JP6627690B2 - Brain function measurement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a brain function measurement device, and more particularly, to a brain function measurement device including a plurality of measurement probes arranged on a subject's head.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a brain function measurement device including a plurality of measurement probes arranged on a subject's head is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a brain function measurement apparatus including a plurality of measurement probes arranged on the head of a subject. The brain function measurement device is provided with a holder that is mounted on the head of the subject and has a plurality of attachment portions. The holder is configured such that the measurement probe is inserted into any of the plurality of attachment portions. The brain function measurement device irradiates measurement light to the subject's head from one of the plurality of measurement probes, and is scattered or reflected in the brain of the subject's head by another measurement probe. It is configured to receive the measurement light.

  Here, in the conventional brain function measurement device as described in Patent Document 1, when these measurement probes are arranged on a hair portion (a portion having hair) of the subject's head, measurement is performed using hair. The surface of the head is exposed from the mounting portion of the holder by pushing the hairs apart using a rod-shaped tool so that the light is not hindered. Then, after the measurement probe is attached to the attachment portion, if the magnitude of the signal acquired by the brain function measurement device is not within the specified range, the mounting state of the measurement probe (such as the mounting angle) is corrected, Once a part of the measurement probe is removed, the hair is again separated by using a rod-shaped tool, and then the operation of inserting the measurement probe into the mounting portion is performed. Hereinafter, an operation for adjusting the magnitude of the signal acquired by the brain function measurement device to be within a specified range will be described as an “adjustment operation”.

  The brain function measurement device described in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, in a place where sunlight is irradiated, a place where light is irradiated by lighting, or a place where other measuring devices emit light. May be done. In this case, when light other than the measurement light enters the measurement probe, it causes noise. Therefore, after attaching the measurement probe to the holder, it is conceivable to attach a light shielding member that covers the measurement probe so that light such as sunlight or illumination from the outside does not enter the measurement probe.

JP-A-2015-33561

  However, when a light-shielding member that covers the measurement probe is attached to the conventional brain function measurement device as in Patent Literature 1, the light-shielding member contacts the measurement probe, and the mounting state of the measurement probe changes, There is a possibility that the signal cannot be measured correctly. In this case, it is necessary to perform the adjustment work again, so that the workability of the measurement preparation work of the brain function measurement device is reduced. Therefore, there has been a demand for a brain function measurement apparatus capable of suppressing the light other than the measurement light from being incident on the measurement probe, and at the same time, preventing the workability of the measurement preparation work from decreasing.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a light other than a measurement light from being incident on a measurement probe while performing a work of a measurement preparation work. It is an object of the present invention to provide a brain function measurement device capable of suppressing a decrease in sexual function.

In order to achieve the above object, a brain function measurement apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention irradiates measurement light to a subject's head, or a plurality of measurement probes that receive measurement light from the subject's head. A holder that is mounted on the subject's head and includes a plurality of probe mounting portions for mounting a plurality of measurement probes, and a plurality of measurement probes is mounted on the probe mounting portion and arranged to cover the holder; A light-blocking member that blocks light incident on the plurality of measurement probes, and a contact suppression member that is disposed between the holder and the light-blocking member and that suppresses the light-shielding member from contacting the measurement probe , It is configured to be detachably attached to the probe attachment part .

  In the brain function measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, a plurality of measurement probes are disposed on the brain function measurement device so as to cover the holder in a state where the measurement probes are attached to the probe attachment portion, and a plurality of measurement A light-blocking member that blocks light incident on the probe and a contact suppression member that is disposed between the holder and the light-blocking member and that prevents the light-blocking member from contacting the measurement probe are provided. Accordingly, the light blocking member can prevent light other than the measurement light from being incident on the measurement probe. In addition, the contact suppressing member prevents the light shielding member from coming into contact with the measurement probe on which the adjustment operation has been performed. Therefore, even when the light shielding member is attached, the mounting state of the measurement probe does not change, and Adjustment of the measurement probe can be prevented from being performed. As a result, since the mounting state of the measurement probe does not change, it is possible to accurately irradiate the measurement light from the measurement probe to the subject's head and to suppress light other than the measurement light from being incident on the measurement probe. However, it is possible to suppress a decrease in workability of the measurement preparation work.

  In the brain function measurement device according to the one aspect, preferably, in a state where the contact suppressing member is disposed in the holder, a height of the contact suppressing member projecting from the holder is larger than a projecting height of the measurement probe from the holder. It is configured as follows. According to this configuration, the distance between the light shielding member and the measurement probe can be increased by the contact suppressing member having a relatively large projection height from the holder. It can be more suppressed.

  In the brain function measurement device according to the one aspect, the contact suppression member preferably includes a dummy measurement probe detachably attached to the probe attachment portion. With this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a mounting portion for the contact suppressing member for attaching the contact suppressing member to the holder. In addition, by configuring the dummy measurement probe to be detachable from the probe attachment portion, the dummy measurement probe is attached to the probe attachment portion corresponding to the optimum position for attaching the dummy measurement probe according to the arrangement state of the measurement probe. be able to.

  In this case, preferably, the entire length of the dummy measurement probe is configured to be adjustable. According to this configuration, the total length can be appropriately adjusted according to the arrangement position of the dummy measurement probe so that the light shielding member does not contact the measurement probe, so that the light shielding member can more effectively contact the measurement probe. Can be suppressed.

In the brain function measurement device according to the one aspect, preferably, the light shielding member is formed as a flexible light shielding cloth, and the light shielding cloth is formed by binding a pair of string members connected to both ends of the light shielding cloth. The edge of the light shielding cloth is arranged so as to be in close contact with the subject's forehead by being performed, and the contact suppressing member is disposed between the edge of the light shielding cloth and the measurement probe in the holder, or in the holder is disposed in a position adjacent to the plurality of measurement measurement probe arranged at the edge side of the light-shielding cloth of the probe. Here, when the light shielding member is formed as a light shielding cloth, both ends of the light shielding cloth are bound by string members in order to shield light other than the measurement light incident on the measurement probe from the subject's forehead side. It is conceivable to make the edge of the cloth adhere to the forehead. In this case, the light-shielding cloth is closer to the edge of the light-shielding cloth, because it is located closer to the surface of the forehead of the subject, the closer the measuring probe to the edge of the light-shielding cloth of the plurality of measurement probes, light-shielding cloth It is easy to contact with. Focusing on this point, in the present invention, the contact prevention member, the holder, or disposed between the edges of the shielding cloth and the measurement probe, or, in the holder, the light-shielding cloth of the plurality of measurement probes It is arranged at a position adjacent to the measurement probe arranged on the edge side. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the measurement probe that is relatively easily in contact with the light-shielding cloth from coming into contact with the light-shielding cloth by the contact suppressing member arranged in the above position.

  In the brain function measurement device according to the above aspect, the contact suppression member preferably includes a hair slicing unit for slicing the hair of the subject's head. According to this structure, the contact suppressing member can be used as a hair separating member, so that it is not necessary to provide a member for separating the hair separately from the contact suppressing member. As a result, even if the contact suppressing member is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components of the brain function measuring device.

  In this case, preferably, the contact suppressing member includes a light source unit that irradiates light, and the hair scraping unit guides light from the light source unit in a state where the contact suppressing member is detached from the holder. Is configured to be able to irradiate light from the light source unit to the head of the camera. With this configuration, when the hair on the head of the subject is squeezed, light can be emitted from the light source unit to the squeezed hair. As a result, it is possible to improve the workability of the operation of separating the hair.

  According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the workability of the measurement preparation work while suppressing light other than the measurement light from being incident on the measurement probe.

It is a figure showing typically the whole structure of the brain function measuring device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a brain function measurement device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which a measurement probe and a dummy probe of the brain function measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are arranged on a holder. It is a perspective view showing composition of a measurement probe and a dummy probe of a brain function measuring device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a state where a measurement probe and a dummy probe of the brain function measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are arranged on a holder. It is a figure showing composition of a light shielding cloth of a brain function measuring device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for explaining arrangement of a measurement probe and a dummy probe in a holder of a brain function measuring device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial perspective view showing the state where the measurement probe and the dummy probe of the brain function measuring device by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention were arranged in the holder. It is a figure for explaining composition of a hair separation part of a dummy probe of a brain function measuring device by a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for explaining arrangement of a measurement probe and a dummy probe in a holder of a brain function measuring device by a 1st modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the composition of the dummy probe by the 2nd modification of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of a dummy probe of a brain function measuring device by a 3rd modification of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of brain function measurement device)
First, an overall configuration of the brain function measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the brain function measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment is a light measurement device that non-invasively optically measures the brain activity of a subject P, and uses a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure the brain activity. It is configured as a brain function imaging device that visualizes the activity state near the surface in real time. The brain function measurement device 100 is, for example, a portable main unit 1 that measures brain functions while being carried by the subject P, and controls to receive and record brain function measurement data by the main unit 1 by wireless communication. And a unit 2.

  Thereby, in the brain function measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment, the subject P is free to carry the main unit 1 without being restrained near the measurement device (control unit 2) even during the brain function measurement. The brain function can be measured in an environment closer to everyday life. For example, in the brain function measurement apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to measure the brain function of a subject P who is active outdoors and exposed to sunlight, and to arrange other measurement devices that emit light. It is possible to measure the brain function of the subject P who moves in a comfortable indoor place.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main unit 1 includes a light output unit 11, a light detection unit 12, a measurement control unit 13, a main control unit 14, and a housing 10 of a portable size. A communication unit 15 and a storage unit 16 are provided. Further, the main unit 1 is provided with an operation section 17 (see FIG. 1) on a surface portion of the housing 10.

  Further, the main unit 1 includes a light transmitting probe 4a and a light receiving probe 4b connected via the optical fiber 3. The main unit 1 is configured such that a plurality of (for example, four) light transmitting probes 4a and a plurality of (for example, four) light receiving probes 4b can be connected. In addition, the main body unit 1 can be carried by the subject P while wearing it on the waist or the like using the wearing tool 10a. The light transmitting probe 4a and the light receiving probe 4b are each an example of the “measurement probe” of the present invention. In addition, when the configuration of the light transmitting probe 4a and the configuration of the light receiving probe 4b are not particularly distinguished, the configuration will be described as a measurement probe 4 below.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the brain function measuring device 100 is mounted on the head of the subject P and has a plurality (for example, a number larger than the number of the measuring probes 4) for mounting the light transmitting probe 4 a and the light receiving probe 4 b. ) Is provided. Then, the light transmitting probe 4a and the light receiving probe 4b are respectively mounted on the holder 5 mounted on the head of the subject P, thereby being arranged on the surface of the head of the subject P. Note that the mounting portion 51 is an example of a “probe mounting portion” in the claims.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, the brain function measurement device 100 includes the light shielding cloth 6. The light-shielding cloth 6 is arranged so as to cover the holder 5 in a state where the measurement probe 4 is attached to the attachment portion 51, and is configured to block light incident on the measurement probe 4. That is, even when the brain function measurement device 100 is used outdoors, it is possible to suppress sunlight from entering the measurement probe 4 by the light shielding cloth 6. The light-shielding cloth 6 is an example of the “light-shielding member” in the claims.

  In the first embodiment, the brain function measurement device 100 includes the dummy probe 7. The dummy probe 7 is arranged between the holder 5 and the light shielding cloth 6, and is configured to suppress the light shielding cloth 6 from contacting the measurement probe 4. The dummy probe 7 is an example of the “contact suppressing member” and the “dummy measuring probe” in the claims.

  The light transmitting probe 4a is configured to irradiate the measurement light to the head of the subject P while being placed in the holder 5. Further, the light receiving probe 4b is configured to receive measurement light from the head of the subject P while being placed in the holder 5. That is, the main unit 1 irradiates measurement light in the wavelength region of near-infrared light from the light transmission probe 4a, and makes the measurement light reflected and scattered in the head of the subject P incident on the light reception probe 4b to detect the measurement light. , And is configured to acquire the intensity (light reception amount) of the measurement light.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the light output unit 11 is configured to output measurement light to the light transmitting probe 4 a via the optical fiber 3. The light output unit 11 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser or a light emitting diode, and outputs measurement light of a plurality of wavelengths (for example, measurement light of three wavelengths of 780 nm, 805 nm, and 830 nm) in a wavelength region of near-infrared light having high biological permeability. It is configured to be able to output. The light detection unit 12 includes, for example, a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode, and is configured to acquire and detect the measurement light incident on the light receiving probe 4b via the optical fiber 3. The light detector 12 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the detected measurement light.

  The main unit 1 is configured to acquire changes in the amount of hemoglobin (oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated globin, and total hemoglobin) due to brain activity based on the acquired intensity of the measurement light. Thereby, the brain function measuring apparatus 100 can non-invasively acquire a change in hemoglobin amount due to brain activity, that is, a change in blood flow and an activated state of oxygen metabolism. In the optical measurement, the brain activity is measured for each measurement point (measurement channel) formed by a pair of the light transmitting probe 4a and the light receiving probe 4b, and a two-dimensional distribution is obtained.

  The measurement control unit 13 operates the light output unit 11 and the light detection unit 12 according to measurement conditions set by the main body control unit 14 and measurement parameters related to the output intensity of the measurement light, the detection sensitivity of the light detection unit 12, and the like. Perform control. The main body control unit 14 is a computer including a CPU and a memory, and controls the measurement control unit 13, the communication unit 15, and each unit of the storage unit 16 by executing a measurement program stored in the storage unit 16. Then, execution of the measurement operation, calculation of measurement data based on the obtained light reception amount signal, and transmission of the measurement data to the control unit 2 are performed. The main body control unit 14 is configured to receive an input operation from the subject P on the operation unit 17.

  The communication unit 15 includes a wireless communication module, and is capable of mutually performing wireless communication with a communication unit 23 of the control unit 2 described below. The storage unit 16 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and stores various programs executed by the main body control unit 14 and measurement conditions.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes a control unit 21 including a CPU and a memory, a storage unit 22 including an HDD, and a wireless communication module (or an externally connected wireless communication unit). And a communication unit 23 comprising a communication unit 23. The computer (PC) functions as the control unit 2 of the brain function measurement apparatus 100 when the control unit 21 executes the measurement program stored in the storage unit 22. Further, the control unit 2 includes a display unit 24 including a liquid crystal display and the like, and an operation input unit 25 including a keyboard and a mouse.

(Configuration of measurement probe)
As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement probe 4 is formed to have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The measurement probe 4 includes a fiber head section 41, a probe main body section 42, and a grip section 43. The measurement probe 4 has a full length L1. The full length L1 means the distance from the lower end surface (the end surface in the direction of the arrow Z2) of the fiber head portion 41 to the upper end portion 43a of the grip portion 43.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the measurement probe 4 is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the holder 5 (head) in the direction of the arrow Z1 in a state where the measurement probe 4 is disposed on the mounting portion 51 of the holder 5. Have been. The measurement probe 4 has a protruding height h1 from the holder 5. The protruding height h1 means a distance from the upper end surface of the mounting portion 51 (the end surface in the direction of the arrow Z1) to the upper end portion 43a of the gripping portion 43 of the measurement probe 4 (the end surface in the direction of the arrow Z1). I do.

  The fiber head section 41 is disposed closer to the head (toward the arrow Z2) than the mounting section 51 in a state where the measurement probe 4 is disposed on the mounting section 51 of the holder 5. The fiber head 41 is configured to hold the optical fiber 3 with the end 31 of the optical fiber 3 exposed. And the end part 31 is comprised so that measurement light may be emitted or made to enter.

  The optical fiber 3 is inserted inside the probe main body 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the probe main body 42 is provided with an engaging portion 42 a that can be engaged with the mounting portion 51 of the holder 5. Specifically, the engaging portion 42a is configured as a convex portion that can be fitted into the concave portion of the engaging portion 51b of the mounting portion 51.

  The grip portion 43 is provided on the measurement probe 4 on the arrow Z1 direction side. The surface of the side surface 43b of the grip portion 43 is, for example, knurled. In addition, the optical fiber 3 is disposed inside the measurement probe 4 via the side surface 43b of the grip portion 43. That is, the measurement probe 4 is configured as an L-shaped attachment member (attachment). The grip portion 43 has a length L2 in a direction along the Z axis, and has a diameter d1 when viewed from the direction of the arrow Z1.

(Configuration of dummy probe)
As shown in FIG. 4, the dummy probe 7 has an outer shape similar to that of the measurement probe 4. Specifically, the dummy probe 7 has a columnar shape and includes a probe main body 71 and a grip 72. For example, the overall length L11 of the dummy probe 7 is larger than the overall length L1 of the measurement probe 4 in a direction (along the Z axis) perpendicular to the surface (head surface) on which the holder 5 is arranged. The full length L11 means the distance from the lower end of the probe body 71 (the end in the direction of the arrow Z2) to the upper end 72a of the grip 72 (the end in the direction of the arrow Z1).

  The probe main body 71 has the same shape as the probe main body 42 of the measurement probe 4. On the other hand, unlike the probe body 42 of the measurement probe 4, the probe body 71 does not have the optical fiber 3 inserted therein. The grip 72 is knurled like the grip 43 of the measurement probe 4. Further, the grip 72 has a length L12 in a direction along the Z axis. For example, the length L12 of the grip portion 72 is set to be equal to or greater than the length L2 of the grip portion 43 of the measurement probe 4. In FIG. 4, the length L12 is shown to be larger than the length L2.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the entire length L11 of the dummy probe 7 is configured to be adjustable. That is, the length L12 of the dummy probe 7 can be adjusted by changing the size of the length L12 of the grip portion 72 (for example, by replacing the grip portion 72 with a different length). Therefore, the magnitude relationship between the entire length L11 of the dummy probe 7 and the length L12 of the grip portion 72 and the length L1 of the measurement probe 4 and the length L2 of the grip portion 43 are not limited to the illustration in FIG. For example, depending on the arrangement position of the dummy probe 7, the total length L11 may be smaller than the total length L1.

  Further, when viewed from the arrow Z1 direction side, the diameter d2 of the dummy probe 7 (the grip portion 72) is equal to or larger than the diameter d1 of the measurement probe 4 (the grip portion 43). In the example of FIG. 4, the diameter d <b> 2 of the grip portion 72 is illustrated as having substantially the same size as the diameter d <b> 1 of the grip portion 43.

  And in 1st Embodiment, the dummy probe 7 is comprised so that attachment or detachment to the attachment part 51 is possible. Specifically, the probe main body 71 of the dummy probe 7 is provided with an engaging portion 71a. The engaging portion 71a is configured to have the same structure as the engaging portion 42a of the measurement probe 4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the dummy probe 7 is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the holder 5 (head) in the direction of the arrow Z <b> 1 in a state where the dummy probe 7 is disposed on the holder 5. The dummy probe 7 has a protruding height h2 from the holder 5. Here, in the first embodiment, the protrusion height h2 of the dummy probe 7 is larger than the protrusion height h1 of the measurement probe 4. Note that the protrusion height h2 is described as meaning the distance from the upper end surface of the mounting portion 51 to the upper end portion 72a of the grip portion 72.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, when the light-shielding cloth 6 is arranged in a state where the measurement probe 4 and the dummy probe 7 are arranged on the holder 5, the upper end 72 a of the grip 72 of the dummy probe 7 (arrow) The end surface on the Z2 direction side) contacts the surface of the light shielding cloth 6 on the holder 5 side (the arrow Z2 direction side). As a result, the light-shielding cloth 6 and the holder 5 are formed with a separation distance D10 greater than the protruding height h1, so that the light-shielding cloth 6 is prevented from contacting the upper end portion 43a of the grip portion 43 of the measurement probe 4. You.

(Configuration of shading cloth)
As shown in FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, the light shielding cloth 6 is configured to have flexibility. Specifically, the light-shielding cloth 6 is made of a material that shields light, and is particularly configured to shield near-infrared light. As a result, the light shielding cloth 6 bends and deforms according to the arrangement state of the dummy probe 7 and the measurement probe 4 arranged on the holder 5, and external light (such as sunlight) enters the holder 5. Can be suppressed.

  Specifically, a string insertion portion 61 is provided at the edge 6 a of the light shielding cloth 6. The string member 62 is inserted inside the string insertion portion 61. Both ends of the string member 62 are drawn out from two openings 61a of the string insertion portion 61 provided at both ends of the light shielding cloth 6, respectively. The string member 62 pulled out from one opening 61a and the string member 62 pulled out from the other opening 61a are bound together.

  In addition, the length of the edge 6 a of the light shielding cloth 6 corresponds to the partial length of the string member 62 inserted into the string insertion section 61. That is, the light-shielding cloth 6 is configured to be able to contract the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6 by pulling out the string member 62 from the two openings 61a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light-shielding cloth 6 is covered so as to cover the entire holder 5 in a state where the holder 5 is mounted on the head of the subject P and the measurement probe 4 and the dummy probe 7 are arranged on the holder 5. Can be Then, the pair of string members 62 connected to the openings 61a provided at both ends of the light-shielding cloth 6 are pulled out and bound, so that the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6 is connected to the subject P. It is shrunk and arranged so as to closely contact the forehead Pa. Thereby, the gap between the forehead Pa of the subject P and the light-shielding cloth 6 can be reduced, so that light can be suppressed from entering the holder 5 through the gap. In addition, the light-shielding cloth 6 has flexibility and the edge 6a can be contracted, so that even when the size of the head or face of the subject P is different, the incidence of light can be appropriately suppressed. It is.

  When the surface of the light shielding cloth 6 on the holder 5 side contacts the dummy probe 7, a separation distance D10 corresponding to the protruding height h2 of the dummy probe 7 is formed. That is, the light-shielding cloth 6 and the measurement probe 4 do not come into contact with each other in a portion where the separation distance D10 is larger than the projection height h1 of the measurement probe 4. In FIG. 3, all of the measurement probes 4 arranged in the holder 5 and the light shielding cloth 6 are arranged in a state where they are separated (a state in which they are not in contact with each other).

(Structure of holder)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the holder 5 is provided with a large number of mounting portions 51 arranged in a matrix at substantially equal intervals D20, and has a curved surface shape that matches the head shape. Further, the plurality of mounting portions 51 are connected to each other by a band-shaped connecting portion 52. The connecting portion 52 is made of, for example, resin or the like, and has flexibility in a direction perpendicular to the head. Note that the holder 5 shown in FIG. 3 is a full-head type in which the measurement probe 4 can be arranged on the entire head, and is formed in a helmet shape that covers the entire brain function measurement region of the head. The holder 5 is fixed to the head of the subject P using a fixing belt (not shown) or the like.

  Then, the user determines the arrangement (measurement region R1) of the measurement probe 4 on the attachment portion 51 in accordance with the part to be measured (forehead, top, head, entire head, etc.). 4 is attached to the holder 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the measurement probe 4 is mounted, the light transmitting probe 4a and the light receiving probe 4b are arranged on each mounting portion 51 so as to be alternately arranged in each of the row and column directions. Thereby, a measurement channel (measurement point) is formed between the adjacent light transmitting probe 4a and light receiving probe 4b.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 51 has a hole 51 a that matches the shape of the measurement probe 4. The holders 5 are configured such that the measurement probes 4 can be inserted and attached one by one into the holes 51a of the respective attachment portions 51 and fixed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the hole 51a is provided with an engaging portion 51b capable of engaging with the engaging portion 42a of the measurement probe 4 and the engaging portion 71a of the dummy probe 7. ing. Specifically, the engaging portion 51b is configured as a concave portion provided in the hole 51a, and is configured to be fitted with the engaging portions 42a and 71a formed as convex portions.

  FIG. 7 shows an arrangement example of the measurement probe 4 and the dummy probe 7 in the holder 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the light transmitting probe 4a is disposed on a plurality of attachment portions 51 (the attachment portions 51 indicated by "A1") when viewed from the direction of the arrow Z1. The light receiving probe 4b is arranged on the plurality of attachment portions 51 (the attachment portions 51 indicated by “A2”). Further, the dummy probes 7 are arranged on the plurality of attachment portions 51 (the attachment portions 51 indicated by “B”).

That is, in the first embodiment, a portion of the dummy probe 7 of the plurality of dummy probes 7 in the holder 5 is disposed between the edge portion 6a of the shielding cloth 6 and the measurement probe 4. In the direction along the Y axis (the direction from the back of the head toward the forehead), the dummy probes 7 are arranged on both sides of the measurement probe 4 (the measurement region R1). In other words, the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6 in the measurement region R1 formed by the measurement probe 4 (the arrow Y2 direction side) is opposite to the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6 in the measurement region R1 (the arrow Y1 direction). The dummy probe 7 is arranged on both of the mounting portions 51.

  Thereby, the light-shielding cloth 6 is lifted in the direction of arrow Z1 by the dummy probes 7 arranged on both the edge 6a side of the light-shielding cloth 6 in the measurement region R1 and the opposite side of the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6, In the measurement region R1, a separation distance D10 from the holder 5 is formed.

  Further, the dummy probe 7 is attached to an attachment portion 51 adjacent to the attachment portion 51 to which the measurement probe 4 is attached. Thereby, the separation distance D10 formed in the measurement region R1 can be made relatively large.

[Effect of First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, in the brain function measurement device 100, the plurality of measurement probes 4 are arranged so as to cover the holder 5 with the plurality of measurement probes 4 being attached to the attachment portion 51, and are incident on the plurality of measurement probes 4. A light-shielding cloth 6 that blocks light to be emitted and a dummy probe 7 that is disposed between the holder 5 and the light-shielding cloth 6 and that prevents the light-shielding cloth 6 from contacting the measurement probe 4 are provided. Accordingly, the light other than the measurement light can be prevented from being incident on the measurement probe 4 (the light receiving probe 4b) by the light shielding cloth 6. In addition, since the dummy probe 7 prevents the light-shielding cloth 6 from coming into contact with the measurement probe 4 on which the adjustment operation has been performed, even when the light-shielding cloth 6 is attached, the mounting state of the measurement probe 4 does not change. In addition, it is possible to prevent the adjustment operation of the measurement probe 4 from being performed again. As a result, since the mounting state of the measurement probe 4 does not change, the measurement light from the measurement probe 4 can be accurately applied to the head of the subject P, and light other than the measurement light enters the measurement probe 4. While suppressing this, it is possible to suppress a decrease in workability of the measurement preparation work.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, when the dummy probe 7 is disposed on the holder 5, the protrusion height h2 of the dummy probe 7 from the holder 5 is equal to the protrusion height of the measurement probe 4 from the holder 5. It is configured to be larger than the height h1. Thus, the distance between the light shielding cloth 6 and the measurement probe 4 can be increased by the dummy probe 7 having a relatively large projection height h2 from the holder 5, and the light shielding cloth 6 comes into contact with the measurement probe 4. Can be further suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the dummy probe 7 is configured to be detachably attached to the attachment portion 51. Thus, there is no need to separately provide a mounting portion for the dummy probe 7 for mounting the dummy probe 7 to the holder 5. In addition, since the dummy probe 7 is configured to be detachable from the mounting portion 51, an optimal position for mounting the dummy probe 7 (for example, the mounting portion “B” in FIG. 7) according to the arrangement state of the measurement probe 4 The dummy probe 7 can be mounted on the mounting portion 51 corresponding to 51).

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the entire length L11 of the dummy probe 7 is configured to be larger than the entire length L1 of the measurement probe. It is configured to be adjustable. Accordingly, the total length can be appropriately adjusted according to the arrangement position of the dummy probe 7 so that the light-shielding cloth 6 does not contact the measurement probe 4. Can be suppressed. If the total length L11 is larger than the measurement probe 4, the dummy probe 7 having the relatively large total length L11 is attached to the attachment portion 51, so that the height h2 of the dummy probe 7 projecting from the holder 5 can be easily measured. 4 can be larger than the height h1 of the protrusion from the holder 5.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the light-shielding cloth 6 is formed so as to have flexibility, and the light-shielding cloth 6 is connected to the pair of openings 61 a at both ends of the light-shielding cloth 6. The string member 62 is bound so that the edge 6a of the light shielding cloth 6 is in close contact with the forehead Pa of the subject P. Further, the dummy probe 7 is arranged on the holder 5 between the edge 6 a of the light shielding cloth 6 and the measurement probe 4. Here, in order to shield light other than the measurement light entering the measurement probe 4 from the forehead Pa side (the arrow Y1 direction side) of the subject P, both ends of the light-shielding cloth 6 are bound to form an edge of the light-shielding cloth 6. It is conceivable to bring the part 6a into close contact with the forehead Pa. In this case, since the light-shielding cloth 6 is arranged closer to the surface of the forehead Pa of the subject P as the light-shielding cloth 6 is closer to the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6, the edge 6a of the light-shielding cloth 6 of the plurality of measurement probes 4 is measured. The closer the measurement probe 4 is to the light-shielding cloth 6, the easier it becomes. By paying attention to this point, by configuring as described above, the dummy probe 7 arranged at the above-described position is effective in that the measurement probe 4 that is relatively easily in contact with the light shielding cloth 6 is brought into contact with the light shielding cloth 6. Can be suppressed.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a configuration of the brain function measurement device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the brain function measurement apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, the dummy probe 207 is provided with a hair slicing unit 273 for slicing the hair Pb on the head of the subject P. In addition, about the same structure as the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in the figure and illustrated, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Configuration of Brain Function Measuring Device According to Second Embodiment)
The brain function measuring device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a dummy probe 207 as shown in FIG. Then, the dummy probe 207 includes a probe main body 271, a gripping part 272, and a hair separating part 273.

  The probe main body 271 is provided with a switching section 274 on the side surface in addition to the configuration of the probe main body 71 of the dummy probe 7 according to the first embodiment. The grip 272 is configured substantially the same as the grip 43 of the measurement probe 4.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the hair slicing unit 273 is configured to be able to squeeze the hair Pb on the head of the subject P. Specifically, the hair scraping portion 273 is formed in a rod shape protruding from the grip portion 272, and is configured such that a tip portion has a bowl shape. That is, the hair sweeping part 273 has the same shape as a so-called earpick member. The diameter d12 of the hair separating part 273 is smaller than the diameter d11 of the hole 51a of the attachment part 51. As a result, the hair Pb is separated by moving the hair separating unit 273 inside the hole 51a of the attachment unit 51.

  In the second embodiment, the dummy probe 7 includes a light source unit 275 that emits visible light VL (for example, white or green). Further, the light source unit 275 is configured by, for example, a light emitting diode. The dummy probe 7 includes a battery 276 that supplies power to the light source unit 275. The switching unit 274 is configured to switch between a state where power from the battery 276 is supplied to the light source unit 275 and a state where power from the battery 276 is not supplied to the light source unit 275. For example, the switching unit 274 is configured to switch between a state where the battery 276 and the light source unit 275 are connected and a state where the battery 276 and the light source unit 275 are not connected, by being moved along the Z-axis direction.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the hair separating unit 273 of the dummy probe 207 guides the visible light VL from the light source unit 275 while the dummy probe 207 is detached from the holder 5, and The light source unit 275 can emit visible light VL to the unit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the hair scraping section 273 is made of, for example, a member having a transparent color (having visible light transmittance) entirely made of resin or rubber. In addition, when the hair slicing part 273 is formed of an elastically deformable member such as rubber, it is possible to prevent the scalp from being damaged even when the scalp contacts the head (scalp).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the dummy probe 207 according to the second embodiment has a protrusion height h3 larger than the protrusion height h1 of the measurement probe 4 from the holder 5, similarly to the dummy probe 7 according to the first embodiment. Having.

  The other configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[Effect of Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the dummy probe 207 is provided with the hair scraping unit 273 for scraping the hair Pb on the head of the subject P. Accordingly, the dummy probe 207 can be used as a hair separating member, so that there is no need to provide a member for separating the hair separately from the dummy probe 207. As a result, even if the dummy probe 207 is provided, an increase in the number of components of the brain function measurement device 200 can be suppressed.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the dummy probe 207 is provided with the light source unit 275 for irradiating light (visible light VL). Then, the hair scraping unit 273 guides the light from the light source unit 275 in a state where the dummy probe 207 is detached from the holder 5 so that the head of the subject P can be irradiated with the light from the light source unit 275. Constitute. Accordingly, when the hair Pb on the head of the subject P is swept, the light from the light source unit 275 can be applied to the part where the hair Pb is swept. As a result, it is possible to improve the workability of the operation of separating the hair Pb.

  The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Modification]
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications (modifications) within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the brain function measurement device is provided with a portable main unit that performs brain function measurement while being carried by the subject, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Not limited. For example, the present invention may be configured as a brain function measuring device provided with a stationary main unit.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the projecting height (h2 or h3) of the dummy probe is configured to be larger than the projecting height h1 of the measurement probe has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. I can't. That is, in the present invention, if the dummy probe can suppress the contact of the light shielding cloth with the measurement probe, the protrusion height (h2 or h3) of the dummy probe is configured to be equal to or less than the protrusion height h1 of the measurement probe. Is also good.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example is described in which the dummy probe is configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the attachment portion to which the measurement probe is attached and detached, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, a holder dedicated to a dummy probe may be provided on the holder, or a dummy probe (contact suppression member) may be provided integrally with the holder.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the entire length L11 of the dummy probe is configured to be larger than the entire length L1 of the measurement probe, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in the present invention, the total length L11 of the dummy probe may be set to be equal to or less than the total length L1 of the measurement probe, as long as the dummy probe can prevent the light-shielding cloth from contacting the measurement probe.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the light shielding cloth is configured as the light shielding member has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a hat having a light blocking effect (a light blocking cap) may be configured as a light blocking member.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the dummy probe is disposed between the edge of the light shielding cloth and the measurement probe in the holder has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a brain function measuring apparatus 300 according to a modification shown in FIG. 10, in the holder 5, the dummy probe 7 is the measurement probe 4 arranged on the edge 6 a side of the light shielding cloth 6 among the plurality of measurement probes 4. It is arranged at a position adjacent to (the measurement probe 4 arranged at the position indicated by “A” in FIG. 10) (the mounting portion 51 at the position indicated by “B” in FIG. 10). Depending on the arrangement position of the dummy probe 7, it is possible to effectively prevent the light shielding cloth 6 from contacting the measurement probe 4 arranged in the measurement region R2.

  Further, in the second embodiment, an example is described in which the hair wiping portion is configured to have the same shape as the ear wiping member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the modification shown in FIG. 11, the hair sweeping portion 473 of the dummy probe 407 may be formed to have a rod shape having a spherical tip.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the example in which the light source unit is configured by the light emitting diode is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the light source unit may be constituted by a light bulb or a laser diode.

  Further, in the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the dummy probe is configured to have a certain total length, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the dummy probe 507 of the third modified example shown in FIG. 12, it may be configured to be changeable between the full length L21 and the full length L22. For example, the dummy probe 507 according to the third modified example includes a hair scraping unit 573. The dummy probe 507 has a full length L21 in a state where the hair separating portion 573 is contracted, and has a total length L22 in a state where the hair separating portion 573 is extended.

4 Measurement probe 4a Light transmission probe (measurement probe)
4b Light receiving probe (measurement probe)
5 Holder 6 Light shielding cloth (light shielding member)
6a Edge 7, 207, 407, 507 Dummy probe (contact suppression member, dummy measurement probe)
51 Attaching part 62 String member 100, 200, 300 Brain function measuring device 273, 473, 573 Hair scraping part 275 Light source part

Claims (7)

Either irradiating the subject's head with measurement light, or a plurality of measurement probes that receive the measurement light from the subject's head,
A holder that is mounted on the head of the subject and includes a plurality of probe mounting portions for mounting the plurality of measurement probes,
In a state in which the plurality of measurement probes are attached to the probe mounting portion, arranged to cover the holder, a light blocking member that blocks light incident on the plurality of measurement probes,
A contact suppressing member disposed between the holder and the light shielding member, for suppressing the light shielding member from contacting the measurement probe ,
The brain function measurement device, wherein the contact suppression member is configured to be detachably attached to the probe attachment portion .   The projecting height of the contact suppressing member from the holder in a state where the contact suppressing member is arranged in the holder is configured to be larger than the projecting height of the measurement probe from the holder. Item 2. A brain function measurement device according to item 1.   The brain function measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the contact suppression member includes a dummy measurement probe detachably attached to the probe attachment portion.   The brain function measurement device according to claim 3, wherein an entire length of the dummy measurement probe is configured to be adjustable. The light shielding member is formed as a light shielding cloth having flexibility,
The light-shielding cloth is arranged such that an edge of the light-shielding cloth is closely attached to the forehead of the subject by binding a pair of string members connected to both ends of the light-shielding cloth,
Said contact preventing member is in the holder, or are disposed between the measuring probe and the edge of the light shielding cloth, or, in the holder, the edge side of the light-shielding cloth of the plurality of measurement probes The brain function measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the brain function measurement device is arranged at a position adjacent to the measurement probe arranged at a position.   The brain function measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the contact suppressing member includes a hair squeezing unit for slicing hair on the head of the subject. The contact suppressing member includes a light source unit that emits light,
The hair scraping unit guides light from the light source unit in a state where the contact suppressing member is detached from the holder, and is configured to be able to irradiate the head of the subject with light from the light source unit. The brain function measurement device according to claim 6, wherein:

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