JP5521172B2 - Image printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is to diagnose body tissue, relates to a suitable image printing equipment to print the image of the diagnosis result in biological tissue.

  As an apparatus for diagnosing a living tissue, optical coherence tomography (OCT) using optical information inside the tissue is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  OCT is an apparatus that can observe in vivo tissue with a micro-order and extremely high resolution. In addition, in conventional diagnostic devices for examination and surgery, only the surface of the subject can be observed, but OCT allows observation up to the deep part by using a near-infrared light source that can reach below the body surface. Is possible. In addition, the light source is a device that can perform a strictly non-invasive examination because it does not use radiation that is unexpected to the living body, such as conventional X-rays (X-rays).

JP 2006-280449 A

  However, even if image diagnosis is performed by OCT, there may be a difference between the image diagnosis position and the operation position when performing a surgical operation. Accordingly, there is a need for an image printing apparatus and the like suitable for recording a position where a living tissue is diagnosed and displaying the position.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, to diagnose the living body tissue, and to provide a suitable image printing equipment to print the image of the diagnosis result in biological tissue.

In order to achieve the above object, an image printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A measuring unit for measuring a low interference light is irradiated on the face of the subject, the reflected light in which the low coherent light the irradiated is reflected by the face portion of the front Symbol subject,
A generating unit that generates an image indicating a muscle fiber, muscle bundle, blood vessel, nerve, and / or adipose tissue running and displacement based on the reflected light measured by the measuring unit; ,
A printing unit that ejects ink droplets stored in an ink tank toward a face portion of the subject and prints an image generated by the generation unit .

  The measurement unit may include spectral domain or wavelength scanning optical coherence tomography.

The measurement unit includes complete and incomplete cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, cleft lip, jaw cleft, submucosal palate, nasopharyngeal closure dysfunction, muscle strike, nasal cavity, jaw bone defect, nasal flatness, nasal wing base deviation Position, nasal column inclination, nostril enlargement, nasal apex deviation, middle ridge deviation, cupid bow lift, muscle strike, muzzle cleft, nasal fissure, upper lip levator deviation, upper lip nasopharyngeal deviation, soft tissue Traction, nasal cartilage deformation, surgical scar, muscle struts, and / or tissue defects may be measured .

The generation unit is based on a linear method, a triangular valve method, a square valve method, a rotation advance method, a scoog method, an Onizuka method, a von Langenbeck method, a pushback method, or a palatal mucosal valve method, and an incision site of the subject. It is also possible to generate an image showing

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a biological tissue can be diagnosed and the image of a diagnostic result can be printed on this biological tissue.

  Hereinafter, one of the embodiments of the image printing apparatus of the present invention will be described. However, the embodiment is for facilitating understanding of the principle of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is described below. The present invention is not limited to this, and other embodiments in which those skilled in the art appropriately replace the configurations of the following embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The image printing apparatus according to the present embodiment prints a diagnostic image by OCT on the surface of a living body.

  First, the OCT measurement principle will be briefly described. In general, light has a property as an electromagnetic wave, and thus has a property of interfering when light is superimposed. The interference performance of whether it is easy to interfere or difficult to interfere is also called coherence. In general OCT, low coherence light (low coherence light) having low coherence is used.

  When the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents an electric field, the low coherence light becomes a random signal as shown in FIGS. Each peak of the signal is called a wave train, and each wave train has an independent phase and amplitude. For this reason, when the same wave trains overlap, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when there is a slight time delay, as shown in FIG. 1B, the wave trains cancel each other and no optical interference is observed.

  OCT utilizes this property. FIG. 2 shows the basic principle of OCT. The light source is infrared light that enters the living body having a wavelength of 780 nm, 830 nm, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitted from the low coherence light source 10 is divided into two by a beam splitter 40. The light that has passed through the beam splitter 40 reaches the surface of the measurement object (subject) 30 and enters the inside, and if there are boundaries or scatterers having different refractive indexes, they are reflected or scattered there. The light that has been reflected or scattered back is now reflected by the beam splitter 40 and reaches the detector 50 as object light. On the other hand, the light reflected by the beam splitter 40 is reflected by the surface of the reference mirror 20 and is then transmitted through the beam splitter 40 and becomes reference light while interfering with the previous object light by the superposition principle. The detector 50 is reached.

  At this time, when the path length of the object light (the length of the path from when it is branched by the beam splitter 40 until it meets again) becomes equal to the path length of the reference light (the difference between the path lengths is zero), the two waves Strengthening occurs between the two. For this reason, the interference intensity of the light received by the detector 50 is larger than when the difference in path length is not zero. If such measurement is performed for each position of the reference mirror 20 and the measurement object 30 is scanned two-dimensionally perpendicular to the incident optical axis, the layer structure (refractive index boundary) inside the measurement object 30 is obtained. It can be displayed in three dimensions.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a tomographic image measured by OCT. For example, when the surface of a human skin is measured by OCT, an image in which skin, fat, muscle, and the like are in a tomographic shape is displayed as shown in FIG.

  That is, from the image obtained by OCT measurement, it is possible to diagnose cell tissue defects, adhesion, healing and formation, muscle development, blood flow, and the like in the subject.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the image printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, the image printing apparatus 100 includes a measuring unit 110, a control unit 120, a printing unit 130, and the like. Hereinafter, each component of the image printing apparatus 100 will be described. In addition, although the function of each part is mutually linked | related, the acceptance / rejection of each part can be changed suitably according to a use.

  The measurement unit 110 includes a low-coherence light source 10, a reference mirror 20, a beam splitter 40, a detector 50, and the like. Based on the basic principle of OCT described above, the measurement object 30 (for example, a human face, chest, etc.) ). The measurement unit 110 can measure the thickness of muscles and fats, the direction and displacement of muscle fibers and muscle bundles constituting the muscles, the direction of blood vessels, nerves, and fatty tissues. Each component such as the low-interference light source 10 provided in the measurement unit 110 is connected by, for example, an optical fiber cable. The measurement unit 110 is controlled by a control unit 120 described later, and starts and ends measurement.

  Moreover, the measurement part 110 is provided with the measurement probe 111 as shown in FIG. Light emitted from the low-coherence light source 10 is irradiated while scanning from the distal end side of the measurement probe 111 to the measurement object 30 side. A part of the reflected light on the surface or inside of the measurement object 30 is taken from the measurement probe 111 and enters the detector 50. The reflected light detected by the detector 50 is photoelectrically converted by a photodiode or the like, amplified by an amplifier or the like, and then input to the demodulator. In the demodulator, only the signal portion of the reflected light is extracted and demodulated. The demodulated signal is input to the control unit 120 via the A / D converter.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the measurement probe 111 performs measurement by moving and rotating the contact surface with the measurement object 30 of the image printing apparatus 100 vertically and horizontally.

  The measurement unit 110 can measure the measurement object 30 by a generally known device or method. For example, any of spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT), Fourier domain OCT (FD-OCT), or wavelength scanning OCT (SS-OCT) may be used.

  The measurement unit 110 includes, for example, complete and incomplete cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, cleft lip, jaw cleft, submucosal palate, nasopharyngeal closure dysfunction, muscle strike, nasal cavity, jaw bone defect, nasal flatness, nasal wing Base deviation, nasal column inclination, nostril enlargement, nasal apex deviation, mid-ridge deviation, cupid bow lift, muscle strike, cranio-muscle fissure, nasal fissure, upper lip levator deviation, upper lip nasopharyngeal deviation, Soft tissue traction, nasal cartilage deformation, surgical scar, muscle struts, and tissue defects can be measured.

  The control unit 120 is a computer including an arithmetic processing unit (for example, a CPU) and a storage unit (for example, a memory and a hard disk), and controls the measurement unit 110 and a printing unit 130 described later. The control unit 120 stores data from the measurement unit 110 obtained by changing the incidence / reflection of light by controlling the movement / rotation of the measurement probe 111 and the reference mirror 20. The control unit 120 generates a tomographic image or the like based on the data.

Further, the control unit 120 passes the generated image data to the printing unit 130, and controls the printing unit 130 to print the image on the measurement object 30.
Further, the control unit 120 can display a three-dimensional image or the like based on the image data on the display unit.

  Based on the generated image, the control unit 120, for example, from a straight line method, a triangular valve method, a square valve method, a rotation advance method, a scoog method, an Onizuka method, a von Langenbeck method, a pushback method, a palatal mucosal valve method An image showing the incision site in the selected surgical method can also be generated.

  The printing unit 130 controls an ink tank that stores ink, an inkjet head that ejects the stored ink to form an image, an ink supply unit that supplies ink from the ink tank to the inkjet head, and ejection of ink droplets. An injection control unit, a built-in battery for supplying power to each unit, and the like.

  The printing unit 130 is controlled by the control unit 120 and prints a predetermined image generated by the control unit 120 by moving while ejecting ink droplets. Further, the printing unit 130 can also print an image showing the optimal incision position or the like diagnosed from the running / displacement of muscle bundles, blood vessels, nerves, etc. on the measurement object 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, ink droplets are ejected forward from the inkjet head 131 at the tip of the printing unit 130 and sprayed onto the measurement object 30. The inkjet heads 131 are arranged in a single row, for example. The ink droplets are ejected under the control of the control unit 120 and adhere to the measurement object 30. The inkjet head 131 ejects ink droplets along a curved surface such as human skin.

  As the ink jet head, generally known ink jet heads can be used. For example, a light absorption heating element is provided in a part of the ink supply path communicating with the ink supply unit, and light is projected onto the heat supply unit to generate heat and heat the ink, thereby generating bubbles instantaneously. For example, an ink droplet is ejected from a nozzle by a pressure wave.

  The ink stored in the ink tank is harmless even when applied to the human body. Further, the color of the ink is arbitrary.

  Next, the image printing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the image printing apparatus 100 is arranged so that the contact surface of the image printing apparatus 100 is in contact with the measurement object 30 (step S11).

The shape and size of the image printing apparatus 100 can be changed according to the shape and size of the measurement object 30.
In addition, by providing the contact surface of the image printing apparatus 100 with adhesiveness, the image printing apparatus 100 and the measurement object 30 can be prevented from shifting.

  Next, the image printing apparatus 100 starts OCT measurement by input or automatic control for starting measurement from the operator (step S12). The control unit 120 controls the reflected light from the measurement object 30 by moving the measurement probe 111 in the vertical and horizontal directions and rotating it. In addition, the control unit 120 moves the reference mirror 20 and acquires data from the measurement unit 110 obtained while changing incident light and reflected light. Furthermore, the control unit 120 generates image data such as muscle fibers, muscle bundles, blood vessels, nerves, and adipose tissue of the measurement object 30 based on the measured data.

  When the measurement by OCT fails (step S13; No), the control part 120 controls the measurement part 110, and performs a measurement again (step S12).

  On the other hand, when the measurement by OCT is successful (step S13; Yes), the control unit 120 controls the printing unit 130 to print an image based on the generated image data on the measurement object 30 (step S14). As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the printing unit 130 prints the muscle bundle running direction 132 on the measurement target 30, for example.

When the image printing is finished, this flow is finished.
If the entire range of the measurement object 30 cannot be covered, the arrangement position of the image printing apparatus 100 is changed and measurement is performed again.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an image measured by OCT can be printed on a human face or the like. This makes it possible to match the OCT measurement position and the surgical position in surgical operations such as lip surgery, cosmetic surgery, scarring, and keloid.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible.

  The size of the image printing apparatus 100 is arbitrary, and may be a U-shape, a V-shape, or the like, for example, in accordance with a place of use (for example, a human face).

  The image printing apparatus 100 can also include an operation unit having direction keys, buttons, and the like. The light wavelength and irradiation time can be set through the operation unit.

  The printing unit 130 is not limited to the ink jet method and is arbitrary.

  The printing unit 130 can also print the running / deviation of the muscle bundle, the incision position, and the like by changing the color of the ink, the width and type of the line to be printed, and the like.

It is a figure for demonstrating the measurement principle of OCT. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic principle of OCT. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement result by OCT. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining an image printing process. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example of an image printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Low coherence light source 20 Reference mirror 30 Measurement object 40 Beam splitter 50 Detector 100 Image printing apparatus 110 Measurement part 111 Measurement probe 120 Control part (generation part)
130 Printing Section 131 Inkjet Head

Claims (4)

A measurement unit that irradiates the face portion of the subject with low interference light, and measures the reflected light that is reflected by the face portion of the subject;
A generating unit that generates an image indicating a muscle fiber, muscle bundle, blood vessel, nerve, and / or adipose tissue running and displacement based on the reflected light measured by the measuring unit; ,
A printing unit that ejects ink droplets stored in an ink tank toward a face portion of the subject and prints an image generated by the generation unit;
An image printing apparatus. The measurement unit includes a spectral domain or wavelength scanning optical coherence tomography,
The image printing apparatus according to claim 1. The measurement unit includes complete and incomplete cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, cleft lip, jaw cleft, submucosal palate, nasopharyngeal closure dysfunction, muscle strike, nasal cavity, jaw bone defect, nasal flatness, nasal wing base deviation Position, nasal column inclination, nostril enlargement, nasal apex deviation, middle ridge deviation, cupid bow lift, muscle strike, muzzle cleft, nasal fissure, upper lip levator deviation, upper lip nasopharyngeal deviation, soft tissue traction, deformation of the nasal cartilage, surgical scars, muscularis strike, and / or, you measure the tissue defect,
The image printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The generation unit is based on a linear method, a triangular valve method, a square valve method, a rotation advance method, a scoog method, an Onizuka method, a von Langenbeck method, a pushback method, or a palatal mucosal valve method, and an incision site of the subject. Generate an image showing
The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is an image printing apparatus.