WO2013136476A1 - Probe - Google Patents

Abstract

A probe (30) is used in an optical coherence tomography device (1) and illuminates a subject (S) with measurement light and collects scattered light which reflects therefrom. The probe (30) comprises: an optical fiber (60A) which transmits the measurement light and the scattered light; a scanning means (33) for changing the illumination direction of a laser beam which is introduced into the probe (30) by the optical fiber (60A); a nozzle (37) further comprising an aperture part (37Ae) which illuminates the subject (S) with the measurement light from the scanning means (33) and collects the scattered light; a light collecting lens (34) which is interposed between the nozzle (37) and the scanning means (33); and a housing (3) which retains the optical fiber (60A), the scanning means (33), and the nozzle (37). The nozzle (37) further comprises a stretch/contract mechanism (370) which is capable of varying the length of the (nozzle (37)).

Description

probe

The present invention relates to a probe used in an optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus that captures a tomographic image inside an object using, for example, coherent light.

Conventionally, an optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus (Optical Coherence Tomography: hereinafter referred to as an OCT apparatus) has been applied in ophthalmic medicine such as tomographic measurement of the cornea of the eyeball or retina in the field of living bodies. OCT methods are broadly divided into TD (Time Domain) -OCT and FD (Frequency Domain) -OCT. The latter FD-OCT is classified into SD (Spectrum Domain) -OCT and SS (Swept Source) -OCT. It is known to be classified.

For example, SS-OCT is a method for specifying an optical path length by using a laser light source capable of continuously sweeping a wavelength (wave number), subjecting spectral information acquired by a detector to FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing. SS-OCT has features such as higher resolution and real-time measurement compared to an X-ray imaging apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, and the like.
In addition, TD-OCT has been tried for dental use, but since SS-OCT can acquire data with higher sensitivity and higher speed than TD-OCT, motion artifact (ghost due to body movement) It is characterized by being strong.

In an OCT apparatus in the field of dentistry, a handpiece (probe) for a dental photodiagnostic device is provided with OCT means, and means for positioning a photodiagnostic portion of a tooth part is an imaging method using a camera, and for acquiring a surface image inside. (Refer to Patent Document 1).

The probe of Patent Document 1 includes a condensing lens installed at the tip of an optical fiber for signal light transmission of low-coherent light generated outside, and an optical scanner (MEMS (Micro) (MEMS) that reflects signal light from the condensing lens. Electro (Mechanical Systems) mirror) and a window glass and a cover arranged so as to cover the optical scanner through a space are assembled and installed at the tip of a long cylindrical handpiece.

As other probes, when photographing the molar part in the back of the patient's mouth, a probe dedicated to photographing the molar part with a signal light irradiation window on the side of the tip of the probe, or the front tooth part for photographing the front tooth part Probes dedicated to imaging and those having a pistol shape as a whole are known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-83009 A (Claims 2, 3, FIG. 2, paragraph 0015) JP 2004-347380 A (FIG. 3, FIG. 23 to FIG. 29)

The probe of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 includes a “diagnostic handpiece insertion portion whose tip is in contact with a tooth portion in the oral cavity and a subsequent portion to be gripped in a linear configuration, and an internal structure. Since the condensing lens of the reflected light of the optical scanner is arranged between the signal light irradiation window and the optical scanner, the focus of the lens can be adjusted at the shortest distance to the tooth part of the subject, and an appropriate diagnostic area Can be set and diagnosed ”(see paragraph 0015).

However, Patent Document 1 does not describe any mechanism for adjusting the focal point of the lens. Even if the technique of the probe described in Patent Document 1 is adopted as it is, adjusting the focal point of the condenser lens is not possible. There was a problem that it was not possible.

In addition, the probe described in Patent Document 2 includes an optical system surface plate in the probe in which an optical fiber, a condensing lens, and a polygon mirror optical system are disposed, and the optical system surface plate in the probe is moved back and forth. And a mechanism for scanning in the depth direction (see paragraph 0015 of Patent Document 2). For this reason, when using a probe, the position of a condensing lens can be adjusted by moving the optical system surface plate in the probe back and forth in advance.

However, since the function of moving the optical system platen described in the cited document 2 back and forth is provided in the probe and simply sliding the optical system platen, the condensing lens is in use while using the probe. There was a problem that it was not possible to adjust the focus.

Accordingly, the present invention has been invented to solve such a problem, and provides a probe that can easily adjust the focal position of a lens even when a subject is being photographed. Let it be an issue.

In order to solve the above problems, the probe according to the present invention distributes the laser light emitted from the light source into the measurement light applied to the subject and the reference light applied to the reference mirror, and is reflected from the subject and returned. Used in an optical coherence tomographic image generation device that generates an optical coherence tomographic image by analyzing coherent light obtained by combining scattered light and reflected light reflected by the reference mirror, and irradiates the subject with the measurement light. A probe for collecting the scattered light that has been reflected and returned, and an optical fiber that transmits the measurement light and the scattered light, and an irradiation direction of the laser light introduced into the probe by the optical fiber is changed. A scanning means for causing the measurement light from the scanning means to irradiate the subject and collecting the scattered light, and a collection unit interposed between the nozzle and the scanning means. A lens, and a housing for holding the optical fiber, the scanning unit, and the nozzle, and the nozzle has a telescopic mechanism capable of changing a length of the nozzle. To do.

According to such a configuration, the probe has an expansion / contraction mechanism that can change the length of the nozzle, so that the nozzle can be expanded and contracted in the length direction while photographing the subject. The distance from the condenser lens to the subject can be adjusted, and the focal point of the condenser lens can be adjusted to focus. For this reason, the probe can take a tomographic image of the position of the subject to be photographed clearly while adjusting the focus even during the photographing.

The expansion / contraction mechanism includes an engagement cylinder member disposed at a distal end portion of the housing, and a spring member interposed between the engagement cylinder member and the nozzle to urge the nozzle toward the distal end side. Preferably, the base end side is engaged with the engaging cylinder member, and the distal end side is provided with an annular member that engages the nozzle so as to be movable at a predetermined interval.

According to such a configuration, the expansion / contraction mechanism can adjust the position of the focal point of the condenser lens while photographing the subject by pressing the nozzle against the subject arranged at the tip of the nozzle and expanding and contracting the spring member. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the focus of the condenser lens.

Further, the engaging tube member includes a spring receiving portion with which the proximal end side of the spring member abuts, a male screw portion screwed into a female screw portion formed on the proximal end side of the annular member, and the engaging tube member A hollow portion formed inside, the nozzle being pressed by the spring member, a sliding contact portion provided in the hollow portion so as to be movable forward and backward, and a tip of the sliding contact portion Preferably, the annular member has a small-diameter portion with which the step portion abuts.

According to such a configuration, the nozzle is pressed and expanded and contracted by being pressed against a subject arranged at the tip of the nozzle, so that the length of the nozzle relative to the housing can be varied while compressing the spring member. And if you stop pressing the nozzle against the subject, it will automatically return to its original position by the spring force of the spring member, so even during shooting, you can adjust the position while easily changing the focal position of the condenser lens Can do.

Further, the engaging tube member includes a spring receiving portion with which the proximal end side of the spring member abuts, a male screw portion screwed into a female screw portion formed on the proximal end side of the annular member, and the engaging tube member A hollow portion in which a slider energized by the spring member is accommodated via the spring member, and the nozzle is a slider screw formed on the outer peripheral portion on the tip end side of the slider Preferably, the annular member has a small diameter portion with which the slider urged by the spring member abuts.

According to this configuration, the nozzle can change the length of the nozzle relative to the housing while pressing the tip of the nozzle against the subject to compress the spring member by being pressed by the subject. If the nozzle is stopped from being pressed against the subject, the original position is automatically restored by the spring force of the spring member, so that the focal position of the condenser lens can be easily adjusted even during shooting.

Further, it is preferable that the expansion / contraction mechanism is detachably attached to an outer ring member attached to a nozzle installation portion formed in the housing.

According to such a configuration, the expansion / contraction mechanism having the nozzle at the tip is detachably attached to the outer ring member attached to the nozzle installation portion of the housing, so that it matches the shape and position of the subject to be photographed. It can be easily replaced with a nozzle that is easy to shoot. Further, the expansion / contraction mechanism can be easily cleaned or disinfected by detaching it from the probe together with the nozzle.

In addition, it is preferable that the opening of the nozzle has a non-slip portion that increases friction with the subject to be brought into contact with the opening during photographing.

According to such a configuration, the nozzle opening portion has the non-slip portion that increases friction with the subject, so that the non-slip portion of the opening portion can be brought into contact with the subject when the subject is photographed. In this case, since the nozzle adheres to the subject without slipping due to friction, the photographing operation can be facilitated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a probe that can easily adjust the focal position of a lens even when a subject is being photographed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external view of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus provided with the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (a) has shown the single joint arm type, (b) has shown the articulated arm type | mold, respectively. It is a block diagram which shows typically the unit structure of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus provided with the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the structure around the reference mirror of the optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus in which the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention is used. It is a perspective view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a center part longitudinal cross-sectional view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment or detachment state of the nozzle of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the installation state of the nozzle of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a principal part expanded longitudinal sectional view which shows a state when a to-be-photographed object is away from a lens, (b) is a nozzle to a to-be-photographed object. It is a principal part expanded longitudinal sectional view which shows a state when it is pressed by. It is the schematic of a to-be-photographed object. It is a principal part exploded perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and shows a state when the nozzle for side view imaging | photography is attached. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment or detachment state of a nozzle. It is a center part longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the 1st modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment or detachment state of a nozzle. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a side view which shows a state when a housing half body is removed. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part perspective view of the probe which removed the housing half body. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part exploded perspective view of the probe provided with the nozzle expansion-contraction mechanism. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a principal part expanded vertical sectional view of the probe provided with the nozzle expansion-contraction mechanism.

Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing the apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Before describing a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, an OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus) in which the probe is used will be described.

[Overview of OCT system configuration]
The outline of the configuration of the OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus) will be described by taking as an example a case where the subject (sample S) to be imaged by the OCT apparatus 1 is a tooth (anterior tooth portion) to be diagnosed by a dental patient. To do. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the OCT apparatus 1 mainly includes an optical unit unit 10 (optical unit), a diagnostic probe unit 30 (probe), and a control unit unit 50 (control unit).
As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT apparatus 1 is a coupler 12 (light splitter) for measuring light for irradiating a sample S (subject) with laser light emitted from a light source 11 and reference light for irradiating a reference mirror 21. The scattered light that is irradiated with the measurement light onto the sample S and scattered from the inside of the sample S by the diagnostic probe unit 30 and the reflected light from the reference mirror 21 are coupled to the coupler 16 (optical multiplexing). The optical coherence tomographic image generation device generates an optical coherence tomographic image by analyzing the coherent light synthesized by the optical device.

≪Optical unit part≫
The optical unit unit 10 (optical unit) includes a light source, an optical system, and a detection unit to which each method of general optical coherence tomography can be applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical unit 10 includes a light source 11 that continuously (periodically) irradiates a sample S (subject) with laser light having a high-band wavelength, and measurement light that irradiates the sample S with laser light. And a coupler 12 (light splitter) that distributes the reference light to be irradiated to the reference mirror 21 and a diagnostic probe unit that irradiates the sample S with the measurement light and scatters the sample S and returns the scattered light. 30 (probe), a coupler 16 (optical combiner) that generates interference light by synthesizing the reflected light and the reflected light that are reflected from the reference mirror 21 and returned from the reference mirror 21, and a sample S from the interference light. Detector 23 for detecting the internal information of the optical fiber 19b, optical fibers 19b and 60A (see FIG. 4) provided in the optical path between the light source 11 and the detector 23, and other optical components.

Here, an outline of the optical unit unit 10 will be described.
Light emitted from the light source 11 is divided into measurement light and reference light by a coupler 12 which is a light splitter. The measurement light enters the diagnostic probe unit 30 from the circulator 14 of the sample arm 13. This measurement light is collected on the sample S by the condenser lens 34 via the collimator lens 32 and the scanning means 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror) when the shutter 312 (see FIG. 6) of the shutter mechanism 31 of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is open. The light is scattered and reflected there, and then returns to the circulator 14 of the sample arm 13 through the condenser lens 34, the scanning means 33, and the collimator lens 32 again. The polarization component of the returned measurement light is returned to a state with less polarization by the polarization controller 15 and input to the detector 23 via the coupler 16 as an optical multiplexer.

On the other hand, the reference light separated by the coupler 12 for the light splitter is collected on the reference mirror 21 (reference mirror) by the reference light condensing lens 20 from the circulator 18 of the reference arm 17 through the collimator lens 19 and the optical path length changing means 24. After being reflected and reflected there, the light returns to the circulator 18 through the reference light condensing lens 20 and the collimator lens 19 again. The polarization component of the returned reference light is returned to a state with less polarization by the polarization controller 22 and input to the detector 23 via the coupler 16 for the optical multiplexer. That is, since the coupler 16 combines the measurement light scattered and reflected by the sample S and the reflected light reflected by the reference mirror 21, the detector 23 detects the light (interference light) interfered by the multiplexing. It can be detected as internal information of the sample S.

<Light source>
As the light source 11, for example, a laser light source for SS-OCT method can be used.
In this case, it is preferable that the light source 11 has a performance with a center wavelength of 1310 nm, a sweep wavelength width of 100 nm, a sweep speed of 50 kHz, and a coherence distance (coherent length) of 14 mm.
Here, the coherent distance corresponds to a distance when the attenuation of the power spectrum is 6 dB. In addition, although the coherence distance of a laser beam is 10 mm or more and highly coherent light of less than 48 mm is preferable, it is not limited to this.

<Reference collimator lens>
The reference light collimator lens 19 (see FIG. 2) is a lens that converges the reference light divided by the coupler 12 (light splitter) into parallel light. As shown in FIG. 3, the collimator lens 19 ′ includes a collimator lens 19 ′. 19d is accommodated in a substantially cylindrical lens holder 19a.
The collimator lens unit 19 ′ supports a collimator 19d, a collimator holder 19e that holds the collimator 19d, a block 19f that supports the collimator holder 19e, and a block 19f that can be finely adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A bracket 19h, a support base 191 for holding the bracket 19h, a backlash preventing member 192 for engaging the support base 191 with the support frame member 194, and a fixture 193 for fixing the support base 191 to the support frame member 194 The support frame member 194 is mainly provided.

The collimator 19d includes the collimator lens 19, a substantially cylindrical lens holder 19a in which the collimator lens 19 is fitted, a connector 19c attached to the lens holder 19a, one end connected to the connector 19c, and the other end to the lens holder. 19a and an optical fiber 19b connected to the circulator 18 (see FIG. 2). In this way, the collimator lens 19 is installed in the lens holder 19a, and the connector 19c that connects one end of the optical fiber 19b is attached to the lens holder 19a. Therefore, the optical axis of the collimator lens 19 and the optical fiber 19b are attached. It is installed in a state where the optical axis of each is matched and a certain distance is maintained.

In the lens holder 19a, an optical fiber 19b is attached to one end on the optical axis and the connector 19c is fixed, and the other end is opened toward the reference mirror 21 to form an opening through which the reference light and reflected light enter and exit. Has been.
The collimator holder 19e is fixed on the block 19f by advancing and retracting the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction and screwing it so as to be finely adjustable.
The block 19f is supported so as to be finely adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis via a compression coil spring SP in a substantially U-shaped bracket 19h when viewed from the front.
The bracket 19h is fixed to and integrated with the support base 191.

The support table 191 is a member that mounts a collimator lens unit 19 ′ fixed to the support table 191 and supports the collimator lens unit 19 ′ so that the position of the collimator lens unit 19 ′ can be adjusted with respect to the support frame member 194 in the optical axis direction. The support base 191 is a substantially U-shaped thick plate member that is slidably engaged with the support frame member 194 in the optical axis direction, and is continuously provided so as to straddle the support frame member 194. . The support base 191 is provided with a sliding surface 191a disposed in a state in which the bracket 19h is in contact with the support frame member 194 from both ends of a flat plate-like portion where the sliding surface 191a is formed. A pair of left and right engaging projections 191b and a convex portion 191c formed between the left and right engaging projections 191b and abutting against the rail-shaped portion of the support frame member 194 are formed.

The fixing tool 193 includes a fastening member for fixing the backlash preventing member 192 engaged with the one engaging protrusion 191b of the support base 191 to the engaging protrusion 191b, and the collimator lens unit 19 ′ is supported by the support frame member 194. It is for fixing to a predetermined position.
With this configuration, the collimator 19d can be positioned and adjusted at a preset position on the optical axis so that the optical path length on the sample S (subject) light side is equal to the optical path length on the reference light side. .

The reference light condensing lens 20 is a lens that condenses the parallel light converged by the collimator lens 19 on the reference mirror 21. For example, the reference light condensing lens 20 is preset between the collimator lens 19 on the support frame member 194 and the reference mirror 21. Is arranged at a position on the optical axis. The reference light condensing lens 20 is supported by the support base 20a so that the inclination of the reference light condensing lens 20 can be adjusted, and the support base 20a is fastened to the support frame member 194 so as to be movable and fixed in the optical axis direction. The fixing tool 20b is fixed to a predetermined position of the support frame member 194.

The support frame member 194 is a plate-like member extending in the optical axis direction. The collimator lens unit 19 ′, the reference light condensing lens 20, and the like are disposed at predetermined intervals on the support frame member 194 at appropriate intervals. And the reference mirror 21 is mounted. For example, a reference mirror 21 is fixed to the end portion of the support frame member 194, and a reference light condensing lens 20 and a collimator 19d are sequentially arranged from the reference mirror 21 through an appropriate distance to condense the reference light. The optical path length can be changed by moving the lens 20 and the collimator 19d.

<Optical path length changing means for reference light>
As shown in FIG. 2, the optical path length changing means 24 for the reference light moves the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction to change the optical path length from the coupler 12 (optical divider) to the reference mirror 21, thereby changing the optical axis direction. It is a device used when adjusting the position to the initial position or initializing the position in the optical axis direction. The optical path length changing means 24 of the reference light includes, for example, a collimator lens unit 19 ′ that holds the collimator 19d and is arranged so as to be able to advance and retract manually along the optical axis together with the collimator 19d, and the reference light condensing lens 20 And a reference frame 21, and a support frame member 194 that extends along the optical axis and supports the collimator lens unit 19 ′, the reference light collecting lens 20, and the reference mirror 21.

≪Diagnostic probe part≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the diagnostic probe unit 30 (probe) includes scanning means 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror) for two-dimensionally scanning laser light, guides the laser light from the optical unit 10 to the sample S, and The scattered light scattered and reflected in the sample S is received and guided to the optical unit 10. The diagnostic probe unit 30 includes a cable 60, a housing 3, a frame body 300, a shutter mechanism 31, a collimator lens 32, a scanning unit 33 (two-dimensional MEMS mirror), a condenser lens 34, which will be described later. The condensing point adjustment mechanism 35, the nozzle 37 (refer FIG. 4), and the expansion-contraction mechanism 370 (refer FIG. 7) are provided.
In the present embodiment, an example in which the nozzle 37 including the direct-view imaging nozzle 37A (anterior tooth nozzle) is provided as an example of the diagnostic probe unit 30 will be described.

<Cable>
The cable 60 (see FIG. 1) is for optically and electrically connecting the diagnostic probe unit 30, the optical unit unit 10, and the control unit unit 50. The cable 60 includes an optical fiber 60 </ b> A (see FIG. 4) connected to the optical unit unit 10 and a communication line 60 </ b> B connected to the control unit unit 50. The optical fiber 60A transmits measurement light and scattered light.

When the imaging is not in progress, the housing 3 of the diagnostic probe section 30 is, as shown in FIG. 1A, a single joint arm 70 extending in the horizontal direction from the lower side of the display device 54 arranged on the upper portion of the OCT apparatus 1. It is held by the holder 71 at the tip of the head. As a result, even when the cable 60 is stored, the cable 60 can be stored without being twisted, and the storage space can be reduced.

On the other hand, at the time of imaging, the user removes and grasps the diagnostic probe unit 30 from the holder 71 of the single joint arm 70 and brings the diagnostic probe unit 30 into contact with the patient's teeth (sample S) to prevent camera shake. . At this time, even if both hands of the user are blocked, in order to operate the operation button SW (see FIG. 4) for starting photographing, the foot controller 80 (FIG. 1) connected to the control unit 50 so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. Reference) can also be used.

When the OCT apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1B is not in the middle of imaging, the diagnostic probe unit 30 includes an articulated arm 70A that extends horizontally from the upper side of the display device 54 disposed on the OCT apparatus 1A. The OCT apparatus 1 is the same as the OCT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1A except that it can be held by the holder 71 at the tip. The articulated arm 70A has a longer length from the proximal end to the distal end holder 71 than the single-joint arm 70, and is disposed at a higher position from the floor. Therefore, the drooping of the cable 60 can be reduced. Thereby, operability can be improved and it can prevent having stepped on the cable 60 which hung down accidentally.

<Housing>
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the housing 3 is a case body that covers or supports components such as the frame main body 300, the diagnostic probe unit 30, and the nozzle 37, and has a substantially inverted L shape when viewed from the side. It is formed in a shape (substantially pistol shape). For this reason, it is easy to hold, has good operability, and has a shape that can be easily attached to the holder 71. The housing 3 is formed with a scanning means storage portion 3a, a grip portion 3b, a condenser lens storage portion 3c, and a nozzle installation portion 3d, which will be described later. The housing 3 is formed in a state in which the grip portion 3b and the scanning means storage portion 3a are bent downward with respect to the condenser lens storage portion 3c and the nozzle installation portion 3d formed in the horizontal direction.

In the housing 3, the frame main body 300 is disposed almost entirely in the housing 3, the scanning means 33 is accommodated in the substantially central portion, and the cable 60, the collimator lens 32, and the shutter mechanism 31 are disposed on the proximal end side. The condensing lens 34 is disposed closer to the distal end portion, and the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A (nozzle 37) is disposed in the distal end portion so as to be extendable and detachable. The housing 3 is formed by, for example, matching two housing halves 3e and 3f that are vertically divided in the center and divided into right and left.

The scanning means storage portion 3 a is a portion that is disposed in a substantially central portion (folded portion) of the substantially inverted L-shaped housing 3 and stores the scanning means 33. A square chip-shaped two-dimensional MEMS mirror serving as the scanning means 33 is disposed, for example, at an angle of about 45 degrees in the scanning means storage unit 3a, and a laser beam emitted from the collimator lens 32 by the two-dimensional MEMS mirror. Light is reflected.
The grip portion 3b is a portion that is gripped when the user holds the diagnostic probe portion 30 by hand and is a portion that is held by the holder 71 (see FIG. 1). The grip portion 3b is formed so as to extend in the direction of the optical axis of the laser beam from the arrangement position of the collimator lens 32 arranged on the base end side of the housing 3 to the arrangement position of the scanning means 33, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Has been. The grip portion 3b receives an operation button SW installed on the outer peripheral surface, an optical fiber 60A wired in a state of being pulled out from the lower surface of the housing 3, and measurement light introduced by the optical fiber 60A to receive a laser. A storage space is mainly provided in which a collimator lens 32 that converges light into parallel light and a shutter mechanism 31 that blocks the laser light are stored.

The condensing lens storage unit 3c is a part for storing a lens storage cylinder 352 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) having a condensing lens 34 for condensing the scanning light scanned by the scanning unit 33. It is formed at a position closer to the tip than the means storage portion 3a. The condenser lens storage portion 3c is formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the grip portion 3b, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape from the scanning means storage portion 3a to the nozzle installation portion 3d in the forward direction. That is, the condensing lens storage portion 3c is formed to extend in the direction of the reflected light reflected by the scanning unit 33, and is formed to be bent with respect to the grip portion 3b.
The nozzle installation part 3d is a part where the nozzle 37 is detachably attached to the distal end side of the nozzle installation part 3d via an outer ring member 38 and an expansion / contraction mechanism 370, which will be described later, from the condenser lens storage part 3c. Is also formed at the tip of the housing 3 on the tip side.

<Frame body>
As shown in FIG. 5, the frame main body 300 is a thick plate-like member that holds the shutter mechanism 31, the optical axis adjustment mechanism 321, the scanning unit 33, and the lens storage cylinder 352, and is screwed into the housing 3. Yes. The frame main body 300 is formed in a substantially inverted L shape (substantially pistol shape) in a side view according to the shape of the housing 3. The frame body 300 is formed with an L-shaped portion 300a in which the scanning means 33 is fixed at the central portion, and a vertical portion that is formed to extend downward from the central portion and to which the shutter mechanism 31 and the optical axis adjusting mechanism 321 are fixed. 300b, a horizontal portion 300c formed to extend from the central L-shaped portion 300a to the front side, to which the lens storage cylinder 352 is fixed, and a position adjustment hole 301 extending vertically in the vertical portion 300b. A position adjustment hole 302 extending in the horizontal direction is mainly formed in the horizontal portion 300c.

<Measuring unit for changing optical path length of measuring light>
In the frame body 300, the collimator lens 32 is provided in the lens holder 322a, and the optical axis length of the collimator 322 in which the connector 322b in which the optical fiber 60A is attached to the lens holder 322a on one end side on the optical axis is set. An optical path length changing unit 39 for measuring light that can be adjusted to adjust the position in the optical axis direction is provided.
The optical path length changing means 39 for the measurement light includes a position adjustment hole 301 formed in the frame body 300 so as to extend in the optical axis direction of the measurement light, a collimator bracket 324 for holding the collimator 322, and an optical axis direction in the position adjustment hole 301. And a bracket fastener 327 that is movably inserted to fasten the collimator bracket 324 at a predetermined position.

The position adjustment hole 301 is a long hole formed in the vertical portion 300b so as to extend in the optical axis direction of the measurement light, and supports the collimator bracket 324 so as to be movable and tiltable in the optical axis direction. A bracket fastener 327 that is fastened in a predetermined direction and position is inserted so as to be movable up and down.
The position adjusting hole 302 is a long hole for movably installing a condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 that advances and retracts the condensing lens 34 along the optical axis, and an adjustment bolt 353 is movably inserted therein.

<Shutter mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the shutter mechanism 31, the diagnostic probe unit 30 is configured such that the measurement light sent from the circulator 14 (see FIG. 2) and the scattered light reflected by the measurement light hitting the sample S are reflected. For example, the device is interposed between the collimator lens 32 in the grip portion 3b and the scanning means 33 in the scanning means storage portion 3a. The shutter mechanism 31 includes, for example, a shutter base 311, a shutter 312, shutter driving means 313, and a shutter base fastener 314. The shutter mechanism 31 is for performing zero point correction by blocking the reflected light from the sample S by the shutter 312 and removing noise (image) appearing on the display screen in a software manner.

The shutter base 311 is a member to which the shutter 312 and the shutter driving unit 313 are attached, and is fixed to the frame main body 300 so as to be vertically movable by the shutter base fastener 314. In the shutter base 311, a through hole 311a through which measurement light and scattered light pass is formed on the optical axis in the vertical direction. The shutter base 311 can be rotated in the direction of arrow a about the shutter base fastener 314 by loosening the fastening of the shutter base fastener 314.
The shutter 312 is a member that blocks the optical path of measurement light and scattered light that passes through the through hole 311a, and rotates about a drive shaft (not shown) of the shutter drive unit 313 to open and close the through hole 311a. It consists of the board | plate member arrange | positioned.

The shutter driving unit 313 is an actuator that opens and closes the through hole 311a by moving the shutter 312 on the optical axis or retracting the shutter 312 from the optical axis. The shutter driving unit 313 includes, for example, a motor that rotates the shutter 312 to open and close the through hole 311a, or a solenoid that opens and closes the shutter 312 to open and close the through hole 311a.
The shutter base fastener 314 is a bolt for fixing the shutter base 311 to the frame body 300 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The shutter base fastener 314 is inserted into the position adjustment hole 301 of the frame main body 300 and screwed to the shutter base 311.
The shutter mechanism 31 may be a mechanism that manually moves the shutter 312.

<Collimator lens>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the collimator lens 32, the collimator lens 32 is installed in the lens holder 322a, and a connector 322b in which an optical fiber 60A is attached to one end on the optical axis is set in the lens holder 322a. This is a lens of the collimator 322. The collimator lens 32 receives the measurement light sent from the coupler 12 (see FIG. 2) via the circulator 14 and converges the laser light into parallel light. The collimator lens 32 is installed in a substantially cylindrical collimator 322 and is rotatably attached to the lower portion of the frame body 300 with a collimator holder 323 and a collimator bracket 324 interposed therebetween.

<Optical axis adjustment mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the optical axis adjusting mechanism 321 is a device that adjusts the direction and position of the collimator 322 by tilting or moving the collimator 322 provided with the collimator lens 32 with respect to the optical axis. is there. Each of the optical axis adjustment mechanisms 321 includes a collimator 322, a collimator holder 323, a collimator bracket 324, a unit fastener 325, a holder fastener 326, and a bracket fastener (not shown). ing.

The collimator 322 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a collimator lens 32 is provided, and is arranged in the vertical direction along the optical axis.
The collimator holder 323 is a member that holds the collimator 322 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow b around the optical axis, and includes a through hole 323a into which the collimator 322 is inserted, and a notch 323b that is notched in the through hole 323a. And a screw hole (not shown) into which the unit fastener 325 and the holder fastener 326 are screwed.

The collimator bracket 324 is a member that is attached to the frame main body 300 in the housing 3 so that the position of the collimator bracket 323 can be adjusted in a direction that allows the collimator holder 323 to rotate in the direction of arrow c around the holder fastener 326 (see FIG. 5). It is made of a substantially L-shaped thick plate material in plan view. The collimator bracket 324 is formed with a hole (not shown) into which the holder fastener 326 is inserted and a screw hole (not shown) into which the bracket fastener (not shown) is screwed.
The unit fastener 325 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow b by loosening the tightening of the collimator 322 inserted into the collimator holder 323 so as to be rotatable, or can be fastened to fix the collimator 322 to the collimator holder 323. It is a fastener. The unit fastener 325 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed so as to be orthogonal to the notch 323b of the collimator holder 323.

As shown in FIG. 5, the holder fastener 326 can be rotated in the direction of arrow c by loosening the tightening of the collimator holder 323 fitted in the collimator bracket 324 so as to be rotatable, or can be tightened before and after the collimator 322. It is a fastener for fixing the inclination of a direction. The holder fastener 326 is screwed into the collimator holder 323 through the collimator bracket 324 at the tip.
A bracket fastener (not shown) is a fastener that is attached to a position adjustment hole 301 that is formed in the frame main body 300 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable so that the collimator bracket 324 can be moved up and down. Is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed in the collimator bracket 324. This bracket fastener can be rotated in the direction of arrow d by loosening the tightening of the collimator bracket 324, and the inclination of the optical axes of the collimator bracket 324 and the collimator 322 can be adjusted.

<Scanning means>
As shown in FIG. 7, the scanning unit 33 is a mirror that is introduced into the diagnostic probe unit 30 by the optical fiber 60 </ b> A and changes the irradiation direction of the laser light that has passed through the collimator lens 32, and is transmitted through the collimator lens 32. a two-dimensional MEMS mirror which converts the optical axis of the measuring light.
The element of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror has, for example, a three-layer structure including a silicon layer on which a movable structure such as a mirror and a planar coil is formed, a ceramic pedestal, and a permanent magnet. The silicon layer is arranged in the center to totally reflect light, a cross-shaped beam that supports the mirror, X and Y frames, and an electromagnetic drive arranged around and around each mirror to generate electromagnetic force. And a two-layer planar coil. Then, by energizing the coils formed on the X and Y frames, it is possible to control to statically and dynamically tilt in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in proportion to the magnitude of the current.
The operating angle of the mirror is, for example, ± 10.6 degrees in the X-axis direction and ± 5.2 degrees in the Y-axis direction with respect to the device plane. The size of the device of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror is, for example, about 10 mm × 10 mm × 0.5 mm. The mirror at the center of the device is formed of a quadrangle with a side of about 2 mm.

The laser light emitted from the light source 11 is applied to the sample S (see FIG. 2) through the two-dimensional MEMS mirror, and the depth direction (inward) proceeds from the surface of the sample S where the nozzle tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30 directly faces ( The detector 23 acquires the internal information in the (A direction). As will be described later, data in the A direction consisting of 1152 points (hereinafter referred to as A line data) is acquired in one scan, and image processing for subsequent frequency analysis is acquired.
Here, the X direction and the Y direction correspond to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) on the surface of the sample S facing the nozzle tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30.
The scanning unit 33 may be a galvanometer mirror.

<Condensing lens>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the condensing lens 34 is a lens that condenses the scanning light from the scanning unit 33 and condenses the measurement light on the sample S and irradiates it. It is installed inside. The lens housing cylinder 352 is housed in the condensing lens housing portion 3 c of the housing 3 and is fixed to the frame body 300. In this case, the lens housing cylinder 352 is disposed so as to be able to advance and retract along a position adjustment hole 302 formed in the frame body 300. A ring-shaped operation knob 351 on which a user's finger is loosely fitted is integrally formed on the lower surface portion of the lens housing cylinder 352.

<Condensing point adjustment mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 5, the condensing point adjustment mechanism 35 is a device that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S (subject) in contact with the nozzle 37. The operating knob 351 is exposed in the condensing lens storage portion 3c of the housing 3 in an exposed state. The condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 includes a position adjusting hole 302 extending in the horizontal direction in the horizontal portion 300c of the frame main body 300, and the lens accommodating cylinder 352 inserted along the optical axis by being inserted into the position adjusting hole 302. An adjustment bolt 353 that is fixed to an appropriate position of the position adjustment hole 302 formed in this manner, and a lens barrel formed integrally with the lens housing cylinder 352 for moving the condenser lens 34 to an appropriate position of the position adjustment hole 302. The operation knob 351 and a connecting cylinder 354 for fixing the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A (nozzle 37) to the frame main body 300 through the nozzle support 36 are provided.
The condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 can adjust the position of the condensing point by operating and moving the operation knob 351 so that the condensing lens 34 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction together with the operation knob 351. .

In other words, the lens housing cylinder 352 is provided with a condensing point adjustment mechanism that adjusts the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S (subject) in contact with the nozzle 37. You may install in the condensing lens storage part 3c of the housing 3. FIG. In this case, for example, by operating and moving an operation knob (not shown) of the condensing point adjusting mechanism, the condensing lens 34 is advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction together with the operating knob 351, so that the condensing point can be adjusted. It becomes like this.

<Nozzle>
As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle 37 (direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A (front tooth nozzle)) is disposed in front of the condenser lens 34 and has an opening 37 </ b> Ae that irradiates the sample S with measurement light and collects scattered light. It is the cylindrical member which has. The direct-view imaging nozzle 37A (front tooth nozzle) is connected to the condensing lens storage portion 3c at the tip of the housing 3 in a connecting cylinder 354, a nozzle support 36, a spring (not shown), a sphere SB, and an outer ring member 38. In addition, it is detachably (replaceable), pivotable, and telescopically mounted via an expansion / contraction mechanism 370.
The direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A applies the opening 37 </ b> Ae of the cylindrical direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A to the sample S when the diagnostic probe unit 30 images the lip side surface of the front tooth portion (sample S) (see FIG. 5). It is a member for collecting the reflected scattered light by irradiating the sample S with the measurement light while keeping the distance therebetween. The direct-view imaging nozzle 37A can be used for imaging intraoral tissues in addition to the anterior teeth (sample S).

As shown in the conceptual diagram in which the molars in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are the sample S, the direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A (nozzle 37) has the length L of the direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A relative to the probe 30 to be coherent. It consists of the cylindrical member provided with the expansion-contraction mechanism 370 which can be changed short within the range of the expansion-contraction adjustment range L1 in the range L2. The diagnostic probe unit 30 is provided with two focus adjustment units, that is, the condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 and a second condensing point adjusting mechanism including a telescopic mechanism 370 provided in the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A. . In the direct-view imaging nozzle 37A, a pressing portion 37Aa, a sliding contact portion 37Ab, a stepped portion 37Ac, a cylindrical portion 37Ad, an opening portion 37Ae having a non-slip portion 37Ag, and a spring housing portion 37Af, which will be described later, are integrated. Is formed.

≪Extension mechanism≫
The expansion / contraction mechanism 370 is a mechanism that supports the direct-viewing imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A with respect to the housing 3 so as to be able to advance and retreat, and an engagement cylinder member 371 disposed at the distal end of the housing 3, and the engagement cylinder member 371. A spring member 372 that is interposed between the photographing nozzle 37A and biases the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A toward the distal end side, the proximal end side is locked to the engaging cylinder member 371, and the distal end side is a direct-view photographing nozzle 37A. And an annular member 373 that is movably locked at a predetermined interval.

The pressing portion 37Aa is a portion where the distal end portion of the spring member 372 interposed between the direct-viewing imaging nozzle 37A and the engaging cylinder member 371 contacts and is pressed by a spring force, and the proximal end of the direct-viewing imaging nozzle 37A A step is formed on the inner surface near the side.
The sliding contact portion 37Ab is formed in an engagement cylinder member spring accommodating portion 371g formed inside the distal end side of the engagement cylinder member 371 when the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A advances and retreats against the spring force of the spring member 372. It is installed in the wall so that it can move forward and backward.

The stepped portion 37Ac is a portion where the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A biased by the spring member 372 is brought into contact with and locked with the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 373b of the annular member 373, and the tip side of the sliding contact portion 37Ab Are formed at adjacent positions.
The cylindrical portion 37Ad is a portion that forms a space through which the measurement light applied to the sample S and the scattered light reflected and returned from the sample S pass, and extends in a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction of the entire direct-view imaging nozzle 37A. It is installed.

The opening 37Ae is a part that collects scattered light by irradiating the measurement light from the scanning unit 33 to the sample S, and is formed at the tip of the cylindrical part 37Ad. The opening 37Ae is photographed in a state where the sample S is in contact with the tip of the opening 37Ae during photographing (see FIG. 8B). An edge such as an opening end of the opening 37Ae has a non-slip portion 37Ag for allowing the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A to adhere to the sample S to be brought into contact with the photographing without slipping.

The non-slip portion 37Ag increases friction between the opening portion 37Ae and the sample S in contact with the opening portion 37Ae. The non-slip portion 37Ag is, for example, an irregularity formed on the surface of the opening 37Ae by graining (etching, shot blasting, etc.), an annular rubber member that can be detachably attached to the opening 37Ae, or the opening 37Ae. An annular thin plate-shaped sealing material having a large friction coefficient that can be detachably attached to the cap, or a cap-shaped anti-slip rubber member that is detachably fitted to the opening 37Ae.
The nozzle-side spring accommodating portion 37Af is a portion where the distal end side of the spring member 372 is accommodated.

The engaging cylinder member 371 is a member for detachably attaching the base end side of the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A to the nozzle support 36, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The engagement tube member 371 includes an engagement tube portion 371a, an annular groove 371b, a flange portion 371c, a male screw portion 371d, a spring receiving portion 371e, a hollow portion 371f, and an engagement tube portion side, which will be described later. The spring storage portion 371g is integrally formed.

The engagement cylinder part 371a is a part for fitting the direct-view imaging nozzle 37A into the nozzle support 36 on the base end side of the engagement cylinder member 371, and is formed in a cylindrical shape.
The annular groove 371b is a semicircular groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the engagement cylinder portion 371a in a cross-sectional view, and the sphere SB is engaged / disengaged. The direct-view imaging nozzle 37A and the expansion / contraction mechanism 370 are detachable from the probe 30 by the spherical body SB engaging / disengaging from the annular groove 371b.

The flange portion 371 c is a portion formed in a hook shape at the center of the outer peripheral portion of the engagement cylinder member 371, and is disposed between the annular member 373 and the outer ring member 38.
The male screw portion 371d is a screw portion for screwing into a female screw portion 373a formed on the proximal end side of the annular member 373 and fixing the annular member 373 to the engagement cylinder member 371.

The spring receiving portion 371e is a portion that is received by receiving the proximal end portion of the spring member 372.
The hollow portion 371f is a space that communicates with the cylindrical portion 37Ad of the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A, and is a hollow portion that is formed inside the engagement tube member 371 and through which measurement light and scattered light pass.
The engagement cylinder portion side spring accommodating portion 371g is a portion where the proximal end side of the spring member 372 is accommodated.
The spring member 372 is formed of a compression coil spring that presses the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A toward the distal end side. The direct-view photographing nozzle 37 </ b> A is expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism 370 as much as the spring member 372 is compressed.

The annular member 373 is a nut-like member for engaging the direct-viewing imaging nozzle 37A with the engaging cylinder member 371 so as to be extendable and contractible, and includes the female screw portion 373a and the small diameter portion 373b with which the stepped portion 37Ac abuts. Is formed. The annular member 373 can release the spring member 372 and the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A from the engaging cylinder member 371 by loosening the female screw portion 373a that is screwed into the male screw portion 371d.

As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle support 36 is a substantially cylindrical member that is interposed between the connecting cylinder 354 and the direct-viewing imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A and is detachably fitted to the outer ring member 38. . The nozzle support 36 has an engagement portion (not shown) fitted in the coupling cylinder 354 on the base end side, and a spring (not shown) made of a cylindrical coil spring while being fitted in the outer ring member 38. ), A spring receiving portion (not shown) that externally fits the spring, and a sphere insertion hole 36d in which the sphere SB is movably fitted. Is formed.

The outer ring member 38 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed outside the nozzle support 36 and a spring (not shown) so as to cover the nozzle support 36 and the spring (not shown). A spring receiving convex portion (not shown) for supporting the portion is formed.

≪Control unit section≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 (control unit) includes an AD conversion circuit 51, a DA conversion circuit 52, a two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53, a display device 54, and an OCT control device 100. .

The AD conversion circuit 51 converts the analog output signal of the detector 23 (detector) into a digital signal. In the present embodiment, the AD conversion circuit 51 starts acquisition of a signal in synchronization with a trigger output from the laser output device that is the light source 11, and the timing of the clock signal ck that is also output from the laser output device. At the same time, the analog output signal of the detector (detector) 23 is acquired and converted into a digital signal. This digital signal is input to the OCT controller 100.

The DA conversion circuit 52 converts the digital output signal of the OCT control device 100 into an analog signal. In the present embodiment, the DA conversion circuit 52 converts the digital signal of the OCT control device 100 into an analog signal in synchronization with a trigger output from the laser output device that is the light source 11. This analog signal is input to the two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53.

The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 is a driver that controls the scanning unit 33 of the diagnostic probe unit 30. The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 moves the mirror of the two-dimensional MEMS mirror in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in synchronization with the output period of the laser light emitted from the light source 11 based on the analog output signal of the OCT control device 100. A drive signal for driving is output.
The two-dimensional MEMS mirror control circuit 53 performs a process of rotating the mirror axis to change the angle of the mirror surface in the horizontal direction and a process of rotating the mirror axis to change the angle of the mirror surface in the vertical direction. Do it at different times.

The display device 54 displays an optical coherence tomographic image (hereinafter referred to as an OCT image) generated by the OCT control device 100. The display device 54 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), EL (Electronic Luminescence), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and the like.

The OCT control apparatus 100 is a control apparatus for the OCT apparatus 1 and performs imaging by controlling the scanning unit 33 in synchronization with the laser beam, and also generates an OCT image of the sample S from the data obtained by converting the detection signal of the detector 23. The control which produces | generates is performed. The OCT control apparatus 100 includes a computer including input / output means (not shown), storage means, and arithmetic means, and a program installed in the computer.

[Action]
Next, the case where the sample S (front tooth part) is image | photographed using the OCT apparatus 1 (optical coherence tomographic image generation apparatus) is demonstrated.
When photographing the sample S, first, a power switch (not shown) is turned on, and then the operation button SW of the switch of the diagnostic probe unit 30 is operated to drive the shutter driving means 313 of the shutter mechanism 31 shown in FIG. The shutter 312 is opened.
When the optical axis is inclined, the holder fastener 326 is loosened to adjust the inclination in the V direction, and the bracket fastener (not shown) is loosened to adjust the inclination in the A direction.

The diagnostic probe unit 30 adjusts the distance (condensing point) between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S in contact with the tip of the direct-viewing nozzle 37 </ b> A by the condensing point adjusting mechanism 35 when photographing. Thus, the position of the tomographic image to be taken can be adjusted in the depth direction from the reference plane of the sample S, and a tomographic image can be obtained over a wide range in the depth direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT apparatus 1 includes an optical path length changing unit 24 that changes the optical path length from the coupler 12 (optical divider) to the reference mirror 21 by moving the collimator 19d in the optical axis direction. A condensing point adjusting mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the condensing point by adjusting the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S, and the length L (see FIG. 8A) of the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A. By having a telescopic mechanism 370 that can be varied and operating both to match each other's optical path length, a clear tomographic image within a desired coherent distance can be obtained.

When photographing, the user grasps the grip portion 3b of the diagnostic probe portion 30 shown in FIG. 5 with his hand and photographs the tip of the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A with the opening 37Ae in contact with the sample S (front tooth portion). . At this time, since the opening 37Ae to be brought into contact with the sample S has a non-slip portion 37Ag, the frictional resistance with the sample S to be brought into contact with the opening 37Ae is large, so that the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A slides. The direct-view imaging nozzle 37A can be attached to the sample S.

As shown in FIG. 8, the direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A is pressed toward the distal end side by the spring member 372 before the tip of the direct-view imaging nozzle 37 </ b> A comes into contact with the sample S, and the stepped portion 37 </ b> Ac is formed in the annular member 373. It is in the state contact | abutted to the small diameter part 373b. For this reason, the direct-view photographing nozzle 37 </ b> A is locked to the annular member 373 in a state in which the direct-view photographing nozzle 37 </ b> A is moved to the most distal side with respect to the engaging cylinder member 371 and the housing 3 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 8B, when capturing a tomographic image of the sample S, the direct-view imaging nozzle 37A applied to the surface of the sample S is pushed and expanded to the sample S side, and the focal position of the condenser lens 34 is expanded. The sample S is photographed at the same position as the sample S. In this way, by adjusting the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A against the spring force of the spring member 372, the focus of the sample S to be photographed is moved and adjusted to the focal position of the condenser lens 34 to adjust the focus. can do.

For example, when the focal point of the condensing lens 34 is at the tip of the surface of the sample S, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9, a tomogram at a position P in the middle of the distance (L1) from the surface of the sample S. When shooting an image, the direct-view shooting nozzle 37A is pressed against the sample S and compressed and moved to a distance (L1) within the coherent range L2, thereby adjusting the focal position of the condenser lens 34 to the position P. That ’s why I ’m in focus. For this reason, the tomographic image of the position P where the sample S is desired to be photographed can be photographed in a clear state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 3 is formed in a pistol shape that is bent in an L shape with a substantially central portion as a center, so that the user holds the diagnostic probe portion 30 with a hand and When shooting while changing the focal position, it is easy to grasp, so it is easy to hold it with your hand.

Further, the diagnostic probe unit 30 is provided in a nozzle 37 having a shape corresponding to the shape and arrangement state of the sample S to be photographed (for example, the front tooth portion) by providing the nozzle 37 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the housing 3. The sample S is photographed after replacement. Even if it is one diagnostic probe part 30, all the teeth, such as a patient's front tooth part and molar part, are changed clearly, changing the focal position of the condensing lens 34 by replacing the nozzle 37 with the thing suitable for a use application. Can be taken.

Further, the non-slip portion 37Ag is made of a rubber member or a seal material that can be attached to and detached from the opening 37Ae, so that the non-slip portion 37Ag used for photographing is discarded as a disposable, and a clean new anti-slip portion 37Ag is newly added. Can be used attached to.
Thus, the nozzle 37 can use the non-slip | skid part 37Ag which contacts the sample S as a disposable member, and can always make the front-end | tip part (opening part 37Ae) of the nozzle 37 a clean state.

In addition, by providing two focus adjustment mechanisms, namely, a condensing point adjustment mechanism 35 and an expansion / contraction mechanism 370, the focus position of the condensing lens 34 is adjusted to the position P by the expansion / contraction mechanism 370 at the time of tomography. The imaging region in the depth direction can be changed by operating the operation knob 351 of the point adjusting mechanism 35.

≪First modification≫
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea. The present invention extends to these modifications and changes. Of course. In addition, the already demonstrated structure attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits the description.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing a first modified example of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state when a side-view photographing nozzle is attached. FIG. 11 is a view showing a first modified example of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing a nozzle attached / detached state. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the center portion showing a first modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing a nozzle attached / detached state.

In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the OCT apparatus 1, a cylindrical type direct-view imaging shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 (however, FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram in which molars are samples) is an anterior tooth portion (incisor) as a sample S. Although the diagnostic probe unit 30 provided with the nozzle 37A (nozzle for front teeth) has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the diagnostic probe unit 30B may be used by replacing the sample S with an angle type side-viewing imaging nozzle 37B (molar tooth nozzle) with the molar portion as a molar part.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the side-view photographing nozzle 37B (molar tooth nozzle) has an oblique mirror 37Ba that converts the optical axis of the condensing lens 34 in a direction perpendicular to the tip of the cylindrical portion 37Bb. An opening 37Bd is formed in the inner wall 37Bc and in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the condenser lens 34, and the sample S in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the side-viewing nozzle 37B is irradiated. Scattered light is collected. The side-view shooting nozzle 37B is detachably (replaceable), rotatable, and telescopically attached to the housing 3 in the same manner as the direct-view shooting nozzle 37A.

As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the side-view imaging nozzle 37B uses the sample S (molar part) to open the opening 37Bd of the side-view imaging nozzle 37B when imaging the molar part with the diagnostic probe unit 30B. ), The length L of the side-view photographing nozzle 37B is varied within the expansion / contraction adjustment range L1, the measurement light is irradiated onto the sample S, and the reflected scattered light is collected. The side-view photographing nozzle 37B is disposed in the nozzle installation portion 3d of the housing 3 so as to be expandable and contractible with the connecting cylinder 354, the outer ring member 38, and the expansion / contraction mechanism 370B interposed therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the side-viewing nozzle 37B, the nozzle that is screwed into the slider screw portion 374Ba formed on the outer peripheral portion on the distal end side of the slider 374B is connected to the side-viewing nozzle 37B on the base end side. The threaded portion 37Bg, the cylindrical portion 37Bb extending from the nozzle threaded portion 37Bg toward the distal end side, the distal end inner wall 37Bc where the oblique mirror 37Ba is disposed obliquely, and the lower end of the distal end inner wall 37Bc are opened. The opening 37Bd is integrally formed and has an anti-slip portion 37Be on the edge of the opening 37Bd.
The non-slip portion 37Be is a non-slip means that increases the frictional resistance with the sample S to be brought into contact with the image S to make the side-view shooting nozzle 37B difficult to slide, and is formed by processing the surface of the opening 37Bd. It is made of a material having a large friction coefficient that is detachably attached to the contact surface or the opening 37Bd.

The expansion / contraction mechanism 370B is a mechanism that allows the slider 374B that moves forward and backward integrally with the side-viewing imaging nozzle 37B to move forward and backward against the spring force of the spring member 372B. This engagement cylinder member 371B, a spring member 372B, an annular member 373B, and a slider 374B are provided. That is, the expansion / contraction mechanism 370B of the first modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that the slider 374B is provided.

The engaging cylinder member 371B includes a spring receiving portion 371Be that a proximal end side of the spring member 372B contacts, a male screw portion 371Bd that is screwed into a female screw portion 373Ba formed on the proximal end side of the annular member 373B, and the engaging cylindrical member. It has a hollow portion 371Bf that is formed inside 371B and that houses a slider 374B that is biased by the spring member 372B via a spring member 372B. The engagement cylinder member 371B has substantially the same shape as the engagement cylinder member 371 of the above embodiment, and the slider 374B is disposed in the cylindrical male screw portion 371Bd. This is different from the tubular member 371.

The spring member 372B is formed of a compression coil spring that biases the side-view photographing nozzle 37B in the distal direction via a slider 374B. The spring member 372B is supported at the base end side in contact with the spring receiving portion 371Be of the engaging tube member 371B in the same manner as the spring member 372 of the above-described embodiment, and the distal end side presses the slider 374B toward the distal end side. This is different from the above embodiment.

The annular member 373B is a ring member for receiving the slider 374B biased by the spring member 372B and locking the slider 374B to the engagement cylinder member 371B. This annular member 373B has a female threaded portion 373Ba on the inner wall surface on the proximal end side, and a small diameter portion 373Bb on the distal end side with which the slider 374B biased by the spring member 372B abuts.

The slider 374B has a proximal end portion that is provided in the engagement cylinder member 371B so as to be movable by a predetermined distance, and a slider screw portion 374Ba formed on the distal end side is screwed into the nozzle screw portion 37Bg of the side-view photographing nozzle 37B. Thus, they are connected and arranged at the tip of the diagnostic probe unit 30 so as to advance and retreat integrally with the side-view imaging nozzle 37B. For this reason, the side-view photographing nozzle 37B is detachably provided on the slider 374B. By fixing the side-view photographing nozzle 37B to the slider 374B, the slider 374B is advanced and retracted together. Can be expanded and contracted within the range of the expansion / contraction adjustment range L1.

As described above, the side-view photographing nozzle 37B includes the oblique mirror 37Ba for converting the optical axis by 90 degrees, the opening 37Bd opened in the direction perpendicular to the tip of the cylindrical portion 37Bb, and the expansion and contraction extending in the front-rear direction. If the cylindrical portion 37Bb is rotated and the direction of the opening 37Bd (direction to shoot) can be freely changed, and the side-view shooting nozzle 37B is pressed, the axial length is obtained. Since L can be varied, a tomographic image of the molar portion in the back of the oral cavity can be easily taken.

When the length L of the side-view photographing nozzle 37B is variable, the anti-slip portion 37Be of the opening 37Bd is pressed against the sample S, and the spring force of the spring member 375B is resisted by the frictional resistance of the anti-slip portion 37Be. The spring member 375B is compressed to expand and contract the side view photographing nozzle 37B.
The diagnostic probe unit 30 can move the focal position of the condenser lens 34 by moving the side-viewing imaging nozzle 37B in the axial direction, and can obtain a clear image.
Further, the side-view imaging nozzle 37B is used for imaging intraoral tissue, imaging of sites difficult to capture with the above-described direct-view imaging nozzle 37A, for example, occlusal surface, lingual side surface, buccal side surface, etc. It is also suitable for taking tomographic images of the side of the tongue.

≪Second modification≫
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a second modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a second modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a view showing a second modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing a state when the housing half is removed. FIG. 17 is a view showing a second modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the main part of the probe with the housing half removed.

Further, the diagnostic probe section 30C of the above embodiment may be one in which an expansion / contraction mechanism 370 is arranged in a straight type housing 3C as shown in FIGS.
In this case, in the housing 3C, the scanning means storage portion 3Ca is disposed at the center portion of the housing 3C, the grip portion 3Cb is disposed at the base end portion, and the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc is disposed at a position closer to the distal end side of the center portion. The nozzle mounting portion 3Cd is arranged at the tip, and the entire housing 3C is formed in a straight type shape arranged straight. The housing 3C has two housing halves 3Ce and 3Cf, which are divided into right and left by longitudinally sectioning the central portion in the length direction, and a direct-view shooting nozzle 37A via a telescopic mechanism 370 at the tip of the housing 3C. Is arranged.

The grip portion 3Cb is formed to extend in the direction of the optical axis of the laser light from the collimator lens 32 to the reflecting mirror M. In the scanning unit housing 3Ca, the optical axis of the laser beam reflected by the reflecting mirror M toward the scanning unit 33 and reflected by the scanning unit 33 is parallel to the optical axis in the grip unit Cb. It is arranged to be reflected. The condenser lens storage 3Cc is formed to extend in the direction of the parallel lines. For this reason, the housing 3C is formed straight from the grip portion 3Cb to the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A via the scanning means storage portion 3Ca and the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the reflecting mirror M, the laser light that has entered the diagnostic probe section 30 </ b> C from the optical fiber 60 </ b> A passes through the collimator 322 and the shutter mechanism 31, and is in the center of the scanning unit 33. It is arranged so as to be inclined toward the grip portion 3Cb with respect to the length direction of the housing 3C so as to be reflected toward the mirror.
In the grip portion 3Cb, a cable 60, a collimator 322, a shutter mechanism 31 and the like are mainly housed on the base end side. A plurality of operation buttons SW (see FIG. 13) are provided on the side surface of the grip portion 3Cb near the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc.

As shown in FIG. 16, the nozzle installation part 3Cd is a part where the nozzle 37 is detachably attached and can be extended and retracted through the connecting cylinder 354, the outer ring member 38, and the expansion and contraction mechanism 370. The direct-view photographing nozzle 37A or the side-view photographing nozzle 37B is attached according to the above. The nozzle installation portion 3Cd is formed from the distal end side of the condenser lens storage portion 3Cc to the distal end of the housing 3.

Thus, since the diagnostic probe unit 30C can change the length of the nozzle 37, the length of the optical path and the focal point of the condenser lens 34 can be changed accordingly. In addition to being able to search for a wide range, the sharpness of the tomographic image can be adjusted.

<< Third Modification >>
FIG. 18 is a view showing a third modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the probe provided with a nozzle expansion / contraction mechanism. FIG. 19 is a view showing a third modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of the probe provided with a nozzle expansion / contraction mechanism.

A third modification of the probe according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the above-described telescopic mechanism 370 that slides in the axial direction (see FIGS. 8A, 8B, 13A, and 13B). Instead, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, by rotating the nozzle 37D, the nozzle 37D is moved back and forth in the axial direction to change the nozzle length L, and the condenser lens 34 (see FIG. 5) and the sample S (see FIG. 5). This is a probe 30D provided with a screw-type expansion / contraction mechanism 370D that adjusts the distance from the device (see FIG. 5).

<Extension mechanism>
The expansion / contraction mechanism 370 </ b> D of the nozzle 37 </ b> D forms a condensing point adjusting mechanism that adjusts the distance between the condensing lens 34 and the sample S by moving the nozzle 37 </ b> D forward and backward with respect to the housing 3.

In this case, the nozzle 37D of the diagnostic probe section 30C (probe) includes a nozzle base 37D1 that is detachably fitted to the tip of the nozzle support 36, and a nozzle expansion / contraction that is attached to the nozzle base 37D1 in a stretched state. And a body 37D2.
The nozzle base 37D1 has a female thread portion 37Da formed in the opening at the tip.
The nozzle expansion / contraction body 37D2 is formed with a male screw portion 37Db that is screwed into the female screw portion 37Da on the outer peripheral surface on the base end side, and the nozzle expansion / contraction body 37D2 is rotated forward / reversely so that the nozzle length L is set to a desired length. The distance between the condenser lens 34 and the sample S can also be adjusted.
As described above, the expansion / contraction mechanism 370D of the nozzle 37D may include a screw mechanism including the female screw portion 37Da and the male screw portion 37Db.

[Other variations]
In the embodiment and the first modification, the expansion / contraction mechanisms 370 and 370B are provided with spring members 372 and 372B as means for pushing the direct-view imaging nozzle 37A and the side-view imaging nozzle 37B back to the distal end side, and the spring force is applied. Although an example in which the nozzle 37 is urged by using it has been described (see FIGS. 8A, 8B, 13A, and 13B), a direct-view shooting nozzle 37A and a side-view shooting nozzle 37B. As long as it has a function of pushing back, spring members 372 and 372B other than the compression coil spring may be used.
For example, the spring members 372 and 372B of the expansion and contraction mechanisms 370 and 370B form a sealed space between the direct-view shooting nozzle 37A and the side-view shooting nozzle 37B and the engagement cylinder members 371 and 371B, and the sealed space. It may be an air spring that is filled with compressed air of an appropriate pressure.
In addition, the spring members 372 and 372B may be rubber springs, disk springs, or the like having an elastic force that pushes back the direct-view photographing nozzle 37A and the side-view photographing nozzle 37B.

1 OCT device (optical coherence tomographic image generator)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Housing 3d Nozzle installation part 11 Light source 21 Reference mirror 30, 30B, 30C Diagnostic probe part (probe)
33 Scanning means (two-dimensional MEMS mirror)
34 Condensing lens 37 Nozzle 37A Direct-viewing nozzle (front tooth nozzle, nozzle)
37B Side-viewing nozzle (molar tooth nozzle, nozzle)
37Aa Pressing portion 37Ab Sliding contact portion 37Ac Stepped portion 37Ae, 37Bd Opening portion 37Ag, 37Be Non-slip portion 37Bg Nozzle screw portion 60 Cable 60A Optical fiber 370, 370B Extending mechanism 371, 371B Engaging cylinder member 371e, 371Be Spring receiving portion 371d 371Bd Male thread part 371f, 371Bf Hollow part 372, 372B Spring member 373, 373B Annular member 373a, 373Ba Female thread part 373b, 373Bb Small diameter part 374B Slider 374Ba Slider screw part S Sample (Subject)

Claims (6)

1. Distributing the laser light emitted from the light source to the measurement light applied to the subject and the reference light applied to the reference mirror,
   Used for an optical coherence tomographic image generation device that generates an optical coherence tomographic image by analyzing coherent light obtained by combining the scattered light reflected back from the subject and the reflected light reflected by the reference mirror,
   A probe that irradiates the subject with the measurement light and collects the scattered light that is reflected and returned;
   An optical fiber for transmitting the measurement light and the scattered light;
   Scanning means for changing the irradiation direction of the laser light introduced into the probe by the optical fiber;
   A nozzle having an opening for irradiating the subject with the measurement light from the scanning unit and collecting the scattered light;
   A condenser lens interposed between the nozzle and the scanning means;
   A housing for holding the optical fiber, the scanning means, and the nozzle;
   The nozzle has a telescopic mechanism capable of changing the length of the nozzle.
2. The telescopic mechanism includes an engaging cylinder member disposed at a distal end portion of the housing;
   A spring member interposed between the engagement cylinder member and the nozzle to urge the nozzle toward the tip side;
   2. The probe according to claim 1, further comprising: an annular member having a proximal end portion locked to the engaging cylinder member and a distal end side locking the nozzle so as to be movable at a predetermined interval.
3. The engagement tube member includes a spring receiving portion with which a proximal end side of the spring member abuts,
   A male screw portion that is screwed into a female screw portion formed on the base end side of the annular member;
   A hollow portion formed inside the engagement tube member,
   The nozzle is a pressing portion pressed by the spring member;
   A sliding contact portion provided in the hollow portion so as to freely advance and retract;
   A step portion formed on the tip side of the sliding contact portion, and
   The probe according to claim 2, wherein the annular member has a small diameter portion with which the stepped portion abuts.
4. The engagement tube member includes a spring receiving portion with which a proximal end side of the spring member abuts,
   A male screw portion that is screwed into a female screw portion formed on the base end side of the annular member;
   A hollow portion that is formed inside the engaging cylinder member and that houses a slider that is biased by the spring member through the spring member;
   The nozzle has a nozzle screw portion that is screwed into a slider screw portion formed on the outer peripheral portion on the tip end side of the slider,
   The probe according to claim 2, wherein the annular member has a small-diameter portion with which the slider urged by the spring member abuts.
5. The probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expansion / contraction mechanism is detachably attached to an outer ring member attached to a nozzle installation portion formed in the housing.
6. The said opening part of the said nozzle has a non-slip part which increases the friction with the said object contact | abutted to the said opening part at the time of imaging | photography, The Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. probe.

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