JP3664715B2 - X-ray physical examination device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is installed at the entrance of airports and buildings, etc., and X-ray physical examination is used to monitor the introduction of dangerous items such as explosives, knives, firearms, and drugs such as narcotics and prohibited items that cannot be cleared. More particularly, the present invention relates to an X-ray physical examination apparatus for detecting, without omission, suspicious objects that a person is trying to bring in without disturbing the flow of the person undergoing the examination as much as possible.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such inspection devices are required in places where many unspecified people gather, such as event venues and political meetings, but the most universally used place is an airport. For example, in order to prevent hijacking and terrorism at departure airports, the contents of carry-on baggage are inspected based on the shape of the stored items by photographing the contents with X-rays. Passengers are also allowed to pass between pillars equipped with metal detectors to detect large metal products worn by them and prevent them from bringing knives and firearms that serve as weapons into the cabin.
On the other hand, at the arrival airport, in order to prevent drugs and other embargoed goods from being brought into the country, the suspicious person is examined by examining the contents of the carry-on baggage, interrogating, and examining the suspicious object.
[0003]
However, a metal detector cannot detect even if a passenger carries a non-metallic dangerous article or a small weapon. It is also impossible to detect drugs hidden in the body or shoe soles.
If there is terrorism using a passenger aircraft, the damage will be tremendous, so even if the effects of X-ray irradiation on the human body are taken into account, even if all passengers are subjected to an X-ray inspection for comprehensive safety There may be situations where it is required to prevent prohibited items from being brought into the cabin.
In the past, forbidden items such as weapons and narcotics worn by X-rays of suspicious persons themselves using an X-ray apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be found.
[0004]
As such an X-ray physical examination apparatus, there is a compass body scanner (trade name) manufactured by MMC International Co. of the Netherlands. This product scans a one-dimensional sensor while the subject is moving in a horizontal direction on a moving table that travels in a horizontal direction while irradiating a vertical slit X-ray beam. Are arranged side by side to form a planar image. The officer observes the planar image synthesized in this way, and detects the object.
In addition, Security 1000 (trade name) manufactured by Rapiscan Security Products Co., USA, scans the entire body with a pencil-shaped X-ray beam, and scatters from the metal. A line is detected.
These conventional devices are actually used as devices for inspecting a suspect after extracting the suspect by other means. Conventional devices are expensive and it is economically difficult to install a sufficient number so that all passengers and visitors can be surveyed.
[0005]
As a more economical X-ray imaging apparatus capable of imaging the whole body, as shown in FIG. 7, a bridge structure in which an X-ray source and a line detector are integrally assembled so that the X-ray incident angle to the line detector is always vertical. There is an apparatus for taking an X-ray photograph while moving a body up and down across a subject, and synthesizing and observing it as a two-dimensional image.
In this X-ray imaging apparatus, since the arm of the bridge that integrates the line detector and the X-ray source interferes, the subject can approach the examination position only from one direction. After the inspection, the original position is restored.
In this way, since the patient is purposely guided to the inspection device, there is a room for hiding or abandoning prohibited items and weapons at the opportunity. Moreover, it is necessary to strictly manage the passengers before the inspection and the passengers after the inspection so as not to be mixed up.
[0006]
The exit can be provided on the side where the arm moves up and down, but in this case, the test subject is guided to the outside after the arm is returned to the original overhead position or the underfloor position. Deteriorates.
In addition, in order to escape the inspection, prohibited items may be brought in behind the shoe sole. However, none of the conventional X-ray physical examination apparatuses can inspect the position of shoes. Also, even if the detection range of the detector is expanded downward in the conventional device so that the foot can enter, in order to observe it by irradiating with X-rays in the horizontal direction, distinguish the thing that was confined to the shoe sole from the shoe leather. It cannot be observed clearly.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 9-10191 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an X-ray physical examination apparatus that reliably inspects what is hidden behind the foot without blocking the flow of a person.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an X-ray physical examination apparatus according to the present invention includes a standing stand on which a subject stands, an X-ray generator and a slit on one side across the standing base, and a horizontal direction on the other side. A line detector is provided so that the sensor surface faces the X-ray generator. Furthermore, the X-ray generator and the slit are coupled by a gantry, and the gantry is driven to drive the X-ray generator together in the vertical direction, and a sensor drive mechanism that drives the line detector in the vertical direction separately. The gantry connecting the slit and the line detector is omitted, and the X-ray generator and the line detector are driven synchronously so that they are at the same height, so that the subject can have a passage across the slit and the line detector. In addition , the upper surface of the stand is inclined so that the shoe sole of the subject is exposed in the X-ray irradiation direction .
[0010]
The X-ray physical examination apparatus of the present invention is installed so as to partition the inside and outside of the doorway of an airport or a building so that an immigrant or a visitor cannot pass through the doorway unless he / she undergoes a physical examination with this apparatus. To do. The examinee who undergoes a physical examination enters from one side of the opening between the slit and the line detector and stands on a stand, taking an X-ray image of the whole body while moving the X-ray generator and line detector from top to bottom in synchronization. Display on the monitor, and if there is no abnormality, go out from the other side of the opening. Since the inspection can be performed in an upright state, the inspection can be performed in a short time.
[0011]
In addition, since the conventional device performs the entrance and exit of the subject from one side, the change of the subject is not smooth, and it was necessary to prepare a method for distinguishing between the inspected person and the incomplete person, In the X-ray physical examination apparatus of the present invention, since a transverse passage is formed between the slit and the line detector, an entrance and an outlet are provided in different directions, the apparatus is used as a gateway, and a person who has completed the examination is taken out from the exit. It is possible to distinguish from those who have not completed the examination, and the change of the subject can be done quickly.
[0012]
It is preferable that the upper surface of the stand is inclined so that the shoe sole of the subject is exposed in the X-ray irradiation direction.
Even if you try to bring prohibited items behind the shoe sole, the upper surface of the stand tilts and the shoe is tilted and the back of the sole is exposed to X-rays. Compared with seeing through the shoe sole in the thickness direction, the forbidden items can be discriminated clearly from the sole leather.
[0013]
In addition, the X-ray generator and the slit move so as to have the same horizontal height in synchronization with the line detector in a state where the mutual positions are fixed. Therefore, the gantry is connected between the X-ray generator and the slit, this gantry is driven in the vertical direction by the first ball screw, and the line detector is driven in the vertical direction by the second ball screw having the same dimensions, Two ball screws may be driven at the same rotational speed by a single motor. With such a drive system, a passage through which the subject passes is formed between the X-ray generator and the line detector without using any special accessory device, so that both move in synchronization. Can do.
[0014]
Further, the gantry may be configured to double as an X-ray shielding wall that protects the space between the X-ray generator and the slit.
Since ordinary people come and go around the equipment, it is necessary to manage the outside of the equipment below the legal effective dose. X-ray shielding is easier as the shielding volume is smaller. By shielding the X-ray generator and slit, shielding is easier and more effective, and the surrounding people receive only exposure below the legal effective dose. Can be. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an interlock at the door of the doorway so that X-ray irradiation stops when the door is open.
[0015]
Instead of directly driving the gantry and the line detector with a ball screw, both are attached to linear guides installed vertically and moved vertically so that they are driven by a belt or supported by a wire. You may make it drive with a drive motor. Even in such a system, the synchronous motion can be easily performed without using a complicated drive device.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an X-ray physical examination apparatus according to the present invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show a third embodiment. FIG.
[0017]
[Example 1]
The first embodiment is installed, for example, at the airport to inspect passengers, and is provided so as to block the straight path, so that the passengers can not enter without passing this device. Yes.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the X-ray physical examination apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an elevation view thereof.
In the X-ray physical examination apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an X-ray generator 2 and a line detector 3 are installed in a room surrounded by a shielding wall so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and are covered between the X-ray generator and the line detector. The examiner's passage 4 is provided.
The X-ray generator 2 and the line detector 3 are driven vertically so as to maintain the same height at all times, and acquire X-ray transmission images of the whole body from the tip of the subject 5 to the tip of the foot while moving. Display on the monitor 6.
[0018]
In order to improve the quality of transmitted X-rays and suppress exposure of the subject 5, the collimator 7 is provided in front of the X-ray generator 1 and is extremely thin across the surface connecting the X-ray generator and the line detector. A slit is formed so that the subject 5 is irradiated only with the straight component of X-rays. The collimator 7 and the X-ray generator 2 are fixed to the gantry 8 so that the mutual positions do not change. The gantry 8 is attached to a linear drive 9 provided vertically, and is driven in the vertical direction by a timing belt 11 that engages with a rotation shaft of a drive motor 10. By driving the gantry 8 with the linear drive 9, the X-ray generator 2 is lifted from below the foot position of the subject to the top of the head, and then lowered to return to the original position.
[0019]
The line detector 3 is an X-ray sensor in which sensor elements are arranged in the horizontal direction, and is driven in the vertical direction while maintaining the horizontal posture by engaging with the second linear drive 12 installed in the vertical direction. The second line drive 12 is driven by a second timing belt 13 that engages with the rotating shaft of the drive motor 10, and the line detector 3 is driven in the vertical direction while maintaining the same height in synchronization with the X-ray generator 2. Is done.
Shield doors 14 and 15 filled with lead plates are provided at the entrance and exit of the passage 4 to prevent external persons from being exposed during X-ray irradiation.
Further, a stand 16 is provided at a place where the subject 5 stands, but the upper surface of the stand 16 is inclined. When a person stands, the shoe sole is inclined and the back of the shoe is irradiated horizontally. It can be easily discovered even if the item is concealed in the sole.
When the subject 5 finishes the inspection, the subject 5 goes out of the door opposite to the entrance, so that the subject 5 is not confused with the incomplete inspection subject 17.
[0020]
[Example 2]
Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment simplifies the entire shielding mechanism by forming a gantry with a shielding wall to prevent X-ray leakage near the generation source, and an X-ray generator. The line detector is moved up and down while synchronizing with a ball screw, and there is no difference in other matters.
Therefore, only the differences will be described below with emphasis.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional plan view of the main part of the X-ray physical examination apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a partial sectional elevation view.
[0021]
The gantry that connects the X-ray generator 2 and the collimator 7 having the slit 21 is a shielding cylinder 22 that surrounds them with a shielding material. In this way, shielding at a position close to the X-ray generation source requires less shielding material, and the shielding effect is high. X-rays are emitted from the slit 21 into the examination space and enter the line detector 3 to form an X-ray transmission image. Thus, since X-rays exist in the space where the subject enters, it is necessary to prevent leakage of this portion with another shielding mechanism.
[0022]
The shielding cylinder 22 engages with a first ball screw 23 installed vertically, is guided in a groove (not shown) provided in the vertical direction, and is driven vertically by rotation of the ball screw. The line detector 3 engages with a second ball screw 24 installed vertically, and is similarly driven in the vertical direction by the rotation of the ball screw.
The first ball screw 23 and the second ball screw 24 are synchronously driven by simultaneously rotating pulleys fixed to the ball screw via timing belts 26 and 27 meshing with the rotation shaft of one drive motor 25.
The subject is inspected while standing on an inclined surface on a stand 16 provided between the collimator 7 and the line detector 3.
[0023]
[Example 3]
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the driving method of the gantry and the detector, and there is no difference in other matters. Therefore, only the differences will be described below with emphasis.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the main part of the X-ray physical examination apparatus of the third embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view.
[0024]
The gantry 8 that connects the X-ray generator 2 and the collimator 7 is supported by a first linear guide 31 installed vertically so that it can move in the vertical direction while maintaining a horizontal state. An end point of a belt or a wire 32 is fixed to the gantry 8, and this belt or the like is wound around a driving pulley attached to a rotating shaft of a driving motor 35 via pulleys 33 and 34.
Similarly, the line detector 3 is also movable in the vertical direction by the second linear guide 36 and is driven in the vertical direction by the drive motor 35 via pulleys 38 and 39 by a belt or wire 37.
[0025]
Since the gantry 8 and the line detector 3 are driven by the same drive motor 35, both are driven in complete synchronization. Therefore, the X-ray generator 2, the slit 7, and the line detector 3 are driven up and down with an extremely simple logic while always maintaining a straight line relationship, and an X-ray transmission image can be obtained for the whole body of the subject. Therefore, it is possible to easily check for dangerous goods.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, the X-ray physical examination apparatus of the present invention can reliably detect objects hidden behind the feet without blocking the flow of people, so it can be installed at airports and immigration offices. By allowing all members, not just suspects, to pass through the gate, it is possible to reliably prevent dangerous goods from being brought into the plane or prohibited items from being brought into the country.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial sectional plan view of an X-ray physical examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the X-ray physical examination apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing a main part of an X-ray physical examination apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a partial sectional elevational view showing a main part of the X-ray physical examination apparatus of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional plan view showing a main part of an X-ray physical examination apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a partially sectional elevational view showing a main part of the X-ray physical examination apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a conventional X-ray physical examination apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray physical examination apparatus 2 X-ray generator 3 Line detector 4 Subject passage 5 Subject 6 Monitor 7 Collimator 8 Gantry 9 First linear drive 10 Drive motor 11 First timing belt 12 Second linear drive 13 Second Timing belts 14 and 15 Shield door 16 Stand base 17 Inspected person 21 Slit 22 Shield cylinder 23 First ball screw 24 Second ball screw 25 Drive motors 26 and 27 Timing belt 31 First linear guide 32 Belt or wire 33 and 34 Pulley 35 Drive motor 36 Second linear guide 37 Belt or wire 38, 39 Pulley

Claims (4)

A stand on which the subject stands and a line detector with an X-ray generator and slit on one side across the stand and a horizontal axis with the sensor surface facing the X-ray generator An X-ray drive mechanism comprising a coupling member for fixing the X-ray generator and the slit, and driving the coupling member to drive the X-ray generator and the slit together in a vertical direction; and the line detector. Provided with separate sensor drive mechanisms for driving in the vertical direction, the X-ray generator and the line detector are synchronized so that they are at the same height, and driven from the subject's head to the toe of the foot. In the X-ray physical examination apparatus in which the subject forms a passage crossing between the slit and the line detector, the upper surface of the stand is inclined and the shoe sole is inclined. X-ray body Inspection equipment. The coupling member is a gantry and the gantry is fitted and driven with a first ball screw installed vertically, and the line detector is fitted and driven with a second ball screw installed vertically, and the first 1 of the ball screw and the X-ray medical examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second ball screw, characterized in that it is driven by a single motor. The coupling member is a gantry, the gantry is guided by a first linear guide installed vertically, the line detector is guided by a second linear guide installed vertically, and guided by the first linear guide. the load being an X-ray medical examination apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the load is guided to the second linear guide is driven by a belt or a wire which is driven by a single motor. The X-ray physical examination apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gantry also serves as a shielding wall that shields the space between the X-ray generator and the slit.

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