JP2014137338A - Cross-sectional image measuring device and measuring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cross-section image measuring device and a cross-section image measuring method capable of using both of an ultrasonic image measurement and an optical measurement with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A cross-section image measuring device 1A is constituted of an ultrasonic image measuring device 10 having an ultrasonic probe 11 and for obtaining ultrasonic image data of a first cross-section of a measurement object S, a time resolution measuring device 15 having an optical incident probe 16 and a light emission probe 17 and for obtaining time resolution waveform data of emitted light propagated inside the measurement object S by pulse measuring light, and a measurement processing device 30 for performing data processing with respect to a cross-section measurement. The measurement processing device 30 includes: an ultrasonic image generation unit 31 for generating an ultrasonic image; an optical path image generation unit 32 for generating an optical path distribution image; and a cross-section image generation unit 35 for generating a synthesized cross-section image of the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cross-sectional image measuring apparatus and a cross-sectional image measuring method for measuring a cross-sectional image of a measurement object.

  Ultrasound image measurement is used in examinations such as breast cancer. In the ultrasonic examination, an ultrasonic probe is applied to an object to be measured such as a breast and ultrasonic waves are transmitted. And the ultrasonic image data about the predetermined cross section of a measurement target object can be acquired by receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected in the measurement target object (for example, refer nonpatent literature 1).

JP 2001-264245 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-049238 US Pat. No. 6,264,610

Shan-Shan You et al., "US-guided diffused optical tomography: a promising functional imaging technique in breast lesions", Eur Radiol Vol.20 (2010) pp.309-317 Y. Tsuchiya, "Photon pathdistribution and optical responses of turbid media: theoretical analysis basedon the microscopic Beer-Lambert low", Phys. Med. Biol. Vol. 46 (2001) pp. 2067-2084 Y. Tsuchiya, "Photon pathdistribution in inhomogeneous turbid media: theoretical analysis and a methodof calculation", J. Opt. Soc. Am. A Vol.19 (2002) pp.1383-1389 D. Roblyer et al., "Optical imaging of breast cancer oxyhemoglobin flare correlates withneoadjuvant chemotherapy response one day after starting treatment", PNASVol.108 (2011) pp.14626-14631

  The above-described ultrasonic image measurement has a problem that in the breast cancer examination or the like, the presence and location of a tumor can be easily grasped, but only its anatomical form can be measured. For example, considering that it takes a long time for the effect of the anticancer drug to reach an anatomical form, such ultrasonic image measurement is insufficient as a test.

  On the other hand, Non-Patent Document 1 describes that ultrasonic image measurement and optical image measurement using propagation of measurement light inside a measurement object are used in combination (for optical image measurement). For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2 and Non-Patent Documents 2 to 4). According to the optical measurement, the metabolic state of the tumor tissue can be measured. In optical measurement, for example, an example in which the effect of an anticancer agent appears in units of one day has been reported (Non-Patent Document 4).

  However, in the configuration described in Non-Patent Document 1, a reconstructed image of internal information of a measurement object obtained by optical measurement is used in combination with an ultrasonic image. In such a configuration, it is necessary to perform image reconstruction by increasing the number of channels of the light source and the photodetector, which causes a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a cross-sectional image measurement apparatus and a cross-sectional image measurement method capable of using both ultrasonic image measurement and optical measurement with a simple configuration. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve such an object, a cross-sectional image measurement apparatus according to the present invention includes (1) an ultrasonic probe used for measuring a first cross section of a measurement object using ultrasonic waves, and the measurement object includes ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic image measurement device that acquires ultrasonic image data of the first cross section of the measurement object by transmitting ultrasonic waves by applying a probe and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves; and (2) measurement by light. A light incident probe, a light emitting probe, a light source unit that makes pulse measurement light incident on the measurement object via the light incident probe, and a light emitting probe that is emitted from the measurement object via the light emitting probe. A time-resolved measurement device having a photodetector for detecting the emitted light and a signal processing unit for obtaining time-resolved waveform data of the emitted light detected by the photodetector; (3) an ultrasonic image measuring device; and time Min A measurement processing device that performs data processing on the cross-sectional measurement of the measurement object by the measurement device, and (4) the measurement processing device is configured to measure the measurement object based on the ultrasonic image data acquired by the ultrasonic image measurement device. An optical path for generating an optical path distribution image for the first cross section of the measurement object based on ultrasonic image generation means for generating an ultrasonic image for the first cross section and time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device It is characterized by having an image generation means, and a cross-sectional image generation means for generating a cross-sectional display image for displaying a combined cross-sectional image of a measurement object in which an ultrasonic image and an optical path distribution image are combined.

  Moreover, the cross-sectional image measuring method by this invention has (1) the ultrasonic probe used for the measurement of the 1st cross section of the measurement object by an ultrasonic wave, applies an ultrasonic probe to a measurement object, and transmits an ultrasonic wave. And receiving the reflected ultrasonic wave to acquire ultrasonic image data about the first cross section of the measurement object, and (2) measuring the second cross section of the measurement object with light. A light incident probe, a light emitting probe, a light source unit that makes pulse measurement light incident on the measurement object via the light incident probe, and a light detection that detects the emitted light emitted from the measurement object via the light emitting probe And (3) an ultrasonic image measurement device, and a cross-sectional image measurement device including a time-resolved measurement device having a signal processing unit that acquires time-resolved waveform data of emitted light detected by a photodetector. A measurement method for performing data processing on a cross-sectional measurement of a measurement object by a time-resolved measurement device, and (4) a first cross section of the measurement object based on ultrasonic image data acquired by the ultrasonic image measurement device An ultrasonic image generation step of generating an ultrasonic image of the optical path, and an optical path image generation step of generating an optical path distribution image of the first cross section of the measurement object based on the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device And a cross-sectional image generation step for generating a cross-sectional display image for displaying a composite cross-sectional image of the measurement object in which the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image are combined.

  In the cross-sectional image measuring device and the cross-sectional image measuring method described above, the ultrasonic image measuring device having the ultrasonic probe and the optical measuring device having the light incident probe and the light emitting probe are used together, and the optical measuring device is measured. The apparatus is configured as a time-resolved measurement device that acquires time-resolved waveform data of emitted light using pulsed light as measurement light for an object. And with respect to the ultrasonic image about the first cross section of the measurement object, an optical path distribution image about the first cross section is generated based on the time-resolved waveform data measured on the second cross section, and the ultrasonic image, The optical path distribution image is combined with the final cross-sectional image to be displayed on the display device.

  As described above, according to the configuration using the time-resolved measurement of the emitted light from the measurement object using the pulse measurement light and the optical path distribution image thereby, for example, only by the one-channel light incident probe and the light emitting probe Even by optical measurement, it is possible to suitably generate a cross-sectional image obtained by synthesizing an optical path distribution image with an ultrasonic image, and an ultrasonic image with a simpler configuration than a configuration that performs image reconstruction by multi-channeling. Measurement and optical measurement can be used in combination.

  Here, with respect to the optical path distribution image based on the time-resolved measurement of light, in the cross-sectional image measurement device, the optical path image generation means divides the time-resolved waveform data into N detection time ranges (N is an integer of 2 or more). In the optical path distribution image, it is preferable to display M optical path distribution areas corresponding to M detection time ranges (M is an integer of 1 to N). Similarly, in the cross-sectional image measurement method, the optical path image generation step divides the time-resolved waveform data into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) detection time ranges, and M (M is the M) of the optical path distribution images. It is preferable to display M optical path distribution regions corresponding to a detection time range of 1 or more and N or less.

  In this way, by dividing the time-resolved waveform acquired by optical measurement into a plurality of detection time ranges with a predetermined time width, and obtaining the optical path distribution region in the first cross section corresponding to each time range, An optical path distribution image synthesized with the ultrasonic image can be suitably generated.

  In addition, the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus includes an internal information analysis unit in which the measurement processing apparatus analyzes the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement apparatus and acquires internal information of the measurement object, and the cross-sectional image The generation unit may be configured to display the combined cross-sectional image and the internal information of the measurement target in the cross-sectional display image.

  Similarly, the cross-sectional image measurement method has an internal information analysis step of analyzing the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device and acquiring internal information of the measurement object, and the cross-sectional image generation step includes In the cross-sectional display image, the combined cross-sectional image and the internal information of the measurement target may be displayed together.

  In this way, the measurement result by the time-resolved measurement device is analyzed, internal information of the measurement object is acquired in addition to the optical path distribution image, and in the cross-sectional display image, the composite cross-sectional image including the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image and By displaying together with the internal information of the measurement object, it is possible to obtain various information about the inside of the measurement object.

  Regarding the cross section measured by ultrasonic image measurement and time-resolved measurement of light, the first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement apparatus and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement apparatus are parallel to each other. A configuration can be used. Further, a configuration in which the first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device are perpendicular to each other can be used. With any of these configurations, a combined cross-sectional image including an ultrasonic image and an optical path distribution image can be suitably generated.

  Alternatively, in the time-resolved measurement device, the second cross-section measured by the time-resolved measurement device can be switched between being parallel or perpendicular to the first cross-section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device. May be. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to suitably generate a composite cross-sectional image by switching the measurement cross-section as necessary. In this case, a plurality of at least one of the light incident probe and the light emitting probe may be provided.

  According to the cross-sectional image measuring device and the cross-sectional image measuring method of the present invention, an ultrasonic image measuring device having an ultrasonic probe and an optical measuring device having a light incident probe and a light emitting probe are used in combination. The apparatus is configured as a time-resolved measurement device that acquires time-resolved waveform data of emitted light by using pulsed light as measurement light for the measurement object, and secondly for an ultrasonic image of the first cross section of the measurement object. By generating an optical path distribution image for the first cross section based on the time-resolved waveform data measured at the cross section, and synthesizing the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image into a combined cross-sectional image for display, Ultrasonic image measurement and optical measurement can be used in combination with a simple configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of a cross-sectional image measuring device. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the measurement processing apparatus in the cross-sectional image measuring apparatus shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the example of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light from a measurement target object. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage method of the cross-sectional image measuring device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically about the measurement of the time-resolved waveform and optical path distribution of the emitted light by a time-resolved measuring device. It is a figure shown about cross-sectional measurement in case the 1st, 2nd cross section measured by an ultrasonic image measuring device and a time-resolved measuring device is mutually parallel. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic | combination cross-sectional image produced | generated when the 1st, 2nd cross section shown in FIG. 6 is mutually parallel. It is a graph which shows the example of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light acquired by the time-resolved measuring device. It is a figure shown about the cross-section measurement in case the 1st, 2nd cross section measured by an ultrasonic image measuring device and a time-resolved measuring device is mutually perpendicular. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic | combination cross-sectional image produced | generated when the 1st, 2nd cross section shown in FIG. 9 is mutually perpendicular | vertical. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of comparing the measurement data of the optical measurement in a tumor part, and the measurement data in a normal part. It is a figure which shows the other example of the method of comparing the measurement data of the optical measurement in a tumor part, and the measurement data in a normal part. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the ultrasonic wave and optical stethoscope using the cross-sectional image measuring apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the internal information display part in a cross-section display image. It is a figure which shows typically about the measurement of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light by a time-resolved measuring device, and derivation | leading-out of the internal information of a measurement object. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic image measuring device, the light incident probe of a time-resolved measuring device, and a light emission probe.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a cross-sectional image measuring apparatus and a measuring method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Further, the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a cross-sectional image measuring apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the measurement processing apparatus in the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus shown in FIG. The cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment is a measurement apparatus that performs cross-sectional measurement on the measurement object S by using ultrasonic image measurement and optical measurement together. The measurement object S in the measurement apparatus 1A is, for example, a breast of a subject in a breast cancer test, but is not limited thereto, and the apparatus can be applied to various measurement objects.

  A cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic image measurement apparatus 10, a time-resolved measurement apparatus 15 that is an optical measurement apparatus, and a measurement processing apparatus 30.

  The ultrasonic image measuring apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11 used for measuring a predetermined cross section (first cross section) of the measurement target S by ultrasonic waves, and applies the ultrasonic probe 11 to the measurement target S to generate ultrasonic waves. , And the ultrasonic waves reflected in the measurement object S are received by the probe 11 to acquire ultrasonic image data for the first cross section of the measurement object S. The first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measuring device 10 is set by the arrangement in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe 11 that is used in contact with the measurement object S.

  The time-resolved measurement device 15 is an optical measurement device that measures a predetermined cross section (second cross section) of the measurement object S with light, and includes a light incident probe 16 that is used for incident light on the measurement object S, and measurement. A light emitting probe 17 used for emitting light from the object S. These probes 16 and 17 are used in contact with the measuring object S, like the ultrasonic probe 11 of the measuring apparatus 10. The second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device 15 is set by a plane including the contact position of the light incident probe 16 with the measurement object S and the contact position of the light emitting probe 17 with the measurement object S. The In both the first and second sections, the actual measurement range for the measurement object S is usually a three-dimensional range having a certain thickness.

  A light source unit 20 is connected to the light incident probe 16 via an optical system such as an optical fiber. The light source unit 20 includes a single or a plurality of pulse light sources that supply pulse measurement light, and causes the pulse measurement light to enter the measurement object S via the light incident probe 16. As the measurement light, for example, near infrared light having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1100 nm is preferably used. In the configuration of FIG. 1, the light source unit 20 includes three light sources: a first light source 21, a second light source 22, and a third light source 23 that supply pulse measurement lights having different wavelengths λ 1, λ 2, and λ 3. Illustrated. The wavelengths λ1 to λ3 of the near-infrared pulse measurement light can be set to λ1 = 760 nm, λ2 = 800 nm, and λ3 = 830 nm, for example. Further, as the light sources 21 to 23, for example, semiconductor lasers can be used.

  A light detector 25 is connected to the light emitting probe 17 via an optical system such as an optical fiber. The photodetector 25 is configured to include, for example, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) that can detect weak light, and detects the emitted light emitted from the measurement object S via the light emitting probe 17. And outputs the detection signal. The outgoing light detected by the light detector 25 propagates while the pulse measurement light supplied from the light incident probe 16 scatters and absorbs inside the measurement object 25 and reaches the light outgoing probe 17. It is.

  The detection signal of the emitted light output from the photodetector 25 is input to the signal processing unit 26. The signal processing unit 26 performs necessary signal processing on the detection signal, and time-resolved waveform of the emitted light (pulse measurement light whose waveform has changed through propagation inside the measurement object S) detected by the photodetector 25. Get the data.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, the signal processing unit 26 includes a wave height discriminator (CFD: Constant Fraction Discriminator) 27 and a time-amplitude converter (TAC) 28. The CFD 27 discriminates the detection signal and the noise signal by the light emitted from the measurement object S based on the wave height. Further, the TAC 28 measures time information using the output signal from the CFD 27 as a start signal and the trigger signal synchronized with the pulse measurement light from the light source unit 20 as a stop signal, and thereby the time of the emitted light caused by the pulse measurement light. Generate and output waveform data indicating the decomposed waveform.

  For example, the TAC 28 outputs a time difference signal between the start signal and the stop signal input to the TAC 28. In this case, time-resolved waveform data of the emitted light from the measurement object S is obtained based on the frequency distribution of the output time difference signal. Here, FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a time-resolved waveform of light emitted from the measurement object S. 3A shows the time-resolved waveform acquired for the measurement light having the wavelength λ1 = 760 nm, and FIG. 3B shows the time-resolved waveform acquired for the measurement light having the wavelength λ2 = 800 nm. (C) has shown the time-resolved waveform acquired about the measurement light of wavelength (lambda) 3 = 830nm. In these graphs, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates detection intensity (count). Graphs A1, A3, and A5 show device functions (functions representing the resolution of the device), and graphs A2, A4, and A6 are emitted after the pulse measurement light propagates through the measurement object S, respectively. The time-resolved waveform of the emitted light is shown.

  The ultrasonic image data output from the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the time-resolved waveform data output from the signal processing unit 26 of the time-resolved measurement device 15 are respectively input to the measurement processing device 30. The measurement processing device 30 performs necessary data processing for the cross-sectional measurement of the measurement object S by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the time-resolved measurement device 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement processing device 30 in the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1 </ b> A of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic image generation unit 31, an optical path image generation unit 32, an internal information analysis unit 33, and a cross-sectional image generation unit 35. And an image display control unit 36. In addition, a display device 37 for displaying the cross-sectional image obtained by the cross-sectional measurement of the measurement object S by the apparatus 1A, information related to the cross-section measurement, and the cross-section measurement are required for the measurement processing device 30. An input device 38 for inputting information, instructions and the like is connected.

  The ultrasonic image generation unit 31 generates an ultrasonic image for the first cross section of the measurement object S based on the ultrasonic image data acquired by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 (ultrasonic image generation step). In addition, when the data input from the ultrasonic image measuring device 10 is already the data of the ultrasonic image itself that can be displayed on the display device 37, the generating unit 31 directly uses the ultrasonic image as it is. .

  The optical path image generation unit 32 generates an optical path distribution image for the first cross section of the measurement target S based on the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device 15 (optical path image generation step). Here, in the time-resolved measurement device 15, optical measurement is performed on the second cross section of the measurement object S as described above, but since the image synthesis (superposition) with the ultrasonic image is performed, the optical path distribution here is used. An image is generated for the first cross section.

The internal information analysis unit 33 performs necessary analysis on the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device 15 and acquires internal information of the measurement object S (internal information analysis step). Internal information acquired herein is, for example, optical parameters such as the absorption coefficient mu _a light at the measurement object S, or is information such as the hemoglobin concentration is derived from the optical parameters. The internal information analysis unit 33 may be configured not to be provided if unnecessary.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 35 receives the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 31 and the optical path distribution image generated by the optical path image generation unit 32, and synthesizes the measurement object S obtained by synthesizing them. A cross-sectional image is generated, and a cross-sectional display image for displaying the combined cross-sectional image on the display device 37 is generated (cross-sectional image generation step). In the present embodiment, the internal image data of the measurement object S acquired by the internal information analysis unit 33 is also input to the cross-sectional image generation unit 35. In response to this, the generation unit 35 generates a cross-sectional display image so that the combined cross-sectional image and the internal information of the measurement target S are displayed together as necessary.

  In the cross-sectional image generation unit 35, for example, when it is not necessary to display the internal information of the measurement target S and only the composite cross-sectional image of the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image is displayed on the display device 37, the composite cross-section is displayed. The image may be used as a cross-sectional display image as it is. On the other hand, in the case where internal information is displayed on the display device 37 in addition to the composite cross-sectional image, the cross-sectional display image may be configured such that the internal information is displayed in the composite cross-sectional image. Alternatively, the cross-sectional display image may be configured to display internal information. Further, the image display control unit 36 controls the display of the cross-sectional display image generated by the cross-sectional image generation unit 35 on the display device 37.

  The effects of the cross-sectional image measuring apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment and the cross-sectional image measuring method using the same will be described.

  In the cross-sectional image measuring apparatus 1A and the cross-sectional image measuring method shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an ultrasonic image measuring apparatus 10 having an ultrasonic probe 11, and an optical measuring apparatus having a light incident probe 16 and a light emitting probe 17 are provided. In addition, the optical measurement device is configured as a time-resolved measurement device 15 that acquires time-resolved waveform data of emitted light by using pulsed light as measurement light for the measurement object S. And with respect to the ultrasonic image about the 1st cross section of the measuring object S measured with the ultrasonic image measuring device 10, based on the time-resolved waveform data measured about the 2nd cross section with the time-resolved measuring device 15, it is 1st. An optical path distribution image of the cross section is generated, and the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image are synthesized in the cross section image generation unit 35 of the measurement processing device 30 and used for displaying the measurement result on the display device 37. A final cross-sectional image is generated.

  As described above, according to the configuration using the time-resolved measurement of the emitted light from the measuring object S using the pulse measurement light and the optical path distribution image thereby, for example, the one-channel light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe are used. Also by optical measurement using only 17, a cross-sectional image obtained by synthesizing an optical path distribution image obtained by optical measurement with respect to an ultrasonic image obtained by ultrasonic image measurement can be suitably generated. Therefore, according to such a configuration, for example, compared to a configuration in which image reconstruction is performed by multi-channeling in optical measurement, measurement is performed using ultrasonic image measurement and optical measurement in combination with a simple device configuration. It becomes possible to perform cross-sectional measurement of the object S and information acquisition about the measurement object S thereby.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, while providing the internal information analysis part 33 in the measurement processing apparatus 30, and analyzing the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement apparatus 15, while acquiring the internal information of the measurement target S, The cross-sectional image generation unit 35 generates a cross-sectional display image so that the combined cross-sectional image of the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image and the internal information of the measurement target are displayed together.

  In this way, the measurement result by the time-resolved measurement device 15 is analyzed, internal information of the measurement object S is acquired in addition to the optical path distribution image, and the composite cross section including the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image in the cross-sectional display image By displaying the image together with the internal information of the measurement object, various information about the inside of the measurement object S can be obtained. In addition, about the display method of internal information in this case, various structures can be used as described above.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of how to use the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a usage method when the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A is applied to a breast cancer test. In this case, the measurement object S is the breast of the subject, and the cross-sectional measurement by the measuring apparatus 1A is performed in a state where the subject is in the supine position or the semi-sitting position. Moreover, 1 A of measuring devices of the said embodiment are applicable to the cross-sectional measurement of various measurement object S besides a breast cancer test | inspection.

  In the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A, for an optical path distribution image based on time-resolved measurement of light generated by the optical path image generation unit 32 of the measurement processing apparatus 30, N is an integer of 2 or more and M is an integer of 1 to N. The time-resolved waveform data of the emitted light acquired by the time-resolved measurement device 15 is divided into N detection time ranges, and M corresponding optical path distribution regions are displayed for the M detection time ranges. Thus, it is preferable to generate an optical path distribution image.

  In this way, the time-resolved waveform of the light emitted from the measurement object S acquired by optical measurement is divided into a plurality of detection time ranges with a predetermined time width, and the first cross section corresponding to each time range is used. By obtaining the optical path distribution region, it is possible to suitably generate an optical path distribution image to be combined with the ultrasonic image. The time width for classifying the time-resolved waveform may be set to a constant time width, or may be set individually for each detection time range.

  Here, the cross-section measurement of the measuring object S by the time-resolved measuring device 15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the measurement of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light and the optical path distribution by the time-resolved measurement device 15. FIG. 5A shows the arrangement of the probe with respect to the measurement object S and the optical path distribution in which the measurement light propagates from the light incident probe 16 to the light emitting probe 17 inside the measurement object S. FIG. Shows the time waveform of the pulse measurement light supplied from the light incident probe 16, and FIG. 5C shows the time waveform of the emitted light emitted from the light emitting probe 17.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe 17 of the time-resolved measuring device 15 are arranged on the surface S0 of the measuring object S at a predetermined distance. The measurement light supplied from the light source unit 20 and incident on the measurement object S via the light incident probe 16 is pulsed light as shown in the graph of FIG. For such pulse measurement light, the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light acquired by the photodetector 25 and the signal processing unit 26 via the light emitting probe 17 is temporally as shown in FIG. The waveform becomes wide.

  Such time-resolved waveform data of the emitted light has information of different depths as viewed from the surface S0 of the measurement object S for each photon detection time. That is, when the time-resolved waveform is divided into detection time ranges 1 to 5 by the time width Δt as shown in FIG. 5C, the corresponding optical path distribution regions 1 to 5 are as shown in FIG. In addition, the regions have different depths.

  Specifically, in the time-resolved waveform data, when the detection time range 1 close to the incident timing of the measurement light is selected, the optical path distribution region 1 in the corresponding measurement target S has a short optical path length and the measurement target S This is a shallow region as viewed from the surface S0 of the film. On the other hand, when the detection time range 5 far from the incident timing of the measurement light is selected, the corresponding optical path distribution region 5 has a long optical path length and is a deep region when viewed from the surface S0 of the measurement object S.

  When the entire time-resolved waveform of the emitted light is set as an analysis target, information on the detection time range 3 and the optical path distribution region 3 mainly located at the center of the waveform is obtained from the analysis result. Thus, the photons detected in the time-centroid time range of the time waveform mainly pass through the optical path distribution region 3 having a depth about half the distance between the light incident probe and the light emitting probe. On the other hand, by selecting any one of the detection time ranges 1 to 5 in the time-resolved waveform and performing analysis, each of the optical path distribution regions 1 to 5 having different depths as viewed from the surface S0 with respect to the measurement object S is obtained. The information can be selectively acquired as necessary. For example, when the measurement object S is a living body, the interaction between the living tissue and light at different depths from the skin surface to the deep part by changing the region of interest by sequentially changing the photon detection time range. Information can be obtained.

  In the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A according to the above-described embodiment, the optical path distribution image of the optical path distribution of the measurement light inside the measurement object S shown in FIG. Is generated and superimposed on the ultrasonic image, and the information on the measurement object S is efficiently acquired. For a specific optical path distribution image in optical measurement, for example, as described above, one or a plurality (M) of detection time ranges of a plurality (N) obtained by dividing time-resolved waveform data. A configuration is conceivable in which a detection time range is selected and an optical path distribution region corresponding to the selected detection time range is displayed on the optical path distribution image.

  For example, in FIG. 5, when the detection time range 2 is selected, only the corresponding optical path distribution region 2 is displayed in the optical path distribution image. Alternatively, in the optical path distribution image, the optical path distribution area 2 may be displayed, and as the reference information, the display method may be changed to display the other optical path distribution areas 1 and 3 to 5 together. Such an optical path distribution image can be similarly configured even when a plurality of detection time ranges are selected simultaneously. Further, by superimposing such an optical path distribution image on an ultrasonic image, a combined cross-sectional image to be displayed on the display device 37 is generated. Further, in addition to the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image of the measurement object S, when the internal information of the measurement object S is acquired, the cross-section display image in the composite cross-section image or separately from the composite cross-section image Inside, the obtained internal information, for example, information on blood, moisture, fat components, etc. in the measurement target region such as the breast of the subject may be displayed together. In the optical path distribution image, when the entire waveform of the time-resolved waveform data is set as one detection time range, the optical path distribution is the same as that during continuous light measurement.

  Regarding the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emitting probe 17 used for the measurement object S, the tip surfaces of the probes 11, 16, and 17 are respectively on the surface S 0 of the measurement object S at the time of measurement. It is arranged so that it can contact and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the measuring object S, and allow measurement light to enter and exit. Moreover, these probes 11, 16, and 17 may be provided separately, or may be configured as a composite probe integrated in a predetermined positional relationship. Moreover, when composing a composite probe, it is preferable that the tip surfaces of the probes 11, 16, and 17 are positioned on substantially the same surface.

  In addition, the first cross section of the measurement object S measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device 15 may be set variously. A configuration in which the cross section and the second cross section are parallel to each other can be used. In addition, a configuration in which the first cross section and the second cross section are perpendicular to each other can be used. With any of these configurations, a combined cross-sectional image including an ultrasonic image and an optical path distribution image can be suitably generated.

  Alternatively, the time-resolved measurement device 15 switches whether the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device 15 is parallel or perpendicular to the first cross-section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10. It may be configured to be possible. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to suitably generate a combined cross-sectional image including an ultrasonic image and an optical path distribution image by switching the measurement cross-section as necessary. In this case, a plurality of at least one of the light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe 17 may be provided. The first cross section and the second cross section may be set so as to form a predetermined angle other than parallel or perpendicular to each other.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing cross-sectional measurement when the first and second cross-sections set and measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the time-resolved measurement device 15 are parallel to each other, and FIG. The side view of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emission probe 17 with respect to the measuring object S is shown, FIG.6 (b) has shown the top view. FIG. 6C shows a first cross section and a second cross section in the same top view as FIG. 6B.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal direction of the distal end surface of the ultrasonic probe 11 in the measurement apparatus 10 and the arrangement direction of the optical probes 16 and 17 in the measurement apparatus 15 are parallel. Therefore, the first cross section P1 of the measuring object S measured by the ultrasonic image measuring device 10 and the second cross section P2 measured by the time-resolved measuring device 15 are parallel as shown in FIG. Is set. In the side view of FIG. 6A, the tumor S1 inside the measurement object S measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the optical path distribution S2 measured by the time-resolved measurement device 15 are illustrated together. doing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combined cross-sectional image generated when the first and second cross sections P1 and P2 are parallel to each other as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 7A shows an ultrasonic image on the first cross section P1 of the measurement object S obtained using the ultrasonic probe 11, and a tumor is observed at the approximate center position. On the other hand, FIG.7 (b) has shown the synthetic | combination cross-sectional image of the measuring object S by which the optical path distribution image by optical measurement was synthesize | combined with respect to the ultrasonic image. Here, for the tumor in the ultrasonic image, the region 5 corresponds to the tumor among the optical path distribution regions 1 to 6 indicated by the white line. Therefore, by analyzing the measurement result for the optical path distribution region 5, It can be seen that information about the tumor can be obtained. In FIG. 7B, for reference, the positions of the light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe 17 with respect to the optical path distribution are shown together.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light acquired by the time-resolved measurement device 15 in such a configuration. In this time-resolved waveform data, the distance between the light incident probe and the light emitting probe is set to 30 mm. In the graph of FIG. 8, graph B1 shows waveform data when measurement light having a wavelength λ = 760 nm is used, graph B2 shows waveform data when wavelength λ = 800 nm, and graph B3 shows wavelength λ = 830 nm. Waveform data in the case of is shown. Further, in the graph of FIG. 8, examples of detection time ranges 1 to 6 for classifying time-resolved waveform data are also shown.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing cross-sectional measurement when the first and second cross-sections set and measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the time-resolved measurement device 15 are perpendicular to each other, and FIG. The side view of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emission probe 17 with respect to the measuring object S is shown, FIG.9 (b) has shown the top view. FIG. 9C shows a first cross section and a second cross section in the same top view as FIG. 9B.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, the longitudinal direction of the distal end surface of the ultrasonic probe 11 in the measurement apparatus 10 and the arrangement direction of the optical probes 16 and 17 in the measurement apparatus 15 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the first cross section P1 of the measurement object S measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device 10 and the second cross section P2 measured by the time-resolved measurement device 15 are perpendicular to each other as shown in FIG. 9C. Is set. In the side view of FIG. 9A, the tumor S1 inside the measuring object S measured by the ultrasonic image measuring device 10 and the optical path distribution S2 measured by the time-resolved measuring device 15 are illustrated together. doing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combined cross-sectional image generated when the first and second cross sections P1 and P2 are perpendicular to each other as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10A shows an ultrasonic image on the first cross section P1 of the measurement object S obtained using the ultrasonic probe 11, and a tumor is observed at the approximate center position. On the other hand, FIG.10 (b) has shown the synthetic | combination cross-sectional image of the measuring object S by which the optical path distribution image by optical measurement was synthesize | combined with respect to the ultrasonic image. Here, with respect to the tumor in the ultrasonic image, among the optical path distribution areas 1 to 6 indicated by white lines, the area 5 corresponds to the tumor. Therefore, as in FIG. By analyzing the measurement results, it can be seen that information about the tumor can be acquired.

  Of the above-described cross-sectional image measurement devices, for a time-resolved measurement device using light, for example, a single channel three-wavelength time-resolved spectroscopy system TRS-10 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics can be used. In TRS-10, three laser diodes that generate pulsed light having peak wavelengths of 760 nm, 800 nm, and 830 nm, a pulse width of 100 ps (FWHM), and a repetition frequency of 5 MHz are used as measurement light sources.

  Pulse measurement light from the measurement light source is supplied to the measurement object via a light guide having a GI type, a core diameter of 200 μm, and an NA of 0.25. The upper limit of the measurement light irradiation power is about 30 μW at each wavelength. The light that has passed through the measurement object is collected by a fiber bundle having a diameter of 3 mm and NA of 0.21, and is transmitted to a high-speed photomultiplier tube for single photon detection. The time waveform of the emitted light is acquired by time-resolved measurement using a time-correlated single photon counting method. In this case, the minimum data acquisition time is, for example, 100 ms.

  The examination of the measuring object S by the cross-sectional image measuring apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described by taking a breast cancer examination as an example. When the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A is applied to breast cancer examination (see FIG. 4), it is necessary to compare the measurement data of the optical measurement at the tumor part (target) with the measurement data at the other normal part (reference). It may become.

  In such a case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, for the healthy breast (measurement object) S6, the probe P is arranged and the optical measurement serving as a reference for the normal part is performed. On the other hand, for the affected breast S7 having the measurement target tumor S5, the probe P is similarly arranged to perform optical measurement on the tumor portion. And the structure which performs the data analysis, internal information acquisition, etc. about tumor S5 can be used by comparing those measurement data.

  Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, for the healthy breast S6, the optical measurement is not performed with the probe placed, and the affected breast S7 having the measurement target tumor S5. By arranging the probe P for the portion including the tumor S5 and the portion not including the tumor S5 and performing optical measurement at the same depth, both the optical measurement serving as a reference for the normal portion and the optical measurement for the tumor portion are performed. The configuration to be performed can be used. For such target and reference optical measurements, various methods can be used specifically according to the specific measurement object S and the contents of measurement and inspection.

  The cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A and the measurement method according to the above configuration example can be suitably used for, for example, the follow-up observation of a lesion site including a tumor. On the other hand, the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can also be used for searching for a lesion site. That is, for example, with a stethoscope currently used in clinical practice, the doctor directly touches the patient's body with the stethoscope, and the patient's health status is vital signs (breathing sound, heart sound, heart noise, vascular noise, etc.) As for the cross-sectional image measuring device having the above configuration, as in the case of the stethoscope, the measurer presses the probe against the subject's body, and the ultrasonic image and the maximum depth of several centimeters from the skin surface to the inside of the body. It can be used as an ultrasonic / optical stethoscope that acquires information on the optical characteristics of the light.

  Such an ultrasonic / optical stethoscope can be applied to any part of the subject, not only the head, chest, abdomen, and extremities, but also the whole body. Can be found in. The optical characteristics and internal information at the measurement site measured by the ultrasonic / optical stethoscope are specifically information on, for example, hemoglobin, water, fat, etc., and by acquiring these internal information, tissue metabolism is obtained. The state and the like can be measured simultaneously with the ultrasound image, and in some cases, a lesion site such as cancer can be found.

  13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic / optical stethoscope using the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 13 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 13 (b) is a perspective view. A front view is shown. The ultrasonic / optical stethoscope 50 shown in FIG. 13 has a tip surface of the ultrasonic probe 11 and a tip of two light incident probes (light incident fibers) 16 on the contact surface 51 with the measurement target site S of the subject. It is configured as a composite probe provided with a surface and the tip surface of two light emitting probes (light emitting fibers) 17. As for the size of the ultrasonic / optical stethoscope 50, for example, the diameter of the contact surface 51 is about 50 mm to 100 mm.

  In this stethoscope 50, the combination of the light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe 17 is selected as shown in the front view of FIG. The second cross section is configured to be switchable between being parallel to and perpendicular to the first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measuring apparatus. In addition, the contact surface 51 between the probe 11, 16, 17 and the subject (patient) is kept clean by, for example, changing the sheet on the end face, thereby preventing secondary infection between subjects. Can do.

  In addition, in such an ultrasonic / optical stethoscope 50, for example, an operation button, a foot switch, an end surface contact switch, and the like can be provided to perform the operation. In FIG. 13A, a configuration in which a measurement start instruction switch 52, an optical probe parallel / vertical switching switch 53, a shutter opening / closing instruction switch 54, and a measurement depth change instruction switch 55 are provided on the side surface of the stethoscope 50 is shown. Illustrated. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides the light-shielding material for preventing the influence of extraneous light in the contact part vicinity of an optical probe and a subject.

  In such a configuration, in addition to the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image, when the internal information of the measurement object S is acquired from the measurement result of the optical measurement, the obtained internal information is used for searching the lesion site. can do. In this case, for the cross-sectional display image including the composite cross-sectional image of the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image displayed on the display device 37 (see FIG. 1), for example, in the cross-sectional display image, the composite cross-sectional image display unit is A configuration in which a measurement result display unit for internal information is provided separately and the internal information is displayed separately from the combined cross-sectional image can be used.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an internal information display unit provided separately from the composite cross-sectional image display unit in the cross-sectional display image. In the internal information display unit shown in FIG. 14, the optical path distribution regions 1 to 6 with respect to the detection time ranges 1 to 6 in which the time-resolved waveform data is divided and the corresponding optical path distribution regions 1 to 6 (see, for example, FIGS. 7 and 8). For each of these, the numerical range of the optical characteristics obtained by optical measurement is shown in a graph format. By displaying and referring to such internal information in addition to the combined cross-sectional image, it is possible to efficiently search for a lesion site.

  A method for acquiring internal information of the measurement object S in the cross-sectional image measurement apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. For example, Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 can be referred to for the internal information acquisition method described below.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the measurement of the time-resolved waveform of the emitted light and the derivation of the internal information of the measurement object S by the time-resolved measurement device 15. 15A shows a time waveform of pulse measurement light, FIG. 15B shows a time waveform of light emitted from the measurement object S, and FIG. 15C shows a probe for the measurement object S. , The optical path distribution of the measurement light inside the measurement object S, and the internal information. Further, in the graph of FIG. 15B, a graph C1 shows a time-resolved waveform of the emitted light in the reference measurement with the reference sample as the measurement object S, and a graph C2 shows a target with the measurement sample S as the target sample. The time-resolved waveform of the emitted light in the measurement is shown.

  In the analysis algorithm for the measurement result of time-resolved measurement using pulsed measurement light, for example, as with the imaging algorithm in the case of optical measurement using continuous light, the change in absorbance is the change in the product of the optical path length and absorption coefficient. It can be considered that the microscopic Beer-Lambert rule of being equal holds at each detection time t.

Therefore, considering the difference between the reference detected light amount R (t) in the reference measurement result and the detected light amount I (t) in the target measurement result, the reference absorption coefficient is μ _a-ref , and the target absorption coefficient is μ _{If a} , the amount of change Δμ _a of the absorption coefficient in the measurement object such as a living body is μ _a −μ _a−ref , and the relationship with the time-resolved optical path length l (t) is expressed by the following equation (1). It is expressed as follows.

15B and 15C show the light amounts R (t ₁ ) and I (t ₁ ) in the time-resolved waveform at time t ₁ and the time-resolved optical path length distribution l _i in the measurement object S. (T ₁ ) and absorption coefficient change amount Δμ _a are shown. In the optical path length distribution, i = 1 to n, and n is the number of voxels in the region.

Specifically, it is assumed that the hemoglobin concentration in the living body S is obtained using the measuring object S as a living body. In this case, in order to obtain the absolute value of the hemoglobin concentration, two or more wavelengths λ for measurement light are selected from the near infrared wavelength region. Then, the absorption coefficient of each wavelength of the reference is added to the amount of change of the absorption coefficient at that wavelength, and the following equation (2)

To obtain the absolute absorption coefficient.

The absorption coefficient at each wavelength is expressed by the following equation (3)

As shown in Fig. 4, it is expressed as the sum of products of the concentration of each substance and the molar extinction coefficient. Therefore, by solving these simultaneous equations, the equations (4) and (5)


The concentration of oxyhemoglobin (HbO ₂ ), deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen saturation (SO ₂ ) shown in FIG.

Where μ _{a, λ} is the absorption coefficient at wavelength λ, ε _λ ^{HbO 2} is the molar extinction coefficient of oxyhemoglobin at wavelength λ, and ε _λ ^Hb is the deoxyhemoglobin ^{concentration} at wavelength λ. Is the molar extinction coefficient, ε _λ ^H2O is the molar extinction coefficient of water at wavelength λ, C ^HbO2 is the oxyhemoglobin concentration at wavelength λ, C ^Hb is the deoxyhemoglobin concentration at wavelength λ, and C ^H2O Is the water concentration at wavelength λ. Abs _λ ^bg is an absorption background at wavelength λ. In the above description, the concentration of water inside the living tissue can be assumed to be 60%. For example, in the case of a breast, the concentration of water is about 20%.

  When such measurement is applied to a breast cancer test, for example, the following procedure can be considered. The measurement is performed with the subject in a supine or semi-sitting position. The probe is applied to the subject's breast, which is the measurement object S, and an average optical parameter in the measurement target range is calculated. Then, the optical path length distribution is recalculated based on the value, or a suitable one is selected from the optical path length distributions calculated in advance.

  In such a configuration, by using the combined cross-sectional image of the ultrasonic image (echo image) and the optical path distribution image, it becomes possible to appropriately perform optical measurement of the region of interest using the ultrasonic image. In addition, the region of interest can be changed by changing the detection time range (time gate) set for the time-resolved waveform, and the result is displayed as a composite cross-sectional image of the ultrasound image and the optical path distribution image. This can be confirmed on the device 37 (see, for example, FIG. 7).

  In the case of measuring a reference and a target in breast cancer examination (see FIGS. 11 and 12), as a reference, (1) a method using either the left or right breast as a reference can be used, or (2 It is also possible to use a method in which a time-resolved response waveform of one wavelength is used as a reference waveform. However, in the case of (2), in order to obtain the hemoglobin concentration, it is necessary to perform optical measurement using measurement light having three or more wavelengths.

  The configurations of the ultrasonic probe 11 in the ultrasonic image measuring device 10 and the light incident probe 16 and the light emitting probe 17 in the time-resolved measuring device 15 for the measurement object S will be further described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a measurement probe including the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emitting probe 17.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 16A, the entire measurement probe 61 including the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emitting probe 17 is placed on the measurement object S such as a breast. Measure by manually moving while flattening. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 16B, the measurement probe 62 includes four light incident probes 16 indicated by white circles and four light emission probes 17 indicated by black circles, as indicated by arrows 63. Moreover, the measurement cross section in ultrasonic measurement and optical measurement can be changed by sequentially changing the combination of the light incident probe and the light emitting probe used for optical measurement. For such a change in the measurement cross section, only one set of probes 16 and 17 used for optical measurement is provided for the probe 11 used for ultrasonic measurement, and the optical probes 16 and 17 are centered on the ultrasonic probe 11. It is good also as a structure which changes a measurement cross section by rotating as follows.

  Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 16C, the transparent plate 64 is disposed on the measurement object S, and the measurement probe 65 including the ultrasonic probe 11, the light incident probe 16, and the light emitting probe 17 thereon. Is shown, and the measurement probe 65 automatically moves. In this case, the transparent plate 64 on the measurement target S such as a breast presses the measurement target S so that the measurement probe 65 can move smoothly.

  The cross-sectional image measuring device and the cross-sectional image measuring method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show examples of the configurations of the ultrasonic image measuring device, the time-resolved measuring device, and their probes. Specifically, various configurations may be used. For the optical path distribution image acquired by optical measurement, for example, the configuration in which the distance between the light incident probe and the light emitting probe is changed and the change in the optical path distribution at that time is displayed. Various configurations other than the configuration examples can be used.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used as a cross-sectional image measurement device and a cross-sectional image measurement method that can use ultrasonic image measurement and optical measurement in combination with a simple configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Cross-sectional image measuring device, S ... Measurement object, 10 ... Ultrasonic image measuring device, 11 ... Ultrasonic probe, 15 ... Time-resolved measuring device, 16 ... Light incident probe, 17 ... Light emitting probe, 20 ... Light source part 21 ... 1st light source, 22 ... 2nd light source, 23 ... 3rd light source, 25 ... Photodetector, 26 ... Signal processing part, 27 ... CFD, 28 ... TAC,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Measurement processing apparatus, 31 ... Ultrasonic image generation part, 32 ... Optical path image generation part, 33 ... Internal information analysis part, 35 ... Cross-sectional image generation part, 36 ... Image display control part, 37 ... Display apparatus, 38 ... Input apparatus,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Ultrasonic and optical stethoscope, 51 ... Contact surface, 52 ... Measurement start instruction switch, 53 ... Optical probe changeover switch, 54 ... Shutter opening / closing instruction switch, 55 ... Measurement depth change instruction switch, 61, 62, 65 ... Measurement Probe, 63 ... rotating direction, 64 ... transparent plate.

Claims (12)

By having an ultrasonic probe used for measuring the first cross section of the measurement object by ultrasonic waves, applying the ultrasonic probe to the measurement object, transmitting ultrasonic waves, and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves An ultrasonic image measurement device that acquires ultrasonic image data about the first cross section of the measurement object;
A light incident probe, a light emitting probe, a light source unit that causes pulsed measurement light to be incident on the measurement object via the light incident probe, and the measurement object from the measurement object; A time-resolved measuring device having a photodetector for detecting the emitted light emitted through the light emitting probe, and a signal processing unit for obtaining time-resolved waveform data of the emitted light detected by the photodetector;
A measurement processing device that performs data processing on cross-sectional measurement of the measurement object by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the time-resolved measurement device;
The measurement processing apparatus includes:
An ultrasonic image generating means for generating an ultrasonic image of the first cross section of the measurement object based on the ultrasonic image data acquired by the ultrasonic image measuring device;
Based on the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device, an optical path image generation unit that generates an optical path distribution image for the first cross section of the measurement object;
A cross-sectional image measuring device, comprising: a cross-sectional image generating unit configured to generate a cross-sectional display image for displaying the ultrasonic cross-sectional image of the measurement object combined with the ultrasonic image and the optical path distribution image.   The optical path image generation means divides the time-resolved waveform data into N detection times (N is an integer of 2 or more), and M (M is an integer of 1 to N) in the optical path distribution image. The cross-sectional image measuring device according to claim 1, wherein M optical path distribution regions corresponding to the detection time range are displayed. The measurement processing device has an internal information analysis unit that analyzes the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device and acquires internal information of the measurement object,
The cross-sectional image measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional image generating unit displays the combined cross-sectional image and the internal information of the measurement object together in the cross-sectional display image.   The first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device are parallel to each other. The cross-sectional image measuring device according to item.   The first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device are perpendicular to each other. The cross-sectional image measuring device according to item.   In the time-resolved measurement device, the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device is switched between parallel and perpendicular to the first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device. The cross-sectional image measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross-sectional image measuring device is configured to be possible. By having an ultrasonic probe used for measuring the first cross section of the measurement object by ultrasonic waves, applying the ultrasonic probe to the measurement object, transmitting ultrasonic waves, and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves An ultrasonic image measurement device that acquires ultrasonic image data about the first cross section of the measurement object;
A light incident probe, a light emitting probe, a light source unit that causes pulsed measurement light to be incident on the measurement object via the light incident probe, and the measurement object from the measurement object; A cross section comprising a photodetector for detecting outgoing light emitted through a light outgoing probe, and a time-resolved measuring device having a signal processing unit for obtaining time-resolved waveform data of outgoing light detected by the photodetector. A measurement method that is applied to an image measurement device and that performs data processing for cross-sectional measurement of the measurement object by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the time-resolved measurement device,
An ultrasonic image generation step of generating an ultrasonic image of the first cross section of the measurement object based on the ultrasonic image data acquired by the ultrasonic image measurement device;
Based on the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device, an optical path image generation step for generating an optical path distribution image for the first cross section of the measurement object;
A cross-sectional image measuring method, comprising: a cross-sectional image generating step for generating a cross-sectional display image for displaying the ultrasonic cross-sectional image and the combined cross-sectional image of the measurement object combined with the optical path distribution image.   The optical path image generation step divides the time-resolved waveform data into N detection times (N is an integer of 2 or more), and M (M is an integer of 1 to N) of the optical path distribution images. 8. The cross-sectional image measurement method according to claim 7, wherein M corresponding optical path distribution regions are displayed in the detection time range of (1). Analyzing the time-resolved waveform data acquired by the time-resolved measurement device, and having an internal information analysis step of acquiring internal information of the measurement object,
The cross-sectional image measurement method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cross-sectional image generation step displays the combined cross-sectional image and the internal information of the measurement object together in the cross-sectional display image.   The first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device are parallel to each other. Section image measurement method according to item.   The first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measuring device and the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measuring device are perpendicular to each other. Section image measurement method according to item.   In the time-resolved measurement device, the second cross section measured by the time-resolved measurement device is switched between parallel and perpendicular to the first cross section measured by the ultrasonic image measurement device. The cross-sectional image measuring method according to claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional image measuring method is configured to be possible.