JP6980266B2 - Probe for optical imaging - Google Patents

Description

In the present invention, an optical sensor is inserted into a deep hole in the human body or a mechanical part, irradiated with light, and the return light (reflected light) from the object to be measured is taken in three-dimensionally for stereoscopic observation of the affected part of the human body. The present invention relates to a probe for optical imaging used in an optical measuring device for measuring the dimensions of the deep hole in three dimensions.

For example, the quality of processed finished dimensions and geometric accuracy of cylinders and fuel injection nozzles of automobile engines have a great influence on the power performance and fuel consumption efficiency of automobiles, but these inspections are generally performed by roundness measuring machines and surface roughness. It was inspected using a contact-type measuring machine such as a gauge. However, in recent years, optical non-contact measuring machines have appeared for the purpose of not damaging the object to be measured.

As a means for acquiring shape data of the inner surface of the object to be measured in a non-contact manner, diagnostic imaging technology (optical imaging technology) irradiates, for example, laser light or white light three-dimensionally, captures interference fringes from the return light, and captures the interference fringes. The wavelength (frequency) or phase difference data is converted into three-dimensional shape numerical data by computer analysis to obtain a three-dimensional shape image.

On the other hand, in the medical field, X-ray CT that can observe tomographic images for observing the affected area inside the human body, nuclear magnetic resonance, near-infrared light with excellent transparency is emitted, and the return light is captured to utilize the coherence of light. Then, methods such as OCT (optical interference tomography) that captures numerical data of three-dimensional shapes are being researched and utilized.

For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 show typical structures of an observation device to which a technique of irradiating an inner peripheral surface of a mechanical device or a mechanical component with a light beam to observe or measure the inner surface is applied.

In the endoscope shown in Patent Document 1, half of the image pickup range of the CCD camera is made transparent for observing the front, and the other half of the image pickup range of the CCD camera is angled so as to obtain a lateral image. By attaching a mirror, it is possible to observe the front and side images in half at the same time with one CCD.
However, since this endoscope does not have a rotation mechanism or a slide mechanism, only one front point and one side point can be observed, and the entire front and side surfaces or the entire peripheral surface can be observed at the same time. I couldn't observe it.

Further, in the optical imaging probe shown in Patent Document 2, a condenser lens (20) rotates and radiates a light ray guided to an optical fiber (1,2) at a slight angle forward, and the light ray is emitted by a rotating prism mirror. Since (3) rotates and radiates to the side, the entire circumference is scanned instead of one point on the side, and three-dimensional data is collected by OCT.
However, with this configuration, it was not possible to observe the front, and it was not possible to perform three-dimensional observation of the entire deep hole of the affected part of the human body or mechanical parts.

Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, in the optical imaging probe, the condenser lens 20 rotates and radiates a light ray guided by an optical fiber (1,2) forward at a slight angle, and emits the light ray. The rotating prism (3) further changes the angle and radiates forward, so that the entire front is scanned instead of one point, and three-dimensional data is collected by OCT.
However, lateral observation could not be performed at all, and it was not possible to perform stereoscopic observation of the entire body including the affected part of the human body and the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the mechanical part.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-299679 International Publication No. 2015/102081 International Publication No. 2015/022760

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and the subject thereof is that the observation light is radiated to both the front and the side, and the return light is captured to be the front and the side. The purpose is to obtain an entire stereoscopic image by a computer by simultaneously or continuously capturing three-dimensional shapes. It has been a long-cherished wish that the simultaneous three-dimensional observation and measurement of the entire lateral and anterior images in this way has not been achieved in medical equipment or industrial measuring equipment.

One means for solving the above problems is the first to third optical path conversion means for changing the direction of the light beam emitted from the optical fiber in the optical imaging probe used in the optical measuring device, and the first to third optical path conversion means. Among the optical path conversion means of the above, a first motor for rotationally driving the first optical path conversion means and a second motor for rotationally driving the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are provided. Then, the light rays emitted from the optical fiber are guided from the first optical path conversion means to the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means, and are rotationally radiated from the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means. The light rays radiated rotationally from the probe irradiate the front side of the tip side and the side side of the tip side of the probe.

According to the present invention, the observation light is radiated to the entire front and side surfaces of the object to be measured, and the return light is captured to capture the front and side three-dimensional shapes to obtain an entire stereoscopic image. It is possible to provide a probe for optical imaging obtained at the same time.

Cross-sectional view of the first rotation angle state during forward scanning of the probe for optical imaging of the present invention. Cross-sectional view of the probe in the second rotation angle state Cross-sectional view of the probe in the third rotation angle state Cross-sectional view of the probe in the fourth rotation angle state Explanatory drawing of the forward scanning trajectory of the probe Cross-sectional view of the fifth rotation angle state during lateral scanning of the probe Cross-sectional view of the sixth rotation angle state during lateral scanning of the probe Cross-sectional view of the 7th rotation angle state during lateral scanning of the probe Explanatory drawing of the lateral scanning range of the probe Explanatory drawing of optical fiber and condenser lens of the probe Explanatory drawing of the first optical path conversion means (rotating prism) of the probe Explanatory drawing of the second optical path conversion means (rotating mirror) of the probe Other shape explanatory view of the second optical path conversion means (rotary mirror) of the probe Explanatory drawing of the third optical path conversion means (rotating prism) of the probe Other shape explanatory view of the third optical path conversion means (rotary prism) of the probe Explanatory drawing of the rotation pulse generation part of the first motor of the probe Light reception timing chart of the front and side reflected light of the probe Processing explanatory view of the side surface shape of the translucent member of the probe 2nd case explanatory diagram of the 1st optical path conversion means of the probe Explanatory drawing of 3D scanning of deep holes by the same probe Explanatory drawing of measuring apparatus using probe for optical imaging of this invention Explanatory drawing of a third example of the probe for optical imaging of the present invention

The first feature of the optical imaging probe of the present embodiment is the optical fiber, the first optical path conversion means for changing the direction of the light beam emitted from the optical fiber, and the second optical path in the optical imaging probe used in the optical measuring device. It includes an optical path conversion means and a third optical path conversion means. A first motor for rotationally driving the first optical path conversion means and a second motor for rotationally driving the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are provided, and the light rays emitted from the optical fiber are emitted. The first optical path conversion means is guided to the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means, and is rotationally emitted from the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means. The light beam was used to irradiate the front side of the probe side and the side side of the tip side of the probe.
According to this configuration, the observation light can be radiated from the probe to the entire front and side surfaces of the object to be measured, so the return light can be captured to capture the front and side three-dimensional shapes, and the entire surface can be captured by a computer. 3D images can be obtained at the same time.

The second feature is that the optical fiber is non-rotatably fixed in the tube, and the first optical path conversion means, the second optical path conversion means, and the third optical path conversion means are rotationally driven at the same rotation center. do. Then, the tip of the optical fiber is provided with a condensing means that collects the light rays transmitted by the optical fiber and radiates the light rays toward the front at a slight angle with respect to the rotation center line of the center of rotation. Then, the first optical path conversion means is located on the tip side of the light collecting means, and radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the light collecting means forward by slightly changing the angle with respect to the rotation center line. .. The second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are arranged on substantially the same line, and the second optical path conversion means rotates the optical path of the light ray emitted from the first optical path conversion means at the center of rotation. It is converted in a direction approximately perpendicular to the line and radiated by rotation. The third optical path conversion means rotationally radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means forward with a slight angle change with respect to the rotation center line. Then, the light rays rotationally radiated from the second and third optical path conversion means irradiate the object to be measured through the translucent cap.
According to this configuration, the optical fiber is non-rotatably fixed in the tube, and light can be stably transmitted in the continuous optical fiber.

The third feature is that the first optical path conversion means is a rotating prism composed of non-parallel planes.
According to this configuration, the first optical path conversion means can be made compact, and more accurate measurement can be performed due to the high transmittance and the light collecting performance.

The fourth feature is that the second optical path conversion means is a rotating mirror that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis and is formed of a substantially plane so that at least a part of the right-angled projection surface including the central axis does not come into contact with light rays. It has a notched shape.
According to this configuration, the structure is more compact, and the observation light can be radiated from the probe to the object under test over the entire front and side surfaces.

As a fifth feature, the third optical path conversion means is a rotating prism composed of non-parallel planes.
According to this configuration, the third optical path conversion means can be made compact, and more accurate measurement can be performed due to the high transmittance and the light collecting performance.

As a sixth feature, the third optical path conversion means is a rotating mirror composed of non-parallel planes.
According to this configuration, the third optical path conversion means can be made compact, and more accurate measurement can be performed due to the high transmittance and the light collecting performance.

The seventh feature is that the relationship between the rotation speed N1 of the first motor and the rotation speed N2 of the second motor is rotated at N2 = N1-X [rotation / sec] to N1 from the first optical path conversion means. It was configured to emit forward at a rotation speed of [rotation / sec] and to change the emission angle with respect to the center of rotation of the light beam at a speed of X [reciprocating / sec].
According to this configuration, it becomes possible to accurately and accurately switch the light rays from the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means, and it becomes possible to perform clearer observation and highly accurate measurement of the object to be measured. ..

The eighth feature is that the rotating shafts of the first motor and the second motor have hollow holes, and the rotating shafts of the first motor are relatively rotatably inserted into the hollow holes of the second motor. An optical fiber is provided in the hollow hole of the first motor so as to be relatively rotatable.
According to this configuration, the optical fiber and the first motor, the second motor, and the first to third optical path conversion means can be efficiently arranged in the tube having a smaller diameter.

The ninth feature is that the optical fiber is composed of a fixed-side optical fiber that is non-rotatably fixed in a tube and a rotating-side optical fiber that is located on the tip side of the fixed-side optical fiber and is rotationally driven by the first motor. It is composed. Then, the first optical path conversion means, the second optical path conversion means, and the third optical path conversion means are rotationally driven at the same rotation center. The first optical path conversion means is fixed to the tip end side of the rotating side optical fiber, and rotates and radiates the optical path of the light ray transmitted from the optical fiber forward at a slight angle with respect to the rotation center line. The second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are arranged on substantially the same line. Then, the second optical path conversion means converts the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation center line and radiates the rotation. On the other hand, the third optical path conversion means rotationally radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means forward with a slight angle change with respect to the rotation center line. Then, the light rays rotationally radiated from the second and third optical path conversion means irradiate the object to be measured through the translucent cap.
With this configuration, the first optical path conversion means alternately irradiates the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means with light rays according to its rotational radiation angle, and the light rays are emitted from the optical fiber to the first optical path conversion means, the second or the second. It is guided and radiated in the order of the third optical path conversion means, and the object to be measured is irradiated with light rays through the translucent cap. This makes it possible to radiate the observation light to the entire front and side surfaces, capture the return light, and alternately capture the front and side three-dimensional shapes, and simultaneously obtain the entire stereoscopic image by a computer. ..

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the optical imaging probe according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical imaging probe used in an optical inner peripheral surface measuring device or a medical endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a non-rotatably arranged, substantially tubular catheter 16. There is a fixed-side optical fiber 1 that is built-in and fixed by an optical fiber fixture 2, and emits a light ray 100 toward a front position slightly radially displaced with respect to the center line on the tip side of the fixed-side optical fiber 1. The condensing lens 3 is fixed, and the tip side of the condensing lens 3 is driven by the first motor 20 together with the first rotating bracket 8a to slightly change the angle of the light ray 100 such as near infrared rays with respect to the center of rotation. A first optical path conversion means 4 composed of a prism or a lens that radiates rotationally forward is provided, and in front of the first optical path conversion means 4, the second motor 21 rotates together with the second rotation bracket 13a and is located at the center of rotation. On the other hand, it is driven by a second motor 21 together with a second optical path conversion means 14 composed of a mirror or the like that rotates and radiates an optical path in a substantially perpendicular direction, and the second optical path conversion means 14, and the angle is slightly changed with respect to the center of rotation. A third optical path conversion means 15 composed of a prism or a lens radiating forward is arranged on substantially the same line, and the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15 have an angle in a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation. The light rays 100 are arranged so as to be alternately emitted to the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15.

The first motor 20 rotatably supports the first hollow shaft 8, the first motor rotor 7 fixed to the first hollow shaft 8, the first motor coil 5 fixed to the motor case 9 or the catheter 16, and the hollow shaft 8. The first bearings 6a and 6b and the electric wire 18 for energizing the first motor coil 5 are formed. Further, the second motor 21 includes a second hollow shaft 13, a second motor rotor 12 fixed to the second hollow shaft 13, a second motor coil 10 fixed to the motor case 9 or the catheter 16, and a second hollow shaft 13. It is composed of second bearings 11a and 11b that rotatably support and an electric wire 19 that energizes the second motor coil 10. The first hollow shaft 8 is relatively rotatably inserted into the hole of the second hollow shaft 13, and the fixed-side optical fiber 1 is relatively rotatably inserted into the hole of the first hollow shaft 8. There is.
Further, a first rotation sensor 22 is attached to the first motor 20 and a second rotation sensor 23 is attached to the second motor 21 as needed, and a rotation pulse signal is generated according to the rotation speed.

The light rays 100 such as near-infrared light and laser light emitted from the measuring device using the probe for optical imaging of the present invention shown in FIG. 21 pass through the fixed side optical fiber 1 ⇒ condensing lens 3 ⇒ first optical path conversion. Means 4 ⇒ In FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, ⇒ Go forward from the third optical path conversion means ⇒ Pass through the tip of the translucent cap 17 and irradiate the object to be measured. .. When the light beam 100 irradiates an object to be measured made of metal or the like, the reflected light 100 emitted from the surface of the light beam 100 passes through the translucent cap 17 in the reverse order of the previous step, and finally the fixed-side optical fiber 1 is transmitted. After that, it is returned to the main body 85 of the measuring device.
The light ray 100 is near-infrared light, and when the object to be measured is the skin, the fundus of the eye, or a blood vessel of the human body, it is transmitted to a depth of about 2 mm, and return light is obtained from each depth. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a tomographic image by analyzing the return light collected by the main body 85 of the measuring device with a computer, and this is called OCT (optical coherence tomography) by near-infrared light.
Further, in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the light ray 100 travels laterally from the first optical path conversion means 4 ⇒ the second optical path conversion means 14, passes through the outer peripheral surface of the translucent cap 17, and is covered. The object to be measured is irradiated. Further, the reflected light 100 passes through the translucent cap 17 in the reverse order of the above, and is finally returned to the main body 85 of the measuring device via the fixed side optical fiber 1.

1 to 4 show a cross section of the probe for optical imaging of the present invention, and are cross-sectional views when the light ray 100 is radiated forward and scanned.
In FIG. 1, the first motor 20 is supplied with a current from the first motor driver circuit 86 of the measuring machine main body 85 shown in FIG. 21 through the electric wire 18, and the second motor 21 is supplied from the second motor driver circuit 87 through the electric wire 19. Current is supplied and they are rotating together. The relationship between the rotation speed N1 [rpm] of the first motor 20 and the rotation speed N2 [rpm] of the second motor 21 is such that N2 = N1-X [rpm] between the first motor driver circuit 86 and the second motor driver. A drive pulse current is supplied from the circuit 87, and is configured to cause a relative rotational speed difference between the first motor 20 and the second motor 21 at a speed of X [cycles / minute]. Further, in order to operate the rotation speeds of the first motor 20 and the second motor 21 at more accurate rotation speeds, in FIGS. 1 and 16, the first rotation sensor 22 and the second rotation sensor 23 are used as necessary. Attached, a pulse signal is generated according to the rotation speed, and the first and second motor driver circuits 86 and 87 receive this pulse signal and perform rotation speed control so as to more adjust the rotation speed to a preset numerical value. ..

In FIG. 1, the rotation angle of the first hollow shaft 8 of the first motor 20 and the first optical path conversion means 4 (prism) is θ1 = 0 degrees, and the second hollow shaft 13 of the second motor 21 and the third optical path conversion. The rotation angle of the means 15 is also located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angle θd = θ1-θ2 = 0 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip passes through the first optical path conversion means 4, is not emitted by the second optical path conversion means 14, and is irradiated to the third optical path conversion means 15. And further irradiates the bottom surface 50a of the object to be measured 50 shown in FIG. 20 through the front portion 17a of the translucent cap 17. The position to be irradiated at this time is the P1 point in FIG. In FIG. 1, the reflected light ray 100 from the object to be measured 50 is returned to the main body 85 of the measuring device via the fixed-side optical fiber 1 in the direction opposite to the above.
As a general usage, the probe for optical imaging of the present invention is inserted into the deep hole of the object to be measured 50, and the shape data of the inner peripheral surface and the inner tip portion is taken in and three-dimensionally measured.

In FIG. 2, the rotation angles of the first hollow shaft 8 of the first motor 20 and the first optical path conversion means 4 (prism) are θ1 = 45 degrees to 88 degrees, and the second hollow shaft 13 of the second motor 21 and The rotation angle of the third optical path conversion means 15 is located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angle θd = θ1-θ2 = 45 degrees to 88 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip passes through the first optical path conversion means 4, is not emitted by the second optical path conversion means 14, and is irradiated to the third optical path conversion means 15. And further irradiates the object to be measured 50 shown in FIG. 20 through the translucent cap 17. The positions irradiated at this time are the P2 point and the P3 point in FIG. In FIG. 1, the reflected light ray 100 from the object to be measured 50 is returned to the main body 85 of the measuring device via the fixed-side optical fiber 1 in the direction opposite to the irradiation.

In FIG. 3, the rotation angle of the first optical path conversion means 4 (prism) is θ1 = 272 degrees to 315 degrees, the rotation angle of the third optical path conversion means 15 is located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angle θd. = Θ1-θ2 = 272 degrees to 315 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip is transmitted through the first optical path conversion means 4, irradiated to the third optical path conversion means 15, transmitted through this, and further passed through the translucent cap 17. The object to be measured 50 shown in 20 is irradiated. At this time, the irradiated positions are the P4 and P5 points in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second motors 20 and 21 of the optical imaging probe shown in FIG. 3 are rotated to exactly 180 degrees opposite angles. In FIG. 4, the rotation angle of the first optical path conversion means 4 (prism) is θ1 = 92 degrees to 135 degrees, the rotation angle of the third optical path conversion means 15 is also located at θ2 = 180 degrees, and the relative position angle θd. = Θ1-θ2 = 272 degrees to 315 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip is transmitted through the first optical path conversion means 4, irradiated to the third optical path conversion means 15, transmitted through this, and further passed through the translucent cap 17. The object to be measured 50 shown in 20 is irradiated. At this time, the irradiated positions are the P6 and P7 points shown in FIG. 4, unlike FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the forward scanning locus of the optical probe for optical imaging of the present invention on the bottom surface 50a of the object to be measured 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the bottom surface 50a is irradiated with the light beam 100 in the range R in the figure due to the change in the rotational phase angle difference (θd) between the first motor 20 and the second motor 21. However, when both the first and second motors rotate synchronously, they are sequentially irradiated so as to spread over the entire area shown in FIG. Then, the reflected light is obtained from the entire surface shown in FIG. 5 and guided to the main body 85 in FIG.

Next, FIGS. 6 to 8 show a cross section of the probe for optical imaging of the present invention, and are cross-sectional views in the case where a light ray 100 is radiated laterally at a right angle to a center line and scanned.

In FIG. 6, the rotation angles of the first hollow shaft 8 of the first motor 20 and the first optical path conversion means 4c (prism) are θ1 = 92 degrees to 135 degrees, and the second hollow shaft 13 of the second motor 21 and The rotation angles of the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15 are also located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angles θd = θ1-θ2 = 92 degrees to 135 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip passes through the first optical path conversion means 4c and is emitted to the second optical path conversion means 14 including a mirror or the like, and the light ray 100 is the third optical path conversion means. Is not irradiated, but is reflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis, and is irradiated to the inner peripheral surface 50b of the object to be measured 50 shown in FIG. 20 through the cylindrical portion 17b of the translucent cap 17. In FIG. 6, the reflected light ray 100 from the object to be measured 50 is returned to the main body 85 of the measuring device via the fixed-side optical fiber 1 in the direction opposite to the above. At this time, the light ray 100 irradiated laterally is in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6, and the angle thereof is as shown in α1 in the figure.

In FIG. 7, the rotation angle of the first hollow shaft 8 of the first motor 20 and the first optical path conversion means 4d (prism) is θ1 = 180 degrees, and the second hollow shaft 13 and the third optical path of the second motor 21. The rotation angle of the conversion means 15 is located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angle θd = θ1-θ2 = 180 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip passes through the first optical path conversion means 4 and is emitted to the second optical path conversion means 14 including a mirror or the like, and the light ray 100 is substantially relative to the rotation axis. It reflects in the perpendicular direction and irradiates the object to be measured 50 shown in FIG. 20 through the cylindrical portion 17b of the translucent cap 17. At this time, the light ray 100 emitted to the side is in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6, and the angle thereof is as shown in α2 in the figure.

In FIG. 8, the rotation angles of the first hollow shaft 8 of the first motor 20 and the first optical path conversion means 4e are θ1 = 225 degrees to 268 degrees, and the second hollow shaft 13 and the third optical path of the second motor 21. The rotation angle of the conversion means 15 is also located at θ2 = 0 degrees, and the relative position angle θd = θ1-θ2 = 225 degrees to 268 degrees. Therefore, the light ray 100 emitted from the condenser lens 3 toward the tip passes through the first optical path conversion means 4 and is emitted by the second optical path conversion means 14 including a mirror or the like, and the light ray 100 is directed with respect to the rotation axis. It reflects in a substantially perpendicular direction and irradiates the object to be measured 50 shown in FIG. 20 through the cylindrical portion 17b of the translucent cap 17. At this time, the light ray 100 emitted to the side is in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a lateral scanning range of the optical imaging probe of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the change of the rotation phase angle difference (θd) between the first motor 20 and the second motor 21 and the rotation angle (θ2) of the second motor causes α1 + α2 shown in FIG. In the range of the angle, the light ray 100 is emitted in the length range shown by L1 in the direction of the center line axis, and is rotationally radiated three-dimensionally all around 360 degrees to reach the entire inner peripheral surface 50b in FIG. It is irradiated sequentially so as to spread. Then, the reflected light is obtained from the entire surface shown in FIG. 5 and guided to the main body 85 in FIG. In the figure, d1 is the diameter of the translucent cap 17, and d2 is the inner diameter of the object to be measured.

FIG. 17 is a light receiving timing chart of the front and side reflected light of the optical probe. For example, when the rotation speed of the first motor 20 is 1800 rpm and the rotation speed of the second motor 21 is 1797 rpm, scanning forward and sideways at a speed of X = N1-N2 = 3 [cycles / minute]. That is, in this case, one round-trip stereoscopic scanning is performed in 20 seconds, and one front image and one side image are scanned in 10 seconds one way, which is half of that. FIG. 17 shows the timing chart for 10 seconds. While the light ray 100 is irradiated and reflected by the second optical path conversion means, the side is irradiated and the three-dimensional data is scanned, and the light ray 100 is subjected to the third optical path conversion. While the means is irradiated and transmitted, it is irradiated forward, and thus three-dimensional data covering the entire circumference is collected.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber and a condenser lens of the optical imaging probe used in the optical imaging probe of the present invention, and the condenser lens 3 is fixed to the tip of the fixed side optical fiber 1.

FIG. 11 is a partial explanatory view of the first optical path conversion means of the probe, and the rotary prism is attached to the first rotary bracket 8a of the first hollow shaft 8.

12 to 15 are partial explanatory views of the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the second optical path conversion means 14 of the probe shown in FIG. 1, and the mirror 14a is attached to the second hollow shaft 13.

FIG. 13 shows another shape example of the mirror 14a used for the second optical path conversion means 14 of the probe, and the mirror 14b is similarly attached to the second hollow shaft 13 in place of the mirror 14a of FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third optical path conversion means 15 of the probe, and the prism 15a is attached to the second hollow shaft 13. The prism 15a is used in combination with the mirror 14a described above, and the light rays 100 emitted forward by the first optical path conversion means 4 with a slight angle change with respect to the center of rotation are transmitted to the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third. The optical path converting means 15 is arranged at a position that divides the angle in a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation.

FIG. 15 shows a prism 15b having another shape used for the third optical path conversion means 15 of the probe, and is attached to the second hollow shaft 13 in place of the prism 15a of FIG. The prism 15b is used in combination with the mirror 14b described above, and the light beam 100 emitted forward by the first optical path conversion means 4 at a slightly different angle with respect to the center of rotation is transmitted to the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third. The optical path converting means 15 is arranged at a position that divides the angle in a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 18, the substantially spherical portion of the translucent cap 17 is formed by, for example, a mold 41. Further, the translucent cap 17 is made of a material such as glass, quartz, or sapphire having good transparency, and if necessary, a substantially spherical portion is formed in the cylindrical portion 17b to make it easier for the light ray 100 to pass through. ing. Further, the translucent cap 17 is coated to reduce surface reflection as necessary, to minimize total reflection of light rays, and to increase the transmittance.

In the present embodiment, since the fixed-side optical fiber 1 is not rotated in the long catheter 6 inside the entire length from the rear to the tip of the tube (catalyst) 16, no frictional force is generated, rotation transmission delay, torque loss, etc. Since the rotation speed performance that can prevent the occurrence of is good, the acquired three-dimensional image becomes clear. On the other hand, the rotation unevenness of the conventional endoscope probe in which the optical fiber is rubbed has been obtained only about 100 times or more as bad as that.

According to the present invention, the first optical path conversion means 4 alternately irradiates the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15 with light rays according to the rotation emission angle thereof, and the light rays 100 are emitted from the fixed side optical fiber 1. By guiding and radiating the first optical path conversion means 4, the second or third optical path conversion means 14 and 15 in this order and irradiating the object 50 with the light ray 100 through the translucent cap 17, the observed light is directed forward and laterally. It is possible to provide an optical imaging probe that radiates the entire surface of the optical path, captures the return light, and alternately captures the three-dimensional shapes of the front and the side, and simultaneously obtains the entire stereoscopic image by a computer.

FIG. 19 shows the second embodiment of the optical imaging probe according to the present invention.
In FIG. 19, there is a fixed side optical fiber 1 which is non-rotatably arranged and built in a substantially tubular catheter 16 and fixed by an optical fiber fixture 2, and there is a rotating side optical fiber 31 so as to be connected to the fixed side optical fiber. The optical fibers 1 and 31 face each other with their narrow end faces facing each other with a minute distance of, for example, about 5 microns, and constitute the rotating optical connector 33 in the drawing including the rotating light-shielding plate 32. A high transmittance can be maintained between the rotating side optical fiber 31 and the fixed side optical fiber 1 of the rotating optical fiber 33, and they are optically connected with almost no loss.

The rotating side optical fiber 31 is fixed and rotates in the hollow hole of the first hollow shaft 8 rotationally driven by the first motor 20, and is located at the tip end side thereof at a front position slightly radially displaced with respect to the center line. The first optical path conversion prism unit 34 that emits a light ray 100 toward the center is fixed.

Similar to the optical imaging probe shown in FIG. 1, in front of the first optical path conversion prism unit 34, from a mirror or the like driven by a second motor 21 and rotating and radiating an optical path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the center of rotation. A third optical path consisting of a second optical path conversion means 14 and a prism or a lens driven by a second motor 21 together with the second optical path conversion means 14 and radiating forward with a slight angle change with respect to the center of rotation. The conversion means 15 are arranged on substantially the same line, the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15 are arranged at positions that divide the angle in a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation, and the light ray 100 is the second optical path. It is configured to be alternately radiated to the conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15. The light ray 100 reflected by the second optical path conversion means 14 is irradiated in the length range of L2 in the figure according to the rotation angle of the first optical path conversion prism unit 34.

The light rays 100 such as near-infrared light and laser light emitted from the measuring device using the probe for optical imaging of the present invention shown in FIG. 21 pass through the fixed side optical fiber 1 ⇒ rotating optical connector 33 ⇒ rotating side optical fiber 31. ⇒ 1st optical path conversion prism unit 34 ⇒ Via the 2nd optical path conversion means 14 or the 3rd optical path conversion means ⇒ Through the translucent cap 17 ⇒ Irradiation to the object to be measured 50.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those for the optical imaging probe shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 shows the third embodiment of the optical imaging probe according to the present invention.
In FIG. 22, there is a fixed side optical fiber 1 which is non-rotatably arranged and built in a substantially tubular catheter 16 and fixed by an optical fiber fixture 2, and there is a rotating side optical fiber 31 so as to be connected to the fixed side optical fiber. The optical fibers 1 and 31 face each other with their narrow end faces facing each other with a minute distance of, for example, about 5 microns, and constitute the rotating optical connector 33 in the drawing including the rotating light-shielding plate 32. A high transmittance can be maintained between the rotating side optical fiber 31 and the fixed side optical fiber 1, and they are optically connected with almost no loss.

The rotating side optical fiber 31 is fixed and rotates in the hollow hole of the first hollow shaft 8 rotationally driven by the first motor 20, and is located at the front end side thereof, slightly radially displaced with respect to the center line. The first optical path conversion condensing lens 3 that emits a light ray 100 toward it is fixed.

Similar to the optical imaging probes shown in FIGS. 1 and 19, the optical path is driven by the second motor 21 in front of the first optical path conversion condensing lens 3 to rotate the optical path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the center of rotation. It consists of a second optical path conversion means 14 composed of a radiating mirror and the like, and a rotating mirror driven by a second motor 21 together with the second optical path conversion means 14 and radiating forward with a slight angle change with respect to the center of rotation. The third optical path conversion means 15c is arranged on substantially the same line, and the second optical path conversion means 14 and the third optical path conversion means 15c are arranged at positions that divide the angle in a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation, and the light ray 100. Is configured to be radiated to either the second optical path conversion means 14 or the third optical path conversion means 15c. The light ray 100 reflected by the second optical path conversion means 14 is irradiated in the length range of L3 in the figure according to the rotation angle of the first optical path conversion condensing lens 3.

The light rays 100 such as near-infrared light and laser light emitted from the measuring device using the probe for optical imaging of the present invention shown in FIG. 21 pass through the fixed side optical fiber 1 ⇒ rotating optical connector 33 ⇒ rotating side optical fiber 31. ⇒ 1st optical fiber conversion condensing lens 3 ⇒ Through the 2nd optical fiber conversion means 14 or the 3rd optical fiber conversion means ⇒ Through the translucent cap 17b ⇒ Irradiation to the object to be measured 50.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those for the optical imaging probe shown in FIGS. 1 and 19.

As described above, according to the present invention, by irradiating the light beam 100, the observation light is radiated to the entire front and side surfaces, and the return light is captured to alternately alternate the front and side three-dimensional shapes. It is possible to provide a probe for optical imaging that can be captured and simultaneously obtained as a whole stereoscopic image by a computer.

The probe for optical imaging of the present invention irradiates an injection nozzle for an automobile engine having a deep hole and the inner surface and the inner surface of a sliding bearing having a small diameter hole with a light beam in an optical deep hole shape precision measuring machine to form an inner peripheral surface. It is possible to obtain and observe three-dimensional shape observation images of both the bottom surface at the same time, and to perform precise measurement of geometric accuracy such as the dimensions and flatness of the inner peripheral surface and the deep bottom part in three dimensions for industrial use. It is also expected to be used in medical measuring devices and inspection devices.

1 Fixed side optical fiber 2 Optical fiber fixture 3 Condensing lens 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e First optical path conversion means (prism or lens)
5 1st motor coil 6a, 6b 1st bearing 7 1st motor rotor 8 1st hollow shaft 8a 1st rotary bracket 9 Motor case 10 2nd motor coil 11a, 11b 2nd bearing 12 2nd motor rotor 13 2nd hollow shaft 13a 1st Two-turn bracket
14, 14a, 14b Second optical path conversion means 15, 15a, 15b, 15c Third optical path conversion means 16 Catheter (tube)
17 Translucent cap 17a Front part 17b Cylindrical part 18, 19 Electric wire
20 1st motor 21 2nd motor 22a, 22b 1st rotation sensor 23a, 23b 2nd rotation sensor 31 Rotating side optical fiber 32 Rotating shading plate 33 Rotating optical connector 34 1st optical path conversion prism unit 41 Mold 50 Object 50a Bottom surface 50b Inner peripheral surface 84 Connection part 85 Main body 86 First motor driver circuit 87 Second motor driver circuit 88 Optical interference analysis unit 89 Computer 90 Monitor 100 Rays

Claims (9)

In a probe for optical imaging used in an optical measuring device
With optical fiber
The first optical path conversion means, the second optical path conversion means, the third optical path conversion means, and the third optical path conversion means for changing the direction of the light rays emitted from the optical fiber.
A first motor that rotationally drives the first optical path conversion means, and
A second motor for rotationally driving the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means is provided.
The light rays radiated from the optical fiber are guided from the first optical path conversion means to the second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means.
By the light rays rotationally radiated from the second optical path conversion means and the light rays rotationally radiated from the third optical path conversion means.
A probe for photoimaging, which is characterized by irradiating light rays on the front side of the tip side and the side side of the tip side of the probe.
The optical fiber is non-rotatably fixed in the tube and is fixed.
The first optical path conversion means, the second optical path conversion means, and the third optical path conversion means are rotationally driven at the same rotation center.
The tip of the optical fiber is provided with a condensing means for condensing light rays transmitted by the optical fiber and radiating the light rays toward the front at a slight angle with respect to the rotation center line of the center of rotation.
The first optical path conversion means is located on the tip side of the light collecting means, and rotates and radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the light collecting means forward with a slight angle change with respect to the rotation center line.
The second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are arranged on substantially the same line.
The second optical path conversion means converts the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation center line and radiates the rotation.
The third optical path conversion means rotationally radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means forward with a slight angle change with respect to the rotation center line.
The probe for photoimaging according to claim 1, wherein the object to be measured is irradiated with a light beam through a translucent cap.
The optical imaging probe according to claim 2, wherein the first optical path conversion means is a rotating prism composed of non-parallel planes.
The second optical path conversion means is a rotating mirror formed of a substantially plane at a right angle to the central axis, and is characterized in that at least a part of a projection surface at a right angle including the central axis is notched so that light rays do not abut. 2. The optical imaging probe according to claim 2.
The optical imaging probe according to claim 2, wherein the third optical path conversion means is a rotating prism composed of non-parallel planes.
The optical imaging probe according to claim 2, wherein the third optical path conversion means is a rotating mirror composed of non-parallel planes.
By rotating the relationship between the rotation speed N1 of the first motor and the rotation speed N2 of the second motor at N2 = N1-X [rotation / sec], the rotation of N1 [rotation / sec] is performed from the first optical path conversion means. The optical imaging probe according to claim 2, wherein the light is emitted forward at a speed and the emission angle with respect to the center of rotation of the light beam is changed at a speed of X [reciprocating / second].
The rotating shafts of the first motor and the second motor have hollow holes, and the rotating shafts of the first motor are relatively rotatably inserted into the hollow holes of the second motor, and are inserted into the hollow holes of the first motor. 2 is the optical imaging probe according to claim 2, wherein the optical fiber is provided so as to be relatively rotatable.
The optical fiber is composed of a fixed-side optical fiber that is non-rotatably fixed in a tube and a rotating-side optical fiber that is located on the tip side of the fixed-side optical fiber and is rotationally driven by the first motor.
The first optical path conversion means, the second optical path conversion means, and the third optical path conversion means are rotationally driven at the same rotation center.
The first optical path conversion means is fixed to the tip side of the rotating side optical fiber, and rotates and radiates the optical path of the light ray transmitted from the optical fiber forward at a slight angle with respect to the rotation center line.
The second optical path conversion means and the third optical path conversion means are arranged on substantially the same line.
The second optical path conversion means converts the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation center line and radiates the rotation.
The third optical path conversion means rotationally radiates the optical path of the light beam emitted from the first optical path conversion means forward with a slight angle change with respect to the rotation center line.
The probe for photoimaging according to claim 1, wherein the object to be measured is irradiated with a light beam through a translucent cap.

Images