JP2003010189A - Biological function information imaging device - Google Patents
Biological function information imaging deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2003010189A JP2003010189A JP2001203127A JP2001203127A JP2003010189A JP 2003010189 A JP2003010189 A JP 2003010189A JP 2001203127 A JP2001203127 A JP 2001203127A JP 2001203127 A JP2001203127 A JP 2001203127A JP 2003010189 A JP2003010189 A JP 2003010189A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- light
- information
- living body
- reflected
- biological
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
- Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
Abstract
(57)【要約】
【課題】光照射による生体機能情報撮像装置において、
複数の光ファイバー等を用いて照射し、生体からの反射
光を広く２次元及び３次元的に捉えることができる方法
を提供するものである。これにより、従来は、計測点ご
との情報しか得られなかったが、本方法及び装置により
広く且つ生体の深部領域も含めた多義的な情報を得るこ
とが可能である。
【解決手段】反射光を受光するために高精度のカメラを
撮像装置、画像情報処理手段及び画像解析手段等を採用
したことにより、一定の面積を持った２次元情報として
生体情報を検出できる。また、生体への照射光をパルス
状レーザーとし、その発射時間と撮像装置等を同期さ
せ、情報の取得時期を照射時とずらすことで、任意の生
体深部領域の情報を含んだ３次元の生体情報を検出でき
る。
(57) [Summary] In a biological function information imaging device by light irradiation,
An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of irradiating with a plurality of optical fibers or the like and capturing reflected light from a living body in a two-dimensional and three-dimensional manner. As a result, conventionally, only information for each measurement point has been obtained, but the present method and apparatus can obtain wide and ambiguous information including a deep region of a living body. A biometric information can be detected as two-dimensional information having a fixed area by employing a high-precision camera, an image pickup device, an image information processing means, an image analysis means, and the like for receiving a reflected light. In addition, a pulsed laser is used to irradiate the living body with a pulsed laser, the emission time of which is synchronized with the imaging device, and the acquisition time of the information is shifted from that at the time of irradiation. Information can be detected.
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、特定の光を生体に
照射する手段を用いた、非侵襲的に生体機能情報を計測
する装置及び方法に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring biological function information using means for irradiating a living body with specific light.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来より、生体組織の解剖学的情報や病
理・生理学的情報を非侵襲的に計測できる方法として、
Ｘ線ＣＴ（Ｘ線透過型コンピューター断層撮影法）やＭ
ＲＩ（magnetic resonance imaging; 核磁気共鳴画
像）、超音波断層及びＰＥＴ(positron emission tomog
raphy; 陽電子放射断層撮影法）等が実用化されてい
る。さらに、これらの測定技術でも可視化することがで
きない組織構造変化を近赤外光などの光波を用いて可視
化する試みも行われている。この技術分野は一般に光Ｃ
Ｔ技術と呼ばれている。この光ＣＴ技術の従来型の装置
は、光ファイバーを光の照射光に使用し、このファイバ
プローブを人体に接触させているもの（特開平５−１６
１６２８号）や、透明な窓部材に指を押し当てるように
するもの（特表平７−５０６９８７号）がある。また採
血することなく非侵襲的にヘモグロビンなどの生体成分
を計測しようとする装置として国際公開第ＷＯ９７／２
４０６６号公報に開示されたものがある。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of non-invasively measuring anatomical information and pathological / physiological information of a living tissue,
X-ray CT (X-ray transmission type computer tomography) and M
RI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasonic tomography and PET (positron emission tomog)
raphy; positron emission tomography) has been put to practical use. Furthermore, attempts have also been made to visualize changes in tissue structure that cannot be visualized with these measurement techniques using light waves such as near infrared light. This technical field is generally
It is called T technology. The conventional device of this optical CT technology uses an optical fiber for irradiating light, and brings this fiber probe into contact with the human body (JP-A-5-16).
1628), and a device in which a finger is pressed against a transparent window member (Tokuhyo 7-506987). Also, as an apparatus for non-invasively measuring biological components such as hemoglobin without collecting blood, International Publication No. WO97 / 2
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4066.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし、従来型の装置
は、光の照射と受光を光ファイバーなどを介して行って
いたため、数点の計測のみしか行えない又は、複数点の
計測をするために測定点を移動させる必要があった。い
ずれにしても計測点及び計測点ごとの測定方法しか開示
されていなかった。そのため対象物の全体を計測するた
めに複数回の計測が必要となり長時間の計測が必要とな
ってしまっていた。However, since the conventional type device irradiates light and receives light through an optical fiber or the like, it is possible to measure only a few points or to measure a plurality of points. It was necessary to move the measurement point. In any case, only the measurement points and the measurement method for each measurement point were disclosed. Therefore, multiple measurements are required to measure the entire object, which requires long-time measurement.
【０００４】また、最適測定位置の決定のためには複数
回の計測が必要であり、光ファイバーの配置によって
は、測定の際にその最適測定位置を取りこぼしてしまう
可能性があった。Further, a plurality of measurements are required to determine the optimum measurement position, and there is a possibility that the optimum measurement position may be missed during measurement depending on the arrangement of the optical fibers.
【０００５】さらに光の照射と受光を光ファイバーを使
用していたために、対象となる生体への光ファイバー素
子の接触が必要となり、作業中の対象者などを計測する
場合に光ファイバーの身体への安定した固定が不可欠で
あった。加えて、測定対象者からの受光量をあげるため
には光ファイバーの先端を交換もしくは加工する必要が
あり、自由度がなかった。Further, since the optical fiber is used for irradiating and receiving light, it is necessary to bring the optical fiber element into contact with the target living body, and the optical fiber is stable to the body when measuring a target person or the like during work. Fixation was essential. In addition, in order to increase the amount of light received from the person to be measured, it was necessary to replace or process the tip of the optical fiber, and there was no degree of freedom.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】そこで、本願発明では上
記の課題を解決するために、検査対象とする生体に光を
照射するための光照射手段、照射された光が生体からの
反射による光を撮像する撮像手段、該反射光を画像情報
に変換する画像情報処理手段、該画像情報を解析する画
像解析手段、解析手段により得られた生体情報を出力す
る出力手段を有する、生体の光測定を非接触に行うこと
ができることを特徴とする生体機能情報撮像方法及びそ
の方法を実施する装置を提供するものである。ここで、
本願発明に係る装置は主に生体からの反射光を撮像・情
報処理するものであるが、照射光に対して生体の吸収に
よる散乱光の減退についても、画像情報処理手段及び画
像解析手段等により補足できる。In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a light irradiating means for irradiating a living body to be inspected with light, and the irradiating light is light reflected by the living body. Optical measurement of a living body, which has an image pickup means for picking up an image, an image information processing means for converting the reflected light into image information, an image analysis means for analyzing the image information, and an output means for outputting the biological information obtained by the analyzing means. The present invention provides a biological function information imaging method and a device for carrying out the method, which are capable of performing non-contact. here,
The apparatus according to the present invention is mainly for imaging and processing information on reflected light from a living body. However, even with respect to attenuation of scattered light due to absorption of living body with respect to irradiation light, image processing means and image analysis means, etc. I can supplement.
【０００７】例えば、請求項１に記載の装置を構成する
撮像手段にカメラを用いて、照射された光が生体からの
反射による光による、生体の２次元情報を取得すること
が可能な生体機能情報撮像装置を提供するものである。
ここで、従来は計測点ごとの測定であり、僅かな面積の
点での測定しか実現できなかったが、撮像手段にカメラ
を用いることで、光を用いる生体情報撮像装置におい
て、より広範な面積を有する測定面としての生体情報の
取得が可能となった。For example, by using a camera as an image pickup means constituting the apparatus according to claim 1, the living body function is capable of obtaining two-dimensional information of the living body by the emitted light being reflected by the living body. An information imaging device is provided.
Here, in the past, measurement was performed for each measurement point, and only measurement at a point of a small area could be realized. However, by using a camera as the image pickup means, a wider area can be obtained in a biological information image pickup device using light. It has become possible to acquire biometric information as a measurement surface having a.
【０００８】また、選択的且つ付加的に請求項１又は２
に記載の装置を構成する、光照射手段による光照射方向
をミラーによって任意に切り替え可能な手段を配設した
生体散乱情報撮像装置としてもよく、例えば光照射手段
に係る２本以上の光ファイバーのうち、光照射方向切り
換え手段により、特定の光ファイバーのみを介して光を
照射することが可能である、請求項１乃至３のいずれか
の生体散乱情報撮像装置とすることが挙げられる。ま
た、光ファイバーを使用しなくとも直接に光照射をして
もよく、この場合でも任意に切り替え可能な手段を配設
できる。さらに、ここで光照射の任意の切り替え手段
は、ミラーでなく、ピエゾ素子で光ファイバーの先端を
切り替えて２股・３股としていく「光路切換装置（Opti
cal Switcher)ピエゾシステム社・ドイツ」を使用して
もよい。[0008] In addition, the method according to claim 1 or 2 optionally and additionally.
The biological scattering information imaging apparatus, which comprises the device described in (1) above, is provided with a means capable of arbitrarily switching the light irradiation direction by the light irradiation means by a mirror. For example, among two or more optical fibers related to the light irradiation means. The biological scattering information imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light irradiation direction switching means can irradiate light only through a specific optical fiber. Further, the light irradiation may be performed directly without using an optical fiber, and in this case also, a switchable means can be provided. Further, here, the arbitrary switching means of the light irradiation is not a mirror, but a piezo element is used to switch the tip of the optical fiber into two or three fork.
cal Switcher) Piezosystem, Germany "may be used.
【０００９】さらに、光照射手段による光照射をパルス
状のレーザー光とし、撮像手段、画像情報処理手段又は
画像解析手段の少なくとも１つに、時間分解能をもたせ
た計時手段を設け特定のパルス光が照射された後、一定
時間経過後の反射した生体散乱光情報を取得し解析する
ことにより、生体の任意の深度における生体情報を得る
ことができることを特徴とした、請求項１乃至５のいず
れかに記載の生体散乱情報撮像装置、又は方法を提供す
る。ここで、生体の深度とは、生体表面からの垂直方向
の領域であり、上記手段を用いることで特定の生体内部
領域の情報を得ることが可能となる。また、任意に時間
をずらしていくことで、生体内部の３次元情報を得るこ
とができるようになる。Further, the light irradiation by the light irradiation means is pulsed laser light, and at least one of the image pickup means, the image information processing means or the image analysis means is provided with a time measuring means having a time resolution, and a specific pulsed light is emitted. 6. The biological information at any depth of the living body can be obtained by acquiring and analyzing the reflected biological scattered light information after a certain time has elapsed after being irradiated, and the biological information can be obtained. The biological scattering information imaging device or method described in 1. Here, the depth of the living body is an area in the vertical direction from the surface of the living body, and by using the above means, it becomes possible to obtain information on a specific inside area of the living body. Further, by arbitrarily shifting the time, it becomes possible to obtain the three-dimensional information inside the living body.
【００１０】加えて、照射された光が生体からの反射に
よる光を撮像手段で撮像する前に、ミラー又はレンズを
用いて反射光経路を任意に切り換える手段を配設し、撮
像手段の位置を固定したまま２以上の反射光経路の情報
を取得できるようにしてもよい。すなわち複数本の光フ
ァイバーの１本ずつ順次、光を通ずるように光りを照射
させて、さまざまな方向の反射光等を、撮像装置に付属
する若しくは手前にあるミラー又はレンズを用いて、そ
の光路を切り換えることにより、カメラの位置を固定し
たまま撮像することができる。In addition, before the image pickup means picks up the reflected light from the living body by the irradiated light, a means for arbitrarily switching the reflected light path using a mirror or a lens is provided, and the position of the image pickup means is changed. Information on two or more reflected light paths may be acquired while fixed. That is, light is emitted one by one from a plurality of optical fibers one by one so that light passes through the optical path, and reflected light in various directions is reflected on the optical path by using a mirror or lens attached to or in front of the imaging device. By switching, it is possible to take an image with the position of the camera fixed.
【００１１】[0011]
【発明の実施の態様】本発明は上記の課題を解決するた
めに、次のような装置となっている。生体機能情報とは
生体組織の形態（形状や大きさや数など）や生体成分の
濃度等の生理学的な情報である。具体的には血管の寸法
や血液成分の濃度（例えば、ヘモグロビン、ヘマトクリ
ット等）や血液成分の濃度比（例えば、血液の酸素化率
等）などである。また、局所的な血液量や血流をも測定
できる。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention has the following device in order to solve the above problems. The biological function information is physiological information such as the morphology (shape, size, number, etc.) of living tissue and the concentration of biological components. Specifically, it is the size of the blood vessel, the concentration of blood components (eg, hemoglobin, hematocrit, etc.), the concentration ratio of blood components (eg, oxygenation rate of blood, etc.) and the like. Also, local blood volume and blood flow can be measured.
【００１２】本願発明の装置は、検査対象とする生体に
光を照射するための光照射手段、照射された光が生体か
らの反射による光を撮像する撮像手段、該反射光を画像
情報に変換する画像情報処理手段、該画像情報を解析す
る画像解析手段、解析手段により得られた生体情報を出
力する出力手段を有する、生体の光測定を非接触に行う
ことができることを特徴とする生体散乱情報撮像装置で
ある。以下に本願発明における装置の個々の手段等につ
いて、その実施態様を説明する。The apparatus of the present invention comprises a light irradiating means for irradiating a living body to be inspected with light, an image pickup means for picking up the reflected light from the living body, and converting the reflected light into image information. Bioscattering, characterized in that it is possible to perform non-contact optical measurement of a living body, which has image information processing means for performing the image processing, image analysis means for analyzing the image information, and output means for outputting the biological information obtained by the analyzing means. It is an information imaging device. The embodiments of the individual means of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.
【００１３】光照射手段の光源（１）は、レーザーに限
らずハロゲンランプやキセノンランプをレンズで絞り、
ミラー（２）で導くことが挙げられる。他にも光源
（１）から特定の光を光ファイバー（３）を通じて生体
に伝送する方法が挙げられる。光照射形態は、基本的に
は直径を数ミリ程度になるように絞った（スポット状に
した）光を連続照射方法でも任意の長さのパルス状照射
形態でもよい。The light source (1) of the light irradiating means is not limited to a laser, and a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp is used to squeeze with a lens.
It is possible to use a mirror (2) for guiding. Another method is to transmit specific light from the light source (1) to the living body through the optical fiber (3). The light irradiation form may basically be a continuous irradiation method of light (spotted) whose diameter is reduced to about several millimeters or a pulsed irradiation form of an arbitrary length.
【００１４】本願発明に係る照射手段からの光の波長
は、生体機能測定が可能であればいずれでもよい。本願
発明に係る装置及び方法では、近赤外光を用いた生体機
能測定法（近赤外分光法；NIRS)も採用することがで
き、この場合は赤外光の中でも、可視光領域（約400nm
〜700nm）に最も近い長波長領域（700nm〜3000nm）を指
す。特に、800nm付近の近赤外領域の光は高い生体透過
性を持ち、生体組織を通過し、さらに生体組織から反射
された光の受光が可能となる。The wavelength of the light from the irradiation means according to the present invention may be any wavelength as long as the biological function can be measured. The apparatus and method according to the present invention can also adopt a biological function measuring method using near infrared light (near infrared spectroscopy; NIRS). In this case, even in the infrared light, a visible light region (about 400 nm
~ 700nm) refers to the longest wavelength region (700nm ~ 3000nm) closest to. In particular, light in the near-infrared region near 800 nm has high biological permeability, and it is possible to receive light that has passed through living tissue and is reflected from living tissue.
【００１５】生体内の主要な光吸収体はヘモグロビンと
水であり、ヘモグロビンは紫外から可視領域（〜６００
ｎｍ）にかけて強い吸収があり、また水は２０００nm以
上の赤外領域に強い吸収があるため、およそ７００ｎｍ
から１５００ｎｍまでの近赤外領域では生体組織自体の
吸収が弱く、光の散乱透過光を検出することができるた
め、本願発明である本装置の光源に適しているといえ
る。任意に測定目的に応じて波長を切り替えるようにし
てもよい。The main light absorbers in the living body are hemoglobin and water, and hemoglobin is in the ultraviolet to visible region (~ 600).
nm), and water has a strong absorption in the infrared region of 2,000 nm or more.
In the near-infrared region from 1 to 1500 nm, the absorption of living tissue itself is weak and scattered transmitted light can be detected, and therefore it can be said that it is suitable for the light source of the present device of the present invention. The wavelength may be arbitrarily switched according to the purpose of measurement.
【００１６】また、照射手段として光ファイバー（３）
を通じて照射することを挙げたが、ここでの光ファイバ
ー径も数ミリ（３ミリ以下）以下であれば問題なく、一
般的な通信で使用されている直径が１０μm程度のもの
でも若干観察対象から離すことにより使用可能である。Further, an optical fiber (3) is used as irradiation means.
However, if the diameter of the optical fiber here is less than a few millimeters (3 mm or less), there is no problem, and even if the diameter used in general communication is about 10 μm, it is slightly away from the observation target. It can be used.
【００１７】さらに、照射手段に光照射方向をミラー
（２）によって任意に切り替えられることが可能な装置
（６）を設けても良い。このミラー（２）はモーター
（４）によりその角度を自動的にに変化させることが可
能である。そしてモーター（４）はモーター制御装置
（５）により制御することができる。また、光照射方向
切り替え部位は光ファイバーを複数本取り付け、レーザ
ー光を通す光ファイバを切り替える装置としても利用す
ることができる（図２）。その場合は光ファイバー
（３）にレーザー光を通す装置（１９）も必要となる。
ここで、複数本の光ファイバーを使用し、この１本づつ
に照射光を通じて光を照射する場合には、請求項５に記
載した発明のようにピエゾ素子で光ファイバーの先端を
切り換えて２股・３股にしていく「光路切替装置（Opti
cal Switcher)ピエズシステム社・ドイツ」を使用する
方法が、より速く切り換えることができるので適してい
る。図に示した実施例の変形例では複数の光ファイバー
をピエゾ素子で高速切換（５msec）し分岐する型のもの
を使用した。Further, the irradiation means may be provided with a device (6) capable of arbitrarily switching the light irradiation direction by the mirror (2). The angle of the mirror (2) can be automatically changed by the motor (4). The motor (4) can then be controlled by the motor controller (5). Moreover, a plurality of optical fibers can be attached to the light irradiation direction switching portion to be used as a device for switching the optical fibers through which laser light passes (FIG. 2). In that case, a device (19) for passing laser light through the optical fiber (3) is also required.
Here, when a plurality of optical fibers are used and the light is irradiated through the irradiation light one by one, the tip of the optical fiber is switched by the piezo element as in the invention described in claim 5, and the two fork. The optical path switching device (Opti
The method using "cal switcher) Piez System GmbH / Germany" is suitable because switching can be performed faster. In the modification of the embodiment shown in the figure, a type in which a plurality of optical fibers are switched at high speed (5 msec) by a piezo element and branched is used.
【００１８】次に、照射された光（１６）が生体からの
反射による光（９）を撮像する撮像手段（６）について
説明する。本願発明においては、撮像装置（７）にカメ
ラ（１０）を用いたことを挙げる。ここでのカメラ（１
０）は通常のテレビカメラと異なり高感度での撮影が可
能であるものが望ましい。本願発明の実施例では、マル
チチャネルプレート（ＭＣＰ）を備えたimage intensif
ied CCDカメラを使用した。また、高速にシャッターが
切れるカメラであることが望ましい。実施例では、この
シャッター時間を１０-13とsec１０-3secレンジの両方
及び２００psecのものを使用した。Next, the image pickup means (6) for picking up the light (9), which is the reflected light (16) from the living body, will be described. In the present invention, the camera (10) is used as the image pickup device (7). Camera here (1
It is desirable that 0) be capable of shooting with high sensitivity unlike an ordinary TV camera. In the embodiment of the present invention, an image intensif including a multi-channel plate (MCP) is provided.
An ied CCD camera was used. It is also desirable that the camera has a high-speed shutter. In the embodiment, the shutter time is in the range of 10 −13 and sec 10 −3 sec and the shutter time is 200 psec.
【００１９】また、光学系であるレンズ（１１、１２、
１３）を説明する。特段に特別のものを使用する必要は
ないが、観察対象に一番近いレンズ（対物レンズ）（１
３）の口径を大きくし、対象物からの光（９）を多く集
めることができるようにすること（開口数を大きくす
る）が望ましい。Further, lenses (11, 12,
13) will be described. It is not necessary to use a special one, but the lens (objective lens) closest to the observation target (1
It is desirable to increase the diameter of 3) so that a large amount of light (9) from the object can be collected (enlarge the numerical aperture).
【００２０】生体組織は強い散乱体であり、組織深部に
入り散乱された光子が生体表面に現れる。ある１点に照
射されたレーザー光は、図３のように生体内の広い範囲
を散乱光（９）として透過する。その散乱光（９）は光
が通った組織の性質（吸光係数、散乱係数、光学的距
離）に応じて異なった光学的情報を示す。実施例では、
散乱光は図１及び２の１１、１２、１３のような３枚の
レンズで集光され、広い領域の生体組織の光学的情報を
同時に取得できるようにしている。Living tissue is a strong scatterer, and photons that have entered deep inside the tissue and are scattered appear on the surface of the living body. The laser light applied to a certain point is transmitted as scattered light (9) in a wide range in the living body as shown in FIG. The scattered light (9) shows different optical information depending on the properties of the tissue (light absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, optical distance) through which the light passes. In the example,
The scattered light is condensed by three lenses 11, 12 and 13 in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that optical information of a living tissue in a wide area can be acquired at the same time.
【００２１】この散乱光（９）は図１及び２のカメラ撮
像手段（７）内のそれぞれのフォトダイオードにディテ
クト（検出）され、電気信号に変換し、A/Dコンバータ
ーでデジタル信号に変換し、図１及び２の画像解析部
（１４）へと送られる。この時、図１及び２の１１、１
２、１３のような３枚のレンズは、モーター（１４）、
モーター制御装置（１５）によりコントロールすること
ができ、異なる範囲の生体組織からの散乱光（９）をカ
メラ（１０）へ導くことができるようにすることが挙げ
られる。This scattered light (9) is detected (detected) by each photodiode in the camera image pickup means (7) of FIGS. 1 and 2, and converted into an electric signal and converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter. , To the image analysis unit (14) of FIGS. At this time, 11 and 1 in FIGS.
Three lenses like 2, 13 have a motor (14),
It can be controlled by a motor control device (15), and it is possible to guide scattered light (9) from living tissue in different ranges to a camera (10).
【００２２】また、本発明の装置に付加的且つ選択的
に、光源（１）であるパルスレーザーにトリガーをかけ
て撮像手段（７）、画像情報処理手段及び画像解析手段
（１４）の少なくとも１つと同期させることにより、特
定の生体深部の生体情報を取得することが可能としても
良い。即ち、生体組織深部まで到達した光子はその行路
長が大きいため、相対的に遅れて生体組織表面に現れる
ことから、カメラの散乱光ディテクト（検出）のタイミ
ングを遅らせることにより組織深部の情報を取得するこ
とが可能となる。この照射光（１６）の照射と他の撮像
部（７）等の間の時間的な調整は、同期調整部（１８）
によって行うことが挙げられる。このタイミングをずら
した測定をある一定の時間幅で繰り返すことにより、生
体組織の３次元的な画像を取得することができる。レー
ザー自体は目的に応じて変えることができるが、ここで
の実施例では、時間分解を行う場合はピコセカンドレベ
ルのパルスレーザーを用いることが望ましい。Further, in addition to the device of the present invention, at least one of the image pickup means (7), the image information processing means and the image analysis means (14) is triggered by activating a pulse laser which is the light source (1). It may be possible to acquire biometric information of a specific deep part of the living body by synchronizing with the above. That is, since the photon that has reached the deep part of the biological tissue has a long path length, it appears on the surface of the biological tissue with a relatively long delay. Therefore, the information on the deep tissue is acquired by delaying the scattered light detection (detection) timing of the camera. It becomes possible to do. The time adjustment between the irradiation of the irradiation light (16) and the other image pickup unit (7) is performed by the synchronization adjustment unit (18).
It can be done by. A three-dimensional image of the living tissue can be acquired by repeating the measurement with this timing shifted in a certain time width. Although the laser itself can be changed depending on the purpose, in the present embodiment, it is desirable to use a picosecond level pulsed laser when performing time resolution.
【００２３】照射された光が生体からの反射による光を
撮像手段で撮像する前に、ミラー又はレンズ（１７）を
用いて反射光経路を任意に切り替える手段を配設し、撮
像手段の位置を固定したまま２以上の反射光経路の情報
を取得できるようにしてもよい（図３）。このミラー又
はレンズにモーター及びモーター制御装置を配設して自
動的に、反射光経路を制御できるようにしてもよい。Before the image of the emitted light reflected by the living body is picked up by the image pickup means, a means for arbitrarily switching the reflected light path by using a mirror or a lens (17) is provided to change the position of the image pickup means. Information of two or more reflected light paths may be acquired while fixed (FIG. 3). A motor and a motor control device may be provided in this mirror or lens to automatically control the reflected light path.
【００２４】[0024]
【発明の効果】従来の単点計測では１つの測定点からの
情報しか得られなかったが、未知の対象物を計測する場
合（例えば癌の診断、脳機能計測など）は広い領域から
のデータ取得が不可欠となる。本発明のように、カメラ
を使った２次元撮像を行うことにより対象物の位置が不
明な場合でも対象物の検出が可能となる。According to the conventional single-point measurement, information from only one measurement point was obtained, but when measuring an unknown object (for example, cancer diagnosis, brain function measurement, etc.), data from a wide area is measured. Acquisition is essential. By performing two-dimensional imaging using a camera as in the present invention, it is possible to detect an object even when the position of the object is unknown.
【００２５】２次元情報を１度に取り込むことができ、
さらにレーザーの照射位置と撮像のタイミングを変化さ
せることにより、深さの異なった位置の情報を分離して
取得することも可能である。また、完全非接触な方法で
あるため、個々の対象形状に合わせた光ファイバ装着具
を作成する必要がなく、対象（ヒトなど）を拘束するこ
とのない計測が可能となる。Two-dimensional information can be taken in at once,
Further, by changing the laser irradiation position and the image pickup timing, it is possible to separately acquire information on positions having different depths. Further, since the method is a completely non-contact method, it is not necessary to prepare an optical fiber attachment fitting to an individual target shape, and measurement can be performed without restraining the target (human or the like).
【００２６】光学系（図１の２、１１、１２、１３）を
自由に変化させることにより、対象物の異なった位置、
異なった面の計測が可能となる。本装置は医療分野にお
いて、患部を非接触に観察することにより癌の初期診断
及び癌形成過程の画像化、脳機能解析その他生体組織の
光学定数変化を伴う現象（例えば、脳活動の１次、２次
信号のモニタリング）等に応用することができる。ま
た、同装置を小型化し、作業時のヒトの疲労や集中力な
どのモニタリング装置又は自動車等に搭載し運転者の疲
労や集中力のモニタリングに応用することが可能であ
る。By freely changing the optical system (2, 11, 12, 13 in FIG. 1), different positions of the object,
It is possible to measure different surfaces. In the medical field, this device is a phenomenon involving initial diagnosis of cancer and imaging of the cancer formation process by observing the affected area in a non-contact manner, brain function analysis, and other phenomena accompanied by changes in optical constants of biological tissues (for example, primary activity of brain, It can be applied to secondary signal monitoring). Further, the device can be miniaturized and can be applied to monitoring a driver's fatigue and concentration by mounting the device on a monitoring device for human fatigue and concentration during work or an automobile or the like.
【図１】 本願発明に係る生体機能情報撮像装置を示す
説明図。FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a biological function information imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
【図２】 光照射手段に光ファイバーを用いた本願発明
に係る生体機能情報撮像装置を示す説明図。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a biological function information imaging device according to the present invention, which uses an optical fiber as a light irradiation means.
【図３】 生体からの反射光の態様及び反射光路を制御
するミラー（レンズ）を示した説明図FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a mode of reflected light from a living body and a mirror (lens) that controls a reflected light path.
１ 光源部
２ 光照射位置切り替え部に付属する光照射経路制御
用ミラー
３ 光ファイバー
４ 光照射経路制御用ミラーを支持・制御するモータ
ー
５ 光照射経路制御用ミラーに付属するモーター制御
装置
６ 光照射位置切り替え部
７ 撮像部
８ 撮像部に付属するカメラ
９ 生体からの反射光
１０ 撮像用レンズ１
１１ 撮像用レンズ２
１２ 撮像用レンズ３
１３ 画像解析部
１４ 撮像用レンズ用制御モーター
１５ 撮像用レンズ用制御モーターの制御装置
１６ 照射光
１７ 散乱光路制御ミラー・レンズ
１８ 同期調整部
１９ 光ファイバー切り替え装置1 light source unit 2 light irradiation path control mirror attached to the light irradiation position switching unit 3 optical fiber 4 motor supporting and controlling the light irradiation path control mirror 5 motor control device attached to the light irradiation path control mirror 6 light irradiation position Switching unit 7 Imaging unit 8 Camera attached to imaging unit 9 Reflected light from living body 10 Imaging lens 1 11 Imaging lens 2 12 Imaging lens 3 13 Image analysis unit 14 Imaging lens control motor 15 Imaging lens control Motor control device 16 Irradiated light 17 Scattered light path control mirror / lens 18 Synchronization adjustment unit 19 Optical fiber switching device
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 大瀧 達朗 東京都千代田区丸の内３丁目２番３号 株 式会社ニコン内 Ｆターム(参考） 2G059 AA01 AA05 BB12 CC18 EE02 FF01 GG01 GG08 HH01 JJ11 JJ13 JJ17 JJ30 KK04 MM01 4C038 KK00 KK01 KL05 KL07 KX01 VA05 VB40 VC01 Continued front page (72) Inventor Tatsuro Otaki Marunouchi 3 2-3 No. 3 shares, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Ceremony Company Nikon F term (reference) 2G059 AA01 AA05 BB12 CC18 EE02 FF01 GG01 GG08 HH01 JJ11 JJ13 JJ17 JJ30 KK04 MM01 4C038 KK00 KK01 KL05 KL07 KX01 VA05 VB40 VC01
Claims (8)
光照射手段、照射された光が生体からの反射による光を
撮像する撮像手段、該反射光を画像情報に変換する画像
情報処理手段、該画像情報を解析する画像解析手段、解
析手段により得られた生体情報を出力する出力手段を有
する、生体の光測定を非接触に行うことができることを
特徴とする生体機能情報撮像装置。1. A light irradiating means for irradiating a living body to be inspected with light, an image pickup means for picking up light reflected by the living light from the living body, and image information processing for converting the reflected light into image information. A biological function information image pickup apparatus comprising: a means, an image analysis means for analyzing the image information, and an output means for outputting the biometric information obtained by the analysis means, which is capable of non-contact optical measurement of a living body.
にカメラを用いて、照射された光が生体からの反射によ
る光による、生体の２次元情報を取得することが可能な
生体機能情報撮像装置。2. A biological function capable of acquiring two-dimensional information of a living body by using a camera as an image pickup means constituting the apparatus according to claim 1 and by irradiating light with light reflected by the living body. Information imaging device.
光照射手段による光照射方向を任意に切り替え可能な手
段を配設した生体機能情報撮像装置。3. A device according to claim 1, comprising:
A biological function information imaging device, which is provided with a means capable of arbitrarily switching the light irradiation direction by the light irradiation means.
手段に係る２本以上の光ファイバーのうち、光照射方向
切り換え手段により、特定の光ファイバーのみを介して
光を照射することが可能である、請求項１乃至３のいず
れかの生体機能情報撮像装置。4. Of the two or more optical fibers relating to the light irradiating means constituting the apparatus according to claim 3, the light irradiating direction switching means can irradiate the light only through a specific optical fiber. The biological function information imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
え手段に、ピエゾ素子で光ファイバーの先端を切り替え
ることが可能な光路切換装置を使用した請求項３又は４
の生体機能情報撮像装置。5. An optical path switching device capable of switching the tip of an optical fiber with a piezo element is used as the light irradiation direction switching means according to claim 3 or 4.
Biological function information imaging device.
ザー光とし、撮像手段、画像情報処理手段又は画像解析
手段の少なくとも１つに、時間分解能をもたせた計時手
段を設け特定のパルス光が照射された後、一定時間経過
後の反射した生体散乱光情報を取得し解析することによ
り、生体の任意の深度における生体情報を得ることがで
きることを特徴とした、請求項１乃至５のいずれかに記
載の生体機能情報撮像装置。6. The light irradiation by the light irradiation means is pulsed laser light, and at least one of the image pickup means, the image information processing means or the image analysis means is provided with a time measuring means having a time resolution, and a specific pulsed light is emitted. 6. The biological information at any depth of the living body can be obtained by acquiring and analyzing the reflected biological scattered light information after a certain time has elapsed after being irradiated, and the biological information can be obtained. The biological function information imaging device according to item 1.
て、生体に対する光照射をパルス状のレーザー光とし、
特定のパルス光が照射された後、一定時間経過後の反射
した生体散乱光情報を取得し解析することにより、生体
の任意の深度における生体情報を得る方法。7. A device for obtaining biological information by light irradiation, wherein light irradiation to a living body is pulsed laser light,
A method for obtaining biological information at an arbitrary depth of a living body by acquiring and analyzing reflected biological scattered light information after a certain time has elapsed after being irradiated with a specific pulsed light.
撮像手段で撮像する前に、ミラー又はレンズを用いて反
射光経路を任意に切り替える手段を配設し、撮像手段の
位置を固定したまま２以上の反射光経路の情報を取得で
きる、請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載の生体機能情報
撮像装置。8. The position of the imaging means is fixed by arranging means for arbitrarily switching the reflected light path by using a mirror or a lens before the imaging means images the light reflected by the living body and reflected by the living body. The biological function information imaging device according to claim 1, wherein information on two or more reflected light paths can be acquired as it is.
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|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001203127A JP2003010189A (en) | 2001-07-04 | 2001-07-04 | Biological function information imaging device |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001203127A JP2003010189A (en) | 2001-07-04 | 2001-07-04 | Biological function information imaging device |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
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| US10270998B2 (en) | 2016-12-15 | 2019-04-23 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Imaging apparatus including light source that emits pulsed light beam onto object and light detector that detects light returning from object |
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