JP2013140038A - Measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that the reproducibility of measuring a skin condition is degraded by applying excitation light at a tilt.SOLUTION: A measuring device includes a probe which includes an irradiation part for irradiating an organism with excitation light guided from an excitation light source and a light reception part for receiving fluorescence generated by the irradiation of the excitation light. The probe also includes a contact part which holds the irradiation part and which contacts with the organism, and a movable mechanism for moving the contact part in such a manner that an irradiation angle of the excitation light relative to the organism is adjusted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring device that measures the state of skin.

  Conventionally, anti-glycation (anti-aging) cosmetics have been commercialized for the purpose of reducing AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products) accumulated in the skin. These AGEs are final products formed by a non-enzymatic sugar addition reaction (Maillard reaction) between proteins and carbohydrates or lipids, exhibiting a yellowish brown color, and some of them are fluorescent substances. In addition, AGEs have a property of forming a crosslink by binding to a nearby structural protein. In particular, cross-linking between AGEs and collagen constituting the dermis lowers the elasticity of the skin, and also causes problems such as wrinkles and dullness. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate skin health and aging by monitoring AGEs.

  An apparatus capable of accurately evaluating the amount of AGEs accumulated in the skin is useful as a means for allowing a user to recognize the necessity of care with a commercially available cream or the like that reduces AGEs.

  Therefore, an apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as an apparatus that can evaluate the skin state. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for measuring a skin condition by irradiating skin with excitation light emitted from at least one light source and using fluorescence reflected from the skin as a parameter.

US Patent No. 2007/0004972 (published January 4, 2007)

  It is preferable that the excitation light is stably irradiated at a constant angle with respect to the skin surface. That is, if the probe is tilted more than the predetermined irradiation angle and brought into contact with the skin surface, the excitation light traveling in the skin may not be able to travel the desired propagation distance in the skin. However, in the case of an apparatus for evaluating a skin condition as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the excitation light is irradiated onto the skin surface, if the probe is brought into contact with the skin surface in advance, There is a problem that the excitation light is irradiated at an angle inclined from a predetermined irradiation angle, and that it is difficult to perform stable irradiation.

  This is because, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the user brings the probe into contact with the skin surface, whether or not the surface on which the probe contacts the skin surface is appropriate depends on how the user makes contact. . Even if the user touches the skin with the probe tilted, the probe is not provided with means for correcting it. For this reason, the skin condition is measured by irradiating the skin surface with excitation light at an inclined angle. Also, it is up to the user to stabilize the contact state and to irradiate the probe with stable excitation light. Therefore, the reproducibility of measurement is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a mechanism that can adjust the irradiation angle of excitation light even when the user tilts the probe and contacts the skin surface is provided in the probe. An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring apparatus that can be attached and more appropriately brought into contact with the surface of the skin to improve the reproducibility of the measurement.

  A measurement apparatus according to the present invention is a measurement apparatus having a probe including an irradiation unit that irradiates a living body with excitation light guided from an excitation light source, and a light receiving unit that receives fluorescence generated by irradiation of the excitation light. And a contact part that holds the irradiation part and contacts the living body, and a movable mechanism that moves the contact part so that an irradiation angle of the excitation light to the living body is adjusted. .

  By providing the movable mechanism as in the above configuration, the contact portion can be moved. Therefore, the irradiation angle of the excitation light irradiated on the living body from the irradiation unit held by the contact unit can be adjusted, and the irradiation unit can irradiate the living body with the excitation light at an appropriate irradiation angle. Therefore, the reproducibility of measurement can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the movable mechanism includes a first rotating mechanism that rotates the contact portion with respect to the first rotating shaft.

  As described above, by providing the first rotation mechanism that rotates the contact portion with respect to the first rotation axis, the irradiation angle of the excitation light can be adjusted with respect to the first rotation axis. The first rotating mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration such as a rotating shaft and a bearing. That is, measurement reproducibility can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, the measuring apparatus of the present invention is the measuring apparatus having the above configuration, wherein the movable mechanism further includes a second rotating mechanism that rotates the contact portion with respect to a second rotating shaft that is not parallel to the first rotating shaft. It is preferable that

  As described above, by providing the second rotation mechanism in addition to the first rotation mechanism, the irradiation angle of the excitation light can be adjusted with respect to both the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. Thereby, the irradiation angle of excitation light can be adjusted more flexibly, and the reproducibility of measurement can be improved.

  Furthermore, the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is preferably the measuring apparatus having the above-described configuration, wherein the movable mechanism has a moving mechanism that moves the contact portion and the living body in a direction to separate or approach.

  Like the said structure, a movement mechanism can adjust the pressure which a contact part gives to a biological body by moving the contact part in the direction which leaves | separates or approaches a biological body. Thereby, a contact part can be made to contact a biological body with appropriate pressure, the irradiation angle of excitation light can be stabilized, and the reproducibility of measurement can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the excitation light is applied to the living body from an irradiation angle close to a normal line of a contact surface, which is a surface where the living body contacts the contact portion. It is preferable.

  If the living body is irradiated with excitation light at an irradiation angle close to the normal line of the contact surface as in the above-described configuration, intensity loss inside the living body can be reduced. Thereby, it becomes easy to ensure sufficient intensity for measurement of fluorescence generated from a living body by irradiation of excitation light, and the reproducibility of measurement is further improved.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the excitation light has a wavelength range suitable for measuring the late saccharification reaction product.

  By setting the wavelength range of the excitation light to a wavelength range suitable for measuring the late saccharification reaction product, AGEs in the living body can be appropriately measured.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the movable mechanism may be configured by an elastic body provided between the contact portion and the probe main body.

  As the elastic body, a simple member such as a spring or rubber can be used, and a movable mechanism can be realized at low cost.

  Furthermore, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the movable mechanism returns the contact part to a predetermined position when the contact part is not in contact with the living body. .

  As described above, when the contact portion is not in contact with the living body, that is, when an external force is not acting on the contact portion, the contact portion is returned to a predetermined position, so that the living body (user) can be realized. The proficiency in use can be improved. That is, when the living body brings the contact portion into contact with the skin surface, the contact portion is in a predetermined position, so that the living body can be conscious of making contact at the predetermined position. This is because it is possible to train for contact. Therefore, the proficiency level in actual use of the living body is improved, and the contact portion is brought into contact with the living body in an appropriate state of contact angle, pressure, etc., which leads to improvement in measurement reproducibility.

  Furthermore, the measuring apparatus of the present invention is the measuring apparatus having the above configuration, wherein the movable mechanism is provided between the contact portion and the probe main body, and is configured by a rotating body that rotates the contact portion relative to the probe main body. It is preferable that

  As in the configuration described above, by providing the rotating body between the contact portion and the probe main body, the contact portion can be smoothly rotated with respect to the probe main body. Thereby, the irradiation angle can be adjusted smoothly, and a probe capable of performing highly reproducible measurement with a simple operation can be realized.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the measuring apparatus of the present invention has a contact assisting part that contacts the living body in the same plane as the contact surface that contacts the living body in the measuring apparatus having the above configuration.

  With this configuration, the probe and the living body can be brought into contact not only on the contact surface where the contact portion is in contact with the living body but also on the surface where the contact assisting portion is in contact with the living body. As a result, the total area in which the probe contacts the living body is larger than when only the contact portion is brought into contact with the living body, so that the user can move the contact portion with a small amount of force and the irradiation angle. Can be adjusted more easily. In addition, since the contact surface between the contact portion and the living body can be prevented from shifting and the living body can be irradiated with excitation light in a more stable state, the reproducibility of measurement can be further improved.

  The measurement apparatus according to the present invention can be appropriately irradiated with excitation light by being configured as described above, and can improve the reproducibility of measurement.

It is a longitudinal section showing a probe provided in a measuring device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a view of the X-direction movable portion provided on the probe of FIG. 1 as viewed from above, and FIG. 2B is a view of the X-direction movable portion as viewed from the front, and FIG. These are the figures which looked at the X direction movable part from the lower part, and FIG.2 (d) is the figure which looked at the X direction movable part from the side. 3A is a view of the Y-direction movable portion provided on the probe of FIG. 1 as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a view of the Y-direction movable portion as viewed from the front, and FIG. These are the figures which looked at the Y direction movable part from the lower part, and FIG.3 (d) is the figure which looked at the Y direction movable part from the side. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the probe handle part provided in the probe of FIG. It is a cross section of the bundle fiber provided in the probe of FIG. 1, and is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of an excitation side optical fiber and a light reception side optical fiber. It is a figure which shows the structure which concerns on one Embodiment of the measuring apparatus of this invention. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the X-direction movable unit when the angle at which the excitation light is irradiated is adjusted. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are longitudinal sectional views showing the probe when the Z-direction movable part is attached. FIG. 9A is a front view of the configuration when the initial position setting mechanism is provided between the X direction movable portion and the Y direction movable portion, and FIG. 9B is a diagram of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the configuration cut along the line AA ′. FIG. 9C illustrates the configuration when an initial position setting mechanism is provided between the X-direction movable portion and the Y-direction movable portion from the front. FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure which provided the initial position setting mechanism between the X direction movable part and the Y direction movable part, and provided the initial position setting mechanism between the Y direction movable part and the probe handle part. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure which provided the elastic movable mechanism in a part between the movable part and probe handle part in a probe. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure which provided the elastic movable mechanism in all between the movable part and probe handle part in a probe. FIG. 13A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration in which a spherical body is provided between the movable portion and the probe handle portion in the probe, and FIG. 13B is a view between the movable portion and the probe handle portion in the probe. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the structure provided with the spherical body. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a roller is provided between a movable part and a probe handle part in the probe. FIG. 15A is a view of the X-direction movable portion having a narrow contact plane of the probe as viewed from above, and FIG. 15B is a view of the X-direction movable portion as viewed from the front. 15 (c) is a view of the X-direction movable portion as viewed from below, and FIG. 15 (d) is a view of the X-direction movable portion as viewed from the side. 16A is a diagram showing a configuration in which two protrusion structures are arranged on the X-direction movable portion, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a configuration in which three projection structures are arranged on the X-direction movable portion. FIG. 16 (c) is a diagram showing a configuration in which six protrusion structures are arranged on the X direction movable portion, and FIG. 16 (d) is a circular shape protruding so as to surround the contact plane in the X direction movable portion. It is a figure which shows the structure which has arrange | positioned the protruding structure. FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing a force relationship related to the contact plane when the protruding structure or the raised structure is arranged in the X-direction movable portion. In particular, FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a state in which the area in contact with the skin surface is small, and FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a state in which the area in contact with the skin surface is large.

  The present invention is a method for producing a late glycation reaction that occurs in the skin by bringing the probe tip into contact with the skin surface of a living body such as a human, irradiating the skin surface with excitation light, and receiving fluorescence generated by the irradiated excitation light. It is a device for measuring objects (hereinafter referred to as AGEs). It is preferable that the excitation light is stably irradiated at a constant angle with respect to the skin surface. This is because the AGEs to be measured by the present invention are accumulated not only on the surface of the skin but also inside the skin, and since it is necessary to control the depth of the measurement according to the purpose, a certain angle is obtained. This is because it is necessary to perform measurement with a mark. The present invention aims to realize an apparatus that can irradiate excitation light to a skin surface easily, at a constant angle and stably.

  In the description of the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the excitation light is irradiated from the normal direction of the skin surface that is the contact surface.

  However, the excitation light may be irradiated from an angle inclined with respect to the normal direction. By irradiating from the direction inclined from the normal direction, the propagation distance of the excitation light traveling inside the skin becomes longer than when irradiating from the normal direction. As a result, the layer closer to the skin surface has a higher excitation light intensity relative to the layer deeper from the skin surface. That is, there is an effect that a layer close to the skin surface can be selectively excited.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the drawings described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[1. (About probe configuration)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a probe 2 mounted on a measuring apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the probe 2 according to the present embodiment includes a probe handle (probe main body) 3, an X-direction movable portion (first rotation mechanism) 4, and a Y-direction movable portion (second rotation mechanism). 5, a contact plane (contact portion) 6 that contacts the user, an X direction rotation axis (first rotation axis) 7, a Y direction rotation axis (second rotation axis) 8, and a bundle fiber 9. Yes.

  Although details will be described later, the X-direction movable portion 3 or the Y-direction movable portion 4 provided in the measuring apparatus 1 constitutes a movable mechanism that moves the contact plane 6 so as to properly contact the skin surface. That is, when the contact plane 6 holding the irradiation unit that irradiates the living body with excitation light and the light receiving unit that receives the fluorescence reflected from the living body is in contact with the skin surface in an inclined state, the contact plane 6 is moved by the movable mechanism. Is adjusted to properly contact the skin surface.

  More specifically, the X direction movable unit 4 is movable with the X direction rotation shaft 7 as a rotation axis. On the other hand, the Y direction movable part 5 is movable with the Y direction rotation shaft 8 as a rotation axis. As the X-direction movable unit 4 and the Y-direction movable unit 5 move in this way, the contact plane 6 moves so as to be interlocked with the X-direction movable unit 4. Thereby, the X direction movable part 4 and the Y direction movable part 5 have a function of appropriately bringing the contact plane 6 into contact with the skin surface and adjusting the irradiation angle of the excitation light.

  Further, the Y-direction movable part 5 is connected to the probe handle part 3 by the Y-direction rotating shaft 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 is attached at two locations so as to be symmetric with respect to the Y-direction moving portion 5 in order to move the Y-direction moving portion 5 with the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 as the rotation axis. It has been. However, the Y direction movable part 5 is not necessarily provided, and the irradiation angle of the excitation light may be adjusted only by the X direction movable part 4. When the Y direction movable portion 5 is not provided, the X direction movable portion 4 is disposed at the same position as the Y direction movable portion 5 as described above.

  Further, in order to move the Y-direction movable portion 5 inside the probe handle portion 3 with the Y-direction rotation shaft 8 as the rotation axis, the Y-direction movable portion 5 is movable on the side of the probe handle portion 3 that contacts the skin surface. A depression having a size within a range to be formed is formed.

  Further, the X direction movable portion 4 is connected to the Y direction movable portion 5 by the X direction rotating shaft 7. The X-direction rotating shaft 7 is also attached at two locations so as to be symmetric with respect to the X-direction moving portion 4 in order to move the X-direction moving portion 4 about the X-direction rotating shaft 7 as a rotation axis. However, in FIG. 1, only one X-direction rotating shaft 7 is shown, but it should be noted that the other one is attached to the opposite side with the X-direction movable portion 4 interposed therebetween.

  Further, in order to move the X-direction movable portion 4 inside the Y-direction movable portion 5 around the X-direction rotation shaft 7 as a rotation axis, a range in which the X-direction movable portion 4 is movable is located inside the Y-direction movable portion 5. Considered depressions are formed.

  In addition, it is preferable to arrange | position so that the axis line when connecting two X direction rotating shafts 7 with a straight line and the axis line when connecting two Y direction rotating shafts 8 with a straight line may not be parallel or overlap. Because, if the X-direction rotary shaft 7 and the Y-direction rotary shaft 8 are attached so that the two axes are parallel or overlap, the X-direction movable portion 4 and the Y-direction movable portion 5 are movable in the same direction. End up. As a result, the direction in which the irradiation angle of the excitation light can be adjusted is only one direction.

  However, if the irradiation angle of the excitation light is set to only one direction, it can be realized only by the X direction movable portion 4 without attaching the Y direction movable portion 5. That is, if the X-direction rotating shaft 7 and the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 are attached so that the two axes are parallel or overlap, and two movable portions of the X-direction movable portion 4 and the Y-direction movable portion 5 are provided, the number of parts increases. This is because there is a possibility that the meaning of providing two movable parts is lost.

  That is, the two axes by the X-direction rotating shaft 7 and the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 are in a twisted position, and are preferably arranged in directions extending in directions different from each other by 90 °. That is, by attaching the X-direction rotating shaft 7 and the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 so that the axis line is in the arrangement, the movable range of the contact plane 6 described later attached to the X-direction movable portion 4 is maximized, This is because the irradiation angle of the excitation light can be adjusted flexibly. This is because angle adjustment in two directions can be performed by the X-direction rotating shaft 7 and angle adjustment in two directions can be further performed by the Y-direction rotating shaft 8, so that angle adjustment in four directions in total is realized. .

  The contact plane 6 is attached to the X-direction movable unit 4 and fixes a bundle fiber 9 described later. Then, the contact plane 6 operates according to the movement of the X-direction movable portion 4 or the Y-direction movable portion 5 as it moves.

  Furthermore, a bundle fiber 9 is passed through the probe handle 3 from the side opposite to the contact plane 6, and the tip of the bundle fiber 9 is fixed to the contact plane 6 so as to be sandwiched between the contact planes 6. Yes. In the bundle fiber 9, two types of fibers (excitation optical fiber 10 and light receiving optical fiber 11) as described later are inserted.

  Details of each component will be described below.

[1-1. Regarding the configuration of the X-direction movable part]
2A is a view of the X-direction movable portion 4 as viewed from above, FIG. 2B is a view of the X-direction movable portion 4 as viewed from the front, and FIG. FIG. 2D is a diagram of the X-direction movable unit 4 viewed from the side.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the X-direction movable portion 4 has an X-direction movable main body portion 12, an irradiation / light receiving hole 13, a bundle fiber passage hole 14a, and two X-direction rotary bearings 15. doing.

  The irradiation / light receiving hole 13 shown in FIG. 2A is arranged at the center of the X-direction movable main body 12 so that the bundle fiber can be inserted through the bundle fiber passage hole 14a. The size or shape of the irradiation / light receiving hole 13 can be freely designed according to the bundle fiber 9. As shown in FIG. 2B, the irradiation / light receiving hole 13 extends to the lower part of the X-direction movable main body 12 and is connected to the bundle fiber passage hole 14a.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D, the bundle fiber passage hole 14 a is a larger hole than the irradiation / light receiving hole 13. This is because there is a need for an area where the bundle fiber 9 can move in the X-direction movable portion 4 when the X-direction movable portion 4 is movable with the X-direction rotation shaft 7 as the rotation axis. is there.

  Furthermore, the X-direction rotary bearing 15 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D is for inserting the X-direction rotary shaft 7. And the place where the X direction rotation bearing 15 is arrange | positioned should just determine according to arrangement | positioning of the X direction rotating shaft 7. FIG. However, the two X-direction rotary bearings 15 are preferably arranged at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the irradiation / light receiving hole 13.

[1-2. Regarding the configuration of the Y-direction movable part]
3A is a view of the Y-direction movable portion 5 as viewed from above, FIG. 3B is a view of the Y-direction movable portion 5 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 3C is a view of the Y-direction movable portion. 5 is a view of the Y-direction movable portion 5 as viewed from the side.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the Y-direction movable portion 5 includes a Y-direction movable main body portion 16, two X-direction rotating shafts 7, bundle fiber passage holes 14b, 2 And a Y-direction rotary bearing 17 at a location.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the Y-direction movable main body portion 16 is connected to the X-direction movable portion 4 via the X-direction rotating shaft 8, so that a depression is formed inside the Y-direction movable main body portion 16. There is a certain shape. The size of the recess may be any size as long as the X-direction movable unit 4 can be moved using the X-direction rotation shaft 8 as a rotation axis.

  The two X-direction rotating shafts 7 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D are arranged in the Y-direction movable main body 16 so as to be symmetric with respect to the bundle fiber passage hole 14b. As described above, the X-direction rotation shaft 7 serves as a rotation axis for moving the X-direction movable portion 4.

  In addition, two Y-direction rotary bearings 17 are arranged on a surface different from the surface of the Y-direction main body 16 on which the X-direction rotation shaft 7 is arranged. Similarly to the X-direction rotating shaft 7, the Y-direction rotating bearing 17 is also arranged to be symmetric with respect to the bundle fiber passage hole 14 b. Further, the Y-direction rotating shaft 8 is inserted into the Y-direction rotating bearing 17.

  Further, the bundle fiber passage hole 14b allows the bundle fiber 9 to pass in the same manner as the bundle fiber passage hole 14a. The bundle fiber passage hole 14b has a long rectangular shape in the direction of an axis formed by connecting two X-direction rotation shafts 7 as shown in FIG. This is because when the Y-direction movable part 5 rotates about the Y-direction rotation shaft 8 as the rotation axis, the bundle fiber 9 is formed by connecting two X-direction rotation shafts 7 with the rotation of the Y-direction rotation shaft 8. Move in the direction of. This is because an area in which the bundle fiber 9 moves is necessary.

[1-3. (Configuration of probe handle)
FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the probe handle 3.

  The probe handle 3 is constituted by a Y-direction rotating shaft 8, a bundle fiber passage hole 14 c, and a probe handle main body 18.

  The probe handle body 18 is shaped and sized to be easily held by a human hand. Further, the tip of the probe handle body 18 on the side close to the skin surface has a shape with a dent. As described above, this is because the Y-direction movable portion 5 disposed above the probe handle portion 3 can be moved using the Y-direction rotation shaft 8 as a rotation axis.

[1-4. About bundle fiber configuration)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bundle fiber 9. The bundle fiber 9 serves to bundle two types of optical fibers, and bundles an excitation side optical fiber (irradiation unit) 10 and a light reception side optical fiber (light reception unit) 11. At the center of the bundle fiber 9, a light-receiving-side optical fiber 11 that receives fluorescence generated by irradiating the skin surface with excitation light is disposed. A plurality of excitation-side optical fibers 10 that irradiate excitation light are provided on the outer periphery of the light-receiving-side optical fiber 11. However, the excitation-side optical fiber 10 and the light-receiving optical fiber 11 are not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 and may be determined as appropriate. However, the light receiving side optical fiber 11 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the center position of the bundle fiber 9 so as not to receive light from the outside of the bundle fiber 9 as much as possible. Further, the cross-sectional areas (thicknesses) of the excitation-side optical fiber 10 and the light-receiving-side optical fiber 11 may be appropriately selected.

  The excitation-side optical fiber 10 guides excitation light generated by an excitation light source 19 described later to the side where the contact plane 6 is disposed, and irradiates the skin surface. Further, the fluorescence generated by irradiating the skin with excitation light is received by the light receiving side optical fiber 11 and guided to the spectroscope 20.

[1-5. About measuring device overview)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the entire measuring apparatus 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the measuring device 1 includes a measuring device main body 21, a bundle fiber 9, and a probe 2.

  The measurement apparatus main body 21 includes an excitation light source 19 and a spectrometer 20. An excitation-side optical fiber 10 bundled with a bundle fiber 9 is connected to the excitation light source 19, and a light-receiving-side optical fiber 11 is connected to the spectrometer 20. The bundle fiber 9 is connected to the probe 2 at the opposite end of the measuring device main body 21. The side of the probe 2 where the bundle fiber 9 is not connected is brought into contact with the skin surface during measurement.

  Further, it is desirable that the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 19 is in a wavelength range suitable for measuring AGEs. That is, it is preferable that the excitation light generated from the excitation light source 19 has a wavelength of 315 to 400 nm that is a UVA region. AGEs can be appropriately measured by using light having a wavelength in the region as excitation light.

  Further, the spectroscope 20 detects and analyzes the fluorescence guided by the light receiving side optical fiber 11. The analyzed result is transmitted to the display unit 22. The display unit 22 has a role of displaying the result analyzed by the spectroscope 20 and transmitting it to the user. The display unit 22 may be anything as long as it can display an image. Examples thereof include a dedicated liquid crystal display device, a CRT, a personal computer, a television, and the like.

[1-6. (Process in which irradiation angle of excitation light is adjusted)
Refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B for an overview of the process in which the irradiation angle of the excitation light is adjusted when the probe 2 as described above is brought into contact with the skin surface while being inclined. It explains by doing.

  FIG. 7A shows a state before the irradiation angle is adjusted by bringing the contact plane 6 into contact with the skin surface. FIG.7 (b) has shown the state after making the contact plane 6 contact the skin surface and adjusting the irradiation angle.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (a), when the probe 2 is tilted closer to the skin surface and the end portion of the contact plane 6 is partially in contact with the skin surface, the skin surface is partly contacted with a part of the contact plane 6. Pressure. When pressure is applied to a part of the contact plane 6 from the skin surface, the X-direction movable portion 4 is watched around the X-direction rotating shaft 7 as indicated by an arrow shown in FIG. A rotational force is generated in the direction of rotation. By the rotational force, the X direction movable portion 4 rotates in the clockwise direction with the X direction rotation shaft 7 as the center of rotation. When the X direction movable part 4 rotates, as shown in FIG. 7B, the contact plane 6 can be appropriately brought into contact with the skin surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the contact flat surface 6 is appropriately brought into contact with the skin surface, so that the central axis on which the bundle fiber 9 is disposed is substantially perpendicular to the skin surface. It is possible to irradiate excitation light while maintaining the above.

[1-7. Regarding the configuration of the Z direction movable part]
Furthermore, by providing a Z-direction movable part (moving mechanism) 23 that moves the contact plane 6 in a direction in which the skin surface is separated or approached (Z direction), the contact plane 6 adjusts the pressure at which the contact plane 6 contacts the skin surface. can do. By appropriately adjusting the pressure, the irradiation angle of the excitation light can be stabilized. Therefore, measurement with high reproducibility can be performed.

  FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams illustrating a case where the Z-direction movable unit 23 is provided on the probe 102. 8A is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe 102, and FIG. 8B is a side view of the Y-direction movable portion 105 and the X-direction movable portion 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the Z direction movable portion 23 is disposed between the probe main body portion 2 and the Y direction movable portion 5. What is necessary is just to arrange | position so that the Z direction movable part 23 may expand-contract in the direction which the contact plane 6 contacts with respect to the skin surface, and the direction which leaves | separates.

  Moreover, the Z direction movable part 23 may be comprised by what has elasticity. For example, a spring or rubber can be considered.

  A Y-direction rotary bearing 117 is provided in the Y-direction movable portion 105 in order to appropriately move the Y-direction movable portion 105 in the Z-direction as the Z-direction movable portion 23 expands and contracts. Inside the Y-direction rotary bearing 117, a long hole is formed in the direction in which the Z-direction movable portion 23 expands and contracts so that the Y-direction rotary shaft 8 can move up and down in the Z direction.

[1-8. (Configuration of initial position setting mechanism)
The contact plane 6 is preferably in an initial state (predetermined position) when no external force is applied. The initial state is a position in a state before the irradiation angle of the excitation light is adjusted by each movable part. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10, the surface of the X-direction movable portion 204, the Y-direction movable portion 205, and the probe handle portion 203 that contacts the skin surface. Is the state when all are parallel.

  When the contact plane 6 is separated from the skin surface, the initial position setting mechanism 24a is used to return the contact plane 6 to the initial state, as shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, or FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, an initial position setting mechanism 24b is provided between the Y-direction movable unit 205 and the probe handle unit 203. It has been.

  First, with reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the configuration of the initial position setting mechanism 24a provided between the X-direction movable unit 204 and the Y-direction movable unit 205 will be described more specifically. As shown in FIG. 9B, the spring receiver 25a is integrally connected to the X-direction movable portion 204, and the spring receiver 25b is integrally connected to the Y-direction movable portion 205. The spring receiver 25 a and the spring receiver 25 b are connected by two springs 26. The initial position setting mechanism 24a is configured by the spring receivers 25a and 25b and the two springs 26 thus connected. Such initial position setting mechanisms 24 a are provided at two locations so as to sandwich the X direction movable portion 204.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the probe 202 including an initial position setting mechanism 24b provided between the Y-direction movable unit 205 and the probe handle unit 203. As shown in FIG. 10, a spring receiver 25 c is integrally connected to the Y-direction movable portion 205, and a spring receiver 25 d is integrally connected to the probe handle portion 203. The initial position setting mechanism 24b is configured by the spring receivers 25c and 25d connected in this manner and the two springs 26 connecting the spring receiver 25c and the spring receiver 25d. Such initial position setting mechanisms 24b are provided at two locations so as to sandwich the Y-direction movable portion 205 therebetween.

  By providing the initial position setting mechanisms 24a and 24b as described above, as shown in FIG. 9C, even when the X-direction movable unit 204 is inclined to adjust the irradiation angle, When no external force is applied to the contact plane 6, the contact plane 6 can be returned to the initial state. Thereby, a user's proficiency in actual use can be raised. Because, when the X direction movable part 204 or the Y direction movable part 205 is moved by the respective rotation axes (X direction rotation axis 7 or Y direction rotation axis 8), when the contact plane 6 is separated from the skin surface, The contact plane 6 returns to the initial position by the initial position setting mechanisms 24a and 24b. Thus, the user can recognize that the contact plane 6 is tilted and brought into contact with the skin surface by knowing that the contact plane 6 has returned to the initial state. In this way, when the user makes the contact plane 6 contact the skin surface, the contact portion is in the initial position, so that the user can be conscious of making contact at the initial position. Therefore, since the user can perform training for making contact at a predetermined position, the user's proficiency in actual use is improved, and the living body can be brought into contact with the living body in an appropriate state of contact angle, pressure, and the like. Therefore, the measurement reproducibility can be improved.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, in the initial state, the skin surfaces of the X-direction movable portion 204, the Y-direction movable portion 205, and the probe handle portion 203 are contacted. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the initial state may be a state in which at least one of the X-direction movable unit 204 and the Y-direction movable unit 205 is inclined with respect to the probe handle unit 203.

  In the present embodiment, the X-direction movable portion 204, the Y-direction movable portion 205, and the Z-direction movable portion 23 are formed in order from the contact plane 6 to the probe handle portion 203. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, the X-direction movable portion 203, the Z-direction movable portion 23, and the Y-direction movable portion 205 may be formed in this order from the contact plane 6 to the probe handle portion 203.

[2. About other movable mechanisms)
[2-1. Regarding the configuration of the elastic movable mechanism)
The configuration for adjusting the irradiation angle of the excitation light can also be realized by an elastic body. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the irradiation angle of the excitation light on the contact plane 6 is adjusted by the elastic movable mechanism 327a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the probe 302 includes a probe handle portion 303, a movable portion 328, an elastic movable mechanism 327 a, a contact plane 6, and a bundle fiber 9. The probe handle portion 303 is connected to the movable portion 328 by an elastic movable mechanism 327a. In FIG. 11, the number of locations where the probe handle 303 and the movable portion 328 are connected is six, but the number of locations where the probe handle 303 and the movable portion 328 are connected may be adjusted as appropriate. Good.

  A contact plane 6 is provided on the side of the movable part 328 that contacts the skin surface. Therefore, the movable part 320 and the contact plane 6 move in conjunction with the expansion and contraction of the elastic movable mechanism 327a. Since the elastic movable mechanism 327a is not limited in the movable direction, the angle can be adjusted more freely than the configuration in which the movable portion is rotated using the rotation shaft as shown in FIG.

  The elastic movable mechanism 327a can be made of a material such as a spring or rubber and can have a simple configuration.

[2-1-1. (Configuration to adjust the irradiation angle with rubber)
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, it is good also as a structure filled with the rubber | gum as the elastic movable mechanism 327b between the probe handle part 303 and the movable part 328. FIG.

  Even when the space between the probe handle 303 and the movable portion 328 is filled with the elastic movable mechanism 327b, the movable direction is not limited as in the case where the elastic movable mechanism 327a is used. The angle can be adjusted more freely than the configuration in which the movable part is rotated using such a rotation shaft. Further, since it is only necessary to fill rubber between the probe handle portion 303 and the movable portion 328, there is an effect that the production becomes simpler than providing a rotating shaft.

[2-2. (Configuration for adjusting the irradiation angle by a sphere)
FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are configurations in which the irradiation angle of the excitation light is adjusted by arranging a sphere 429 (rotating body). As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the sphere 429 is disposed between the probe handle portion 403 and the movable portion 428. Therefore, the probe handle 403 has a recess so that the sphere 429 is disposed (see FIG. 13A).

  In this configuration, the sphere 429 is rotated via the movable portion 428 by the force applied to the contact surface 6 when the contact surface 6 contacts the skin surface, and the irradiation angle of the excitation light is adjusted. Furthermore, the movable part 428 can be smoothly moved by arranging the sphere 429 to adjust the irradiation angle of the excitation light. Thereby, since the contact plane 6 can also be moved smoothly, the irradiation angle of excitation light can be adjusted smoothly.

[2-3. Regarding the configuration to adjust the irradiation angle by the roller)
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, you may adjust the irradiation angle of excitation light using the roller 530 (rotary body). The roller 530 is disposed between the probe handle portion 503 and the movable portion 528 similarly to the sphere 429 shown in FIG. 13A or 13B. Further, the probe handle portion 503 is provided with a recess for placing the roller 530. The recess is also provided with a bearing (not shown) for the roller 530 so that the roller 530 can be fixed.

  Even in the configuration in which the roller 530 is provided in this manner, the movable portion 528 can be smoothly moved as in the configuration in which the spherical body 429 shown in FIG. 13A or 13B is provided. Thus, since the movable part 528 moves smoothly, the contact plane 6 moves smoothly. Therefore, the user can smoothly adjust the irradiation angle of the excitation light.

[3. (Configuration with reduced contact surface size)
FIG. 15A is a view of the X-direction movable portion 604 having a contact plane 606 having a smaller area compared to the surface of the X-direction movable portion 604 that contacts the skin, as viewed from above. b) is a view of the X-direction movable portion 604 as viewed from the front, FIG. 15C is a view of the X-direction movable portion 604 as viewed from below, and FIG. 15D is a side view of the X-direction movable portion 604. The figure seen from the figure is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, by making the contact plane 606 smaller than the surface of the X direction movable portion 604 that contacts the skin, there is an effect that the user can easily recognize the measurement site. Because the area of the contact plane 606 is small, the area where the skin surface is covered by the contact plane 606 is also narrowed. This is because the measurement target position that the user wants to measure is prevented from being hidden by the contact plane 606, thereby making it easier to see the measurement target position.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15D, the contact plane 606 has a smaller area than the X direction movable portion 604, so that the contact plane 606 and the X direction movable portion 604 have the same area. Rather, the pressure per unit area applied to the skin surface by the contact plane 606 becomes larger. In this way, when the pressure applied to the skin surface is larger, the user can more sensitively feel the place where the contact plane 606 is in contact with the skin surface, so that the user can easily recognize the measurement site.

[4. Projection structure and raised structure)
FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D are views showing that the protruding structure (contact assisting part) 731 or the raised structure (contact assisting part) 732 is arranged in the X-direction movable part 704. The advantage of providing the protruding structure 731 in this way will be described below.

  That is, when the area of the contact plane 706 is small, the rotational force applied to the contact plane 706 becomes small, and the irradiation angle of the excitation light may not be adjusted well. Therefore, by providing a protruding structure (contact assisting portion) 731 or a raised structure (contact assisting portion) 732, the rotational force applied to the contact plane 706 is increased.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a configuration in which the protrusion structure 731 is arranged at two places on the X direction movable portion 704. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a configuration in which three protrusion structures 731 are arranged on the X-direction movable portion 704. FIG. 16C shows six protrusion structures 731 arranged on the X-direction movable portion 704. FIG. As described above, the number of the protrusion structures 731 may be selected as appropriate.

  However, the position where the protruding structure 731 is disposed is preferably on the circumference having a radius of about 1 cm from the center of the contact plane 706. Further, the direction in which the contact plane 706 protrudes from the X-direction movable portion 704 so that the tip of the protrusion structure 731 that contacts the skin surface and the surface of the contact plane 706 that contacts the skin surface are in the same plane. In the same direction, the protruding structure 731 preferably protrudes from the X direction movable portion 704. There may be a height difference of about 1 mm between the tip of the protrusion structure 731 on the side in contact with the skin surface and the surface of the contact plane 706 on the side in contact with the skin surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16D, a raised structure 732 may be provided instead of the protruding structure 731. Thus, even when the raised structure (contact assisting portion) 732 is arranged in the X-direction movable portion 704, the rotational force applied to the contact plane 706 can be increased even when the area of the contact plane 706 is small. .

  Further, the shape of the raised structure 732 may be circular as shown in FIG. 16D, or may be a polygon surrounding the contact plane 706. However, the position where the raised structure 732 is disposed is preferably on the circumference having a radius of about 1 cm from the center of the contact plane 706, similarly to the position where the protruding structure 731 is disposed. Also, the direction in which the contact plane 706 protrudes from the X-direction movable portion 704 so that the tip of the protrusion structure 731 that contacts the skin surface and the surface of the contact plane 706 that contacts the skin surface are the same plane. It is preferable that the raised structure 732 protrudes from the X direction movable portion 704 in the same direction. There may be a height difference of about 1 mm between the tip of the raised structure 732 that contacts the skin surface and the surface of the contact plane 706 that contacts the skin surface.

  Next, the reason why the rotational force applied to the contact plane 706 is increased by disposing the protruding structure 731 or the raised structure 732 on the X-direction movable portion 704 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b). I will explain.

  A straight line drawn from point a to point c in FIG. 17A indicates a contact plane. In addition, points d to f in FIG. 17B indicate surfaces that contact the skin surface including the contact plane and the protrusion structure. That is, in FIG. 17B, the surface in contact with the skin surface is wider than in FIG. 17A.

In FIG. 17A, if a line segment dropped from the rotation axis to the point b is defined as a line segment l, the line segment l indicates the distance from the rotation axis to the center of the contact plane. Further, a straight line from the rotation axis to the point a is defined as a line segment r ₁ and its length is defined as r ₁ . An angle formed between the contact plane ac and the skin surface is defined as θ. Also, the external force applied to point a that is in contact with the skin surface

And And with line segment r ₁

Let α ₁ be the angle formed by.

  At this time, the rotational torque applied to the point a is

It is represented by From the definition of outer product,
N ₁ = r ₁ F ₁ Sinα ₁
It becomes.

In FIG. 17B, if a line segment dropped from the rotation axis to the point e is a line segment l, the line segment l indicates the distance from the rotation axis to the center of the contact plane. Furthermore, a straight line from the rotation axis to the point d is defined as a line segment r ₂ and its length is defined as r ₂ . An angle between the contact plane df and the skin surface is defined as θ. In addition, the external force applied to the point d in contact with the skin surface

And In addition,

And Also,
Line segment r ₂

Let α ₂ be the angle between the _two .

  At this time, the rotational torque applied to the point a is

It is represented by From the definition of outer product,
N ₂ = r ₂ F ₂ Sinα ₂
It becomes.

Therefore, from the above, ac <df
Because
r ₁ <r ₂
Because
α ₁ <α ₂
So that
r ₁ F ₁ Sinα ₁ <r ₂ F ₂ Sinα ₂
And
N ₁ <N ₂
It becomes. From the above, the rotational force of the portion that contacts the skin surface increases as the area increases.

[5. (Summary)
As described above, the measuring apparatus according to the present invention measures AGEs in the skin by irradiating the skin with excitation light. The probe is equipped with a movable mechanism that moves the contact part so that the irradiation angle of the excitation light to the living body is adjusted, and the AGEs in the skin are measured with high reproducibility by appropriately bringing the contact plane into contact with the skin surface. It becomes possible to do.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a measuring device that evaluates skin health and aging by monitoring AGEs in the skin.

1 Measuring device 2, 102, 202, 302 Probe 3, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 Probe handle (probe body)
4, 204, 604, 704 X direction movable part (first rotation mechanism)
5, 105, 205, Y direction movable part (second rotation mechanism)
6, 606, 706, contact plane (contact part)
7 X direction rotation axis (first rotation axis)
8 Y-direction rotation axis (second rotation axis)
9 Bundle fiber 10 Excitation side optical fiber (irradiation part)
11 Light receiving side optical fiber (light receiving part)
12 X-direction movable main body 13 Irradiation / light-receiving holes 14a, 14b, 14c Bundle fiber passage hole 15 X-direction rotary bearing 16 Y-direction movable main body 17, 117 Y-direction rotary bearing 18 Probe handle main body 19 Excitation light source 20 Spectrometer 21 Measuring device main unit 22 Display unit 23 Z direction movable unit (moving mechanism)
24a, 24b Initial position setting mechanism 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d Spring receiver 26 Spring 327a, 327b Elastic movable mechanism (movable mechanism)
328, 428, 528 Movable part 429 Sphere (Rotating body)
530 roller (rotating body)
731 Protrusion structure (contact assistant)
732 Raised structure (contact assistance part)

Claims (10)

A measurement apparatus having a probe including an irradiation unit that irradiates a living body with excitation light guided from an excitation light source, and a light receiving unit that receives fluorescence generated by irradiation of the excitation light,
A contact part that holds the irradiation part and contacts the living body;
A measuring apparatus comprising: a movable mechanism that moves the contact portion so that an irradiation angle of the excitation light to the living body is adjusted.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates the contact portion with respect to a first rotation axis.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable mechanism further includes a second rotation mechanism that rotates the contact portion with respect to a second rotation axis that is not parallel to the first rotation axis.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable mechanism includes a moving mechanism that moves the contact portion and the living body in a direction to separate or approach the living body.   The said excitation light is irradiated to the said biological body from the irradiation angle close | similar to the normal line of the contact surface which is a surface where the said biological body contacts the said contact part. The measuring device described.   6. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light has a wavelength range suitable for measuring a late-stage saccharification reaction product.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable mechanism is configured by an elastic body provided between the contact portion and the probe main body portion.   The measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable mechanism returns the contact portion to a predetermined position when the contact portion is not in contact with the living body.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable mechanism is configured by a rotating body that is provided between the contact portion and the probe main body and rotates the contact portion relative to the probe main body. .   The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion has a contact assisting portion that contacts the living body in the same plane as a contact surface that contacts the living body. .

Images