JP2020008457A - Inspection device, inspection module, method for controlling inspection device, system, light guide, and scale - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an inspection device for inspecting a tissue by using a reflected light from the tissue, a method for controlling the inspection device, a system, a light guide, and a scale.SOLUTION: An inspection device 100 of the present invention includes: an imaging device 106; and an inspection module 115 for causing the imaging device 106 to take an image of a tissue. The inspection module 115 includes: an objective lens 104 for collecting light reflected from the tissue into the imaging device 106; a plurality of LEDs 103a surrounding the optical axis of an objective lens 104 and emitting light to the tissue; a linear polarization filter 102a having a polarization state adjusting unit 102c for emitting a light from the LED103a to the issue directly or as a linear polarization; and an alignment mechanism 110a for aligning the polarization state adjusting unit 102c to the position of the LED103a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, a control method, a system, a light guide, and a scale of an inspection module inspection apparatus, and more particularly, to an inspection apparatus that inspects skin, mucous membrane, and epithelial cell structure using light reflected from the skin, The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling an inspection device.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional digital dermoscope, an apparatus and an inspection method for enlarging and imaging pigmentation of a predetermined size of skin with a digital camera are conventionally known. This device uses a digital camera with a dermoscope module to observe the surface of the skin and the light reflected from the dermis after reaching the dermis, thereby searching for the pigmentation state of the skin tissue from the skin surface to the vicinity of the dermis. To make things possible. As such a digital dermoscope, a system that can observe light reflected from the skin surface and the inside of the dermis by using a polarizing filter has been proposed.

  Dermoscopes are also used as a means for diagnosing cancer by observing skin pigmentation (such as moles) and other lesions such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. At that time, the dermoscope is configured by attaching a dermoscope module to the camera. Further, as a dermoscope module for measuring light reflection from the skin, two different types of modules, an echo gel type module and a polarization filter type module, are used, and each has a characteristic.

  In an echo gel type module, the skin surface can be observed without using a gel, and the dermis can be observed using a gel. Further, in the polarizing filter module, the reflected light reaching the dermis can be observed by controlling the reflected light on the skin surface with one kind of polarizing filter without using a gel. The present inventor has proposed a digital dermoscope as PCT / JP2018 / 000204, in which a circularly polarizing filter functions as an optical isolator to efficiently observe the inside of the skin.

  By the way, conventionally, when examining the pigmentation inside the skin, each module was exchanged and inspected. In the conventional case, when replacing the module, the dermoscope must be separated from the skin, and as a result, the position of the skin to be observed is shifted, the inspection becomes complicated, and the inspection accuracy also requires skill. I was

  Further, in the conventional dermoscope, it is necessary to use a high-intensity light beam to detect a so-called diffuse reflection that is reflected after passing through the epidermis and reaching the dermis layer. With the increase in scale and weight, operability could not be said to be good. In addition, it was difficult to observe the direct reflection from the epidermis and the diffuse reflection from the dermis at the same position.

Specification of PCT / JP2018 / 000204

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the present invention provides a skin tissue inspection near the surface corresponding to a conventional echo gel type module and polarizing filter module without separating the inspection module from the skin. It is another object of the present invention to provide an inspection apparatus, a control method of the inspection apparatus, a system, a light guide, and a scale, in which the inspection accuracy is improved and the inspection accuracy is improved.

According to the present invention,
An imaging device;
An inspection module for causing the imaging device to acquire a tissue image.
The inspection module,
An objective lens for collecting reflected light from tissue on the imaging device,
A plurality of LEDs surrounding the optical axis of the objective lens and irradiating light toward tissue,
A first polarizing filter for transmitting reflected light from the tissue;
A second polarization filter comprising a polarization state adjusting unit for irradiating the tissue with light from the LED directly or as linearly polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter,
And an alignment mechanism for aligning the polarization state adjusting unit with the position of the LED.
According to the present invention,
An examination module for acquiring a tissue image,
An objective lens for collecting reflected light from tissue on the imaging device,
A plurality of LEDs surrounding the optical axis of the objective lens and irradiating light toward tissue,
A first polarizing filter for transmitting reflected light from the tissue;
A second polarization filter comprising a polarization state adjusting unit for irradiating the tissue with light from the LED directly or as linearly polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter,
An alignment mechanism for aligning the polarization state adjusting unit with the position of the LED.
Further according to the invention,
An imaging device;
An examination module for photographing the tissue image in the direct mode and the polarization mode for the imaging device at the same tissue position,
A method for controlling an inspection device comprising:
The position of the polarization state adjusting unit formed on the second polarizing filter is adjusted through the inspection module disposed on the tissue, and the light of the LED is directly irradiated from the LED toward the tissue, and the first light is passed through the first polarizing filter. Recording a digital image;
The position of the polarization state adjusting unit formed on the second polarization filter is readjusted, and the light of the LED is irradiated from the LED toward the tissue as polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter, and is passed through the first filter. Recording a second digital image;
And a control method including:
According to the present invention,
The inspection device described above;
An information processing device communicably connected to the inspection device.
The information processing apparatus is configured to irradiate the light of the LED from the LED toward the tissue as it is, and generate a first digital image of the tissue and the light of the LED from the LED toward the tissue in a crossed Nicols arrangement. An inspection system is provided that records a second digital image of the tissue that is radiated as polarized light and generated at the same position in association with personal identification information.
In the present invention,
A light guide for capturing an image of a narrow tissue region,
A truncated cone-shaped adapter adapted to the shape of the tip of the inspection module described above,
A light guide member held by the adapter,
The light guide member includes a light guide that transmits LED light and transmits reflected light from tissue, and a base that is continuous with the light guide and that comes into contact with the inspection module. A light guide is provided in which the outer surface up to the base is frosted.
Further according to the invention,
A scale for measuring the size of the affected area,
A truncated cone-shaped adapter adapted to the shape of the tip of the inspection module described above,
A scale member held by the adapter and in contact with the test module,
A scale is provided, wherein the scale member transmits LED light, transmits reflected light from tissue, and includes an optically recognizable scale for measuring the size of the affected part from a captured image. You.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION This invention prevents the shift on the image of lesions, such as a skin, a mucous membrane, and an epithelial cell structure, by the shift of a test | inspection position by module replacement, and it becomes possible to perform a highly accurate and efficient diagnosis. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to digitally store one image as a patient name, an affected part, and a dermoscope image, thereby enabling a highly reliable examination without causing a mistake in the patient, the affected part, and the image. Becomes

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a protection member 101, a linear polarization filter 102a, a linear polarization filter 102b, and a polarization state adjusting unit 102c according to the embodiment. The figure which shows embodiment of arrangement | positioning of LED103a for implement | achieving the direct mode of this embodiment, and the cross Nicol mode, and the polarization state adjustment part 102c. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an LED holder 103, linear polarization filters 102a and 102b, and a rotation and fixing mechanism of the LED holder 103 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an irradiation optical system using an LED 103a according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a light detection mechanism in a direct mode and a crossed Nicols mode in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the inspection module 115 of the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of a control method of the inspection apparatus 100 for performing a tissue inspection according to the embodiment. 9 is a flowchart of a control method according to a second embodiment of the inspection apparatus 100 for performing a skin inspection according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an inspection system 1000 using an inspection device 100 of the present embodiment. The schematic diagram explaining the difference of the affected part image by the direct mode and cross Nicol mode by this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of data stored in a storage device 1020 by the information processing device 1010 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the light guide 1300 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a configuration of a light guide 1300 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a usage state when the light guide 1330 of the embodiment is mounted on the inspection module 115. Explanatory drawing of the scale 1600 of this embodiment. The figure which shows the embodiment when the scale 1600 of this embodiment is mounted in the inspection apparatus 100.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can be used as a so-called digital dermoscope, and can be configured to include an imaging device 106 such as a digital camera and an inspection module 115. The imaging device 106 and the inspection module 115 are connected by an adapter 107. During operation, the imaging device 106 and the inspection module 115 are integrated so that a doctor can handle the imaging device 106 and the inspection module 115. The inspection module 115 includes a housing 115a formed with an appropriate taper angle, accommodates various elements in the housing 115a, imparts appropriate rigidity to the inspection module 115, and fixes the battery package 114 and the like. It is possible.
Although it is preferable to use a digital camera as the imaging device 106, use of a conventional film camera is not excluded. It is preferable that the imaging device 106 includes the lens optical system 105 and the imaging device 120 such as a CCD or a CMOS array or a film, and includes a moving image shooting function in addition to a still image shooting function. Further, the imaging device 106 can be connected to an information processing device such as a personal computer by a wired connection such as USB and HDMI (registered trademark) and a communication protocol such as Wifi, 3G, 4G and 5G. It can be sent to a device and recorded remotely.

  The inspection module 115 is configured to have a substantially truncated cone shape, and includes an LED holder 103, a linear polarization filter 102a including a polarization state adjusting unit 102c, a linear polarization filter 102b, and a protection member 101. An LED 103a is mounted on the LED holder 103, and DC power is supplied from batteries (two 1.5V batteries in the embodiment) housed in a battery package 114, and is applied to tissues such as skin, mucous membrane, and epithelial cell structure. Can be irradiated with light. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a human body part that can be optically recognized from outside the human body, such as skin, mucous membrane, or epithelial cell structure, is generally referred to as a tissue.

  The protective member 101 can be formed of glass, transparent plastic, or other optically transmissive materials, and provides a dust-proof function, and a gel or the like that is applied when examining a tissue enters the examination module 115. Prevent intrusion. It also assists the inspection module 115 to move smoothly over the tissue.

  The LED 103a can use any known wavelength region and luminance, but it is preferable to use a white LED from the viewpoint of observing and photographing the skin color of a tissue such as the skin in the same environment as a normal room color temperature. For example, as the white LED, NSDN510HS-K1 (b2 level) manufactured by Nichia Corporation can be exemplified, and the formula temperature is (X, Y (0, 31, 3.1)). A plank color temperature of about 6000 ° can be used.

  When a white LED is not used, an RGB color LED can be used. In this case, the peak wavelength is 370 nm (purple), 470 nm (blue), 500 nm (yellow), 535 nm (yellow red), 570 nm (yellow). LEDs of wavelengths such as orange) and 630 nm (red) can be appropriately combined to provide a color temperature of about 6000 °.

  In the present embodiment, a polarization filter is used in combination with a linear polarization filter 102a and a linear polarization filter 102b. The linear polarization filter 102a is provided with a polarization state adjusting unit 102c. The polarization state adjusting unit 102c is formed as a circular aperture in the present embodiment, and emits unpolarized light from the LED 103a toward the skin. In addition, the linear polarization filter 102b is disposed so as to form a crossed Nicols arrangement in combination with the linear polarization filter 102a, and in the illustrated embodiment, is disposed above the LED 103a of the LED holder 103 in the drawing. .

  The polarization state adjusting unit 102c in the present embodiment is configured as a circular aperture (5.5 mm to 6.5 mm in diameter) formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and irradiates the tissue from the LED 103a with no polarization. A mode (hereinafter referred to as a direct mode), and a mode (hereinafter referred to as a crossed Nicols mode) of irradiating light from the LED 103a as orthogonally polarized light to the linear polarization filter 102b are provided.

  The linear polarization filters 102a and 102b used in the present embodiment are general-purpose products for a camera optical system, can have a thickness of 0.28 to 2.5 mm, and may be organic or inorganic. In the present embodiment, the polarization state adjusting unit 102c is described as being configured as a circular aperture in which a circular opening is formed in the linear polarization filter 102a. However, in another embodiment, instead of the circular aperture, an optical material such as a film having no polarizing property and a linearly polarizing material are alternately joined to form a circular, square, hexagonal, or octagonal polygon. It is not limited to a specific configuration as long as the same function is provided.

  In this embodiment, the light beam from the LED 103a irradiates the tissue at an angle of about 16 [deg.] 42 'with respect to the optical axis. This angle of inclination can be set so as to appropriately suppress diffuse reflection from the protection member 101 and not to cause brightness shading in the observation field of view, the arrangement of the inspection module 115, the optical configuration of the imaging device 106, and other factors. It can be set appropriately according to the factors.

  The reflected light from the tissue passes through the linear polarization filter 102b, is then condensed by the objective lens 104 by the lens optical system 105, and forms an image on an image sensor 120 such as a CCD. The image sensor 120 photoelectrically converts the formed image to generate a digital image. The generated digital image can be displayed on a display unit (not shown) mounted on the imaging device 106, and further sent to an information processing device (not shown) to be captured on a display device of the information processing device. The display on the device 106 can be displayed asynchronously or synchronously.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the linear polarization filter 102a and the linear polarization filter 102b of the present embodiment. The linear polarization filter 102a has a donut shape with the center cut off, and a donut-shaped portion is provided with a polarization state adjusting unit 102c corresponding to the number of the LEDs 103a, and the LED 103a is provided with a polarization state adjusting unit. In a state where 102c is polymerized, non-polarized light from the LED 103a is irradiated toward the skin.

  The linear polarization filter 102b has a diameter corresponding to the cut-out portion of the center of the linear polarization filter 102a, and can be disposed closer to the lens than the LED 103a of the LED holder 103. The linear polarization filter 102a is arranged at an angle that provides a crossed Nicol arrangement when rotated to a position other than the polarization state adjusting unit 102c of the linear polarization filter 102a by a predetermined angle with respect to the linear polarization filter 102b. . In the present embodiment, the predetermined angle is defined by 1 / 2θ. Here, θ is an angle between adjacent LEDs 103a arranged in a circle.

  Hereinafter, the arrangement of the linear polarization filters 102a and 102b in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the polarization direction of the linear polarization filter 102a is (90-1 / 90) with respect to the linear polarization filter 102b in which the polarization state adjusting unit 102c is fixed in a state of being superposed on the LED 103a. 2θ) °. This arrangement provides a direct mode.

  FIG. 3B shows an embodiment in which the linear polarization filter 102a is rotated by 1 / 2θ, and the LED 103a is arranged between the polarization state adjusting units 102c. This arrangement provides a crossed Nicol mode. In the cross Nicol mode, the linear polarization filters 102a and 102b are arranged in a cross Nicol arrangement with respect to the linear polarization filter 102b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, since eight LEDs 103a are arranged along the circumferential direction, θ = 45 °, and 1 / 2θ is 22.5 °. Therefore, at the position where the polarization state adjusting unit 102c overlaps the LED 103a, the polarization direction of the linear polarization filter 102a is inclined at 67.5 ° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the paper.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the linear polarization filter 102a is rotated clockwise by 22.5 ° and the LED 103a is disposed between the polarization state adjustment units 102c, the polarized light orthogonal to the linear polarization filter 102b is irradiated toward the skin. Is done. Therefore, the light reflected on the surface of the skin is cut by the linear polarization filter 102b and is not observed. On the other hand, since the light that has passed through the polarization state adjusting unit 102c and illuminated on the skin is illuminated on the skin without being polarized, the skin surface reflection is mainly observed. In this detection state, the rotation of the linear polarization filter 102a enables the inspection at the same position without separating the inspection module 115 from the tissue.

  In the embodiment to be described, the polarization state adjusting unit 102c does not polarize the light from the LED 103a, and the other positions polarize the light from the LED 103a. The unit 102c may function as a configuration that polarizes the light from the LED 103a and does not polarize the light from the LED 103a at other positions. When adjusting the polarization state, the LED holder 103 can be moved, the LED holder 103 is fixed, the linear polarization filter 102a is held by a rotatable filter holder, and the filter holder is rotated. Can be used.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the amount of transmitted light from the skin changes depending on the transmittance of the linear polarization filter 102a between the crossed Nicols mode and the direct mode. This adjustment of the brightness of the image can also be handled by adjusting the aperture of the imaging device 106.

  However, the operation of adjusting the aperture of the imaging device 106 may require an unnecessary operation in a doctor's consultation, and may cause the imaging affected part to be misaligned due to something. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to control the lighting so that all the LEDs 103a are turned on in the cross Nicol mode and half of the LEDs 103a are turned on in the direct mode. Lighting control can be performed by adjusting the electrical connection between the LED holder 103 and the housing 115a according to the rotation of the LED holder 103. Note that mechanical or software that provides other similar functions Dynamic control can also be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the LED holder 103, the linear polarization filters 102a and 102, and the rotation and fixing mechanism of the LED holder 103 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a plan view, and FIG. 4B is a side view. As shown in FIG. 4A, a knob 110a made of a magnetic material is formed on the filter holding unit 110. Further, magnets 112 and 113 are fixed to the housing 115a of the inspection module 115, and the position of the linear polarization filter 102a with respect to the LED 103a is fixed to be changeable.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 4B, the configurations of the linear polarization filters 102a and 102b and the LED holder 103 will be described. The linear polarization filter 102a is rotatably held about an optical axis by a filter holding member 110 by a filter holding member 111. On the other hand, the LED holder 103 is held by the housing 115a. For this reason, the doctor performing the examination puts a finger on the knob 110a and rotates the linear polarization filter 102a to move the position of the polarization state adjusting unit 102c between the position where the polarization state adjusting unit 102c overlaps the LED 103a and the shift position. Is possible.

  The LED holder 103 is held inclined toward the optical axis so as to irradiate light at an angle of about 16 ° 45 ′ toward the tissue, and irradiates light 401 and 402 from the LED 103a toward the tissue. I have. In the present embodiment, the distance between the LED 103a and the protection member 101 is about 60 mm. However, this distance can be changed depending on the configuration of the specific device

  The linear polarization filter 102b is held closer to the imaging device 106 than the LED 103a of the LED holder 103, and in the embodiment for describing the reflected light, allows the polarized light in the direction parallel to the plane of the paper to pass, and the linear polarization filter 102b to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. It is arranged to cut polarized light.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an irradiation optical system using the LED 103a according to the present embodiment. The LED 103a irradiates the tissue 500 with light in an unpolarized state or light polarized in linearly polarized light. As described above, the light that has passed through the protection member 101 is irradiated to the tissue 500 at an irradiation angle of about 16 ° 45 ′, and is reflected by the tissue 500 to be reflected light.

  The reflected light reaches the objective lens 104 after passing through the linear polarization filter 102a in both the direct mode and the crossed Nicols mode. The reflected light that has reached the objective lens 104 travels to the lens optical system 105 of the imaging device 106 by the objective lens 104, and forms an image on the imaging element 120. A knob 110a is formed in the filter holding unit 110, and a relative position between the polarization state adjusting unit 102c and the LED 103a can be adjusted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a light detection mechanism in the direct mode and the polarization mode in the present embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a light detection mechanism in the cross Nicol mode, and FIG. 6B shows a light detection mechanism in the direct mode.

  As the linear polarization filter 102a used in the present embodiment, a commercially available product for a camera can be used. In the present embodiment, the commercially available linear polarization filter 102a is processed into a donut shape, and a predetermined number of It is formed by forming the polarization state adjusting unit 102c. In addition, the linear polarization filter 102b has the same circular shape as the diameter of the LED holder 103, and can be held at an appropriate position on the LED holder 103. The linear polarization filter 102a is rotatably held about the optical axis, and provides a crossed Nicols mode by superimposing the polarization state adjusting unit 102c and the LED 103a, and the LED 103a is disposed between the polarization state adjusting unit 102c. When deployed, a direct mode is provided. Therefore, the configuration is such that the polarization mode and the direct mode can be switched by rotating the inspection apparatus 100 without separating the inspection apparatus 100 from the tissue.

  Hereinafter, the light detection mechanism of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-Nicol mode light detection mechanism according to the present embodiment. When the light from the LED 103a enters the linear polarization filter 102a, the linear polarization filter 102a irradiates the skin 610 as linearly polarized light indicated by the polarization direction Pa.

  While tissue 610 reflects light at its surface, much of the illuminated light penetrates into the epidermis and produces diffuse reflections scattered by the tissue. Here, the light directly reflected on the surface of the tissue 610 is reflected as linearly polarized light and enters the linearly polarized light filter 102b.

  In this case, since the linear polarization filter 102b is arranged in the polarization direction Pb orthogonal to Pa, it is reflected by the linear polarization filter 102b and is not detected. That is, in the crossed Nicols mode, light directly reflected from the skin is not detected.

  On the other hand, the incident light in the polarization direction Pb that has passed through the inside of the tissue arrives at the linear polarization filter 102b as a non-polarized state in which the polarization directions are mixed due to the irregular reflection inside the skin. Since the linearly polarized light filter 102b allows unpolarized reflected light to pass therethrough at an intensity in accordance with Malus' law, reflection from the inside of the skin can be detected.

  Therefore, in the crossed Nicols mode, surface reflection can be efficiently cut, and reflection from the inside of the tissue can be measured.

  In the direct mode shown in FIG. 6B, the light from the LED 103a passes through the polarization state adjusting unit 102c and irradiates the tissue 610 as substantially unpolarized light from the LED 103a. At this time, the polarization direction of the reflected light from the surface of the tissue is substantially maintained and transmitted through the linear polarization filter 102a. On the other hand, the reflected light reflected inside the tissue is reflected in a substantially non-polarized state by irregular reflection inside the tissue, and is transmitted through the linear polarization filter 102a according to Malus' law. In this case, the surface reflection is mainly observed in the direct mode because the intensity of the non-polarized light is much higher than the light passing through the linear polarization filter 102b according to Malus' law. Become.

  That is, the direct mode makes it easier to detect the direct reflection, and the cross Nicol mode makes it possible to observe only the reflection from inside the skin.

  FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the inspection module 115 of the present embodiment. In the second embodiment, the imaging device 106 and the inspection module 115 are configured separately, and a doctor can perform an inspection by manually operating the lighter inspection module 115. As a result, it is possible to reduce the search burden on an inspector such as a doctor.

  In the inspection module 115 of the second embodiment, an eyepiece 710 is further added to the inspection module 115 shown in FIG. 1, and the light condensed by the objective lens 104 is made substantially parallel by the concave lens 711. As a light beam, direct observation by a doctor is possible. In still another embodiment, an optical fiber is connected to the eyepiece 710, an image is sent to the remotely located imaging device 106, and the image from the inspection module 115 is A configuration in which a doctor checks on a liquid crystal display or a display device of an information processing device can be adopted. For this reason, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to cause the examiner to pay attention to the examination without forcing the examiner such as a doctor to have an unnatural posture.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to reduce the number of manual operations of the inspection apparatus 100 down to about the inspection module 115, thereby further improving operability and confirming an image by using the geometrical configuration of the imaging apparatus 106. Since it can be performed independently of the arrangement, the handling can be further improved.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control method of the inspection apparatus 100 for performing a tissue inspection according to the present embodiment. The process in FIG. 8 starts from step S800, and in step S801, the light from the LED 103a is irradiated through the inspection module 115 in the direct mode through the polarization state adjusting unit 102c. In step S802, reflected light is digitally recorded through the linear polarization filter 102b (first polarization filter), and a first digital image is recorded. In step S803, the linear polarization filter 102a is rotated, and the light from the LED 103a is irradiated on the tissue in the crossed Nicols mode through the linear polarization filter 102a (second polarization filter).

  In step S804, the reflected light is digitally recorded through the linear polarization filter 102b, and a second digital image is recorded. In step S805, the first digital image and the second digital image are registered in association with the patient's personal identification information. At this time, the registration can be registered in the imaging device 106 itself, or can be directly recorded in the information processing device connected to the imaging device 106. The control method in FIG. 8 then ends in step S806.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, observation by a doctor or the like is performed on a liquid crystal display mounted on the imaging device 106, and the photographed image is inspected on the information processing device by the doctor after explaining the patient to the patient. is there.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control method according to the second embodiment of the inspection apparatus 100 for performing a tissue inspection according to the present embodiment. The process of FIG. 9 starts from step S900, and irradiates the tissue with the light from the LED 103a through the inspection module 115 in the direct mode in step S901. In step S902, the reflected light is digitally recorded through the linear polarization filter 102b (first polarization filter) to generate a first digital image. At the same time, the imaging device 106 sends the acquired image to the information processing device. In step S807, an image is displayed on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, and the explanation by the doctor can be made simultaneously with the progress of the examination.

  Further, in step S904, the light from the LED 103a is irradiated on the tissue in a crossed Nicol mode through the linear polarization filter 102a (second polarization filter). In step S904, the reflected light is digitally recorded through the linear polarization filter 102b to generate a second digital image. At the same time, the imaging device 106 sends the acquired image to the information processing device. In step S908, an image is displayed on the monitor of the information processing apparatus, and the explanation by the doctor can be made simultaneously with the progress of the examination.

  Then, in step S905, the first digital image and the second digital image are registered in association with the patient's personal identification information. At this time, the registration can be registered in the imaging device 106 itself, or can be directly recorded in the information processing device connected to the imaging device 106, as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the control method in FIG. 9 ends in step S906.

  In the second embodiment, it is possible for the doctor to give informed consent to the patient at the same time as the examination while showing the display device of the information processing device, thereby enabling medical treatment with higher patient satisfaction. In addition, the doctor can perform an examination using an image that is further away from the spatial position of the imaging device 106 and is enlarged, and the examination quality can be improved.

  FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an inspection system 1000 using the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. An inspection system 1000 according to the present embodiment includes the inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment and an information processing apparatus 1010 including elements such as a display device, a keyboard, and a mouse. The information processing device 1010 includes a CPU, a memory, and a storage device 1020 for executing the program of the present embodiment, and causes the information processing device to function so as to execute each step of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the connection between the inspection apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 1010 may be a USB connection, a WiFi connection, or a wireless LAN connection based on IEEE 802.11x. Can be connected using. Note that the connection between the inspection device 100 and the information processing device 1010 can be appropriately changed according to a user's request.

  The inspection apparatus 100 is in contact with the affected part 1002 of the patient 1001, and the image is displayed on the display device of the information processing apparatus in addition to the main body of the imaging apparatus 106 in the embodiment to be described. The image of the affected part 1002 displayed on the display device can be enlarged and displayed as compared with the liquid crystal display device mounted on the imaging device 106, so that a clearer and higher-precision inspection can be performed.

  The information processing apparatus 1010 includes a storage device 1020 such as a hard disk, and stores digital images measured in the direct mode and the polarization mode in association with personal information, for example, in a database format. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of direct mode and polarization mode images generated for at least one patient 1001 can be recorded as a series of operations in association with the personal identification information of the patient 1001. Mistakes can be efficiently prevented.

  As a result, according to the present embodiment, the doctor's attention can be directed to the diagnosis without devoting to the operation of the information processing apparatus, and the quality of the examination can be further improved.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the difference between the affected part image according to the direct mode and the polarization mode according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the skin tissue of the patient 1001 includes the dermis tissue inside the epidermis in addition to the skin surface, and these constitute the tissue. Of these, the skin disease may reach not only the epidermis but also the dermis tissue below it. For this reason, in superficial observation, there is a case where the affected part 1002 is deeply infiltrated into the dermis tissue as in the part 1002b even if the affected part 1002 is not visible from the surface observation as in the part 1002a. .

  In the case of observation in the direct mode, the portion 1002a existing in the vicinity of the epidermis and the reflection from the internal portion 1002b cannot be sufficiently separated, and the direct reflection from the epidermis is detected optically with higher intensity. Therefore, it is not suitable for observing diffuse reflection reaching the dermis with a sufficient S / N ratio. From this, the image related to the epidermis part 1002a is clearly observed, but the inner dermis part 100b may be observed only at a low contrast or may not be observed as shown in FIG. Further, it is not possible to make a clear diagnosis of the spread, shape, color, erosion and effusion due to cell wall infiltration.

  On the other hand, when the affected part 1002 is observed in the crossed Nicols mode, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the stronger direct reflection is cut by the linear polarization filter 102b, and the reflected light from the part 1002b inside the tissue is reduced. Is detected. For this reason, the affected part image displayed on the display device clearly shows the site 1002b inside the tissue, and the examination system can be further improved.

  In this embodiment, the illuminance of the background is adjusted between the direct mode and the crossed Nicols mode, and the brightness of the LED 103a is adjusted so that comparison and determination can be performed under substantially the same brightness. You can also. The brightness is adjusted, for example, by interlocking a changeover switch with the knob 110a. In the direct mode, the number of the LEDs 103a to be lit is set to, for example, half so that the amount of light is low, and in the polarization mode, all the LEDs are lit. Can also be adopted.

  In still another embodiment, a volume for adjusting the luminance of the LED 103a can be arranged in the inspection module 115 so that the luminance of the background is substantially the same in accordance with the characteristics of the specific inspection module 115. In addition, any conventionally known method that can be used to adjust the brightness of the LED 103a can be used.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the position of the inspection module 115 does not change between the direct mode and the polarization mode, so that the degree of infiltration of the affected part can be determined without considering the positional deviation, and the examination burden on the doctor is reduced. In addition, the diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

  FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of data stored in the storage device 1020 by the information processing device 1010 illustrated in FIG. In the present embodiment, the image data is generated as a pair of the direct mode and the polarization mode, and is generated in time series as data1, data2,. These data are surely stored as a set at the end of diagnosis in association with the personal identification information of the patient 1001. For this reason, the doctor does not register the data with an incorrect association, and can prevent the result from being confused. In addition, since the date of photographing can be accurately associated and recorded, it is possible to improve the accuracy of continuous diagnosis.

  Hereinafter, the light guide 1300 used by being attached to the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows a side view of the light guide 1300 of the present embodiment. The light guide 1300 of the present embodiment is mounted on the tip of the inspection module 115 of the inspection apparatus 100, irradiates the narrow affected area with LED light, and reflects the reflected light from the narrow affected area of the tissue to the objective of the camera. Lead to the lens.

  FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the light guide 1300 of the present embodiment. It comprises a light guide member 1310 and an adapter 1320. The light guide member 1310 is formed by cutting out an optical grade resin material such as polycarbonate resin and PMMA, and extends along a central axis, and is continuous with the light guide portion 1310a. A base 1310 c for holding the member 1310 by the holder 1320. The light guide section 1310a has a front end face and a base face of the base 1310c which are flat surfaces of an optical grade, so that transmitted light is not scattered and is not unnecessarily attenuated.

  The distal end surface of the light guide 1310a comes into contact with an area such as a tissue diseased part, and irradiates light irradiated through the inspection module 115 to the diseased part. The light guide unit 1310a guides the reflected light from the tissue to the objective unit of the camera through the polarization filter holding unit.

  Further, the outer surface of the light guide portion 1310a and the outer surface of the base portion 1310c are frosted glass processing so that stray light from the outside does not enter. It is configured not to invade inside.

  The adapter 1320 has a generally hollow frustoconical shape, the cross section of which is shown in FIG. The inner surface shape of the adapter 1320 is adapted to the outer surface shape of the inspection module 115, and can be firmly detachably attached to the distal end portion of the inspection module with a frictional force and a contraction force on the inspection module 115.

  In FIG. 14, the internal configuration of the adapter 1320 and the bottom structure on the side mounted on the inspection module 115 are shown in association with the internal shape of the holder 1320. The adapter 1320 is formed of a flexible material, for example, a white silicone resin, and holds the light guide member 1310 at one end, and is attached to the tip of the inspection module 115 having a truncated cone shape at the other end. The light guide member 1310 can be detachably held by frictional resistance.

  The inner surface of the adapter 1320 is partially formed to be thin in the circumferential direction for the purpose of reducing frictional resistance at the time of attachment and detachment. At one end of the adapter 1320, an opening for holding the base 1310c of the light guide member 1310 is formed, and the light guide member 1310 is held by the elastic force of the silicone resin forming the adapter 1320.

  On the other hand, the large-diameter end of the adapter 1320 has a tapered shape that can be attached to the tip of the truncated cone of the inspection module 115, and the base 1310c of the light guide member 1310 is closely attached to the tip of the polarization filter holding unit. The camera is held while being fixed so as to make it move.

  The configuration of the light guide 1300 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The base portion 1310c of the light guide member 1310 is fitted into the opening formed on the small diameter side of the adapter 1320, and the notch formed on the base portion 1310c is held by the edge of the small diameter side opening of the adapter 1320. A light guide 1300 is formed. The large-diameter opening of the adapter 1320 is fixed to the tip of the inspection module 115 by a frictional force.

  In the present embodiment, the light guide 1310a at the center of the light guide member 1310 is optically transparent, and transmits light to the base with almost no optical loss. On the other hand, the area from the outer surface of the light guide portion 1310a of the light guide member 1310 to the base portion 1310c is frosted so as to prevent stray light from surroundings from entering the light guide portion 1310a. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a light beam from the outside from entering the light guide portion 1310a of the light guide member 1310. Furthermore, since the inside of the light guide 1310a to the base 1310c is optically transparent, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the LED light through the light guide member 1310 and guide the reflected light to the imaging device 106.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode when the light guide 1330 of the present embodiment is mounted on the inspection module 115. The light guide 1330 is used by being attached to the tip of the inspection module 115 attached to the imaging device 116. When the light guide 1330 is used, the light guide 1310a at the distal end of the light guide 1330 is positioned so as to come into contact with a narrow affected area, for example, between the fingers, the armpits, the soles of the feet, the oral cavity, and the ear canal. Placed. The imaging device 116 is capable of capturing an image of an affected part in a tissue while eliminating stray light from the outside.

  The scale 1600 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The scale 1600 of this embodiment is attached to the tip of the inspection module 115, and enables the imaging device 116 to photograph a scale of a predetermined size, for example, 1 mm together with the affected part by the imaging device 116. For this reason, a doctor who photographs the affected part by the imaging device 116 can directly know the size and area of the lesion of the affected part from the captured image using the dimensions of the memory.

  Hereinafter, the scale 1600 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The scale 1600 of this embodiment has a structure in which a scale member 1610 is fitted into an adapter 1320, and the scale 1610 is held at a level on the upper side of the adapter 1320. The scale member 1610 has a top surface and a bottom surface cut out of a plastic material having an optical grade, and the bottom surface has, for example, a memory engraved at 1 mm intervals by laser processing. The bottom surface is formed to have a larger diameter than the top surface, and a recess formed between the top surface and the bottom surface is fitted into an opening formed in the upper portion of the holder so that the adapter 1320 can hold the scale 1610. It is shaped.

  On the bottom surface of the scale member 1610, graduations 1610a of a predetermined interval, for example, 1 mm are engraved on the bottom surface of the scale member 1610, and the graduations 1610a are areas other than the graduations 1610a so as to be optically visible. The color or transparency is changed as compared to. The color can be, for example, black, but may be white as long as the transmittance can be changed so that it can be optically identified.

  The configuration of the scale 1600 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The scale 1600 is configured by fitting the scale member 1610 into an opening formed in the upper part of the adapter 1320 and holding the scale member 1610 on the adapter 1620. The diameter of the upper surface of scale member 1610 is substantially the same as the diameter of the upper opening of adapter 1620.

  Also, the diameter of the bottom surface of the scale member 1610 is formed slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner flat portion of the adapter 1620, and the scale member 1610 reliably comes into surface contact with the distal end surface of the inspection module 115, and It is possible to hold the object exactly parallel to the plane to be formed without play. The adapter 1320 having the same configuration and dimensions as described with reference to FIG. 13 can be used.

  Adapter 1320 has a generally hollow frustoconical shape, and FIG. 16 shows a cross section thereof. FIG. 16 shows the internal configuration of the adapter 1320 and the bottom surface in association with each other. The adapter 1320 is formed of a flexible material, for example, a white silicone resin, and holds the scale member 1610 at one end, and is attached to the tip of the frustum-shaped inspection module 115 at the other end. The scale member 1610 is detachably held at the tip of the polarizing filter holding portion by a resistor.

  The inner surface of the adapter 1320 is partially formed to be thin in the circumferential direction for the purpose of reducing frictional resistance at the time of attachment and detachment. Further, an opening for holding the scale member 1610 is formed at one end of the adapter 1320, and the elastic force of the silicone resin forming the adapter 1320 and the upper surface and the bottom surface of the scale member 1610 are formed between them. The scale member 1610 is detachably held by the recess.

  On the other hand, the large-diameter end of the holder 20 has a tapered shape that can be attached to the frusto-conical tip of the inspection module 115, and fixes the scale member 1610 so as to be in close contact with the tip of the inspection module 115. While being held by the imaging device 116.

  Here, the function of the scale 1600 of the present embodiment will be described. The scale 1600 is configured such that an optically transparent and colorless scale member 1610 is fitted into an adapter 1620 made of white silicone rubber. When the imaging device 116 captures an image of an affected part of the tissue, the scale 1610a of the scale 1610 is captured together with the affected part, so that the doctor can directly obtain the size of the affected part from the image.

  FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which the scale 1600 of the present embodiment is mounted on the inspection device 100. The scale 1600 is used by being attached to the tip of the inspection module 115 of the imaging device 116. When the scale 1600 is used, the scale 1600 is placed in close proximity to contact the affected area. When the imaging device 116 captures an image of the affected part, the scale 1610a is reflected in the image at the same time, and the size of the affected part can be acquired from the image. Further, since the scale 1600 is detachable from the inspection module 115 mounted on the imaging device 116, the scale 1610 and the adapter 1320 are disassembled after use, and can be disinfected with ethanol or the like.

  The light guide 1300 and the scale 1600 of this embodiment can be used by being attached to the inspection module 115 as needed by a doctor or the like, and the usability of the inspection device of this embodiment can be improved. Further, the adapter 1320 can be used even when the tissue is observed by attaching to the tip of the inspection module 115 without attaching the light guide member 1310 or the scale 1610. By attaching the adapter 1320 to the distal end of the test module 115, pressure on capillaries and the like near the affected part can be reduced, and observation can be performed without a change in blood flow.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes other embodiments, additions, modifications, and deletions within a range that can be conceived by those skilled in the art. The present invention is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are exhibited in any of the aspects.

  According to the present invention, the present invention enables a tissue inspection near the surface corresponding to a conventional echo gel type module and a modified filter module without separating the inspection module from the tissue, and furthermore, an inspection device with improved data accuracy It is possible to provide a control method and a system for an inspection device.

100: inspection device 100b: site 101: protective member 102a: linear polarization filter (second polarization filter)
102b: linear polarization filter (first polarization filter)
102c: polarization state adjusting unit 103: LED holder 103a: LED
104: Objective lens 105: Lens optical system 106: Imaging device 107: Adapter 110: Filter holding part 110a: Knob 111: Filter holding member 112: Magnet 113: Magnet 114: Battery package 115: Inspection module 115a: Housing 120: Imaging Element 201: optical axis 401: light 402: light 500: tissue 610: tissue 710: eyepiece 711: concave lens 1000: inspection system 1001: patient 1002: affected part 1002a: part 1002b: part 1010: information processing device 1020: storage device

Claims (9)

An imaging device;
An inspection module for causing the imaging device to acquire a tissue image.
The inspection module,
An objective lens for collecting reflected light from tissue on the imaging device,
A plurality of LEDs surrounding the optical axis of the objective lens and irradiating light toward tissue,
A first polarizing filter for transmitting reflected light from the tissue;
A second polarization filter comprising a polarization state adjusting unit for irradiating the tissue with light from the LED directly or as linearly polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter,
An alignment mechanism for aligning the polarization state adjusting unit with the position of the LED.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection apparatus further includes a fixing mechanism that fixes the polarization state adjusting unit relatively to a housing of the inspection module during the inspection.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection apparatus switches between a direct mode and a crossed Nicol mode in the tissue inspection by the alignment mechanism, and captures a tissue image in the direct mode and the crossed Nicol mode without displacement. . An examination module for acquiring a tissue image,
An objective lens for collecting reflected light from tissue on the imaging device,
A plurality of LEDs surrounding the optical axis of the objective lens and irradiating light toward tissue,
A first polarizing filter for transmitting reflected light from the tissue;
A second polarization filter comprising a polarization state adjusting unit for irradiating the tissue with light from the LED directly or as linearly polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter,
An alignment mechanism for aligning the polarization state adjusting unit with the position of the LED. An imaging device;
An examination module for photographing the tissue image in the direct mode and the polarization mode for the imaging device at the same tissue position,
A method for controlling an inspection device comprising:
The position of the polarization state adjusting unit formed on the second polarizing filter is adjusted through the inspection module disposed on the tissue, and the light of the LED is directly irradiated from the LED toward the tissue, and the first light is passed through the first polarizing filter. Recording a digital image;
The position of the polarization state adjusting unit formed on the second polarization filter is readjusted, and the light of the LED is irradiated from the LED toward the tissue as polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization filter, and is passed through the first filter. Recording a second digital image;
And a control method.   The control method according to claim 5, further comprising: changing a light amount of the LED for recording the first digital image and the digital image. An inspection device according to claim 1,
An information processing device communicably connected to the inspection device.
The information processing apparatus is configured to irradiate the light of the LED from the LED toward the tissue as it is, and generate a first digital image of the tissue and the light of the LED from the LED toward the tissue in a crossed Nicols arrangement. An inspection system which records a second digital image of the tissue radiated as polarized light at the same position and associated with personal identification information. A light guide for capturing an image of a narrow tissue region,
An adapter having a truncated cone shape adapted to the shape of the tip of the inspection module according to claim 4,
A light guide member held by the adapter,
The light guide member includes a light guide that transmits LED light and transmits reflected light from tissue, and a base that is continuous with the light guide and that comes into contact with the inspection module. A light guide in which the outer surface up to the base is treated like ground glass. A scale for measuring the size of the affected area,
An adapter having a truncated cone shape adapted to the shape of the tip of the inspection module according to claim 4,
A scale member held by the adapter and in contact with the test module,
The scale, wherein the scale member transmits LED light, transmits reflected light from tissue, and has an optically recognizable scale for measuring the size of the affected part from a captured image.