JP5561429B2 - Holder and optical measuring device using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a holder and an optical measurement device using the holder. In particular, a plurality of light transmission points for irradiating light to the living body and a plurality of light receiving points for receiving light emitted from the living body are determined for each set of one light transmission point and one light receiving point. The present invention relates to a holder for measuring in-vivo internal information about the channels of the channel and an optical measurement device using the holder.

In recent years, in order to observe the activity state of the brain, an optical brain functional imaging apparatus (optical measurement apparatus) that measures light simply and non-invasively has been developed. In such an optical brain functional imaging apparatus, three different types of wavelengths λ ₁ , λ ₂ , and λ ₃ (for example, 780 nm, 805 nm, and 830 nm) are close by a light transmission probe disposed on the head surface of the subject. Infrared light is irradiated onto the brain, and the intensity (received light amount information) A of the near-infrared light of each wavelength λ ₁ , λ ₂ , λ ₃ emitted from the brain by a light receiving probe arranged on the head surface. λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) are detected.
From the received light amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) thus obtained, the concentration / optical path length product [oxyHb] of oxyhemoglobin in the cerebral blood flow, and deoxy In order to obtain the hemoglobin concentration and the optical path length product [deoxyHb], for example, the simultaneous equations shown in relational expressions (1), (2), and (3) are created using the Modified Beer Lambert rule, and the simultaneous equations are solved. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1). Furthermore, the concentration / optical path length product of total hemoglobin ([oxyHb] + [deoxyHb]) is calculated from the concentration / optical path length product [oxyHb] of oxyhemoglobin and the deoxyhemoglobin concentration / optical path length product [deoxyHb]. Yes.
A (λ ₁ ) = E _O (λ ₁ ) × [oxyHb] + E _d (λ ₁ ) × [deoxyHb] (1)
A (λ ₂ ) = E _O (λ ₂ ) × [oxyHb] + E _d (λ ₂ ) × [deoxyHb] (2)
A (λ ₃ ) = E _O (λ ₃ ) × [oxyHb] + E _d (λ ₃ ) × [deoxyHb] (3)
E _O (λm) is an absorbance coefficient of oxyhemoglobin in light having a wavelength λm, and E _d (λm) is an absorbance coefficient of deoxyhemoglobin in light having a wavelength λm.

Here, the relationship between the distance (channel) between the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe and the measurement site will be described. Fig.5 (a) is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between a pair of light transmission probe and light reception probe, and a measurement site | part, FIG.5 (b) is a top view of Fig.5 (a).
The light transmitting probe 12 is pressed against the light transmitting point T on the subject's head surface, and the light receiving probe 13 is pressed against the light receiving point R on the subject's head surface. Then, light is emitted from the light transmitting probe 12 and light emitted from the head surface is incident on the light receiving probe 13. At this time, among the light irradiated from the light transmission point T on the head surface, the light that has passed through the banana shape (measurement region) reaches the light receiving point R on the head surface. As a result, the light transmitting point T and the light receiving point R from the middle point M of the line L connecting the light transmitting point T and the light receiving point R at the shortest distance along the head surface of the subject in the measurement region. Received light quantity information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ for the measurement site S of the subject having a depth L / 2 that is half the distance of the line connecting the head and the head along the subject's head surface. ₂ ), A (λ ₃ ) is obtained.

In the optical brain functional imaging system, oxyhemoglobin concentration / optical path length product [oxyHb], deoxyhemoglobin concentration / optical path length product [deoxyHb] and total hemoglobin concentration / optical path length product (multiple measurement sites in the brain) In order to measure [oxyHb] + [deoxyHb]), for example, a near-infrared spectrometer is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a conventional near-infrared spectrometer. For ease of viewing, several light transmitting optical fibers and several light receiving optical fibers are omitted.
The near-infrared spectrometer 201 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 11.
Inside the housing 11, a light source 2 that emits light, a light source driving mechanism 4 that drives the light source 2, a light detector 3 that detects light, an A / D (A / D converter) 5, and a transmitter The light receiving control unit 21, the analysis control unit 22, and the memory 23 are provided, and 64 light transmission probes 12, 64 light reception probes 13, and 64 light transmission probes are provided outside the housing 11. The optical fiber 14 for light, the 64 optical fibers 15 for light reception, the display apparatus 26 which has the monitor screen 26a, etc., and the keyboard (input device) 27 are provided.

The light source drive mechanism 4 drives the light source 2 by a drive signal input from the light transmission / reception controller 21. The light source 2 is, for example, a semiconductor laser LD1, LD2, or LD3 that can emit near-infrared light having three different wavelengths λ ₁ , λ ₂ , and λ ₃ .
The photodetector 3 transmits and receives light reception signals (light reception amount information) A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) via A / D 5 by detecting near infrared light respectively. For example, a photomultiplier tube.

The optical fiber for light transmission 14 and the optical fiber for light reception 15 are tubular having a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 2 m to 10 m, can transmit near infrared light in the axial direction, and is incident from one end. Light passes through the inside and exits from the other end, or near-infrared light incident from the other end passes through the inside and exits from one end.
One light transmission optical fiber 14 has both end portions so that one light transmission probe 12 and one semiconductor laser LD1, LD2, LD3 of the light source 2 are separated by a set length (2 m to 10 m). Connected to.
One light receiving optical fiber 15 connects one light receiving probe 13 and one photomultiplier tube of the photodetector 3 to both ends so as to be separated by a set length (2 m to 10 m). ing.

In such a near-infrared spectrometer 201, the holder 30 is used to bring the 64 light transmitting probes 12 and the 64 light receiving probes 13 into contact with the subject's head surface in a predetermined arrangement. Is done. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the holder 30 into which 64 light transmitting probes and 64 light receiving probes are inserted.
The light transmitting probes 12 _{T1 to} 12 _T64 and the light receiving probes 13 _{R1 to} 13 _R64 are alternately arranged in 16 pieces in the vertical direction and 16 pieces in the horizontal direction. As a result, the light receiving amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) that makes the probe interval between the light transmitting probe 12 and the light receiving probe 13 constant and a specific depth from the head surface is obtained. ing. In general, a channel with a channel of 30 mm is used. When the channel is 30 mm, the received light amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ) at a depth of 15 mm to 20 mm from the midpoint of the channel, It is believed that A (λ ₃ ) is obtained. That is, the position of 15 mm to 20 mm in depth from the head surface substantially corresponds to the brain surface region, and the received light quantity information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), A (λ ₃ ) related to the brain activity is obtained. .

By the way, in such a positional relationship between the 64 light transmitting probes 12 _{T1 to} 12 _T64 and the 64 light receiving probes 13 _{R1 to} 13 _R64 , a single light receiving probe 13 irradiates from a plurality of light transmitting probes 12. The timing of irradiating light from the light transmitting probe 12 and the timing of receiving light by the light receiving probe 13 so that only the light irradiated from one light transmitting probe 12 is received without simultaneously receiving the received light. Need to be adjusted. For this reason, the memory 23 stores a control table indicating the timing of emitting light by the light source 2 and the timing of detecting light by the photodetector 3.
The light transmission / reception control unit 21 having such a control table stored in the memory 23 outputs a drive signal for transmitting light to one light transmission probe 12 to the light source drive mechanism 4 at a predetermined time. A light reception signal (light reception amount information) received by the light reception probe 13 is detected by the photodetector 3.
As a result, a total of 232 (S1 to S232) received light amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) are collected when viewed in plan as shown in FIG.
Then, the analysis control unit 22 uses relational expressions (1), (2), and (3) based on a total of 232 received light amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ). From the intensity of transmitted light at each wavelength (oxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength and deoxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength), oxyhemoglobin concentration / optical path length product [oxyHb], deoxyhemoglobin concentration / optical path length product [deoxyHb], and total hemoglobin The product of concentration and optical path length ([oxyHb] + [deoxyHb]) is obtained.

However, mounting the holder 30 as described above on the surface of the subject's head is very time-consuming for doctors and the like, and is very stressful because the subject is restrained for a long time. there were.
Therefore, the present applicant has a comb-shaped configuration in which the holder itself scrapes the hair so that even when the subject wears the holder on the head, even the subject can wear it in a short time. Was previously conceived and applied for (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3). FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a comb-shaped holder. The holder 60 includes one straight basic portion 62 and five straight branch portions 61. According to such a holder 60, even one subject can mount the holder 60 on his / her own head.

JP 2001-337033 A International Patent Application Number PCT / JP2010 / 054628 International patent application number PCT / JP2010 / 062086

Factors affecting the accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopy concentration calculations for focal changes in oxygenation parameters, NeuroImage 18, 865-879, 2003

  However, in the holder 60 as described above, a probe mounting portion 61a for inserting a cylindrical light transmission probe (for example, a diameter of 5 mm) or a cylindrical light reception probe (for example, a diameter of 5 mm) is provided at the tip of the branch portion 61. Therefore, even if the hair is scraped off at the tip of the branch portion 61, the scraped hair may enter the periphery of the probe mounting portion 61a.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have studied a method for preventing hair from entering the vicinity of the probe mounting portion. Therefore, it has been found that a probe mounting portion is formed at the tip of the branch portion.

That is, the holder of the present invention has at least two probe mounting portions, and a light transmitting probe that irradiates light from the tip or a light receiving probe that receives light from the tip is inserted into the probe mounting portion, A holder to be attached to the examiner's head, comprising: a linear trunk extending in the first direction; and at least two linear branches extending in a second direction different from the first direction. A comb-like shape that can be inserted while scraping hair from the second direction, and the probe mounting part is formed at the tip of the branch part.

  Here, the “first direction” and the “second direction” are arbitrary directions determined in advance by a designer of the holder, and the first direction and the second direction are preferably perpendicular to the upper side. Furthermore, the first direction and the second direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. For example, the second direction is a front-rear direction or the like that facilitates insertion of the holder while scraping the hair.

  The holder of the present invention includes a linear trunk extending in the first direction and at least two linear branches extending in the second direction. That is, the holder has a comb shape. And the probe mounting part is formed in the front-end | tip of a branch part. Thus, when the subject mounts the holder on the head, the subject inserts the holder while scraping the hair from the tip of the branch (probe mounting portion) from the second direction.

  As described above, according to the holder of the present invention, even one subject can easily attach the holder to his / her head in a short time.

(Means and effects for solving other problems)
In the holder of the present invention, the probe mounting part has a through hole into which the light transmitting probe or the light receiving probe is inserted, and a lower end part of the probe mounting part protrudes from a lower surface of the branch part. I have to.
In the holder of the present invention, the lower end portion of the probe mounting portion has an annular shape when viewed from below.

Further, the holder of the present invention includes a light shielding cloth having a hole formed at a position corresponding to the probe mounting portion, and the light shielding cloth is attached so as to penetrate the probe mounting portion into the hole. .
According to the holder of the present invention, external light can be shielded even with a comb-shaped holder.

In addition, the holder of the present invention includes a fixing member having an insertion portion at both ends and a connecting portion for connecting the insertion portions at both ends at a set distance, and the probe mounting portion is inserted into each insertion portion. Through holes are respectively opened, and the fixing member is attached so as to penetrate the probe mounting portion through the through holes.
Here, the “set distance” is an arbitrary distance determined in advance according to the depth of the position of the received light amount information to be obtained. For example, the received light amount information related to the brain activity is obtained. In such a case, it becomes 30 mm or the like.

  The optical measurement device of the present invention includes a holder as described above, a light transmission probe that irradiates light to the subject, a light reception probe that receives light emitted from the subject, and the light transmission. A control unit that obtains measurement data related to the brain activity of the subject by controlling the probe and the light receiving probe is provided.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the optical measuring device which is one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of a holder. The figure which shows an example of a holder. The figure which shows an example of a holder. The figure which shows the relationship between a pair of light transmission probe and light reception probe, and a measurement region. The block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the conventional near-infrared spectrometer. The top view which shows an example of a holder. The figure of the holder to which the light shielding cloth was attached. The figure of the holder to which the fixing member was attached. The figure which shows an example of a holder.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it goes without saying that various aspects are included without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, FIGS. 2-4 is a figure which shows an example of a holder. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those of the near-infrared spectrometer 201.
The optical measuring device 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 11.
Inside the housing 11, a light source 2 that emits light, a light source driving mechanism 4 that drives the light source 2, a light detector 3 that detects light, an A / D 5, a light transmission / reception control unit 21, An analysis control unit 22 and a memory 23 are provided, and 64 light-transmitting probes 12, 64 light-receiving probes 13, and 64 light-transmitting optical fibers 14 are provided outside the housing 11. It includes 64 light receiving optical fibers 15, a display device 26 having a monitor screen 26 a and the like, and a keyboard (input device) 27.

Here, the holder 160 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the holder, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG.
The holder 160 includes a linear trunk portion 162 and eight linear branch portions 161.
The backbone 162 extends in the X direction (first direction) when viewed from the front, and has an arc shape when viewed from above. For example, the width is 15 mm and the thickness is 2 mm.

The first left side branch portion 161a extends from the left end portion of the trunk portion 162 in the Y direction (second direction) at an angle of 45 ° with the X direction, and has a width of 15 mm, a thickness of 2 mm, and a length of 50 mm, for example. ing. Furthermore, a cylindrical probe mounting portion 171a having a circular (for example, diameter of 5 mm) through-hole in a plan view is formed at the tip of the first left side branch portion 161a. In addition, the lower end part of the probe mounting part 171a protrudes from the lower surface of the 1st left side branch part 161a.
The second left branch 161b extends in a Y direction (second direction) at an angle of 60 ° with respect to the X direction from a position closer to the center of 50 mm from the left end of the trunk portion 162, and has a width of 15 mm and a thickness, for example. It is 2 mm and length is 70 mm. Further, a cylindrical probe mounting portion 171b having a circular (for example, diameter of 5 mm) through-hole in a plan view is formed at the tip of the second left side branch portion 161b. The lower end portion of the probe mounting portion 171b protrudes from the lower surface of the second left side branch portion 161b.

The third left branch 161c extends in the Y direction (second direction) at an angle of 75 ° with respect to the X direction from a position closer to the center of 70 mm from the left end of the trunk 162, and has a width of 15 mm and a thickness, for example. It is 2 mm and length is 85 mm. Further, a cylindrical probe mounting portion 171c having a circular (for example, diameter of 5 mm) through hole in a plan view is formed at the tip of the third left side branch portion 161c. In addition, the lower end part of the probe mounting part 171c protrudes from the lower surface of the third left side branch part 161c.
The central branch portion 161i extends from the central portion of the trunk portion 162 in the Y direction (second direction) at an angle of 90 ° with the X direction, and has a width of 15 mm, a thickness of 2 mm, and a length of 60 mm, for example. .
The fourth left branch 161d extends from the upper end of the central branch 161i in the Y direction (second direction) at an angle of 45 ° with the X direction. For example, the width is 15 mm, the thickness is 2 mm, and the length is 70 mm. It has become. Further, a cylindrical probe mounting portion 171d having a circular (for example, diameter of 5 mm) through hole in a plan view is formed at the tip of the fourth left side branch portion 161d. The lower end portion of the probe mounting portion 171d protrudes from the lower surface of the fourth left side branch portion 161d.

With such a configuration, the probe mounting portion 171a of the first left branch portion 161a, the probe mounting portion 171b of the second left branch portion 161b, the probe mounting portion 171c of the third left branch portion 161c, and the fourth left branch portion A first parallelogram having a side of 31.5 mm is formed with the probe mounting portion 171d of 161d.
Also, the right half of the holder 160 has the same structure as the left half of the holder 160 described above, and the probe mounting portion 171e of the first right branch 161e and the probe mounting portion 171f of the second right branch 161f. A second parallelogram having one side of 31.5 mm is formed by the probe mounting portion 171g of the third right branch 161g and the probe mounting portion 171h of the fourth right branch 161h.

The light transmission probe 12 has a cylindrical shape (for example, a diameter of 5 mm) that can be fixed to the probe mounting portions 171a to 171h. A light transmission optical fiber 14 (for example, 2 mm in diameter) connected to the light source 2 is fixed inside the light transmission probe 12 via a spring or the like, and light is transmitted from the tip of the light transmission optical fiber 14. Will be irradiated.
The light receiving probe 13 has the same structure as the light transmitting probe 12 and has a cylindrical shape (for example, 5 mm in diameter) that can be fixed to the probe mounting portions 171a to 171h. A light receiving optical fiber 15 (for example, 2 mm in diameter) connected to the photodetector 3 is fixed inside the light receiving probe 13 via a spring or the like, and light is transmitted from the tip of the light receiving optical fiber 15. It is designed to receive light.

Here, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a part of the first left branch 161a of the holder 160 to which the light receiving probe 13 is attached, and FIG. 4B is a holder shown in FIG. FIG. 4C is a sectional view of a part of the first left branch 161a of the holder 160 with the light receiving probe 13 removed.
The light receiving probe 13 can be inserted and fixed inside the circular through hole formed in the probe mounting portion 171a. If the light transmitting probes 12 _{T1 to} 12 _T4 and the light receiving probes 13 _{R1 to} 13 _R4 are inserted into the probe mounting portions 171 having the corresponding numbers as described above, a total of eight probes are obtained in plan view as shown in FIG. The received light amount information A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), and A (λ ₃ ) in (S1 to S8) can be collected.

  There are no particular limitations on the material constituting the trunk portion 162, the branch portion 161, and the probe mounting portion 171, and examples thereof include polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal, and metal.

  Further, a black light shielding cloth may be attached to the holder 160 so that external light does not enter the light receiving probe 13. 8A is a plan view of the holder 160 to which the two light shielding cloths 81 and 82 are attached, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the holder 160 to which the light shielding cloth 81 is attached. is there. The light shielding cloth 81 has a parallelogram shape with a thickness of 2 mm, and four holes 81 a corresponding to the four probe mounting portions 171 are formed in the light shielding cloth 81. Such a light shielding cloth 81 is attached to the lower surface of the holder 160 so that the four probe mounting portions 171 pass through the four holes 81a. The light shielding cloth 82 has a similar structure.

Furthermore, a fixing member may be attached to the holder 160 so that the formed first parallelogram and second parallelogram are not deformed. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the holder 160 to which the eight fixing members 90 are attached, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the holder 160 to which the fixing members 90 are attached. The fixing member 90 is a plate-shaped body having a single letter shape, and the fixing member 90 has annular insertion portions at both ends and connecting portions that connect the insertion portions at both ends with a set distance. In the center of each insertion portion, a circular through hole for inserting the probe mounting portion 171 is opened. The connecting portion has a width of 10 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm, and is formed such that the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the through hole is a set distance of 31.5 mm. Only flexible. That is, the insertion portions at both ends are always held at the channel length X (30 mm). And it attaches to the lower surface of the holder 160 so that the two probe mounting parts 171 may penetrate the two connection parts.
The fixing member 90 and the light shielding cloth 82 are formed thin, and even if the fixing member 90 and the light shielding cloth 82 are attached, the lower end portion of the probe mounting portion 171 protrudes from the lower surface of the fixing member 90 and the light shielding cloth 82. It is like that.

According to such an optical measurement device 1, first, the subject arranges the light transmitting probes 12 _{T1 to} 12 _T4 and the light receiving probes 13 _{R1 to} 13 _R4 in a predetermined arrangement in the through hole of the probe mounting portion 171 of the holder 160. Insert with. Next, the subject wears the light shielding cloths 81 and 82 and the fixing member 90 on the lower surface of the holder 160. Then, the subject places the holder 160 on the head from the front of the head toward the rear of the head so as to insert the hair while scraping the hair with the probe mounting portion 171.

  As described above, according to the optical measurement system 1 of the present invention, even one subject can easily attach the holder 160 to his / her head in a short time.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the optical measuring device 1 described above, the holder 160 is mounted on the head from the front of the head toward the rear of the head. It is good also as a structure which mounts | wears with a head toward the left side.
(2) In the optical measuring device 1 described above, the holder 160 is configured to attach the four light transmitting probes 12 _{T1 to} 12 _T4 and the four light receiving probes 13 _{R1 to} 13 _R4. The light transmitting probe and eight light receiving probes may be attached, or two light transmitting probes and two light receiving probes may be attached to the holder.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an optical measurement device that irradiates light inside a living body and acquires information inside the living body.

1: optical measuring device 11: housing 12: light transmitting probe 13: light receiving probe 14: light transmitting optical fiber 15: light receiving optical fiber 22: analysis control unit 26: display device 27: keyboard (input device)
160: Holder 161: Branch part 162: Main part 171: Probe mounting part

Claims (6)

It has at least two probe mounting parts, and a light-transmitting probe that emits light from the tip or a light-receiving probe that receives light from the tip is inserted into the probe mounting part, and is attached to the head of the subject. A holder,
A linear backbone extending in the first direction;
Comprising at least two straight branches extending in a second direction different from the first direction,
Comb shape that can be inserted while scraping the hair from the second direction,
The probe mounting part is formed at the tip of the branch part. The probe mounting part has a through hole into which the light transmitting probe or the light receiving probe is inserted,
The holder according to claim 1, wherein a lower end portion of the probe mounting portion protrudes from a lower surface of the branch portion.   The holder according to claim 2, wherein a lower end portion of the probe mounting portion has an annular shape when viewed from below. A light shielding cloth having a hole formed at a position corresponding to the probe mounting portion;
The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light shielding cloth is attached so as to penetrate the probe mounting portion through the hole. A fixing member having an insertion portion at both ends and a connecting portion for connecting the insertion portions at both ends at a set distance,
Each insertion part has a through-hole for inserting the probe mounting part,
The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixing member is attached so as to penetrate the probe mounting portion through the through hole. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
A light transmission probe for irradiating the subject with light;
A light receiving probe that receives light emitted from the subject; and
An optical measurement apparatus comprising: a control unit that obtains measurement data related to the brain activity of the subject by controlling the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe.

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