KR101647022B1 - Apparatus and method for capturing medical image - Google Patents

Abstract

The medical image acquiring apparatus includes a first light source section including a plurality of LEDs and generating light to irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, a second light source section generating a laser beam to irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, An image acquiring unit that receives at least one of reflected light or laser beam and acquires image data based on at least one of the received light or laser beam, an image acquiring unit that acquires image data of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue And a projector for displaying a medical image associated with at least one of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue on the skin based on the image signal.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING MEDICAL IMAGE [0002]

The present invention relates to a medical image acquisition apparatus and method.

The distribution of human blood vessels varies and is widely distributed in each part of the human body. From blood collection to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases, access to blood vessels is required in various medical fields, and demand is increasing. In order to collect blood directly from the blood vessels or to administer the injections directly to the blood vessels, a skilled physician or a nurse is required to collect blood or take injections to find the necessary blood vessels. Highly skilled invasive procedures are essential to perform safer and more accurate blood sampling or injections and to minimize patient pain and fear. However, it takes a lot of time to determine the exact location of the blood vessels and the location of the invasion, and in the process, the suffering and fear of the patient are inevitably increased. In addition, much training time is required to train skilled doctors or nurses in vascular treatment.

In addition, lesions in the skin or subcutaneous tissue are difficult to be visually observed, and the subcutaneous tissues or skin lesions are photographed for accurate diagnosis, and the diagnosis is made through the photographed images. After such a diagnostic process, the diagnostic action typically involves a dual treatment action. Therefore, it takes time to diagnose and treat skin lesions, and there is a problem that inconvenience of medical staff and patients is increased.

The background technology of the present application is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0033371.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to acquire images of blood vessels or lesions in the skin or subcutaneous tissues using LED light and / or laser beams and display them on the skin of the subject, And to provide a medical image acquiring apparatus and method that can effectively perform diagnosis and treatment of lesions of the skin or subcutaneous tissue.

In addition, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to acquire images of blood vessels or lesions in skin or subcutaneous tissues using LED light and laser beam, And provide a medical image acquiring apparatus and method that can provide structural information and functional information of a blood vessel.

It is to be understood, however, that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described technical problems, and other technical problems may exist.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image acquiring apparatus comprising: a first light source unit including a plurality of LEDs for generating light to illuminate skin and subcutaneous tissues; A second light source for generating a laser beam and irradiating the skin and subcutaneous tissue; An image acquiring unit that receives at least one of light reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam and acquires image data based on at least one of the received light or the laser beam; An image processing unit for generating a video signal associated with at least one of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data; And a projector for displaying a medical image associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue on the skin based on the image signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs generate near-infrared light to irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and the image acquiring unit acquires image data of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near-infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue The image processor generates a blood vessel image signal including a blood vessel pattern based on the image data, and the projector displays a blood vessel pattern image on the skin based on the blood vessel image signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the image processing unit obtains laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue, Signal and the laser speckle contrast information, and the projector can display the vascular laser speckle image on the skin based on the vascular laser speckle image signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit further includes a ring-shaped light source holder, the plurality of LEDs are detachably arranged at equal intervals in the light source holder, and the second light source unit is detachably attached to the light source holder Possibly combined.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source holder of the first light source unit may include an LED for generating light having a predetermined wavelength band according to the position of the skin to which the light is irradiated or the type of lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, Lt; / RTI >

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the image acquiring unit acquires reflected light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the irradiated light according to the position of the skin to which the light is irradiated or the type of lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image acquisition device includes a control unit for controlling at least one of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, the image acquisition unit, the image processing unit, and the projector; And a housing for accommodating at least one of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, the image acquisition unit, the image processing unit, the projector, and the control unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller can selectively control the light generation of the first light source unit and the laser beam generation of the second light source unit according to the type of the medical image to be displayed on the skin.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image capturing apparatus may further include a reflector for reflecting the medical image signal transmitted from the projector to the skin.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit includes: a first polarizer plate for controlling polarization of light generated from the LED light source; And a second polarizing plate for controlling the polarization of light reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue, wherein the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate are in a cross polarization state.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the image acquiring unit includes: a beam splitter for separating light or a laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue in each wavelength band; A first image sensor for sensing light in an ultraviolet wavelength band or a visible light wavelength band passing through the beam splitter; And a second image sensor for sensing light in an infrared wavelength band that has passed through the beam splitter.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image displayed on the skin includes a first medical image, and the medical image acquiring device displays a second medical image associated with the first medical image on the basis of the image signal The display unit may further include a display unit.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image acquiring method comprising: generating light from a plurality of LEDs and irradiating light to skin and subcutaneous tissues; Generating a laser beam and irradiating the skin and subcutaneous tissue; Receiving at least one of light reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam and acquiring image data based on at least one of the received light or laser beam; Generating an image signal associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data; And displaying the medical image associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue on the skin based on the image signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of generating and irradiating light includes generating and irradiating near-infrared light, and the step of acquiring the image data may include irradiating the subcutaneous tissue Wherein the step of generating the image signal comprises generating a blood vessel image signal including a blood vessel pattern based on the image data, wherein the step of displaying the medical image comprises: And displaying the vascular pattern image on the skin based on the signal.

According to an example of this embodiment, the step of acquiring the image data may include acquiring laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue Wherein the step of generating the video signal comprises generating a vascular laser speckle image signal based on the blood vessel image signal and the laser speckle contrast information, And displaying the vascular laser spacer image on the skin based on the vascular laser spike image signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image acquisition method further includes a step of selecting a wavelength band of the plurality of LEDs according to a position of the skin to be irradiated with the light or a kind of lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue can do.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image acquisition method may further include selectively controlling the light generation and the laser beam generation according to the type of the medical image to be displayed on the skin.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image displayed on the skin includes a first medical image, and the medical image acquiring method includes acquiring a second medical image associated with the first medical image based on the image signal, And displaying the medical image on the display unit of the medical image acquiring apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medical image capturing apparatus may include a circular light source holder in which the plurality of LEDs are detached at regular intervals and a laser diode for generating the laser beam is detached.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical object, there is a method of producing light from a plurality of LEDs and illuminating the skin and hypodermis; Generating a laser beam and irradiating the skin and subcutaneous tissue; Receiving at least one of light reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam and acquiring image data based on at least one of the received light or laser beam; Generating an image signal associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data; And displaying the medical image associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue on the skin based on the image signal, the computer-readable method comprising: A recording medium may be provided

The above-described task solution is merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

According to any one of the above-mentioned objects of the present invention, images of blood vessels or lesions in the skin or subcutaneous tissues can be acquired and displayed on the skin of the subject in real time using the LED light and the laser beam, Or to diagnose and treat lesions of skin and subcutaneous tissues quickly and accurately.

According to any one of the above-mentioned objects of the present invention, an image of a blood vessel or a lesion in the skin or subcutaneous tissue can be obtained by using the LED light and the laser beam, so that accurate and real- Information can be provided, and structural and functional information of the blood vessel can be provided.

1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a configuration diagram of a light source unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2B is a configuration diagram of a light source unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a configuration diagram of an image acquisition unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing an example of a medical image displayed by the medical image obtaining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view illustrating a display unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of a medical image acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or like parts.

Throughout this specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it is not limited to a case where it is "directly connected" but also includes the case where it is "electrically connected" do.

Throughout this specification, when a member is " on " another member, it includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when there is another member between the two members.

Throughout this specification, when an element is referred to as "including " an element, it is understood that the element may include other elements as well, without departing from the other elements unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "about "," substantially ", etc. used to the extent that they are used throughout the specification are intended to be taken to mean the approximation of the manufacturing and material tolerances inherent in the stated sense, Accurate or absolute numbers are used to help prevent unauthorized exploitation by unauthorized intruders of the referenced disclosure. The word " step (or step) "or" step "used to the extent that it is used throughout the specification does not mean" step for.

1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, a medical image acquisition apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first light source unit 110, a second light source unit 120, an image acquisition unit 130, an image processing unit 140, A projector 150, a reflection plate 160, a control unit 170, a display unit 180, and a housing 190. [

The first light source unit 110 may include a plurality of light emitting devices. For example, the first light source unit 110 may include a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) 112. Each of the plurality of LEDs 112 included in the first light source unit 110 may generate light having a wavelength of various sizes. For example, each of the plurality of LEDs 112 may generate light in a wavelength band of ultraviolet rays, visible rays, or near-infrared rays. The first light source unit 110 may irradiate the light generated by the LED 112 to the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue of the subject 200. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the first light source unit 110 may include a diffuser or the like so that the generated light can be uniformly irradiated to the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue of the subject 200.

The LED 112 of the first light source unit 110 selectively generates light of a predetermined wavelength band according to at least one of the position of the skin to be irradiated with light or the type of lesion generated in the skin and / You can investigate. For example, the user or the examiner may select the LED 112 that generates the light of the wavelength band that can obtain the clearest medical image according to the type of the lesion generated in the skin or the subcutaneous tissue, Mounted / included. For example, in order to obtain a vein pattern image of a subcutaneous tissue, an LED for generating and irradiating near-infrared rays may be included in the first light source unit 110. In order to observe and diagnose vitiligo, keratin, sebum, etc., The first light source unit 110 may include an LED.

The second light source unit 120 may include a laser diode for generating a laser beam. For example, the second light source unit 120 may include a semiconductor laser diode, a solid diode, and the like. The second light source unit 120 can generate a laser beam for image acquisition used for image acquisition. For example, the image acquiring laser may include at least one of a visible light laser, an infrared laser, a near infrared ray laser, a red light type laser, a blue light type laser, an X-ray type laser, and an ultrasonic type laser, (ND-YAG Laser) having a wavelength of 1064 nm, a green laser having a wavelength of 532 nm, a hair removal laser having a wavelength of 808 nm, and a diode laser having a wavelength of 1470 nm You may. Also, the second light source unit 120 can generate a laser beam and irradiate the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue of the subject 200.

The image acquiring unit 130 may receive at least one of light reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam. For example, the image acquisition unit 130 may include a camera element including a semiconductor image sensor such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge-coupled device (CCD).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit 110 may be formed in a ring shape. The image acquiring unit 130 may receive light or a laser beam reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue through the hole region in the center of the ring-shaped first light source unit 110.

In addition, the image acquisition unit 130 may acquire image data associated with the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissue based on at least one of the light or the laser beam received from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue. For example, the image data may include data such as an RGB value or a component ratio of each of RGB. For example, in the present specification, the image data associated with the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissues may include speckle image data, such as the shape, size or color of blood vessels in skin or skin lesions or subcutaneous tissues, And may include related image data.

The image acquiring unit 130 acquires reflected light having a wavelength different from that of the light emitted by the LED 112 according to the position of the skin to be irradiated with light or the type of lesion generated in the skin and / . For example, even if light having a wavelength of the same size is irradiated by the first light source unit 110, the image acquisition unit 130 receives white reflected light from a dead skin cell (for example, keratin) , Receives blue reflected light from a healthy normal skin area, receives purple reflected light from a dry skin area, receives yellow reflected light from a fat area, and brown reflected light from a pigment area (e.g., a point) . As described above, the image obtaining unit 130 effectively detects the skin lesion or the skin condition by receiving the fluorescence reflected light having a different wavelength depending on the position of the skin to be irradiated with light or the kind of lesion generated in the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue can do.

The image processing unit 140 may generate an image signal associated with at least one of the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 130. The image processing unit 140 generates a video signal for reconstructing a medical image associated with at least one of the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 130. For example, the image processing unit 140 may generate a video signal using a general algorithm for performing image processing using color data. For example, the image signal generated by the image processing unit 140 may include a digital image signal or an analog image signal including data such as an RGB value or a component ratio of each of RGB. For example, the image processing unit 140 maximizes the contrast between the fluorescence region (e.g., lesion region) and the skin tissue using a morphology algorithm, adjusts the threshold value, Separation and recognition.

The projector 150 receives the image signal from the image processor 140. In addition, the projector 150 can display the medical image 300 associated with at least one of the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissue on the skin of the subject 200 based on the received image signal. For example, the medical image 300 may include at least one of a skin image of the subject 200, an image of a lesion occurring in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, a pattern image of the blood vessel in the subcutaneous tissue, or a laser speckle image of the blood vessel And may include any one of them. For example, the projector 150 may include a general imaging device (e.g., a beam projector) that can generate and illuminate images and light using digital or analog video signals and display medical images have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs 112 of the first light source unit 110 may generate near-infrared light and irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the subject 200. The image acquisition unit 130 may acquire the image data of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near-infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue. The image processing unit 140 may generate a blood vessel image signal relating to a blood vessel pattern of the subject 200 in the subcutaneous tissue based on the RGB image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 130. [ For example, the image processing unit 140 maximizes the contrast between blood vessels and skin tissue using a morphology algorithm, and can distinguish and recognize blood vessels and skin tissue based on a preset threshold value. The projector 150 receives the blood vessel image signal from the image processing unit 140 and displays the blood vessel pattern image on the skin of the subject 200 based on the received blood vessel image signal.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs 112 of the first light source unit 110 may generate near-infrared light and irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the subject 200. In addition, the second light source unit 120 can generate a laser beam and irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the subject 200. The image acquisition unit 130 may acquire image data of the blood vessel pattern of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near-infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue. In addition, the image acquisition unit 130 may receive the reflected laser beam from the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

The image processing unit 140 can generate a blood vessel image signal relating to a blood vessel pattern of the subject 200 in the subcutaneous tissue based on the RGB image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 130. [ The image processing unit 140 acquires laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissues received by the image obtaining unit 130 )can do. In addition, the image processing unit 140 may generate a blood vessel laser sparkle image signal based on the blood vessel image signal and the laser spark contrast information. For example, the image processing unit 140 multiplies the blood vessel pattern image signal generated by the near-infrared LED light and the spark contrast information, and outputs the resultant blood vessel pattern image signal Video signal) can be generated.

For example, the image processing unit 140 can acquire (calculate) laser speckle contrast information using a laser speckle interferometry algorithm. In general, laser speckle interferometry is a technique that can be used for deformation and stress analysis, nondestructive inspection, and vibration analysis of an object through non-contact high resolution by simply changing the optical interferometer using a laser. When the surface of an object is irradiated with light with excellent coherence such as a laser beam, the laser scatters and interferes with the roughness of the object surface to form a speck-like pattern, which is called a speckle pattern. This sparkle pattern includes surface deformation information of the object. When the laser beam is diffused and irradiated onto the object before the deformation, a spark pattern is formed. Further, when deformation of the object occurs, the spark pattern changes with the surface deformation of the object. In addition, deformation information before and after deformation of the object can be obtained by real-time calculation processing of the spark pattern before and after deformation.

The projector 150 can display a blood vessel laser sparp image (a medical image obtained by synthesizing a vein pattern image and a spark contour image) on the skin of the subject 200 based on the blood vessel laser spark image signal.

The reflection plate 160 may reflect and guide the medical image signal and light generated from the projector 150 to the skin of the subject 200. [ For example, the reflection plate 160 may have a semi-transmissive property so that light or laser reflected from the skin or subcutaneous tissue may be transmitted to the image acquisition unit 130, The image generation signal and light can be reflected and guided to the skin of the subject 200. [ 1, the medical image capturing apparatus 100 may further include a driving element (for example, a mems element) for adjusting the angle of the reflection plate 160. In addition,

The control unit 170 controls the operation of at least one of the first light source unit 110, the second light source unit 120, the image acquisition unit 130, the image processing unit 140, the projector 150, and the display unit 180 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 170 may generate the light of the first light source unit 110 and the laser beam of the second light source unit 120 according to the type of the medical image to be displayed on the skin of the subject 200, Can be selectively controlled. For example, the medical image type may include a blood vessel pattern image, a blood vessel laser speckle image (a medical image in which a blood vessel pattern image and a sparkle contour image are combined), a skin lesion image, a subcutaneous tissue image, and the like. For example, when a blood vessel pattern image is to be generated and displayed, the controller 170 may control the first light source unit 110 so that the first light source unit 110 generates and emits near-infrared LED light. For example, when generating and displaying a blood vessel laser spark image, the control unit 170 controls the first light source unit 110 so that the first light source unit 110 generates and emits near-infrared LED light, The second light source unit 120 may control the second light source unit 120 to generate and irradiate the laser beam.

The display unit 180 may display an image associated with an image displayed on the skin of the subject 200 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 140. For example, as described above, a blood vessel pattern image (e.g., a first medical image) may be displayed on the skin by the projector 150, and the display unit 180 may display an actual blood vessel image associated with the blood vessel pattern image (Second medical image) can be displayed. The actual blood vessel image can be used to adjust the zero point of the blood vessel pattern image displayed on the skin. In another example, the display unit 180 can display the same image as the medical image displayed on the skin by the projector 150. [ Therefore, the examiner or the examinee can observe the medical image more clearly and conveniently. For example, the display unit 180 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a plasma display panel (PDP), a cathode ray tube . In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 180 may receive a user input for controlling the operation of the medical image capturing apparatus 100.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 190 includes a first light source unit 110, a second light source unit 120, an image acquisition unit 130, an image processing unit 140, a projector 150, a reflection plate 160, And the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 1, the first light source unit 110 and the second light source unit 120 may be attached to one side of the housing 190, and the display unit 180 may be attached to the housing 190. In this case, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 190 < / RTI > The position and arrangement of each element 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 in the housing 190 shown in FIG. 1 or on the surface of the housing 190 is merely an example , Can be located differently.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the medical image acquisition apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a memory for storing a medical image signal and a medical image. In addition, the medical image acquisition apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a communication module capable of transmitting a medical image signal and a medical image to a smart terminal or a display device through a network.

As described above, according to the medical image capturing apparatus 100 of the present invention, the LED light and / or the laser beam having various wavelengths can be used for the skin or subcutaneous tissue according to the state, position, lesion type, Images of blood vessels or lesions in the tissue can be acquired and displayed on the skin of the subject in real time. Therefore, treatment for blood vessels in subcutaneous tissues or diagnosis and treatment of lesions of skin and subcutaneous tissues can be performed quickly and accurately. In addition, accurate and real-time location information on blood vessels or skin lesions in subcutaneous tissues can be provided, and structural and functional information of blood vessels can be provided.

2A is a configuration diagram of a light source unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first light source unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a light source holder 114 in the form of a ring. A plurality of LEDs 112 are detachably arranged at equal intervals in the light source holder 114. An LED for generating and irradiating light of the most suitable wavelength band according to the position of the skin to be irradiated with light or the type of lesion generated in the skin and / or the subcutaneous tissue may be selectively mounted on the light source holder 114. In addition, since the plurality of LEDs 112 are arranged at equal intervals in the light source holder 114, light quantity equal to or greater than a predetermined amount can be ensured and light can be uniformly irradiated to the skin.

The diode holder 116 may be detachably coupled to the light source holder 114 so that the laser diode of the second light source 120 may be detachably coupled to the light source holder 114.

Further, since the light source holder 114 is formed in a ring shape, the light or laser beam reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue passes through the hole 118 in the center of the ring-shaped light source holder 114, Can reach the image acquisition unit of FIG. In addition, the medical image signal and light emitted from the projector of the medical image capturing apparatus can pass through the hole 118 in the center of the ring-shaped light source holder 114 and reach the skin of the subject.

2B is a configuration diagram of a light source unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 2B, the first light source unit 20 of the medical image acquisition apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a ring-shaped light source holder 21. A plurality of LED light sources 24 may be arranged at the same interval in the ring-shaped light source holder 21. [ The first light source unit 20 may include a first polarizer plate 22 for controlling the polarization of light generated from the LED light source 24. In the hole region in the center of the ring-shaped light source holder 21, the polarized light of the light reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue is controlled, and the second polarizing plate 22, which is in cross polarization with the first polarizing plate 22, (Not shown). The first polarizing plate 22 and the second polarizing plate 23 are in a state of crossed polarized light (for example, the polarizing direction of the first polarizing plate 22 and the polarizing direction of the second polarizing plate 23 are orthogonal to each other) , A plurality of polarizers capable of performing cross polarization can be used. For example, the second polarizing plate 23 may include a polarizing plate including a pattern having a predetermined directionality (for example, orthogonal to the direction of the pattern of the first polarizing plate 22). For example, the second polarizing plate 23 is the same polarizing plate as the first polarizing plate 22, and may be disposed perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first polarizing plate 22. [

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by performing the cross polarization process twice with respect to light irradiated to the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue 25 and reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue 25, Distortion of image data (color information) due to external factors (e.g., external light, skin condition, hair, skin color, skin roughness, etc.) can be minimized.

The first polarizing plate 22 and the second polarizing plate 23 for performing cross polarization are provided in the first light source unit 20. However, the first polarizing plate 22 and the second polarizing plate 23 may be disposed in the first light source unit 20, The second polarizing plate 23 may be disposed at another position inside the housing of the medical image capturing apparatus.

3 is a configuration diagram of an image acquisition unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3, the image acquisition unit 130 of the medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a beam splitter 132, a first image sensor 133, and a second image sensor 134 .

The beam splitter 132 can separate the light or the laser beam 131 reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue by wavelength band. For example, the beam splitter 132 converts light or a beam received by the image acquisition unit 130 into light (or a beam) in a first wavelength band of the ultraviolet wavelength band or a visible light wavelength band and a second wavelength / RTI > can be split / divided into light (or beams) of the band. For example, the beam splitter 132 may include a sort of optical filter for transmitting light (or a beam) of a specific wavelength band. Further, the beam splitter 132 can change and guide the traveling direction of light by transmitting light in the first wavelength band and reflecting light in the second wavelength band.

The first image sensor 133 can sense light in the ultraviolet wavelength band or the visible light wavelength band that has passed through the beam splitter 132. Further, the first image sensor 133 can recognize the image data (color information) from the received light in the ultraviolet wavelength band or the visible light wavelength band.

The second image sensor 134 can sense light in the infrared wavelength band that has passed through the beam splitter 132. In addition, the second image sensor 134 can recognize the image data (color information) from the received light in the infrared wavelength band.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously generate medical images (blood vessel pattern image and blood vessel laser sparkle image) that can be obtained from light of two or more wavelength bands using the beam splitter 132 have. In addition, various medical images can be acquired by synthesizing medical images obtainable from light of two or more wavelength bands.

4 is a view showing an example of a medical image displayed by the medical image obtaining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the medical image capturing apparatus can generate near infrared light, illuminate the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the subject, and acquire image data of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue. For example, the medical image acquisition device can maximize the contrast between blood vessels and skin tissue using a morphology algorithm, and can distinguish and recognize blood vessels and skin tissues based on a preset threshold value. In addition, the medical image capturing apparatus can generate a blood vessel image signal related to the blood vessel pattern based on the image data, and display the blood vessel pattern image 410 on the skin of the subject.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a medical image acquiring apparatus generates a laser beam, irradiates the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the subject, generates a laser beam associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue, The laser speckle contrast information can be obtained (calculated). In addition, the medical image capturing apparatus can generate the laser sparkle image 420 of the skin and subcutaneous tissue based on the calculated laser speckle contrast value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the medical image acquisition apparatus multiplies the blood vessel pattern image signal generated by the near-infrared LED light and the spark contour information to obtain a spark contour image and a blood vessel pattern image The synthesized blood vessel laser spark image 430 can be displayed on the skin of the subject.

As described above, according to the present invention, various medical images can be generated and displayed by selectively controlling the light generation or the laser beam generation according to the type of the medical image to be displayed on the skin.

5 is a view illustrating a display unit of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5, the display unit 180 of the medical image capturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a user interface 510 for receiving a user input for selecting a medical image or medical information to be displayed Can be displayed. For example, the inspector may select the output of a blood vessel pattern image, a blood flow image (blood vessel laser sparkle image), or a fluorescence image of skin or skin lesion through the user interface 510.

5, the display unit 180 of the medical image capturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit 180 for displaying an original image 520 of skin or subcutaneous tissue recognized by the image acquiring unit 130 Can be displayed. The original image 520 of the skin or subcutaneous tissue can be used to adjust the zero point of the image displayed on the skin of the subject.

5, the display unit 180 of the medical image acquisition apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays the same image 530 as the image irradiated to the skin by the projector 150 can do. Therefore, the examiner or the examinee can observe the same medical image as the image irradiated to the skin more clearly and conveniently.

6 is a flowchart of a medical image acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The medical image acquisition method shown in FIG. 6 may be performed by the medical image acquisition apparatus described above with reference to the drawings. Therefore, even if omitted in the following description, the description of the medical image capturing apparatus through Figs. 1 to 5 also applies to Fig.

In step S610, the medical imaging device may control LED light generation and / or laser beam generation. For example, the user selects light generation or laser beam generation according to the type of medical image to be displayed on the skin, and the medical image acquisition device generates a control signal for controlling the LED light source or the laser beam light source according to the user input Can be generated. In step S610, the controller of the medical image capturing apparatus selects and controls the wavelength band of the light generated by the plurality of LED light sources according to the position of the skin to be irradiated with light or the type of lesion generated in the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue .

In step S620, the medical image acquisition apparatus drives the LED light source and / or the laser beam light source according to the control signal generated in step S610 to generate at least one of the LED light generation and the laser beam, You can investigate.

In step S630, the image acquisition unit of the medical image acquisition apparatus may receive at least one of light reflected from the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam. In step S640, the medical image capturing apparatus may acquire image data (for example, RGB data) based on at least one of the reflected light or the laser beam received in step S630.

In step S650, the image processing unit of the medical image capturing apparatus may generate a video signal associated with at least one of skin or subcutaneous tissue based on the image data acquired in step S640. For example, the image processing unit of the medical image capturing apparatus may generate a blood vessel pattern image signal, a blood flow image signal (blood vessel laser spike image signal), or a fluorescent image signal of skin or skin lesion. In step S660, the projector of the medical image capturing apparatus may display a medical image associated with at least one of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue on the subject's skin based on the medical image signal generated in step S650.

The medical image acquisition method described above may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes any information delivery media, including computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing description of the embodiments is for illustrative purposes and that those skilled in the art can easily modify the invention without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be distributed and implemented, and components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

100: medical image acquisition device 110: first light source
120: second light source unit 130:
140: image processor 150: projector
160: reflector 170:
180: display portion 190: housing

Claims (20)

A first light source unit including a ring-shaped light source holder having a hole region formed at the center thereof, and a plurality of LEDs detachably arranged at equal intervals in the light source holder, the light source generating light to illuminate the skin and subcutaneous tissues;
A second light source unit detachably coupled to the ring light source holder and generating a laser beam to irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissues;
Receiving at least one of light or laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue and passing through a hole area of the ring-shaped light source holder, and acquiring image data based on at least one of the received light or laser beam An image acquisition unit;
An image processing unit for generating a video signal associated with at least one of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data; And
And a projector for displaying a medical image associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue on the skin based on the image signal,
The first light source unit includes:
A ring-shaped first polarizer positioned below the ring-shaped light source holder and controlling the polarization of light generated from the LED light source; And
And a second polarizing plate disposed in the hole region of the ring-shaped light source holder for adjusting the polarization of light or a laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissues,
Wherein the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate are in a cross polarization state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of LEDs generate near-infrared light, irradiate the skin and subcutaneous tissue,
Wherein the image obtaining unit obtains image data of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near-infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue, and the image processing unit generates a blood vessel image signal including a blood vessel pattern based on the image data, And displays a blood vessel pattern image on the skin based on the blood vessel image signal. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the image processing unit obtains laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissues and acquires laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue, Generates a blood vessel laser sparkle image signal based on the blood vessel image information,
Wherein the projector displays a blood vessel laser sparkle image on the skin based on the blood vessel laser spark image signal. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the light source holder of the first light source unit is selectively coupled to an LED that generates light of a predetermined wavelength band according to the position of the skin to be irradiated with the light or the type of lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Image acquisition device. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the image acquiring unit receives the reflected light having a wavelength different from that of the wavelength of the irradiated light according to the position of the skin to which the light is irradiated or the type of the lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue Acquisition device. The method according to claim 1,
A control unit for controlling at least one of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, the image obtaining unit, the image processing unit, and the projector; And
A housing for accommodating at least one of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, the image acquisition unit, the image processing unit, the projector, and the control unit,
Wherein the medical image acquisition device further comprises: 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the control unit selectively controls the light generation of the first light source unit and the laser beam generation of the second light source unit according to the type of the medical image to be displayed on the skin. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising: a reflector for reflecting the medical image signal transmitted from the projector to the skin. delete The method according to claim 1,
The image acquiring unit may acquire,
A beam splitter for separating light or a laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue by wavelength bands;
A first image sensor for sensing light in an ultraviolet wavelength band or a visible light wavelength band passing through the beam splitter; And
A second image sensor for sensing light in an infrared wavelength band that has passed through the beam splitter,
And a medical image acquiring device for acquiring the medical image. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the medical image displayed on the skin includes a first medical image,
A display unit for displaying a second medical image associated with the first medical image based on the image signal,
Wherein the medical image acquisition device further comprises: A method for acquiring a medical image by a medical image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1,
Generating light from a plurality of LEDs and illuminating the skin and subcutaneous tissues;
Generating a laser beam and irradiating the skin and subcutaneous tissue;
Receiving at least one of light reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue or a laser beam and acquiring image data based on at least one of the received light or laser beam;
Generating an image signal associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image data; And
Displaying on the skin a medical image associated with at least one of the skin or the subcutaneous tissue based on the image signal,
The medical image acquisition method comprising: 14. The method of claim 13,
Generating and irradiating the light comprises generating and irradiating near-infrared light,
Wherein acquiring the image data includes acquiring image data of the subcutaneous tissue based on the near-infrared light reflected from the subcutaneous tissue,
Wherein the generating of the image signal includes generating a blood vessel image signal including a blood vessel pattern based on the image data,
Wherein the step of displaying the medical image comprises displaying the blood vessel pattern image on the skin based on the blood vessel image signal. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein acquiring the image data comprises acquiring laser speckle contrast information associated with the subcutaneous tissue based on the laser beam reflected from the skin and subcutaneous tissue,
Wherein generating the video signal comprises generating a vascular laser spikes image signal based on the vascular image signal and the laser speckle contrast information,
Wherein the step of displaying the medical image comprises displaying a blood vessel laser sparkle image on the skin based on the blood vessel laser spark image signal. 14. The method of claim 13,
Selecting a wavelength band of the plurality of LEDs according to a position of the skin to be irradiated with the light or a kind of a lesion generated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue,
Further comprising the steps of: 14. The method of claim 13,
Selectively controlling the light generation and the laser beam generation according to a type of a medical image to be displayed on the skin,
Further comprising the steps of: 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the medical image displayed on the skin includes a first medical image,
Displaying a second medical image associated with the first medical image on the display unit of the medical image acquisition apparatus based on the image signal,
Further comprising the steps of: delete A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

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