JP2016174624A - Imaging apparatus, imaging system, imaging method abd support member used in imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of properly imaging a subcutaneous blood vessel at the outside of a joint of a subject regardless of subjects and a part of joints, an imaging system, an imaging method and a support member used in the imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 200 includes: a light source 201 for irradiating a subject with light; a support part 202 for supporting the subject; a detector 203 for detecting at least one of transmitted light, scattered light and reflected light from the subject; and a control unit 204 for controlling the shape of the support part 202 so that the support part 202 changes a bending angle of the subject supported.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood vessel imaging device, an imaging system, an imaging method, and a support member used in the imaging device using light.

  As an apparatus capable of imaging a tissue structure in a living body, for example, a blood vessel structure, there is an apparatus using, for example, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), X-ray CT (Computed Tomography), ultrasonic echo, or the like. By using these techniques, it is possible to obtain not only the extracted blood vessel image but also the tomographic structure of the living tissue, and these techniques are widely used in the medical field.

  However, since these techniques have problems such as the use of a contrast medium or exposure, non-exposed non-invasive imaging methods are required. Therefore, as a technique capable of non-invasively photographing a blood vessel, a technique of irradiating a living body with near infrared light and transmitting through a vein is disclosed in the technology of the authentication field.

  In the medical field, when evaluating inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, for example, when evaluating a finger joint, it is desired to photograph the affected joint not only from the palm side but also from the back side of the hand.

  However, when the subcutaneous blood vessels of the finger joints are photographed from the back side of the hand, there is a problem that the blood vessel image is difficult to see in the photographed image as compared with the case of photographing from the palm side.

  Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a vein authentication device using a subcutaneous blood vessel on the back side of the hand, that is, outside the joint, at a portion between the finger joints. In these technologies, by holding the grip with the hand and bending the finger, loosening of the skin on the back side of the hand at the part between the joints of the finger is eliminated, and it is easy to image the subcutaneous blood vessel on the back side of the hand at the part. I use that.

  However, in the case of a subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint, it has been found from the study of the present inventor that the blood vessel contrast greatly changes depending on the bending angle of the joint.

  In addition, the optimal bending angle of the joint that makes it easy to see the subcutaneous blood vessels outside the joint varies depending on the subject and the joint to be imaged, so-called human dependence and joint dependence, and the range of the optimal bending angle of the joint is It is not so wide for the range of motion of the joint. Therefore, it is difficult to set the bending angle of the joint to an optimal bending angle for photographing the subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint by simply bending the joint.

  Therefore, regardless of the subject or the part of the joint, the subcutaneous blood vessels outside the joint can be easily imaged, i.e., the blood vessel image can be easily seen in the captured image. Development of a device capable of photographing was desired.

JP 2007-154472 A Japanese Patent No. 4692174

  Therefore, the present invention provides an imaging device, an imaging system, an imaging method, and a support member used in the imaging device that can appropriately image a subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint of a subject regardless of a subject or a joint site. To do.

  An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of a light source that irradiates a subject with light, a support that supports the subject, and transmitted light, scattered light, and reflected light from the subject. And a control unit for controlling the shape of the support so as to change the bending angle of the subject supported by the support.

  An imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates a subject with light, a support unit that supports the subject, and at least one of transmitted light, scattered light, and reflected light from the subject. An imaging device comprising: a detector for detecting one; a controller for controlling the shape of the support so as to change the bending angle of the subject supported by the support; and the electric power generated by the detector An acquisition unit for acquiring hand characteristic information based on the signal is provided.

  An imaging method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a step of supporting a subject by a support portion, a step of changing a bending angle of the subject supported by the support portion, and light from a light source to the subject. And a step of detecting at least one of transmitted light, scattered light and reflected light from the subject.

  A support member according to another embodiment of the present invention is a support member used in an imaging device that captures at least one of transmitted light, scattered light, and reflected light from a human hand, and The shape is variable so as to change the bending angle of the joint of the person's finger to support and support.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device, an imaging system, an imaging method, and a support member used in the imaging device that can appropriately image a subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint of a subject regardless of a subject or a joint site. can do.

It is a figure explaining the bending angle of a finger joint. It is the schematic of the imaging device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the example of the relationship between the curvature radius of a test subject support body, and the contrast of the image | photographed blood vessel image. It is a figure explaining the change of the shape of the test subject support body in one Embodiment of this invention. An example of the subject support tool in one Embodiment of this invention is shown. The other example of the subject support tool in one Embodiment of this invention is shown. The other example of the subject support tool in one Embodiment of this invention is shown. The other example of the subject support tool in one Embodiment of this invention is shown. It is the schematic of the imaging device by Example 1 of this invention. It is the schematic of the imaging device by Example 2 of this invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments and examples for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is illustrative and the present invention is not limited by the description. In addition, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions of components, and the like described in the following embodiments and examples are arbitrary, and can be changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. In the present specification, hand characteristic information refers to information related to the distribution of biological tissues (absorbers) such as blood vessels and bones inside the hand, particularly the finger. The characteristic information may be obtained not as numerical data, but as distribution information of each position of the absorber inside the hand, such as optical characteristics such as reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance. Furthermore, the characteristic information may be image data to which information on luminance and color is added for imaging. Note that “upper and lower” respectively corresponds to an upper direction and a lower direction in the direction of gravity.

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a blood vessel imaging apparatus, imaging system, imaging method and imaging apparatus using light, and a support member used in the imaging apparatus, particularly an imaging apparatus and imaging system for imaging a new blood vessel group in the vicinity of a joint associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The present invention relates to a photographing method and a supporting member used in a photographing apparatus. Hereinafter, a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the bending angle of a joint to be imaged by an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the bending angle of a joint focused on the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, as an example of the bending angle of the joint, the bending angle of the finger joint of a human hand will be described. Here, description will be made assuming that the imaging target is the second joint of the left index finger. In this description, an example in which all fingers are bent at the same angle will be described. However, the hand bending method realized when photographing with the apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this, and the bending angle may be different for each finger or for each joint.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a left hand 101. FIG. 1 shows a first finger 102, a second finger 103, a third finger 104, a fourth finger 105 and a fifth finger 106 for the left hand 101. FIG. 1 also shows the orientation of the axis of the proximal phalanx of the second finger as a line 109 and the orientation of the axis of the middle phalanx of the second finger as a line 110.

  Here, the bending angle 108 of the second joint 107 of the second finger is defined as an angle formed by the orientation 109 of the proximal phalanx and the orientation 110 of the middle phalanx of the second finger. Hereinafter, similarly, the bending angle of the joint is assumed to be an angle formed between parts connected in the joint portion.

  When photographing the blood vessels of the finger joint from the palm side, the skin on the palm side of the joint becomes thin and thin by photographing with the hands widened or the fingers stretched, and as a result, it is easy to photograph the blood vessels under the skin of the joint Become. Therefore, it becomes easy to see blood vessels under the skin of the joint in the photographed image. However, in the state where the finger is stretched as described above, when trying to photograph the blood vessels of the finger joint from the back side of the hand, the skin on the back side of the hand of the finger joint is loosened and thickened. The lower blood vessel is difficult to photograph due to light scattering in the living body. Therefore, in the photographed image, the blood vessels under the skin of the joint on the back side of the hand are difficult to see. Therefore, when photographing the blood vessels under the skin of the joint on the back side of the hand, the joint is bent and photographed in order to eliminate the looseness of the skin of the joint.

  However, when the joint is bent in order to eliminate the looseness of the skin of the joint, if the bending angle of the joint, for example, the bending angle 108 is too large, the contrast of the blood vessel image is lowered. This is considered to be because when the bending angle of the joint is large, the skin outside the joint is strongly stretched, and as a result, the blood vessels under the skin outside the joint are compressed and the blood flow is reduced.

  In this regard, according to the inventor's study, the range of the appropriate joint bending angle that can improve the blood vessel contrast without inhibiting the blood flow under the skin of the joint is much wider than the movable range of the joint. Not found.

  Therefore, the imaging device according to the present embodiment images the blood vessels under the skin when imaging the blood vessels under the skin on the back side of the hand when the imaging target is the joint of the finger of the hand, for example, outside the joint to be imaged. It has a function of easily obtaining an appropriate joint bending angle. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment images the joint in a state where the joint is bent at an appropriate joint bending angle that can improve blood vessel contrast without inhibiting blood flow under the skin of the joint. be able to.

  Hereinafter, a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an optical system for transmission photographing. However, photographing according to the present invention is not limited to transmission photographing using transmitted illumination light, and reflection using reflected illumination light. Photography may be sufficient, or the structure which uses both transmission photography and reflection photography may be sufficient. Hereinafter, the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with a finger joint as an imaging target (observation target). However, the imaging target of the imaging device according to the embodiment is limited to the finger joint. Absent. The imaging target can be a wrist, a toe, an elbow, a knee, and other joints.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a photographing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 200 is provided with a light source 201, a subject support tool 202, a detector 203, and a control unit (acquisition unit) 204. A subject support 213 is provided on the subject support tool (support unit) 202, and a control processing PC 205 and a monitor 206 are provided on the control unit 204. FIG. 2 also shows a joint 211 to be imaged, a finger 207, a fingernail 210, and a bending angle 212 of the second joint of the finger 207. Further, FIG. 2 shows optical elements 208 and 209 as optional configurations.

  In the imaging apparatus 200, the light source 201 irradiates light on a finger 207 (subject) supported by the subject support 202 in a predetermined support state, and the detector 203 detects transmitted light from the finger 207. And generating an electrical signal based on the detected light. The detector 203 transmits the generated electrical signal to the control unit 204, and the control unit 204 acquires hand characteristic information based on the electrical signal generated by the detector 203, and constructs a captured image. Here, the control unit 204 controls the shape of the subject support tool 202 so as to support the subject in a state where it is easy to photograph the blood vessel under the skin outside the joint to be imaged. As a result, the imaging apparatus 200 can capture a blood vessel under the skin outside the joint to be imaged in a state where it is easy to image, and can image the blood vessel under the skin. An image in which blood vessels under the skin are easy to see can be taken.

  Hereinafter, each component of the imaging device 200 will be described.

  The light source 201 irradiates near infrared light (about 0.7 to 2.5 μm) to the hand supported by the subject support 202. Near-infrared light irradiated to the hand has a light emission wavelength with high transmittance of the living body, and thus passes through a portion such as the finger 207. Further, the light emitted from the light source 201 is not limited to near-infrared light, but may be light having a wavelength with a high biological transmittance. Note that when near infrared light is used for imaging, the risk associated with imaging such as radiation exposure can be reduced.

  As the light source 201, it is possible to use an LED having a near-infrared emission wavelength that has a high biological transmittance. The light source 201 is not limited to the LED, and may be a laser or an SLD (Super Luminescent Diode). When configuring a light source that is inexpensive, has a large area, and has a large amount of light, a light source in which LEDs are arranged in an array can be used.

  Next, the subject support tool 202 will be described.

  The subject support tool 202 has a shape that supports the joint 211 of interest, which is an imaging target, at an appropriate bending angle 212 when supporting the finger 207 of the human hand. Typically, the subject support 213 included in the subject support tool 202 has a predetermined radius of curvature in the bending direction of the joint 211. By disposing the joint 211 along the subject support 213, the subject support 213 can support the joint 211 (subject) at a predetermined bending angle. That is, typically, the subject support tool 202 can hold the joint 211 at a predetermined bending angle corresponding to the radius of curvature of the subject support 213.

  Here, as described above, the bending angle of the joint that makes it easy to see the blood vessel under the skin outside the joint in the photographed image varies depending on the person and also varies depending on the joint. Moreover, the range of the bending angle of such a joint is not so wide with respect to the movable range of the joint.

  In contrast, the imaging apparatus 200 can control the shape of the subject support 213 according to the person and joint to be examined by the control processing PC 205 connected to the subject support 202. In addition, the imaging apparatus 200 changes the shape of the subject support 213 according to the person and joint to be examined, changes the bending angle of the joint 211 supported by the subject support tool 202, and performs imaging multiple times. 211 has the function of obtaining the optimum bending angle 212 of 211.

  Hereinafter, an operation for obtaining the optimum bending angle 212 of the joint 211 will be described.

  In the imaging apparatus 200, first, the shape of the subject support 213 is set to a predetermined state, the joint 211 is supported at a predetermined bending angle corresponding to the shape of the subject support 213, and the blood vessel under the skin of the joint 211 is supported. Perform transmission photography. At this time, the control processing PC 205 analyzes the captured image, and calculates the contrast of the blood vessel image under the skin of the joint 211 of interest that is reflected in the captured image.

  Next, the control PC 205 performs shape control such as changing the radius of curvature of the subject support 213 in the bending direction of the joint 211 of the subject support 213 by a predetermined value, and so on again. 211 is photographed. Thereafter, the contrast and the like of the blood vessel image are again analyzed and calculated.

  The control processing PC 205 of the imaging apparatus 200 repeats this operation, and acquires data indicating the relationship between the radius of curvature of the subject support 213 and the contrast of the blood vessel image, for example, as shown in FIG. The control processing PC 205 acquires such data, and obtains the radius of curvature 301 of the subject support 213 that maximizes (maximizes) the contrast of the blood vessel image of interest. Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of the relationship between the radius of curvature of the subject support 213 and the blood vessel image contrast when the blood vessels under the skin of the joint 211 supported by the subject support 213 are imaged. In FIG. 3, the radius of curvature of the subject support 213 is taken on the horizontal axis, and the blood vessel image contrast is taken on the vertical axis. FIG. 3 shows a radius of curvature 301 that maximizes the blood vessel image contrast.

  The control processing PC 205 deforms the subject support 213 so as to have a radius of curvature 301 that maximizes (maximizes) the contrast of the blood vessel image obtained by the above operation, and changes the shape of the subject support tool 202 to the joint 211. The optimal shape is set so that the blood vessels under the skin on the back of the hand can be easily photographed. Thereafter, the control processing PC 205 can further optimize the photographing conditions such as irradiation light intensity and exposure time.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus 200 images the finger 207 (subject) a plurality of times while changing the shape of the subject support tool 202 by the control processing PC 205 of the control unit 204. At this time, the control processing PC 205 calculates the contrast of the blood vessel image in the plurality of configured images, and based on the calculated contrast of the blood vessel image, the shape of the subject support tool 202 when the contrast of the blood vessel image becomes the maximum value. Ask for. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus 200 can obtain an appropriate shape of the subject support tool 202 for realizing the optimal bending angle 212 of the joint 211, and can control the shape of the subject support tool 202 according to the shape. Therefore, the subject support tool 202 can support the joint 211 in a state where it is easy to photograph the blood vessel under the skin outside the joint 211.

  The control processing PC 205 can set the imaging conditions of the imaging device 200 so as to maximize the contrast of the blood vessel image when the blood vessel image to be captured appears high in the captured image. It is. On the other hand, when the image of the blood vessel to be photographed is not visible in the photographed image, the light source 201 is set so that the contrast of an easily viewable blood vessel such as a healthy blood vessel near the region of interest blood vessel (region of interest) is maximized. The imaging conditions of the detector 203 can also be controlled. In this case, by improving the imaging conditions, the low-contrast blood vessels gradually appear in high contrast in each captured image, and the blood vessel image desired to be captured can be easily seen.

  Next, a change in the shape of the subject support 213 included in the subject support 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a subject support 401 having a subject support 402 as an example of the subject support 202 having the subject support 213. FIG. 4 shows shapes F1, F2, and F3 of the subject support 401 having different radii of curvature. In the subject support 401, the radius of curvature of the subject support 402 changes as both end portions 403 and 404 of the subject support 402 move toward or away from each other, and the subject support 401 The shape changes. Specifically, as shown in the shapes F1, F2, and F3 of the subject support 401, the both ends 403 and 404 of the subject support 402 move in a direction approaching each other, whereby the curvature of the subject support 402 is obtained. The radius becomes smaller. Similarly, when the both ends 403 and 404 of the subject support 402 move away from each other, the radius of curvature of the subject support 402 increases.

  FIG. 4 shows shapes F1, F2, and F3 in which the radius of curvature of the subject support 402 is changed in three stages. However, the change in the shape of the subject support 402 is not limited to this, and the subject support 402 has an arbitrary radius of curvature according to the movement of the both end portions 403 and 404 toward or away from each other. It can be transformed steplessly to have In the example of FIG. 4, both ends 403 and 404 of the subject support 402 move in a direction toward or away from each other, but the configuration of the subject support is not limited to this. The subject support may be movable in a direction in which only one end (end 403 or 404) approaches or moves away from the other end (end 404 or 403).

  The configuration of the subject support tool 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a subject support 501 as an example of the subject support 202. The subject support 501 is provided with a subject support 502 and a subject support pedestal 503, and the subject support pedestal 503 is provided with a plurality of pins 504 and openings 505.

  In the subject support 501, a flexible plate provided on the subject support base 503 is deformed so as to have a cylindrical surface shape (surface shape) to form the subject support 502. It is possible to support the hand by placing the hand on the top. The subject support 502 can be formed of, for example, a transparent acrylic plate.

  The pins 504 are provided on the subject support base 503 as three pairs so as to sandwich and support the both ends 506 and 507 of the subject support 502 in each pair, and each pin 504 is a pair. The pin 504 can move toward or away from the pin 504. Each pin 504 approaches the paired pin 504 and presses the subject support 502 from both sides, thereby bending the subject support 502 and reducing the curvature radius of the cylindrical surface shape of the subject support 502. Can be made. Similarly, each pin 504 can be moved away from the paired pin 504, thereby extending the subject support 502 to both sides and increasing the curvature radius of the cylindrical surface shape of the subject support 502.

  In FIG. 5, the pins 504 are provided as three pairs, but the number of pins 504 is not limited to this and can be provided as an arbitrary number of pairs. Further, the pin 504 is only required to sandwich and support both end portions 506 and 507 of the subject support 502, and to move the both ends 506 and 507 of the subject support 502 toward or away from each other. It does not have to be formed. Therefore, a different number of pins may be provided on each end 506 and 507 side of the subject support 502. In addition, as for the pin 504, only the pin 504 provided on one end (end 506 or 507) side of the subject support 502 is provided on the other end (end 507 or 506) side. It may be movable in a direction toward or away from. Further, the shape of the pin is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any shape that can apply a force to both ends 506 and 507 of the subject support 502, such as a prismatic shape or a plate shape.

  Here, the subject support tool 501 is connected to the control processing PC of the imaging apparatus, and the control processing PC can control the subject support tool 501 to move the pin 504.

  The opening 505 provided in the subject support pedestal 503 can transmit illumination light during imaging, and the irradiation light is introduced from the opening 505 into the subject support 502 and the hand.

  In this way, the subject support tool 202 can support the target joint 211 to be imaged at a predetermined bending angle 212, and light transmitted through the finger 207 supported by the subject support tool 202 is light. The detection unit 203 detects the image of the subject. In addition, the imaging apparatus 200 performs a plurality of imaging operations while controlling the shape of the subject support tool 202 by the control processing PC 205, so that the shape of the subject support tool 202 capable of holding the joint 211 of interest at the optimal bending angle 212 is obtained. Can be sought.

  Next, the detector 203 and the control unit 204 will be described.

  The detector 203 is a detector having sensitivity to the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 201. The detector 203 detects light (transmitted light) transmitted through the hand supported by the subject support tool 202 and generates an electrical signal based on the detected light. The detector 203 transmits the generated electrical signal to the control unit 204, and the control processing PC 205 of the control unit 204 acquires hand characteristic information based on the received electrical signal, and constructs an image. The constructed image is sent to the monitor 206, which displays the constructed image. Further, the control processing PC 205 is connected to the subject support tool 202 and can control the shape of the subject support tool 202.

  As the detector 203, when the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 201 is 1 μm or less, a camera or a video camera having a Si-based light detection element can be used. Further, when the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 201 is 1 μm or more, for example, a camera or a video camera having an InGaAs-based light detection element can be used as the detector 203.

  As the camera lens of the detector 203, a camera lens having a high transmittance with respect to the wavelength (light source wavelength) of light emitted from the light source 201 by the glass material of the camera lens can be used. Similarly, the anti-reflective coating of the camera lens can be optimized for the light source wavelength.

  A control processing PC 205 included in the control unit 204 is connected to the light source 201, the subject support tool 202, and the detector 203, and can control these operations. In the imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the control processing PC 205 of the control unit 204 is configured to perform image processing such as the configuration of the captured image, control of imaging conditions such as illumination light, and shape control of the subject support tool 202. Yes. However, the configuration of the control unit is not limited to this. In addition to the control processing PC that performs image processing of captured images, control of imaging conditions, and the like in the control unit, subject support tool control that controls the shape of the subject support tool 202. Parts may be provided separately.

  The control processing PC 205 can include a CPU, an MPU, a memory, an arbitrary input device, and the like. The control processing PC 205 may be a computer specialized for processing the signal from the detector 203, or may be a general-purpose computer equipped with signal processing software. Further, the control processing PC 205 may be configured by a server on the cloud.

  In photographing, in addition to photographing a single image, for example, a plurality of images can be photographed, and processing for suppressing random noise in the image can be performed by averaging the photographed images. As a method of capturing a plurality of images, a method of continuously shooting still images or a method of capturing a moving image and extracting each frame from the moving image as a single image can be used. Furthermore, when the images are accumulated by the control processing PC 205, a process of averaging the images by simple addition averaging may be performed, and assuming that the subject's hand moves during a plurality of image capturing operations, You may perform the process which used the alignment process by an image process together.

  Further, when a plurality of joints of a finger are photographed at the same time, it is assumed that the distance from each joint to the detector 203 is different for each joint. Therefore, the camera used as the detector 203 can perform imaging so that all of the plurality of joints to be imaged are within the depth of field at the time of imaging. That is, the detector 203 can be configured such that the detector 203 has a depth of field that includes both the joint closest to the detector 203 and the joint farthest from the plurality of joints of the subject. For example, when shooting with a 35 mm full-size imager camera using a lens with a focal length of 28 mm, the depth of field is about 10 cm under the shooting conditions with an F number of 5.6. When the object to be imaged is a hand joint, the detector 203 is typically configured to have such a depth of field, so that all the joints to be imaged can be within the depth of field. it can.

  In the imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the shape of the subject support tool 202 that can support the joint 211 in a state where the blood vessel under the skin outside the joint 211 of interest (back of the hand) can be easily imaged can be obtained. it can. In addition, the imaging apparatus 200 can control the shape of the subject support tool 202 so as to have the shape, and can hold the joint 211 in a state where it is easy to image a blood vessel under the skin outside the joint 211. Therefore, the imaging device 200 can capture an image in which blood vessels under the skin outside the joint 211 are easy to see. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 has a joint bending angle 212 such that a blood vessel under the skin that comes outside the joint when the joint is bent, or a blood vessel under the skin on the back side of the finger of a finger, can be easily seen in the captured image. Is feasible. Therefore, the state of the joint can be appropriately evaluated by using the imaging device 200, and the burden on the patient and doctor associated with the joint state evaluation can be reduced.

  Note that the application of the imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the application of simultaneously imaging all joints of all fingers. The imaging device 200, for example, images only the joints of fingers other than the thumb (first finger), or images the joints of the index finger (second finger), the middle finger (third finger), and the ring finger (fourth finger). It can also be used for photographing some joints. When the number of joints to be imaged is small, including the area of interest, the stray light can be suppressed or necessary by limiting the irradiation area of the irradiation light from the light source 201 and the imaging area of the detector 203 to the imaging object. It is possible to suppress the depth of field.

  Furthermore, with regard to rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation does not always occur in all joints. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured so that a plurality of joints included in a certain wide range can be simultaneously imaged and monitored. For example, if the subject is a hand, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured such that all joints from the wrist can be imaged simultaneously, or the tip from both wrists can be imaged at once.

  In order to photograph a wide area, a photographing lens having a wide field of view can be used in the photographing apparatus 200, but the configuration of the photographing apparatus for photographing a wide area is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging device can be configured such that a plurality of detectors capture images of different areas, and the control unit connects image data corresponding to the respective areas to form image data of one wide area. . That is, the imaging apparatus can be configured to simultaneously image a plurality of joints of the subject based on electrical signals generated by a plurality of detectors. Note that when performing such an operation in the imaging apparatus, imaging and image connection processing can be performed so that a part of a plurality of areas respectively captured by a plurality of detectors can overlap each other.

  Further, the position and orientation of the detector 203 may be made variable, and a plurality of areas may be photographed sequentially with one detector 203, resulting in photographing a wide area.

  Similarly, the imaging apparatus 200 may be configured such that the subject support tool 202 is movable, that is, the position of the subject support tool 202 is variable with respect to the detector 203. In this case, a plurality of blood vessel images can be captured while changing the position of the subject support tool 202, and image data captured by the control unit 204 can be connected to form one wide area image data. .

  In addition, when the depth of field is increased in order to photograph a plurality of joints to be photographed, it is necessary to set a large F value of the optical system of the detector 203, resulting in an increase in exposure time. There is a case. On the other hand, when it is desired to suppress an increase in the exposure time of one image in the case of a still image and one frame in the case of a moving image, for example, in order to photograph a plurality of joints to be photographed, the optical of the detector 203 It is possible to shoot multiple times by shifting the focus position of the system. Or in order to image | photograph the several joint used as imaging | photography object, the distance from the imaging | photography object of the detector 203 can also be taken back and forth, and it can also image | photograph several times.

  Further, since the support state of the subject also changes in accordance with the change in the shape of the subject support tool 202, the distance difference between the point closest to the detector 203 and the farthest point in the target region of the subject may also change. is there. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured such that the control unit 204 changes and sets the necessary depth of field of the optical system of the detector 203 in accordance with the shape of the subject support tool 202.

  Similarly, the light source 201 and the detector 203 can be controlled by the control unit 204 so that the imaging conditions of the light source 201 and the detector 203 are changed according to the shape change of the subject support tool 202. The imaging conditions can include the positions of the light source 201 and the detector 203, the intensity of illumination light from the light source 201, the intensity distribution, the irradiation angle (propagation direction), and other conditions. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 is configured so that the control unit 204 changes the intensity of light emitted from the light source 201, the light intensity distribution, the propagation direction, and the like in conjunction with the shape control of the object support 202. Also good. For example, when the subject support tool 202 has a predetermined curvature, the light source 201 is disposed in the vicinity of the center of curvature of the subject support tool 202 and the surface of the subject support tool 202 is irradiated substantially perpendicularly. Thereby, the loss of the light quantity on the surface of the subject support tool 202 can be reduced. In this case, since the position of the center of curvature of the subject support 202 moves with the shape change of the subject support 202, the position of the light source 201 can be moved following this. Furthermore, the light emission direction from the light source 201 can also be interlocked with the shape change of the subject support tool 202.

  The imaging apparatus 200 can also be configured so that the position of the detector 203 moves to a position that faces the target joint 211 to be imaged. When the shape of the object support tool 202 changes and the support state of the object to be supported changes, the position and orientation of the joint 211 to be noticed change. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured to change the position of the detector 203 in accordance with a change in the position and orientation of the joint 211, that is, a change in the shape of the subject support 202. For example, the position and orientation of the detector 203 can be moved and arranged so that the center of curvature of the subject support 202 exists on the optical axis of the detector 203. Further, the focal position of the detector 203 can also be changed in conjunction with the shape change of the subject support tool 202.

  Similarly, in order to reduce the required depth of field, the imaging device 200 can be configured such that the detector 203 is movable in the optical axis direction. In this case, the imaging apparatus 200 arranges the detector 203 at different positions in the optical axis direction and performs imaging a plurality of times, so that each imaging is performed when imaging a plurality of joints to be imaged. Can reduce the depth of field required.

  The detector 203 can be moved in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis from the viewpoint of securing a wide imaging area. In this case, the imaging apparatus 200 can capture a wide range of areas by arranging the detector 203 at different positions in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis and performing imaging a plurality of times.

  Similarly, the direction of the optical axis of the detector 203 can be made variable from the viewpoint of securing a wide imaging area. In this case, the photographing apparatus 200 can photograph a wide area by photographing a plurality of times while changing the direction of the optical axis of the detector 203.

  Similarly, the subject support tool 202 can also be movable in the optical axis direction of the detector 203 or in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, when the detector 203 is arranged vertically downward, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured so that the subject support 202 can move in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In this case, the imaging apparatus 200 arranges the subject support tool 202 at different positions in the optical axis direction of the detector 203 and performs imaging a plurality of times, for example, when imaging a plurality of joints to be imaged. The depth of field required for each shooting can be reduced. In addition, the imaging apparatus 200 captures a wide area by imaging the subject support 202 at different positions in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the detector 203 and performing imaging a plurality of times. Can do.

  Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 200 can be configured so that the subject support tool 202 can be tilted as a function for arranging the region of interest of the subject so as to face the detector 203. In this case, the imaging apparatus 200 can arrange the region of interest of the subject facing the detector 203 by performing imaging a plurality of times while changing the tilt angle of the subject support tool 202.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, by arranging an optical element 208 such as a diffusion plate in front of the light source 201, the intensity distribution of the light irradiated to the subject can be flattened. When the blood vessel of the subject is in a deep part, the irradiation light is scattered by scattering tissue in the living body such as a fat layer around the blood vessel, so that the blood vessel image based on the light detected by the detector 203 is blurred and thinned. In the photographed image, blood vessels appear as faint dark areas. For this reason, it may be difficult to distinguish the luminance distribution on the photographed image from that due to slight light absorption by blood vessels and that due to the spatial light intensity distribution possessed by the light source 201 itself. Therefore, in order to make it easy to distinguish the luminance distribution on the photographed image from those caused by slight light absorption by the blood vessels and those caused by the spatial light intensity distribution possessed by the light source 201 itself, The light intensity distribution of the light source 201 can be reduced as much as possible by using the element 208 or the like.

  Furthermore, a polarizing plate can be inserted between the light source 201 and the subject and between the subject and the detector 203. Thereby, the illumination light is limited to a certain polarization component, and the component maintaining the polarization and the component depolarizing the light transmitted through the subject can be discriminated. Since light that has not been scattered by the tissue in the living body maintains the polarization component, it is possible to obtain an image with less influence of image blur due to in-vivo scattering compared to non-polarized imaging. it can.

  In the imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the LED light source is used. However, in order to transmit and illuminate an object having a high light scattering rate and absorption rate and a low light transmission rate like a living body, the irradiation spot diameter is set to be small. A laser light source can also be used as a small high-intensity light source. Since the laser light source can precisely control and define the irradiation position, it can be used for both transmitted illumination and reflected illumination.

  Further, since the laser light can be collimated, it is possible to illuminate the scatterer with a parallel light beam using a laser light source. Since light scattered in the scatterer (scattered light) propagates in a direction different from the incident direction, it is possible to discriminate between light that has not been scattered in the propagation direction (straight light) and scattered light. If the straight light component is extracted to construct an image, it is possible to construct a blood vessel image with less blur that suppresses the influence of scattered light. In addition, even in the case of reflective illumination, a collimated light beam is vertically incident on the surface of the scatterer, and the scattered light is detected and imaged by detecting the light that is backscattered once in the scatterer and returns vertically from the scatterer. It is possible to construct an image in which the influence of the above is suppressed.

  Furthermore, the wavelength (light source wavelength) of the light irradiated on the hand may be a single wavelength, or a plurality of light sources that emit light of different wavelengths may be used to switch to the respective wavelengths for shooting. A light source that can switch the wavelength of emitted light to a different wavelength may be used, or a light source that emits light at a plurality of wavelengths at the same time may be used. When simultaneously irradiating a subject with light of a plurality of wavelengths, the wavelength (imaging wavelength) used for imaging is switched by an optical element 209 such as a wavelength cut filter as shown in FIG. 2 in the optical path before the detector. May be. In this case, the wavelength at which the contrast of the blood vessel image becomes the highest can be selected as the imaging wavelength in consideration of the transmittance and scattering rate of the subject, the light absorption spectrum of blood, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the sample support 402 shown in FIG. 4 is given as an example of the configuration of the sample support 213. However, the configuration of the subject support 213 is not limited to this. For example, the subject support can also form a balloon-shaped subject support made of a transparent resin. In this case, the curvature radius of the surface of the subject support may be variable by controlling the shape by inflating the balloon-like subject support with air or water.

  Note that the subject support for changing the bending angle of the joint of the subject to be supported may be any structure that can move the joint according to the direction in which the joint bends. Therefore, for example, the subject support may be formed of two plates that are connected to each other and movable with respect to each other, and may be configured to support a portion where the joint bends at the connection portion. In this case, the subject support has a square shape formed by two plates, and is supported along the two plates by changing the angle of the connecting portion of the two plates. The bending angle of the subject can be changed.

  In the above embodiment, the sample support tool 501 shown in FIG. 5 is given as an example of the configuration of the sample support tool 202. However, the configuration of the subject support tool 202 is not limited to this. 6 to 8 schematically show subject support tools 601, 701, and 801, which are other examples of the shape of the subject support tool 202, respectively. In the subject support tools 601, 701, and 801, the configuration for changing the radius of curvature of the subject support bodies 602, 702, and 802 is the same as the configuration of the subject support tool 501, and therefore, differences will be mainly described.

  FIG. 6 shows a subject support 601 that can simultaneously photograph both hands (left hand 607 and right hand 608). In the subject support 601, two subject supports 602 having symmetrical shapes are provided on the subject support base 603.

  In the subject support tool 601, the left hand 607 and the right hand 608 can be disposed on two subject support tools 602 having symmetrical shapes. For this reason, the imaging apparatus using the subject support tool 601 can simultaneously image the joints of both hands.

  FIG. 7 shows a subject support 701 that shows an appropriate position for placing a hand 707, a finger, or other parts near the joint. In the subject support 701, a subject support 702 is provided on the subject support pedestal 703, and the subject support 702 is provided with a projection 704 indicating an appropriate arrangement position of each finger of the hand 707.

  In the subject support tool 701, a projection 704 is provided on the subject support 702 at a position where the tip of each finger is to be placed. By placing each finger based on the projection 704, the subject support tool 701 is provided. Can help place the finger in the proper position on top. Note that a member indicating an appropriate position for placing the hand 707 and the finger is not limited to the protrusion 704. For example, it may be a marker indicating the arrangement of the hand 707 or the finger. In addition, a member indicating an appropriate position for placing the hand 707 and the finger can be configured to be movable on the subject support 702. In this case, an appropriate position for placing the hand 707 and the finger on the subject support 701 can be changed according to the size of the hand.

  FIG. 8 shows a subject support 801 showing the appropriate position for placing the wrist 808 of the hand 807 to be supported. The subject support 801 includes a subject support pedestal 803 and a subject support 802 and a wrist holder 804.

  In the subject support tool 801, a wrist holder 804 is provided on the subject support base 803 to indicate the position where the wrist 808 is to be placed. The wrist holder 804 can hold the wrist 808 and fix the position of the wrist 808 when the hand 807 is placed on the subject support tool 801, thereby placing the wrist 808 at the position to be placed. Can do. Further, the wrist holder 804 can be configured to be movable on the subject support base 803. In this case, the position where the wrist 808 should be arranged on the subject support base 803 can be changed according to the thickness of the wrist.

  In the imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the light source 201 is disposed below the subject support tool 202 and the detector 203 is disposed above the subject support tool 202. However, the arrangement of the light source and the detector in the imaging apparatus. Is not limited to this. For example, in the photographing apparatus, an arrangement in which the positions of the light source and the detector are interchanged is also possible.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the imaging apparatus is not limited to the configuration in which the optical path from the light source 201 to the detector 203 is substantially vertical as in the imaging apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, and the optical path may be horizontal.

  As described above, when the imaging apparatus 200 performs transmission imaging, the subject support 202 is disposed between the light source 201 and the detector 203. In this case, the light emitted from the light source 201 reaches the detector 203 as it is when the subject is not disposed or when the light travels straight without being scattered in the subject. Therefore, in this arrangement, the light that has not been scattered in the scatterer can be detected by the detector 203. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 200 can extract light that is not scattered in the living body and acquire a clear blood vessel image.

  In the photographing apparatus 200, the light source 201 and the detector 203 are arranged to face each other in order to detect light transmitted through the hand, but the arrangement of the light source and the detector is not limited to this. For example, the direction in which the light emitted from the light source propagates to the subject support may be different from the direction in which the light emitted from the hand propagates to the detector. In such an arrangement, contrary to the arrangement described above, the detector can detect light that has been scattered in the scatterer and whose propagation direction has changed from the incident direction. Therefore, when it is desired to acquire a blood vessel image by light scattered in a living body, an imaging device having such an arrangement can be used.

  Further, in order to prevent light from the light source 201 from being reflected / scattered inside the imaging apparatus 200 and reaching the detector 203 as stray light without irradiating the hand, the surroundings of the light source 201 or the subject support tool 202 can be surrounded by a black screen or the like. Further, the entire photographing apparatus 200 can be surrounded by a small dark room or the like, and the inner wall surface of the small dark room can be constituted by a low reflection dark screen or flocked paper, or can be an inner surface painted with a low reflection paint or the like.

  In the photographing apparatus 200, based on the electrical signal generated by the detector 203, the control processing PC 205 of the control unit 204 acquires hand characteristic information and forms an image. However, the processing can also be performed by a processing device provided outside the imaging device 200. An imaging system 1100 in this case is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an imaging system 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The photographing system 1100 is provided with a photographing device 1110 and a processing device (acquisition unit) 1105.

  The imaging device 1110 has the same configuration as the imaging device 200, but includes a control unit 1114 and a control processing PC 1115 instead of the control unit 204 and the control processing PC 205. The control processing PC 1115 can control imaging conditions such as the shape of the subject support tool 202 and illumination light in the same manner as the control processing PC 205. The control unit 1114 transmits the electrical signal generated by the detector 203 to the processing device 1105 connected to the imaging device 1110. The processing device 1105 acquires hand characteristic information based on the received electrical signal, and constructs an image. The processing device 1105 transmits the configured image to the control unit 1114, and the control unit 1114 displays the received image on the monitor 206. Note that the processing apparatus 1105 may be configured to transmit the configured image to another monitor and display the image on the other monitor.

  Also, image processing such as averaging and alignment of a plurality of configured captured images is performed, or information relating to control of imaging conditions such as illumination light is generated based on the configured captured images and transmitted to the control processing PC 1115. The processing apparatus 1105 can be configured as described above. Further, the processing apparatus 1105 can be configured to generate information related to the shape control of the subject support tool 202 based on the configured captured image and transmit the information to the control processing PC 1115. In these cases, the control processing PC 1115 can control the imaging conditions and the shape control of the subject support tool 202 based on the information sent from the processing device 1105. Note that the processing apparatus 1105 can be configured using, for example, a server or a general-purpose computer connected via the Internet or the like.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the photographing apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is referred to as a diagram showing the shape of the subject support tool similar to the shape of the subject support tool 902 in the imaging apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment.

  The imaging apparatus 900 is provided with a light source 901, a subject support 902, imaging cameras 903, 910, 911, a light source driving power source 904, a control processing PC 905, a monitor 906, and a diffusion plate 908. . A subject support 909 is provided on the subject support 902. FIG. 9 shows a finger 907 as an example of a subject to be imaged.

  The light source 901 irradiates the finger 907 with light having a wavelength of 940 nm, and the photographing cameras 903, 910, and 911 detect light transmitted through the hand (transmitted light), and generate an electrical signal based on the detected light. Here, the light source 901 is an array of LEDs having a wavelength of 940 nm, and the photographing cameras 903, 910, and 911 are sensitive to light having a wavelength of 940 nm.

  A diffusion plate 908 is provided between the light source 901 and the subject support 902, and the diffusion plate 908 diffuses the light irradiated by the light source 901 to level the light intensity distribution of the irradiation light, and irradiates the finger 907. Flatten the light intensity distribution.

  A subject support 902 is disposed between the light source 901 and the imaging cameras 903, 910, and 911, and supports the subject in a predetermined support state. The subject support 902 has the same shape and configuration as the subject support 501 shown in FIG. 5, and the subject support 902 is provided with a subject support 909 having a cylindrical surface shape. Yes. The object support 909 is made of a flexible acrylic thin plate. In the object support tool 902, the radius of curvature of the object support 909 can be changed in the same manner as the object support 502 shown in FIG. Here, the control processing PC 905 connected to the subject support 902 can control the shape of the subject support 909 of the subject support 902.

  The photographing camera 903 mainly photographs the second joint of the finger 907, the photographing camera 910 photographs the first joint of the finger 907, and the photographing camera 911 photographs the third joint of the finger 907. As a result, the photographing apparatus 900 can photograph a plurality of joints of the finger 907 simultaneously.

  The control processing PC 905 takes in electric signals generated by the photographing cameras 903, 910, and 911. The control processing PC 905 generates image data based on the captured electric signal, and displays the generated image data on the monitor 906. As a result, the surgeon can confirm a photographed image of the subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint of interest, which is the subject of photographing of the finger 907 displayed on the monitor 906.

  Further, the control processing PC 905 calculates and stores the contrast of the photographed blood vessel image. The control processing PC 905 changes the bending radius of the joint of the finger 907 by changing the radius of curvature of the subject support 909 and starts imaging by the imaging apparatus 200 again. The control processing PC 905 repeats these operations, and obtains the radius of curvature of the subject support 909 that maximizes the image contrast of the blood vessel of interest, that is, the optimum shape of the subject support 902.

  Further, the control processing PC 905 can control the light amount of the light source 901 using the light source driving power source 904. In addition, the control processing PC 905 can appropriately adjust various shooting conditions such as sensitivity and exposure time of the shooting cameras 903, 910, and 911.

  Furthermore, the control processing PC 905 can reduce random noise of the photographing camera 903 and the like by performing an image averaging process after continuously photographing images ten times using the photographing camera 903 and the like. At this time, the control processing PC 905 extracts, for example, a finger outline or a characteristic blood vessel structure as a feature point in the image, and performs an averaging process after aligning the captured image based on the feature point. Do. As a result, the control processing PC 905 can construct a more accurate image with reduced random noise. Note that the number of times of photographing is not limited to ten and may be any number.

  By these series of operations, it is possible to photograph the blood vessel under the skin outside the joint of interest with high contrast.

  From the above configuration, the imaging apparatus 900 can obtain the shape of the subject support 902 that can support the finger 907 in a state in which the blood vessel under the skin outside the target joint can be easily imaged. In addition, the imaging apparatus 900 can control the shape of the subject support 902 so as to have the shape, and can hold the finger 907 in a state where it is easy to image the blood vessels under the skin outside the joint. Therefore, the imaging device 900 can capture an image in which blood vessels under the skin on the back side of the joint can be easily seen. Therefore, the photographing apparatus 900 sets the bending angle of the joint so that the blood vessel under the skin that comes outside the joint when the joint is bent, or the blood vessel under the skin on the back side of the hand of the finger is easy to see in the photographed image. It is feasible. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the joint state by using the imaging apparatus 900, and it is possible to reduce the burden on the patient and doctor associated with the joint state evaluation.

  The imaging apparatus 900 according to the first embodiment is configured to perform imaging of a subcutaneous blood vessel outside the joint using an optical system for transmission imaging. On the other hand, an optical system for reflection photography can be used in the photographing apparatus. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention using an optical system for reflection imaging will be described. The shape control of the subject support tool, the image processing by the control processing PC, the control of the illumination light, and the like are the same as the control and processing in the imaging apparatus 900 according to the first embodiment. .

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the photographing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus 1000 includes a broadband light source 1001, a subject support tool 1002, an imaging camera 1003, a light source control apparatus 1004, a control processing PC 1005, a monitor 1006, an irradiation optical system 1008, and a bandpass filter 1009. Is provided. A subject support 1010 is provided on the subject support 1002. FIG. 10 shows a finger 1007 as an example of the subject.

  The broadband light source 1001 irradiates the finger 1007 with light having a wavelength of 800 nm to 880 nm. An illumination optical system 1008 is provided in front of the broadband light source 1001, and the illumination optical system 1008 can make the irradiation light from the broadband light source 1001 approach a parallel light beam.

  Light emitted from the broadband light source 1001 is reflected by the finger 1007 of the hand, and the reflected light is detected by the photographing camera 1003. At this time, light having a wavelength of 880 nm can be selected from the light reflected by the finger 1007 by the band-pass filter 1009 in front of the photographing camera 1003. The photographing camera 1003 detects the selected light and generates an electrical signal based on the detected light.

  The electrical signal generated by the imaging camera 1003 is sent to the control processing PC 1005, and the control processing PC 1005 generates a captured image based on the electrical signal.

  Similar to the control processing PC 905 of the imaging apparatus 900 according to the first embodiment, the control processing PC 1005 captures the finger 1007 a plurality of times while changing the shape of the subject support tool 1002 and corresponds to the optimal bending angle of the finger 1007. The shape of the specimen support 1002 can be obtained. The imaging apparatus 1000 controls the shape of the subject support tool 1002 to the shape of the subject support tool 1002 obtained by the control processing PC 1005. Thus, the subject support tool 1002 can support the finger 1007 in a state where it is easy to photograph the blood vessel under the skin on the back side of the hand of the joint of the finger 1007 of interest.

  With the above configuration, in the imaging apparatus 1000 using the reflective optical system according to the present embodiment, the subject support tool 1002 can support the finger 1007 in a state where it is easy to image the blood vessel under the skin outside the target joint. Can be obtained. For this reason, the imaging apparatus 100 sets the bending angle of the joint so that the blood vessel under the skin that comes outside the joint when the joint is bent, or the blood vessel under the skin on the back side of the finger of a finger can be easily seen in the captured image. It is feasible. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 1000 can also image a blood vessel under the skin of the joint of interest with high contrast. Therefore, the state of the joint can be appropriately evaluated by using the imaging apparatus 1000, and the burden on the patient and doctor associated with the joint state evaluation can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the imaging apparatus 1000, it is possible to acquire image information by light at different wavelengths by performing imaging by replacing the bandpass filter 1009 with a filter that selectively transmits light having a wavelength of 800 nm. .

  The bandpass filter 1009 is not limited to transmitting light having a wavelength of 800 nm or 880 nm, and can be configured to selectively transmit light having an arbitrary wavelength. Note that the arrangement position of the bandpass filter is not limited to just before the photographing camera 1003, and the bandpass filter may be arranged in the optical path between the broadband light source 1001 and the finger 1007.

  Note that when the band-pass filter 1009 is disposed immediately before the photographing camera 1003, a polarizer may be used together. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the reflection of shine on the image due to the component of the light emitted from the broadband light source 1001 that is regularly reflected on the surface of the finger 1007.

  In the imaging apparatuses 900 and 1000 according to the first and second embodiments, the imaging target can be the joints of all fingers of both hands, and conversely, the imaging target can be limited to only the first joint of the first finger. In the imaging apparatuses 900 and 1000 according to the first and second embodiments, the subject is described as the finger of the hand, but the subject is not limited to the finger of the hand. The subject to be imaged by the imaging apparatuses 900 and 1000 may be a wrist or a toe, or another joint such as an elbow or a knee.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with reference to embodiment and an Example, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and Example. Inventions modified within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each above-mentioned embodiment and Example can be suitably combined in the range which is not contrary to the meaning of this invention.

201: Light source, 202: Subject support tool (support unit), 203: Detector, 204: Control unit, 211: Joint (subject)

Claims (23)

A light source for irradiating the subject with light;
A support for supporting the subject;
A detector for detecting at least one of transmitted light, scattered light and reflected light from the subject;
A control unit for controlling the shape of the support unit so as to change the bending angle of the subject supported by the support unit;
An imaging device comprising: The imaging apparatus images the subject a plurality of times while changing the shape of the support portion by the control unit,
The control unit calculates the contrast of the blood vessel image in the plurality of configured images,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains the shape of the support unit when the contrast of the blood vessel image becomes a maximum value based on the calculated contrast of the blood vessel image in the plurality of images. The control unit calculates the contrast of the blood vessel image in the constructed image,
The imaging according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light source and the detector so as to maximize a contrast of a healthy blood vessel of the subject in the image based on the calculated contrast. apparatus. Comprising a plurality of said detectors;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of joints of the subject are simultaneously imaged based on electrical signals generated by the plurality of detectors. The subject is a human finger;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detector has a depth of field in which both a joint closest to the detector and a joint farthest from the plurality of joints of the finger enter. . Comprising a plurality of said detectors;
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein areas that are imaged using the respective detectors partially overlap each other. The detector is movable in the direction of its optical axis;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detector is arranged at different positions in the optical axis direction to perform imaging a plurality of times. The detector is movable in a plane perpendicular to its optical axis;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detector is arranged at different positions in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis to perform imaging a plurality of times. The direction of the optical axis of the detector is movable,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein imaging is performed a plurality of times by changing a direction of an optical axis of the detector. The position of the support is movable in the optical axis direction of the detector;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support unit is arranged at different positions in the optical axis direction to perform imaging a plurality of times. The position of the support is movable in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the detector;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support unit is disposed at different positions in the in-plane direction and performs imaging a plurality of times. The support is tiltable;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein imaging is performed a plurality of times by changing an inclination angle of the support portion.   The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support portion includes a protrusion indicating a position where a tip of the subject is disposed. The subject is a human finger;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support unit includes a holder for fixing a position of a wrist. The support portion has a cylindrical surface shape, and includes a support body that supports a subject.
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a radius of curvature of a cylindrical surface shape of the support to control a shape of the support.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support unit includes two support bodies that support a subject and have symmetrical shapes.   The said control part changes at least one among the intensity | strength of the said light irradiated from the said light source, light intensity distribution, and a propagation direction in response to control of the shape of the said support part. The imaging device according to claim 1.   The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the control unit changes at least one of an orientation, a position, and a focal position of the detector in conjunction with control of the shape of the support unit. Shooting device. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
An acquisition unit for acquiring hand characteristic information based on the electrical signal generated by the detector;
An imaging system comprising: A step of supporting the subject by the support unit;
Changing the bending angle of the subject supported by the support;
Irradiating the subject with light from a light source;
Detecting at least one of transmitted light, scattered light and reflected light from the subject;
Including shooting method.   The imaging method according to claim 20, wherein the step of irradiating the light is performed for each state where the bending angle of the subject is different.   A support member used in an imaging device that captures at least one of transmitted light, scattered light, and reflected light from a human hand, the joint of the human finger supporting and supporting the human finger A support member whose shape is variable so as to change the bending angle. A support member according to claim 22;
A light source that emits light to the finger;
An apparatus comprising:

Images