessary to use a high-cost or large-diameter photodetector, and it is small and low-cost.
Furthermore, the cost can be reduced by providing the photodetector only on one end side of the reflecting member.
[0254]
  (29Claim29According to the invention, by having the light guide member that guides light to the incident opening of the collector, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the collector is increased, and the apparatus configuration can be made flexible.
[0255]
  (30Claim30According to the invention, the concentrator is29By using the described concentrator, it is not necessary to use a long or large-sized photodetector, which is expensive, and is small and low-cost.
[0256]
Further, light containing image information can be efficiently conducted to the photodetector, image information with a good S / N ratio can be obtained, or the reading time of image information can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a reflection surface by omitting an outer peripheral surface in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member of FIG. 1;
3 is a cross-sectional view of the reflecting member in FIG. 1 in the longitudinal direction, showing the reflecting surface with the outer peripheral surface omitted.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a comparative example of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram for explaining a second embodiment;
12 is a cross-sectional view taken from the direction A of FIG. 11 and shows a reflection surface with the outer peripheral surface omitted.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining a third embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the results of an experiment of an example.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a conventional example with respect to FIG.
18 is a diagram showing a conventional example with respect to FIG.
19 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Storage phosphor sheet (sheet)
5 reflective optical members
6 Light guide plate (light guide member)
10 Concentrator
11 Reflective member
11a Light reflecting surface
12,13 photomultiplier tube
51 Entrance aperture

Claims (30)

A long reflecting member having an incident opening, the inner surface of which is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member;
The shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident opening are repeated so that the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member. set the door,
The photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member,
The cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is smaller from the end side where the photodetector is arranged toward the end side where the photodetector is not arranged. Concentrator. A long reflecting member having an incident opening, the inner surface of which is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member;
The reflection member is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflection member, the light incident from the incident opening is repeatedly reflected in one direction, and then the one direction. And setting the shape of the light reflecting surface and the position of the incident aperture so as to repeat the reflection rotating in the opposite direction ,
The photodetector is provided on one end side of the reflecting member,
The cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is smaller from the end side where the photodetector is arranged toward the end side where the photodetector is not arranged. Concentrator.   The light collecting device according to claim 1, wherein a perpendicular line of the incident opening is deviated from a center direction of a cross section of a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the light collector.   The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature.   The concentrator according to claim 4, wherein the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having two radii of curvature.   4. The light collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface including a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two curvature radii. vessel.   The concentrator according to claim 6, wherein the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface composed of a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having two radii of curvature. A long reflecting member having an incident opening, the inner surface of which is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member;
In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member, the reflecting member has an arc-shaped light reflecting surface having at least two radii of curvature, or inscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature. Or it has a light reflection surface which consists of a plurality of circumscribed planes. The photodetector is provided on both end sides of the reflecting member,
The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a cross-sectional area of a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is smaller on the center side than on the end side. The photodetector is provided at the center of the side surface of the reflecting member,
  The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a cross-sectional area of a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member is larger on a central portion side than on an end portion side. Before Symbol reflecting member, collector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the metal having a gloss, by having at least one of the multilayer film. The concentrator according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting member has wavelength selectivity. The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an end reflection member is provided on an end portion side where the photodetector is not arranged among both end portions of the reflection member. . The concentrator according to claim 13, wherein the end reflection member includes at least one of a glossy metal and a multilayer film. The concentrator according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the end reflection member has wavelength selectivity. The concentrator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an optical filter having wavelength selectivity is provided in at least one of the light receiving surface of the photodetector and the vicinity of the incident opening. A long reflecting member having an incident opening, the inner surface of which is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a collector having at least one photodetector;
  A long light guide member for guiding light to the entrance opening of the light collector;
  A condensing device characterized by comprising: The light collector according to claim 17, wherein the light collector is the light collector according to claim 1. The condensing device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a perpendicular line of an exit surface of the light guide member is shifted from a center direction of a cross section of a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the concentrator. The condensing device according to claim 17, wherein the light guide member is formed so that a width in a longitudinal direction is narrower at an exit opening than at an entrance opening. 21. The light collecting device according to claim 17, wherein the light guide member is formed so that a thickness in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction is thinner than an incident opening. . The condensing device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein an antireflection coating is applied to at least one of an incident surface and an output surface of the light guide member. In an image information reading apparatus that scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects emitted light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, and reads the image information on the sheet.
  An image information reading apparatus comprising the condenser according to claim 1. In an image information reading apparatus that scans light on a sheet on which image information is recorded, detects emitted light according to the image information of the sheet with a photodetector, and reads the image information on the sheet.
  An image information reading apparatus comprising the light collecting device according to claim 17. Light is scanned on a sheet on which image information is recorded, and at least one of transmitted light and reflected light according to the image information on the sheet is detected by a photodetector, and the image information on the sheet is read. In the image information reading device,
  An image information reading apparatus comprising the condenser according to claim 1. Light is scanned on a sheet on which image information is recorded, and at least one of transmitted light and reflected light according to the image information on the sheet is detected by a photodetector, and the image information on the sheet is read. In the image information reading device,
  An image information reading apparatus comprising the light collecting device according to claim 17. A concentrator comprising an incident aperture, a long reflecting member whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and a photodetector for detecting light in the reflecting member, wherein the reflecting member is A light collector having a light reflecting surface comprising a plurality of planes inscribed or circumscribed in an arc shape having at least two radii of curvature. A long reflecting member whose inner surface is a mirror-like light reflecting surface, and the reflection A light collector for detecting light in the reflecting member on one end side of the member, and a single incident opening for introducing light into the light collector. And the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reflecting member decreases from the end side where the photodetector is arranged toward the end side where the photodetector is not arranged. Concentrator characterized by. 29. A condensing apparatus comprising: the concentrator according to claim 27 or 28; and a long light guide member that guides light to the incident opening of the concentrator. 30. The light condensing device according to claim 29, wherein the light is scanned on a sheet on which image information is recorded, the emitted light according to the image information on the sheet is detected, and the image information on the sheet is read. An image information reading apparatus comprising:

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