Imaging plate protection assembly and imaging plate assembly

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of reducing the number of types of size of a waterproof bag, and making body fluid such as saliva hard to enter the inside of the waterproof bag.SOLUTION: An imaging plate protection assembly can accommodate a plurality of imaging plates. The imaging plate protection assembly includes a plurality of waterproof bags and a holding member. The plurality of waterproof bags accommodate the plurality of imaging plates, respectively. The holding member holds the plurality of imaging plates accommodated in the plurality of water proof bags at predetermined positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembly capable of housing multiple imaging plates. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an assembly capable of accommodating two imaging plates. The assembly described in Patent Document 1 includes a container configured to receive and hold a first imaging plate and a second imaging plate in an overlapping orientation, and a bag having a fluid-impermeable structure configured to receive and hold the first imaging plate, the second imaging plate, and the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-212401 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the assembly of Patent Document 1, since multiple imaging plates held in a container are housed in one bag, multiple types of bags of different sizes must be prepared according to the number of imaging plates to be used. In addition, since the bag covers the container that holds the multiple imaging plates, the contents inside the bag are thick and the mouth of the bag is difficult to close. This makes it easy for body fluids such as saliva to get inside the bag.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly technology capable of accommodating multiple imaging plates, which reduces the variety of sizes of waterproof bags and makes it difficult for bodily fluids such as saliva to enter the inside of the bag covering the imaging plates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the imaging plate protection assembly is an imaging plate protection assembly capable of accommodating a plurality of imaging plates, comprising a plurality of waterproof bags that respectively accommodate the plurality of imaging plates, and a holding member that holds the plurality of imaging plates accommodated in the plurality of waterproof bags in a predetermined position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the imaging plate protection assembly includes a plurality of waterproof bags each housing a plurality of imaging plates, so that the same size of waterproof bag can be used regardless of the number of imaging plates held by the holding member. This reduces the variety of sizes of the waterproof bags. Furthermore, the thickness of the contents in the waterproof bag can be reduced compared to when the waterproof bag houses the entire holding member that holds the plurality of imaging plates. This makes it easier to close the waterproof bag, and makes it difficult for body fluids such as saliva to enter the waterproof bag. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a holding member. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imaging plate assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of an imaging plate assembly 1 (also called IP assembly 1) including a plurality of imaging plates 2. FIG. 1 shows an example of the IP assembly 1 before assembly, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the IP assembly 1 after assembly. The IP assembly 1 is used, for example, for photographing the inside of a human mouth. The IP assembly 1 is used, for example, for occlusal photography. However, the use of the IP assembly 1 is not limited to this.

[0010] 1 and 2, the IP assembly 1 includes, for example, a plurality of imaging plates 2 and an imaging plate protection assembly 3 capable of housing the plurality of imaging plates 2. In the example of Fig. 1 and 2, the number of imaging plates 2 is two, but the number of imaging plates 2 may be three or more. Note that the IP assembly 1 can also be used in a state in which a single imaging plate is housed therein.

[0011] The imaging plate protection assembly 3 (also referred to as the protection assembly 3) includes, for example, a plurality of waterproof bags 4 each housing a plurality of imaging plates 2, and a holding member 5 that holds the plurality of imaging plates 2 housed in the plurality of waterproof bags 4 in a predetermined position. The protection assembly 3 also includes, for example, a plurality of cover members 6 that cover the plurality of imaging plates 2, respectively. The waterproof bag 4 houses the imaging plate 2 covered with the cover member 6. The waterproof bag 4 corresponds to the bag having a fluid-impermeable structure disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. The protection assembly 3 does not need to include the cover member 6. In a configuration in which the protection assembly 3 does not include the cover member 6, the holding member 5 (particularly the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52 (described later) in the holding member 5A, and particularly the main wall portions 501 and 502 in the holding member 5B) may also function as the cover member 6 to reduce mechanical damage to the imaging plate 2.

[0012] The imaging plate 2 has a flat shape and a radiation image forming layer 20, and is a recording medium for recording a radiation image. The imaging plate 2 has a surface on which the radiation image forming layer 20 is located (in other words, the front surface) and a back surface opposite to the surface. The imaging plate 2 has, for example, a substantially rectangular flat shape with rounded corners. The radiation image forming layer 20 is a layer that accumulates the energy of irradiated radiation and emits photostimulable light according to the accumulated energy. The imaging plate 2 has a film made of a resin. The film has a surface on which the radiation image forming layer 20 is provided (in other words, the front surface) and a back surface opposite to the surface. The radiation image forming layer 20 is made of, for example, a photostimulable phosphor applied to the surface of the film. For example, X-rays are used as the radiation irradiated to the radiation image forming layer 20. When X-rays from an X-ray generator penetrate the object to be photographed and irradiate the imaging plate 2, energy according to the intensity of the X-rays is accumulated in the radiation image forming layer 20. Since the intensity of the X-rays is based on the distribution of X-ray absorbing regions in the object to be photographed, the distribution of energy stored in the radiation image forming layer 20 is an X-ray radiation image of the object to be photographed. In this way, the imaging plate 2 records, for example, a radiation image formed by X-rays as a latent image.

[0013] 2 shows an example of a state in which a plurality of imaging plates 2, each housed in a plurality of waterproof bags 4, are held by a holding member 5. The IP assembly 1 is placed, for example, in a person's oral cavity in the state shown in FIG. 2. For example, there are a plurality of sizes of imaging plates 2. The type and number of imaging plates to be used are appropriately selected depending on the subject to be photographed.

[0014] In dental X-ray photography using imaging plates, generally, small-sized imaging plates tend to be used more frequently than large-sized imaging plates. This tendency is due to the fact that there are many issues and high technical hurdles in scanning large-sized imaging plates using general detectors conventionally used in the field of dental X-ray photography. On the other hand, if a detector capable of scanning large-sized imaging plates is installed, the cost of the device itself will be high, or the detector will be over-specified in detecting the (small-sized) imaging plates generally used. Therefore, if the same photography can be performed using small-sized imaging plates as when large-sized imaging plates are used, various dental X-ray photography will be possible even with conventional devices, and the applications will be expanded. Note that the small-sized imaging plates and large-sized imaging plates described here are expedient expressions to distinguish between sizes that can be read by normal scanning using conventional general detectors and sizes that cannot be read. For example, the following is assumed. Small size imaging plates are imaging plates called "size 0" that are generally used for standard pediatric radiography in dental X-rays, imaging plates called "size 1" that are generally used for pediatric bitewing radiography, imaging plates called "size 2" that are generally used for standard adult radiography, and imaging plates called "size 3" that are generally used for adult bitewing radiography. Large size imaging plates are imaging plates with a size larger than "size 3" that are generally used for pediatric and adult bitewing radiography in dental X-rays.

[0015] By using multiple imaging plates 2, such as the IP assembly 1 disclosed in the embodiments shown in Figure 1, it is now possible to take large-area occlusal photographs using smaller imaging plates, which previously required the use of imaging plates larger than size 3.

[0016] As described above, when the IP assembly 1 having a relatively large imaging area and including a plurality of imaging plates 2 is placed in the oral cavity, the entire IP assembly 1 may not fit within the oral cavity, and part of the IP assembly 1 may be located outside the oral cavity. In other words, part of the holding member 5 may be located outside the oral cavity. With the IP assembly 1 placed in the oral cavity, radiation is irradiated onto the radiation image forming layer 20 of each imaging plate 2 included in the IP assembly 1. For example, a radiation image of a tooth is recorded on the radiation image forming layer 20 of each imaging plate 2 of the IP assembly 1.

[0017] The radiation image recorded on the imaging plate 2 is read by a reading device (not shown). For example, each imaging plate 2 included in the IP assembly 1 is inserted into the reading device one by one. The reading device reads the radiation image from the radiation image forming layer 20 of the inserted imaging plate 2 and generates image data representing the read radiation image. The reading device synthesizes a plurality of image data representing the radiation images read from the plurality of imaging plates 2 included in the IP assembly 1, and generates composite image data representing one occlusal image representing the state inside the oral cavity. The occlusal image represented by the composite image data is displayed, for example, on a display unit included in the reading device. Hereinafter, the front surface of the imaging plate 2 (in other words, the front surface) is referred to as the read surface 21. The back surface of the imaging plate 2 is referred to as the non-read surface 22.

[0018] The cover member 6 is a member that protects the imaging plate 2. For example, at least a part of the cover member 6 (the area that contacts the read target surface 21) is made of a radiation-transmitting material. Also, the cover member 6 is made of a material that has a light-shielding property against visible light, for example. The cover member 6 is made of paper, for example. When hard paper such as cardboard having a certain thickness is used as the material of the cover member 6, mechanical damage to the imaging plate 2 can be reduced. The cover member 6 has a structure in which a sheet-like member is folded, for example, and can be opened and closed. The cover member 6 includes, for example, a sheet-like first cover portion 61 and a sheet-like second cover portion 62 connected to the first cover portion 61. The second cover portion 62 can be opened and closed relatively to the first cover portion 61, with the connection point with the first cover portion 61 as the base point (in other words, the opening and closing axis).

[0019] When no external force is applied to the cover member 6, the second cover portion 62 is in a state of being slightly open relative to the first cover portion 61, and the cover member 6 is in an open state. When an external force is applied to at least one of the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 so that the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 approach each other, the cover member 6 is in a closed state, and the imaging plate 2 is sandwiched between the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62. For example, when the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 are sandwiched between fingers from the outside, the cover member 6 is in a closed state. When no external force is applied to the cover member 6, the second cover portion 62 may be in a closed state relative to the first cover portion 61. The user can put it in an open state with his or her fingers as necessary.

[0020] The cover members 6 and the imaging plate 2 are used in combination such that when the imaging plate 2 is sandwiched between the cover members 6, the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 face the read target surface 21 and the non-read surface 22 of the imaging plate 2, respectively. In a state in which the imaging plate 2 is sandwiched between the cover members 6, the first cover portion 61 covers the entire area of ​​the read target surface 21 of the imaging plate 2, and the second cover portion 62 covers a portion of the non-read surface 22 of the imaging plate 2. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the imaging plate 2 is arranged on the first cover portion 61 of the cover member 6 in an open state.

[0021] In this way, by covering the imaging plate 2 with the cover member 6, the imaging plate 2 is less likely to be mechanically damaged. For example, when the IP assembly 1 placed in the oral cavity is bitten by a person's teeth or is curved by contact along the dentition during dental X-ray photography, the imaging plate 2 is less likely to be damaged. The cover member 6 is also called, for example, a bite cover, an IP cover, or a carton.

[0022] Furthermore, by covering the imaging plate 2 with the cover member 6 made of a material that is difficult to transmit visible light, such as paper, visible light emitted by surrounding lighting devices (e.g., fluorescent lamps or LEDs (light-emitting diodes)) or external light is less likely to strike the imaging plate 2. This makes it difficult for radiation image information to be lost from the imaging plate 2.

[0023] The cover member 6 may be made of a material other than paper. For example, the cover member 6 may be made of a resin material molded to have flexibility, or a composite material of paper and resin that is waterproof or strong and has a resin-coated surface. The second cover portion 62 may cover the entire area of ​​the non-reading surface 22.

[0024] The waterproof bag 4 is a protective material for the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6. The waterproof bag 4 prevents fluids such as bodily fluids (saliva, blood, viruses, bacteria, etc.) from entering the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 placed in the oral cavity of a living subject (subject) during imaging. Immersed The waterproof bag 4 is configured so that it does not allow radiation to penetrate or seep into the waterproof bag 4. In addition, when the waterproof bag 4 is washed after imaging, the waterproof bag 4 is configured so that a disinfectant or the like does not penetrate into the waterproof bag 4. The waterproof bag 4 is basically disposable and is discarded after, for example, one use. The waterproof bag 4 is also called, for example, an IP (Insulation Protection) bag or a hygienic pouch. The waterproof bag 4 includes, for example, a waterproof bag-shaped main body 40 and an adhesive member 48 for sealing the main body 40. The adhesive member 48 is provided on the main body 40. The adhesive member 48 is made of, for example, a radiation-transmitting material. The adhesive member 48 is made of, for example, a double-sided tape. The adhesive member 48 has an adhesive surface to which a part of the main body 40 is attached. In an unused waterproof bag 4, for example, the adhesive surface of the adhesive member 48 is covered with release paper or release film (also called a protective sheet).

[0025] The main body 40 is, for example, a hygienic member made of a biocompatible material. The main body 40 is also, for example, made of a radiation-transmitting material. The main body 40 is, for example, made of a soft material such as resin. The main body 40 may be, for example, made of resin such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or EVA (Ethylene-Vinylacetate Copolymer). The main body 40 has an opening 44 through which the imaging plate 2 is inserted and removed.

[0026] The main body 40 includes, for example, a first cover part 41 in a sheet-like, substantially rectangular shape facing one of the read target surface 21 and the non-read target surface 22 of the imaging plate 2, and a second cover part 42 in a sheet-like, substantially rectangular shape facing the other of the read target surface 21 and the non-read target surface 22. The first cover part 41 and the second cover part 42 are formed into a bag shape by connecting their peripheries. One end in the longitudinal direction of the first cover part 41 and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second cover part 42 are not connected to each other and form an opening 44. The main body 40 has, for example, a lid part 43 capable of closing the opening 44. The lid part 43 is connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first cover part 41. The adhesive member 48 is provided at an end of the second cover part 42 on the opening 44 side in the longitudinal direction. The lid portion 43 has an attachment target portion 43a and a grip portion 43b to be attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive member 48. A worker assembling the IP assembly 1 bends the lid portion 43 toward the adhesive member 48 while pinching the grip portion 43b of the lid portion 43 with his / her fingers, and attaches the attachment target portion 43a to the adhesive surface of the adhesive member 48.

[0027] The imaging plate 2 is inserted into the main body 40 through the opening 44 while being sandwiched between the cover members 6. The assembler holds the cover member 6 by pinching the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 with two fingers from the outside, and inserts the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 into the main body 40 through the opening 44. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 are inserted into the main body 40 through the opening 44. The cover member 6 is inserted into the main body 40 from the connection side of the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62, for example. The imaging plate 2 covered with the cover member 6 is inserted into the main body 40 through the opening 44 so that the read surface 21 and the non-read surface 22 face the first cover portion 41 and the second cover portion 42 of the main body 40, respectively. In a state where the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 are housed in the main body 40, the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 of the cover member 6 face the first cover portion 41 and the second cover portion 42 of the main body 40, respectively. Note that, in a state where the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 are housed in the main body 40, the first cover portion 61 and the second cover portion 62 of the cover member 6 may face the second cover portion 42 and the first cover portion 41 of the main body 40, respectively. In addition, in a state where the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 are housed in the main body 40, the connection portion (opening / closing axis) between the second cover portion 62 and the first cover portion 61 may be located on the opening 44 side.

[0028] After the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 are housed in the main body 40, the release paper or release film covering the adhesive surface of the adhesive member 48 is removed. Then, the assembler bends the lid portion 43 toward the second cover portion 42 while holding the tab portion 43b of the lid portion 43 with his / her fingers, and attaches the attachment target portion 43a of the lid portion 43 to the adhesive surface of the adhesive member 48. As a result, the opening 44 is covered by the lid portion 43, and the main body 40 is sealed in a watertight manner. As a result, the assembly of the assembly 7 (also called the unit assembly 7) consisting of the imaging plate 2, the cover member 6 covering it, and the waterproof bag 4 housing the imaging plate 2 and the cover member 6 is completed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the opening 44 is covered by the lid portion 43 and the main body 40 is sealed. Two unit assemblies 7 are shown in FIG. 5. The assembler assembles a plurality of unit assemblies 7. If the protection assembly 3 does not have a cover member 6, the unit assembly 7 does not include the cover member 6.

[0029] In this way, by storing the imaging plate 2 in the waterproof bag 4, the imaging plate 2 is less likely to be contaminated with saliva, blood, etc. when the IP assembly 1 is placed in the oral cavity. This makes it less likely that cross-infection will occur.

[0030] The adhesive member 48 may not be a double-sided tape, but may be, for example, a coating type adhesive. Instead of the adhesive member 48, for example, a curing type adhesive may be used. The lid portion 43 may be folded and welded to the second cover portion 42, thereby sealing the main body portion 40. Alternatively, the main body portion 40 may be sealed in a watertight manner by welding the vicinity of the opening 44 of the main body portion 40 by heat. The opening 44 may be sealed by a zipper-type structure like a freezer bag, thereby sealing the main body portion 40 in a watertight manner.

[0031] At least a part of the main body 40 may have a light-shielding property against visible light. In this case, for example, visible light emitted by a surrounding lighting device or external light is less likely to hit the imaging plate 2, so that the radiation image information is less likely to be lost from the imaging plate 2. As a method for imparting light-shielding property against visible light to at least a part of the main body 40, for example, at least a part of the surface of the main body 40 may be black. In this case, for example, at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the first cover 41 of the main body 40 may be black. This makes it difficult for the surrounding visible light to hit the imaging plate 2, particularly the radiation image forming layer 20. In addition, at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the second cover 42 of the main body 40 may be black. Even in this case, it is difficult for the surrounding visible light to hit the imaging plate 2. In addition, at least one of both surfaces of the lid 43 may be black. In this case, it is difficult for the surrounding visible light to hit the imaging plate 2. The assembly work of the unit assembly 7 may be performed so that at least the light-shielding portion of the waterproof bag 4 and the read target surface 21 of the imaging plate 2 face each other.

[0032] The waterproof bag 4 may not include the lid portion 43 and may be composed of only the bag-shaped main body portion 40. In this case, the adhesive member 48 may be provided, for example, at an end of the opening 44 side of the inner surface of the first cover portion 41 of the main body portion 40. Alternatively, the adhesive member 48 may be provided, for example, at an end of the opening 44 side of the inner surface of the second cover portion 42 of the main body portion 40. In the main body portion 40, the inner surface of the first cover portion 41 and the inner surface of the second cover portion 42 are attached to each other by the adhesive member 48 near the opening 44, and the main body portion 40 is sealed in a watertight manner.

[0033] The holding member 5 holds the multiple unit assemblies 7 in a predetermined position. The holding member 5 is also called, for example, an (IP) positioning tool or a container. The holding member 5 holds the multiple unit assemblies 7, for example, so that the multiple unit assemblies 7 are lined up in a line in a predetermined direction. It can also be said that the holding member 5 holds the multiple imaging plates 2 so that the multiple imaging plates 2 are lined up in a line in a predetermined direction. It can also be said that the holding member 5 holds the multiple waterproof bags 4 so that the multiple waterproof bags 4 are lined up in a line in a predetermined direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the holding member 5 holds the multiple imaging plates 2 such that two adjacent imaging plates 2 partially overlap each other. For example, the holding member 5 holds the multiple imaging plates 2 such that the ends in the short side direction (in other words, the ends on the long side) of two adjacent imaging plates 2 overlap each other.

[0035] This disclosure describes several types of holding members 5. Hereinafter, one example of the holding member 5 shown in Figures 1 to 9 will be referred to as holding member 5A.

[0036] The holding member 5A can be opened and closed. Fig. 1 shows the holding member 5A in an open state, and Fig. 2 shows the holding member 5A in a closed state. The holding member 5A includes, for example, a base 50 that covers the multiple unit assemblies 7, and an attachment portion 58 that attaches the multiple unit assemblies 7 to the base 50. The base 50 covers the multiple waterproof bags 4. The base 50 can also be considered a main body.

[0037] The base 50 has a structure in which, for example, a sheet-like member is folded, and is openable and closable. The base 50 has, for example, a fixed portion 51 on which a plurality of unit assemblies 7 are arranged and fixed, and a cover portion 52 that covers the plurality of unit assemblies 7 fixed to the fixed portion 51. The plurality of unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed portion 51 by an attachment portion 58. Waterproof bags 4 for the plurality of unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed portion 51. The cover portion 52 covers the plurality of waterproof bags 4 fixed to the fixed portion 51. The attachment portion 58 attaches the fixed portion 51 and the plurality of waterproof bags 4 to each other.

[0038] The fixed part 51 and the cover part 52 are each, for example, in the form of a sheet. The cover part 52 is connected to the fixed part 51 and can be opened and closed relatively to the fixed part 51, with a connection point with the fixed part 51 as a base point (in other words, an opening / closing axis).

[0039] When no external force is applied to the base 50, for example, the cover portion 52 is in a state where it is relatively open with respect to the fixed portion 51, and the base 50 is in an open state. When an external force is applied to at least one of the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52 so that the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52 approach each other, the base 50 is in a closed state, and the multiple unit assemblies 7 are sandwiched between the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52. For example, when the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52 are sandwiched by fingers from the outside, the base 50 is in a closed state. In a state where the multiple unit assemblies 7 are sandwiched between the fixed portion 51 and the cover portion 52, the base 50 faces both sides (i.e., the read target surface 21 and the non-read surface 22) of the imaging plate 2 of the multiple unit assemblies 7. The base 50 may be in a closed state when no external force is applied.

[0040] The fixed part 51 and the cover part 52 each have a pair of knobs 51a and 52a. The knob 51a is provided at the end of the fixed part 51 opposite to the end connected to the cover part 52. The knob 52a is provided at the end of the cover part 52 opposite to the end connected to the fixed part 51. When the base 50 is in the closed state, the pair of knobs 51a and 52a face each other. An assembly worker can maintain the closed state of the base 50 by pinching the pair of knobs 51a and 52a with his / her fingers from the outside. When the base 50 is in the closed state with the unit assembly 7 fixed to the fixed part 51, the imaging plate 2 of the unit assembly 7 is not located between the pair of knobs 51a and 52a. The knobs 51a and 52a may not be provided in the configuration of the holding member 5.

[0041] The base 50 is, for example, a hygienic member and is made of a biocompatible material (for example, a material conforming to ISO standard 10993-1, etc.). The base 50 is, for example, made of a radiation-transmitting material. The base 50 is, for example, made of a soft material such as resin. The base 50 may be made of resin such as PVC or EVA. The base 50 may be made of the same material as the main body 40 of the waterproof bag 4, or may be made of a material different from that of the main body 40. The base 50 may be made of paper instead of resin. The base 50 may be made of paper and resin. In this case, for example, the base 50 may be made by coating a base material (also called a main body) made of paper with a resin such as vinyl. As the material of the base 50, various materials having high radiation transmittance, such as carbon fiber material, can be used. The holding member 5 having the base 50 may be manufactured to be reusable, or the holding member 5 may be manufactured to be disposable, for example, to be discarded after one use.

[0042] On the inner surface 51b of the fixed part 51, that is, the fixed surface 51b to which the multiple unit assemblies 7 are fixed, placement location information 51c indicating the placement locations of the multiple unit assemblies 7 is printed or the like. The placement location information 51c indicates the placement locations of the multiple waterproof bags 4, each of which accommodates the multiple imaging plates 2. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the placement location information 51c includes the numbers 1 and 2 indicating that the two unit assemblies 7 are placed on the fixed surface 51b. The arrangement direction of the numbers 1 and 2 indicates the arrangement direction of the two unit assemblies 7. The location where the number 1 is indicated indicates the approximate placement location of one unit assembly 7, and the location where the number 2 is indicated indicates the approximate placement location of the other unit assembly 7. The placement location information 51c also includes a dotted line indicating the detailed placement location of one unit assembly 7. Note that the configuration of the placement location information 51c is not limited to this embodiment. The placement location information 51c may indicate the positions of three or more unit assemblies 7, or may indicate the arrangement direction of three or more unit assemblies 7. The placement location information 51c may be indicated using various types of lines, or may be indicated using characters, figures, marks, or the like. The placement location information 51c may be configured to at least indicate to the user the placement of the imaging plate 2 that is compatible with the imaging method using the IP assembly 1.

[0043] The attachment portion 58 that attaches the fixed portion 51 and the plurality of waterproof bags 4 to each other is made of, for example, a radiation-transmitting material. Before the plurality of unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed portion 51, that is, in an unused holding member 5A, the attachment portion 58 is provided, for example, on the fixed surface 51b. The attachment portion 58 is, for example, an adhesive material. For example, a translucent or transparent double-sided tape is used as the adhesive material. In an unused holding member 5A, a release paper or release film may be attached to the attachment portion 58. The attachment portion 58 is provided on at least a part of the fixed surface 51b. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the attachment portion 58 is provided on most of the fixed surface 51b. The arrangement location information 51c is visible through the attachment portion 58. Each of the plurality of unit assemblies 7 is, for example, detachable from the fixed surface 51b.

[0044] For example, when two unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed part 51 of the holding member 5A, first, one of the unit assemblies 7 is arranged and fixed in an area of ​​the fixed surface 51b indicated by a dotted line included in the arrangement location information 51c. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of this state. The unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed surface 51b such that the non-reading surface 22 of the imaging plate 2 included in the unit assembly 7 is located on the fixed surface 51b side. In addition, the unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed surface 51b such that the bottom of the waterproof bag 4 of the unit assembly 7 is located on the connection end side of the cover part 52 and the fixed part 51, and the lid part 43 of the waterproof bag 4 is located on the knob part 51a side.

[0045] After one unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixing surface 51b, the other unit assembly 7 is placed and fixed to the fixing surface 51b. By fixing the multiple unit assemblies 7 to the fixing surface 51b, the assembly of the IP assembly 1 is completed.

[0046] The unit assembly 7 may be fixed to the fixed surface 51b such that the read target surface 21 of the imaging plate 2 included in the unit assembly 7 is located on the fixed surface 51b side. The unit assembly 7 may also be fixed to the fixed surface 51b such that the bottom of the waterproof bag 4 of the unit assembly 7 is located on the knob portion 51a side and the lid portion 43 of the waterproof bag 4 is located on the connection end side between the cover portion 52 and the fixed portion 51.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an IP assembly 1 after assembly is completed. In Fig. 7, the imaging plate 2 is indicated by a dashed line. The two unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed portion 51 such that the two imaging plates 2 included in each of the two unit assemblies 7 partially overlap each other. For example, the two unit assemblies 7 are fixed by the attachment portion 58 to the fixed surface 51b such that one end portion 25 in the short side direction of the imaging plate 2 of the unit assembly 7 fixed second is positioned above one end portion 25 in the short side direction of the imaging plate 2 of the unit assembly 7 fixed first.

[0048] Incidentally, even when three or more unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed part 51, each unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed part 51 in order. Specifically, after the first unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed part 51, the second unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed part 51 so that one end of the imaging plate 2 of the second unit assembly 7 in the short side direction overlaps one end of the imaging plate 2 of the first unit assembly 7 in the short side direction. Next, the third unit assembly 7 is fixed to the fixed part 51 so that one end of the imaging plate 2 of the third unit assembly 7 in the short side direction overlaps the other end of the imaging plate 2 of the second unit assembly 7 in the short side direction. Thereafter, the fourth and subsequent unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed part 51 in order in the same manner. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which three unit assemblies 7 are fixed to the fixed part 51. FIG. 8 shows an example of an IP assembly 1 including three unit assemblies 7.

[0049] The multiple unit assemblies 7 may be fixed to the fixed portion 51 such that two adjacent imaging plates 2 do not overlap with each other. In other words, the holding member 5A may hold the multiple unit assemblies 7 such that two adjacent imaging plates 2 do not overlap with each other.

[0050] The configuration of the attachment portion 58 is not limited to the above example. For example, the attachment portion 58 may be composed of a plurality of adhesive members (e.g., double-sided tape or a spread-type adhesive) provided on each of the plurality of waterproof bags 4 fixed to the fixed portion 51. The attachment portion 58 may also be composed of a plurality of adhesive members provided on each of the plurality of waterproof bags 4 and an adhesive member provided on the fixed surface 51b. By providing an adhesive member on at least one of the waterproof bag 4 and the fixed portion 51, the waterproof bag 4 can be fixed to the fixed portion 51. In other words, the holding member 5A can hold the waterproof bag 4.

[0051] The attachment portion 58 may also include a hook-and-loop fastener. In this case, the attachment portion 58 may include, for example, a first hook-and-loop fastener provided on the waterproof bag 4 and a second hook-and-loop fastener provided on the fixed surface 51b that engages with the first hook-and-loop fastener. When the first hook-and-loop fastener is male, the second hook-and-loop fastener is female, and when the first hook-and-loop fastener is female, the second hook-and-loop fastener is male. When the hook-and-loop fastener is used to attach the fixed portion 51 and the waterproof bag 4 to each other, the waterproof bag 4 becomes detachable from the fixed portion 51. The first hook-and-loop fastener may be provided on all of the multiple waterproof bags 4, or may be provided on some of the multiple waterproof bags 4. The waterproof bag 4 that is not provided with the first hook-and-loop fastener may be fixed to the fixed portion 51 using, for example, an adhesive member.

[0052] The mounting portion 58 may also include a suction cup. In this case, the mounting portion 58 may include, for example, a suction cup provided on the waterproof bag 4 and adsorbed to the fixed portion 51, or a suction cup provided on the fixed portion 51 and adsorbed to the waterproof bag 4. All of the waterproof bags 4 may be fixed to the fixed portion 51 using suction cups, or some of the waterproof bags 4 may be fixed to the fixed portion 51 using suction cups. The waterproof bag 4 that does not use a suction cup to fix to the fixed portion 51 may be fixed to the fixed portion 51 using, for example, an adhesive member, or a hook-and-loop fastener. When the fixed portion 51 and the waterproof bag 4 are attached to each other using a suction cup, the waterproof bag 4 becomes detachable from the fixed portion 51.

[0053] At least one of the multiple waterproof bags 4 fixed to the fixed part 51 may be non-detachable from the fixed part 51. For example, the attachment part 58 may contain a hardening adhesive, and the waterproof bag 4 and the fixed part 51 may be attached to each other with the adhesive, so that the waterproof bag 4 is non-detachable from the fixed part 51. Alternatively, even if the attachment part 58 contains an adhesive with high adhesive strength, the waterproof bag 4 can be designed not to peel off from the fixed part 51, as described above.

[0054] The mounting portion 58 can attach the base 50 and the waterproof bag 4 to each other as long as it is provided partially between the base 50 and the waterproof bag 4. Therefore, the mounting portion 58 may be provided on at least one of the cover portion 52, the first cover portion 41 of the waterproof bag 4, and the second cover portion 42 of the waterproof bag 4 in Figs. 1 to 8, depending on the arrangement method of the unit assembly 7 relative to the holding member 5.

[0055] When the assembled IP assembly 1 is placed in a person's oral cavity for imaging, as shown in FIG. 9, the person in charge of imaging pinches the pair of knobs 51a and 52a of the base 50 of the holding member 5A with his / her fingers from the outside. By pinching the pair of knobs 51a and 52b, the unit assembly 7 is less likely to be pressed by the fingers, and the imaging plate 2 is less likely to be damaged. Then, the person in charge of imaging places the IP assembly 1 in the oral cavity of the person to be imaged while pinching the pair of knobs 51a and 52a. The person to be imaged bites the base 50 of the holding member 5A in the oral cavity to maintain the closed state of the base 50. At this time, the person to be imaged may bite with strong force by accident. Since the imaging plate 2 is covered with the cover member 6, the waterproof bag 4, and the holding member 5A, the imaging plate 2 is less likely to be damaged even if the base 50 is bitten with a force greater than the strength required for imaging. After the IP assembly 1 is placed in the oral cavity, radiation is irradiated to the IP assembly 1 to perform imaging. As a result, a radiation image is recorded on the radiation image forming layer 20 of each imaging plate 2 of the IP assembly 1 .

[0056] When the imaging is completed, the IP assembly 1 is removed from the oral cavity of the subject. Then, the multiple unit assemblies 7 are removed from the fixed portion 51 of the holding member 5A. The holding member 5A from which the multiple unit assemblies 7 have been removed may be discarded or reused. In other words, the holding member 5A may be disposable or may be reused. Next, the imaging plate 2 covered with the cover member 6 is removed from the waterproof bag 4 of each unit assembly 7. At this time, the worker, for example, pinches the tab portion 43b of the waterproof bag 4 and turns over the lid portion 43 to expose the opening 44, and then removes the imaging plate 2 covered with the cover member 6 from the opening 44. Note that, if the waterproof bag 4 is not detachable from the fixed portion 51, the imaging plate 2 covered with the cover member 6 may be removed from the waterproof bag 4 of the unit assembly 7 fixed to the fixed portion 51.

[0057] The imaging plate 2 taken out of the waterproof bag 4 is carried to the insertion opening of the reading device while being sandwiched between the cover members 6. Thereafter, the cover members 6 are opened and the imaging plate 2 is inserted into the insertion opening. The reading device reads a radiation image from the inserted imaging plate 2. In the same manner, a radiation image is read from each imaging plate 2 included in the IP assembly 1. The reading device transmits a plurality of image data indicating the radiation images read from the plurality of imaging plates 2 included in the IP assembly 1 to, for example, an external computer device. The computer device synthesizes the plurality of image data from the reading device to generate composite image data indicating one occlusal image. Note that the computer device included in the reading device may synthesize the plurality of image data to generate composite image data indicating one occlusal image.

[0058] When one imaging plate 2 is used for imaging because the imaging range is narrow, the unit assembly 7 is placed alone in the oral cavity, and the unit assembly 7 is irradiated with radiation.

[0059] As described above, the imaging plate protection assembly 3 includes a plurality of waterproof bags 4 that respectively accommodate a plurality of imaging plates 2. As a result, unlike the technology of Patent Document 1 described above, the same size of waterproof bags 4 can be used regardless of the number of imaging plates 2 included in the imaging plate assembly 1. This makes it possible to reduce the variety of sizes of the waterproof bags 4. As a result, the cost of the imaging plate protection assembly 3 can be reduced. In addition, management of the waterproof bags 4 becomes easier.

[0060] Furthermore, since the same size waterproof bag 4 as that used when a single imaging plate 2 is used for photographing can be used in the imaging plate protection assembly 3, it is also possible to reduce the number of different sizes of waterproof bags 4.

[0061] Furthermore, in the imaging plate protection assembly 3, the holding member 5 holds the multiple imaging plates 2 housed in the multiple waterproof bags 4 in predetermined positions, so the thickness of the contents in the waterproof bag 4 can be made smaller than when the entire holding member 5 is housed in one waterproof bag 4. This makes it easier to close the waterproof bag 4 and reduces the likelihood of gaps forming when closed, making it more difficult for bodily fluids such as saliva to get into the waterproof bag 4.

[0062] Furthermore, by increasing the thickness of the holding member, the stability of the positional relationship of the multiple imaging plates 2 held by the holding member can be improved. On the other hand, when a single waterproof bag contains a holding member with a large thickness, the waterproof bag becomes even more difficult to close. Therefore, when a single waterproof bag contains a holding member, by increasing the thickness of the holding member, bodily fluids become even more likely to enter the waterproof bag.

[0063] In this example, the holding member 5 holds the multiple imaging plates 2 housed in the multiple waterproof bags 4 in predetermined positions, and therefore even if the thickness of the holding member 5 is increased to improve the stability of the positional relationship of the multiple imaging plates 2, the waterproof bag 4 can maintain a state in which bodily fluids such as saliva are less likely to enter the waterproof bag 4 without being affected by the change in thickness of the holding member 5. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for bodily fluids to enter the waterproof bag 4 while using a holding member 5 that can hold the multiple imaging plates 2 in a stable positional relationship.

[0064] Furthermore, when the base 50 of the holding member 5A is made of resin, it is possible to prevent the subject from feeling uncomfortable when the holding member 5 is placed in the oral cavity. Furthermore, when the base 50 is made of paper, it is possible to reduce the material cost of the holding member 5A. The holding member 5A does not need to include the cover part 52. Even in this case, by making each of the fixed part 51 and the waterproof bag 4 out of resin, it is possible to prevent the subject from feeling uncomfortable when the IP assembly 1 is placed in the oral cavity.

[0065] In addition, since the holding member 5A is openable and closable, a plurality of waterproof bags 4 can be easily attached to the holding member 5A.

[0066] In addition, since the holding members 5A face both sides of the imaging plate 2, even if the IP assembly 1 is bitten by the subject, the imaging plate 2 is unlikely to be damaged.

[0067] Furthermore, since the multiple waterproof bags 4 are attached to the fixed portion 51 of the holding member 5A by the attachment portion 58, the multiple imaging plates 2 can be easily held at predetermined positions.

[0068] The configuration of the holding member 5 is not limited to the above example. The holding member 5 may be, for example, a case type that can be opened and closed. For example, the holding member 5 may include a box-shaped resin main body with an opening at the top, and a resin lid that can be connected to the main body and cover the opening of the main body, and the lid can be fitted to the main body so as to be openable and closable. In this case, the inner surface of the lid may be provided with a plurality of pressing protrusions that come into contact with each unit assembly 7 on the main body when the lid is fitted to the main body. As a result, when the lid is closed and fitted to the main body, the plurality of pressing protrusions come into contact with each unit assembly 7, and the position of each unit assembly 7 in the holding member 5 is fixed. As a result, the holding member 5 can hold the plurality of unit assemblies 7 at a predetermined position. Note that location information indicating the locations of the plurality of unit assemblies 7 may be displayed on the inner surface of the main body.

[0069] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing other configuration examples of the holding member 5. The holding member 5 (also referred to as holding member 5B) shown in Figures 10 and 11 is capable of holding a plurality of unit assemblies 7 in a predetermined position by sandwiching the plurality of unit assemblies 7. The holding member 5B is capable of holding, for example, two unit assemblies 7 in a predetermined position. Figure 10 shows the holding member 5B before it holds the unit assembly 7. Figure 11 shows the holding member 5B holding two unit assemblies 7. Figure 11 shows the IP assembly 1 after assembly has been completed.

[0070] The holding member 5B is made of a radiolucent material. The holding member 5B is made of, for example, paper. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the holding member 5B is, for example, generally in the shape of a box with a very small thickness. The holding member 5B has an opening 500 at its end face (also called a side face) through which the unit assembly 7 is inserted and removed. The opening 500 is connected to an internal space 505 (see Figures 12 and 12 described later) of the holding member 5A.

[0071] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the state of the holding member 5B as viewed from the opening 500 side. Fig. 12 shows only the holding member 5B, while Fig. 13 shows the holding member 5B sandwiching a plurality of unit assemblies 7. For ease of explanation, Fig. 13 shows the unit assemblies 7 with oblique hatching. Also, in Fig. 13, the imaging plate 2 is shown with a dashed line.

[0072] The holding member 5B has main wall portions 501 and 502 facing each other. The main wall portions 501 and 502 function as a pair of a first clamping portion 501 and a second clamping portion 502 capable of clamping the unit assembly 7, respectively. For example, each unit assembly 7 is inserted into the internal space 505 of the holding member 5B from the opening 500 so that the first cover portion 41 and the second cover portion 42 of the waterproof bag 4 face the first clamping portion 501 and the second clamping portion 502 of the holding member 5B, respectively. Each unit assembly 7 is inserted into the holding member 5A from the bottom side of the waterproof bag 4. The multiple unit assemblies 7 inserted into the holding member 5B are clamped by the first clamping portion 501 and the second clamping portion 502. Most of the unit assembly 7 is accommodated in the internal space 505 of the holding member 5B. Note that all of the unit assembly 7 may be accommodated in the internal space 505.

[0073] Hereinafter, with regard to the direction of the holding member 5B, the direction along the short-side direction of the imaging plate 2 of the unit assembly 7 held by the holding member 5B as in Figures 11 and 13 will be referred to as the width direction W of the holding member 5B. Also, the direction perpendicular to the width direction W and thickness direction T of the holding member 5B will be referred to as the height direction H of the holding member 5B. Also, as in Figures 12 and 13, the left and right sides of the holding member 5B in an orientation in which the second holding portion 502 is located on the upper side and the first holding portion 501 is located on the lower side as viewed from the opening 500 side (i.e., the left and right sides in Figures 12 and 13) will be referred to as the left and right sides of the holding member 5B, respectively.

[0074] 12 and 13, first clamping portion 501 has majority of thickness 501a whose thickness increases toward internal space 505. Most of thickness 501a is roughly the left half of first clamping portion 501. Specifically, majority of thickness 501a exists in width direction W from the left end of first clamping portion 501 to a position slightly to the left of the center of first clamping portion 501 in width direction W, and exists over the entire range in height direction H.

[0075] Similarly, the second holding portion 502 has a thickness major portion 502a whose thickness increases toward the internal space 505. Approximately the right half of the second holding portion 502 is the thickness major portion 502a. Specifically, the thickness major portion 502a exists from the right end of the second holding portion 502 to a position slightly to the right of the center of the second holding portion 502 in the width direction W, and exists over the entire range in the height direction H. In the thickness direction T, the thickness major portion 502a does not face the thickness major portion 501a. In the width direction W, the right end surface 501b of the thickness major portion 501a and the left end surface 502b of the thickness major portion 502a are separated from each other.

[0076] One unit assembly 7 of the two unit assemblies 7 held by the holding member 5B is inserted into a partial space 505a between a right end face 501b of the thickness majority 501a of the first clamping portion 501 and the inner surface of the right side wall portion 504 of the holding member 5B, within the internal space 505. The one unit assembly 7 is then clamped between the thickness majority 502a of the second clamping portion 502 and a portion of the first clamping portion 501 that faces the thickness majority 502a in the thickness direction T.

[0077] The other unit assembly 7 is inserted into a partial space 505b between the left end surface 502b of the thickness major portion 502a of the second clamping portion 502 and the inner surface of the left wall portion 503 of the holding member 5B in the internal space 505. The other unit assembly 7 is held between the thickness major portion 501a of the first clamping portion 501 and a portion of the second clamping portion 502 facing the thickness major portion 501a in the thickness direction T. The partial spaces 505a and 505b are not partitioned, and the partial spaces 505b and 505b are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 13, the two unit assemblies 7 are held by the holding member 5B such that one end 25 in the short side direction of the imaging plate 2 of one unit assembly 7 and one end 25 in the short side direction of the imaging plate 2 of the other unit assembly 7 overlap each other in the thickness direction T, similarly to the case where they are held by the holding member 5A described above.

[0078] In this way, the holding member 5B holds the unit assembly 7 by clamping it, and therefore a member for fixing the unit assembly 7, such as the above-mentioned mounting portion 58, is not required. Furthermore, since the holding member 5B is made of paper, the material cost of the holding member 5B can be reduced. The holding member 5B may be made of a material other than paper. For example, the holding member 5B may be made of a resin such as PVC or EVA. In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for the subject to feel uncomfortable when the holding member 5B is placed in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the holding member 5B may be made of paper and resin. In this case, for example, the holding member 5B may be made by coating a resin such as vinyl on a base material (also called a main body) made of paper.

[0079] The internal space 505 of the holding member 5B may have a plurality of partial spaces 508 in which a plurality of unit assemblies 7 are respectively arranged and which are partitioned from one another. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the holding member 5B in this case. In the example of FIG. 14, the internal space 505 is partitioned into two partial spaces 508 in the thickness direction T by a partition portion 550. The partition portion 550 exists from the left side wall portion 503 to the right side wall portion 504. One unit assembly 7 is sandwiched between the main wall portion 501 and the partition portion 550, and the other unit assembly 7 is sandwiched between the main wall portion 502 and the partition portion 550. This maintains the positional relationship between the two unit assemblies 7.

[0080] In addition, when the holding member 5B holds three unit assemblies 7, for example, the internal space 505 may be partitioned into three partial spaces 508 in the thickness direction T by two partition parts 550 as shown in Fig. 15. In the example of Fig. 15, a certain unit assembly 7 is held between the main wall part 501 and the partition part 550, another unit assembly 7 is held between the two partition parts 550, and still another unit assembly 7 is held between the main wall part 502 and the partition part 550. As another example, one unit assembly 7 may be arranged at each of the left end part and the right end part of the partial space 508 in the top row of Fig. 15, and one unit assembly 7 may be arranged in the center of the partial space 508 in the middle row.

[0081] In this way, when the internal space 505 has a plurality of partial spaces 508 in which a plurality of unit assemblies 7 are respectively arranged and partitioned from one another, it becomes easy to insert each unit assembly 7 into the internal space 505. As a result, the workability of assembling the IP assembly 1 is improved.

[0082] 14 and 15, the width of the partial space 508 (i.e., the dimension in the width direction W) is considerably larger than the width of the unit assembly 7 (i.e., the width of the waterproof bag 4), but it may be set to be approximately the same as the width of the unit assembly 7. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the width of the partial space 508 may be approximately equal to the width of the waterproof bag 4 of the unit assembly 7 by filling approximately the right half of the space of the upper partial space 508. This makes it easy to position the unit assembly 7 in the partial space 508. Alternatively, a partition that divides the partial space 508 into two spaces in the width direction W may be provided slightly to the right of the center of the upper partial space 508 in the width direction W, and the unit assembly 7 may be disposed in the left space of the two spaces.

[0083] The imaging plate protection assembly 3 may further include a covering member 8 that covers the entirety of the holding member 5. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the holding member 5 that holds a plurality of unit assemblies 7 is entirely covered with the covering member 8.

[0084] The covering member 8 has, for example, the same configuration as the waterproof bag 4. The holding member 5 is inserted into the main body portion 80 of the covering member 8 through an opening of the main body portion 80. Then, after the holding member 5 is inserted into the main body portion 80, the lid portion 83 is attached to the adhesive member 88 provided on the main body portion 80. This causes the main body portion 80 to be sealed.

[0085] The covering member 8 is made of, for example, a radiolucent material. That is, the main body 80 and the adhesive member 88 are made of, for example, a radiolucent material. The adhesive member 88 may be a double-sided tape or a coating type adhesive. The main body 80 may be made of, for example, a resin such as PVC or EVA. The material of the main body 80 may be the same as or different from the material of the main body 40 of the waterproof bag 4. When the main body 80 is made of a resin, it is possible to prevent the subject from feeling uncomfortable when the IP assembly 1 is placed in the oral cavity. In addition, since the covering member 8 covers the entire holding member 5, body fluids such as saliva are less likely to adhere to the holding member 5. This makes it possible to improve the ease of handling when reusing the holding member 5 inside the covering member 8.

[0086] Note that, instead of the adhesive member 88, for example, a curing adhesive may be used. Also, the folded lid portion 83 may be welded to seal the main body portion 80. Also, like the main body portion 40 of the waterproof bag 4, at least a part of the main body portion 80 may have a light-shielding property against visible light. In this case, for example, visible light emitted by surrounding lighting devices or external light is less likely to hit the imaging plate 2, so that loss of radiation image information from the imaging plate 2 is less likely. Also, the covering member 8 may have a configuration different from that of the waterproof bag 4.

[0087] As described above, the imaging plate assembly and the imaging plate protection assembly have been described in detail, but the above description is merely illustrative in all respects, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the above-described various examples can be combined and applied as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. It is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0088] <Additional Notes> The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0089] The imaging plate protection assembly of the first aspect is an imaging plate protection assembly capable of accommodating a plurality of imaging plates, and comprises a plurality of waterproof bags that respectively accommodate the plurality of imaging plates, and a holding member that holds the plurality of imaging plates accommodated in the plurality of waterproof bags in a predetermined position.

[0090] According to the first aspect, the imaging plate protection assembly includes a plurality of waterproof bags each housing a plurality of imaging plates, so that waterproof bags of the same size can be used regardless of the number of imaging plates held by the holding member. This reduces the variety of sizes of waterproof bags. Furthermore, the thickness of the contents in the waterproof bag can be reduced compared to when the waterproof bag houses the entire holding member that holds the plurality of imaging plates in place. This makes it easier to close the waterproof bag, and makes it difficult for body fluids such as saliva to enter the waterproof bag.

[0091] A second aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the holding member has a fixed portion to which the plurality of waterproof bags are fixed and an attachment portion that attaches the fixed portion and the plurality of waterproof bags to each other. In this case, the plurality of waterproof bags are attached to the fixed portion by the attachment portion, whereby the plurality of imaging plates are easily held in predetermined positions.

[0092] A third aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to the second aspect, wherein at least one of the plurality of waterproof bags is detachable from the fixed portion, which makes it easy to remove the waterproof bag.

[0093] A fourth aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the holding member faces both sides of each of the imaging plates contained in the waterproof bags, making the imaging plates less susceptible to damage.

[0094] A fifth aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to the fourth aspect, wherein the holding member is openable and closable, which makes it easier to attach the imaging plate to the holding member.

[0095] A sixth aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to the first, fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the holding member holds the imaging plates contained in the waterproof bags in a sandwiched manner, eliminating the need for a member for fixing the imaging plates.

[0096] A seventh aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to the sixth aspect, wherein the inner space of the holding member has a plurality of partial spaces partitioned from one another in which the plurality of waterproof bags containing the plurality of imaging plates are respectively disposed, making it easier to insert each imaging plate into the inner space.

[0097] An eighth aspect is the imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a covering member that covers the entire holding member. In this case, it is possible to prevent the subject from feeling uncomfortable when placing the imaging plate protection assembly in the oral cavity. Also, in this case, body fluids such as saliva are less likely to adhere to the holding member. This makes it possible to improve the ease of handling when reusing the holding member and the like inside the covering member.

[0098] A ninth aspect is an imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the holding member is made of a radiolucent material such as paper or resin. In this case, if the holding member is made of paper, the material cost of the holding member can be reduced. Also, if the holding member is made of resin, the subject is less likely to feel uncomfortable when the holding member is placed in the oral cavity.

[0099] An imaging plate assembly according to a tenth aspect comprises an imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a plurality of imaging plates housed in the imaging plate protection assembly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Imaging Plate Assembly (IP Assembly) 2 Imaging Plate 3 Imaging Plate Protection Assembly (Protection Assembly) 4. Waterproof bag 5,5A,5B Holding member 8 Covering material 51 Fixed part 58 Mounting part 505 Interior Space 508 Subspace

Claims

1. An imaging plate protection assembly for placement in an oral cavity and capable of accommodating multiple imaging plates of the same size, comprising: a plurality of waterproof bags, each of which is disposed in the oral cavity and has the same size as one another, for accommodating the plurality of imaging plates, respectively, and preventing the plurality of imaging plates from getting wet; a holding member that is placed in the oral cavity and holds the imaging plates contained in the waterproof bags in a predetermined position; An imaging plate protection assembly comprising:

2. 2. The imaging plate protection assembly of claim 1, The holding member is a fixed portion to which the plurality of waterproof bags are fixed; an attachment portion that attaches the fixed portion and the plurality of waterproof bags to each other; An imaging plate protection assembly comprising:

3. 3. The imaging plate protection assembly of claim 2, An imaging plate protection assembly, wherein at least one of the plurality of waterproof bags is detachable from the fixed portion.

4. 2. The imaging plate protection assembly of claim 1, An imaging plate protection assembly, wherein the holding member faces both sides of each of the multiple imaging plates contained in the multiple waterproof bags.

5. 5. A protection assembly for an imaging plate according to claim 4, comprising: An imaging plate protection assembly, wherein the holding member is openable and closable.

6. 2. The imaging plate protection assembly of claim 1, The imaging plate protection assembly, wherein the holding member holds the imaging plates contained in the waterproof bags.

7. 7. An imaging plate protection assembly as claimed in claim 6, comprising: An imaging plate protection assembly, wherein the inner space of the holding member has a plurality of subspaces partitioned from one another in which the plurality of waterproof bags containing the plurality of imaging plates are respectively disposed.

8. 8. An imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: The imaging plate protection assembly further includes a covering member that is placed in the oral cavity and covers the entirety of the holding member.

9. 8. An imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: An imaging plate protection assembly, wherein the holding member is a radiation-transparent material made of paper or resin.

10. An imaging plate protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a plurality of imaging plates housed in the imaging plate protection assembly; An imaging plate assembly comprising:

Images