WO2018109950A1

WO2018109950A1 - Photoacoustic imaging device and light source unit

Info

Publication number: WO2018109950A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/087693
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佐藤　直人; 中塚　均
Original assignee: プレキシオン株式会社
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-06-21

Abstract

This photoacoustic imaging device (100) detects a photoacoustic wave (AW) generated from a to-be-detected object (Q) inside a detection subject (P) which has absorbed light, and performs imaging on the basis of a detection signal of the detected photoacoustic wave (AW), the photoacoustic imaging device (100) being provided with a control unit (30) that acquires, from a light source unit (10) for irradiating the detection subject (P) with light, light source information concerning the light source unit (10) and, on the basis of the acquired light source information, performs control with respect to the light source unit (10).

Description

Photoacoustic imaging apparatus and light source unit

The present invention relates to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus and a light source unit, and more particularly to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus that performs imaging based on a detection signal of a photoacoustic wave and a light source unit used in the photoacoustic imaging apparatus.

Conventionally, a photoacoustic imaging apparatus that performs imaging based on a detection signal of a photoacoustic wave is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a photoacoustic image diagnostic apparatus (photoacoustic imaging apparatus) including an ultrasonic probe, a light source unit, and an ultrasonic unit. In this photoacoustic image diagnostic apparatus, the light source unit is configured to generate light for irradiating the subject. The ultrasonic probe is configured to detect ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves) generated from a detection target in a subject that has absorbed light from the light source unit. The ultrasonic unit is configured to perform imaging based on an ultrasonic detection signal detected by the ultrasonic probe.

Here, generally, the light source unit may be replaced due to deterioration due to aging.

JP 2012-179350 A

However, the photoacoustic image diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose any replacement of the light source unit, and is considered not compatible with replacement of the light source unit. For this reason, when the light source unit is replaced, it is considered that there is a problem that it is difficult to perform appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit due to the difference in the light source unit.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit. And providing a light source unit.

The photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention detects a photoacoustic wave generated from a detection target in a subject that has absorbed light, and based on a detection signal of the detected photoacoustic wave, A photoacoustic imaging apparatus that performs imaging, and acquires light source information related to a light source unit from a light source unit that irradiates light to a subject, and performs control related to the light source unit based on the acquired light source information A part.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control unit as described above is provided. Thereby, even if the light source unit is replaced, it is possible to control the light source unit based on the light source information of the replaced light source unit. As a result, appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit can be performed.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the light source information includes identification information of the light source unit, a wavelength of the light source of the light source unit, a combination of the wavelengths of the light source, a light quantity of the light source, a manufacturing lot number of the light source, and a light source. Information of at least one of the operation time of the light source, the service life of the light source, the number of driving times of the light source, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit, the service life of the light source battery, and the charge frequency of the light source battery. If comprised in this way, since control regarding the replaced light source unit can be easily performed based on the above light source information, appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit can be easily performed. it can.

In the configuration in which the light source information includes at least one of a plurality of pieces of information, preferably, the control unit receives, as light source information, the light source wavelength of the light source unit, the combination of the light source wavelengths, the light amount of the light source, Of the production lot number of the light source, the operation time of the light source, the lifetime of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit, the number of durable charging times of the light source battery, and the number of charging times of the light source battery When at least one piece of information is acquired, the light source unit is controlled based on the acquired light source information. If comprised in this way, from the light source unit, as the light source information, the wavelength of the light source of the light source unit, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light amount of the light source, the production lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the service life of the light source, Since at least one information of the number of driving times, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit, the durable charging number of the light source battery, and the charging number of the light source battery can be acquired, the light source information as described above can be obtained. Even when it is not stored on the photoacoustic imager side, appropriate control according to the light source unit can be performed.

In the configuration in which the light source information includes at least one of a plurality of information, preferably, the light source information further includes a storage unit that corresponds to the identification information of the light source unit and stores the correspondence information about the light source unit, and the control unit includes a light source When the identification information of the light source unit is acquired as the light source information from the unit, the correspondence information is acquired from the storage unit based on the identification information of the light source unit, and the control relating to the light source unit is performed based on the acquired correspondence information. Is configured to do. If comprised in this way, appropriate control according to a light source unit can be performed only by acquiring the identification information of a light source unit as light source information from a light source unit.

The photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect preferably further includes a display unit, and the control unit is configured to perform control to display information on the light source unit on the display unit based on the light source information. Yes. If comprised in this way, the information regarding the replaced light source unit can be displayed on a display part, and the user can be notified of the information regarding the replaced light source unit.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to perform control for determining a driving condition of the light source unit based on the light source information. If comprised in this way, since a light source unit can be driven on the drive conditions according to the replaced light source unit, the drive control of the appropriate light source unit according to the replaced light source unit can be performed.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to perform control to determine a processing condition of a photoacoustic wave detection signal based on light source information. If comprised in this way, since the detection signal of a photoacoustic wave can be processed on the process conditions according to the replaced light source unit, the detection signal of the appropriate photoacoustic wave according to the replaced light source unit Processing can be performed.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the light source information includes at least one information of an operation time of the light source, a number of times of driving the light source, and a number of times of charging the light source battery, and the control unit includes The light source information is controlled to be updated. By configuring in this way, it is possible to update at least one information of the light source operating time, the light source driving frequency, and the light source battery charging frequency, so that the updated light source operating time, the light source driving frequency, And the control regarding a light source unit can be performed appropriately based on the at least 1 information of the frequency | count of charging of the battery for light sources.

In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source information preferably includes authentication information of the light source unit. If comprised in this way, it can be judged whether the replaced | exchanged light source unit is a regular product based on authentication information. As a result, it is possible to suppress the use of non-genuine products whose quality is not guaranteed.

The light source unit according to the second aspect of the present invention acquires light source information related to the light source unit main body from the light source unit main body that irradiates the subject with light, and controls the light source unit main body based on the acquired light source information. Used for a photoacoustic imaging apparatus including a control unit.

The light source unit according to the second aspect of the present invention is used for the photoacoustic imaging apparatus as described above. Thereby, similarly to the case of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus can perform appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit.

In the light source unit according to the second aspect, preferably, the identification information of the light source unit main body, the wavelength of the light source of the light source unit main body, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light quantity of the light source, the production lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, The light source information including at least one of the useful life of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, the directivity of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit body, the number of times of durable charging of the light source battery, and the number of times of charging the light source battery is stored. A storage unit is provided. If comprised in this way, since the control regarding the replaced light source unit can be easily performed by the control part of a photoacoustic imaging device based on the above light source information, according to the replaced light source unit Appropriate control can be easily performed.

The light source unit according to the second aspect preferably includes a semiconductor light emitting element, and the semiconductor light emitting element includes at least one of a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, and an organic light emitting diode element. With this configuration, advantages such as a reduction in power consumption of the light source and a reduction in size of the light source unit can be obtained as compared with the case where a solid-state laser light source is used.

According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit and a light source unit used in the photoacoustic imaging apparatus. .

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the measurement state of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating attachment / detachment of the light source unit in the probe part of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display regarding the light source unit of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the light emission period of the pulsed light of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the averaging process of the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a display when the non-genuine goods of the photoacoustic imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention are connected. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the photoacoustic imaging device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

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

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of photoacoustic imaging device)
The configuration of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention detects a photoacoustic wave AW generated from a detection target Q in a subject P such as a human body, and the like. This is an apparatus for imaging the inside of the subject P based on the detected photoacoustic wave AW. The photoacoustic wave AW is an ultrasonic wave generated as a result of absorption of light by the detection target Q in the subject P.

The photoacoustic imaging apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 1 and a probe unit 2 provided separately from the apparatus main body 1. The apparatus main body 1 and the probe unit 2 are connected via a wiring 51. The apparatus main body 1 is provided with a control unit 30 and a display unit 40. The probe unit 2 is provided with a light source unit 10 and a detection unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source unit 10 is configured to emit light for measurement toward a subject P such as a human body. As shown in FIG. 2, one light source unit 10 is arranged on each side of the detection unit 20 so as to sandwich the detection unit 20 in the vicinity of the detection unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the two light source units 10 are detachably attached to the probe main body 2a. Thereby, the two light source units 10 are comprised so that replacement | exchange is possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the two light source units 10 are respectively connected to the apparatus main body 1 via the wiring 51. The two light source units 10 are configured to be supplied with a control signal from the apparatus main body 1 via the wiring 51. Since the two light source units 10 have substantially the same configuration except for the different arrangement, only one light source unit 10 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source unit 10 includes a light source battery 11, a light source driving unit 12, a semiconductor light emitting element 13, and a storage unit 14. The battery 11 for light source, the light source drive part 12, the semiconductor light-emitting element 13, and the memory | storage part 14 are provided in the light source unit main body 10a.

The light source battery 11 includes a rechargeable secondary battery. The light source battery 11 is configured to supply electric power for light emission to the semiconductor light emitting element 13 via the light source driving unit 12.

The light source driving unit 12 is configured to acquire power from the light source battery 11 and to supply power to the semiconductor light emitting element 13 based on a control signal from the control unit 30.

The semiconductor light emitting element 13 uses the power from the light source driving unit 12 to emit light having a measurement wavelength in the infrared region suitable for measurement of the subject P such as a human body (for example, light having a center wavelength of about 700 nm to about 1000 nm). Is configured to occur. Note that the measurement wavelength of the light generated by the semiconductor light emitting element 13 may be appropriately determined according to the detection target Q desired to be detected.

As the semiconductor light emitting element 13, for example, a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, or an organic light emitting diode element can be used. In this case, the light source unit 10 can be reduced in size by using the relatively small semiconductor light emitting element 13 as a light source, so that the reduced light source unit 10 can be easily replaced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the semiconductor light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 10 is configured to be able to repeatedly emit pulsed light with a pulse width ta with a light emission period Ta according to the power from the light source driving unit 12. .

Here, in 1st Embodiment, the memory | storage part 14 is comprised so that the light source information regarding the light source unit 10 may be memorize | stored. Specifically, the storage unit 14 includes the wavelength of the light source (semiconductor light emitting element 13; hereinafter referred to as the light source) of the light source unit body 10a, the combination of the wavelengths of the light sources, the light quantity of the light sources, and the production lot number of the light sources , Light source operating time, light source lifetime, light source drive count, light source directivity (light distribution characteristics), light source unit body 10a temperature characteristics, light source battery 11 lifetime charge count, and light source battery 11 charge Light source information including the number of times information is stored. Details of the control of the control unit 30 relating to the light source information will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 20 includes an ultrasonic transducer such as a piezoelectric element, and is provided in the probe main body 2a. In addition, the detection unit 20 is connected to the apparatus main body 1 via a wiring 51. In the detection unit 20, the ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array on the side in contact with the subject P.

The detection unit 20 detects the photoacoustic wave AW when the ultrasonic transducer is vibrated by the photoacoustic wave AW generated from the detection target Q in the subject P that has absorbed the light emitted from the light source unit 10. Is configured to do.

Further, the detection unit 20 is configured to be able to transmit the ultrasonic wave UW toward the subject P by vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator based on the control signal output from the control unit 30. The detection unit 20 is configured to detect the ultrasonic wave UW when the ultrasonic vibrator is vibrated by the ultrasonic wave UW transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator and reflected in the subject P. The detection unit 20 is configured to output the detected signal of the photoacoustic wave AW and the detection signal of the ultrasonic wave UW to the control unit 30 via the wiring 51.

In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, an ultrasonic wave generated when the detection target Q in the subject P absorbs light is generated as an “photoacoustic wave” by the ultrasonic transducer of the detection unit 20. In addition, ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject P are distinguished and described as “ultrasonic waves”.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU and, as shown in FIG. 1, based on the detection signals (the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave AW and the detection signal of the ultrasonic wave UW) detected by the detection unit 20. It is configured to perform imaging.

Specifically, the control unit 30 is configured to generate an image based on the photoacoustic wave AW (hereinafter referred to as a photoacoustic wave image) based on the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave AW. The control unit 30 is configured to generate an image based on the ultrasonic wave UW (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasonic image) based on the detection signal of the ultrasonic wave UW.

Further, the control unit 30 is configured to be able to synthesize a photoacoustic wave image and an ultrasonic image so as to overlap each other. This makes it possible to image various information in the subject P.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display unit 40 is configured by a general liquid crystal monitor or the like. The display unit 40 is configured to be able to display a photoacoustic wave image, an ultrasonic image generated by the control unit 30, or a composite image obtained by combining the photoacoustic wave image and the ultrasonic image.

(Configuration of control unit related to light source information)
Here, in the first embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to acquire light source information from the light source unit 10 and to perform control related to the light source unit 10 based on the acquired light source information.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to display information on the light source unit 10 on the monitor of the display unit 40 based on the acquired light source information. .

Specifically, the control unit 30 is based on at least one of the wavelength of the light source (such as about 750 nm) or the combination of the wavelengths of the light sources (such as a combination of about 750 nm and about 850 nm) in the acquired light source information. The light source wavelength information is controlled to be displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40. Thereby, the user can confirm the wavelength of light emitted from the light source unit 10 in use or a combination of wavelengths of light.

Further, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to display information on the operation time of the light source on the monitor of the display unit 40 based on the operation time of the light source in the acquired light source information. Thereby, the user can confirm the operating time of the light source in use. 4 shows an example in which the information on the operation time of the light source is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of times of driving is determined based on the number of times of driving in the acquired light source information. Information may be displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40.

Further, the control unit 30 displays the information on the replacement time of the light source based on the operation time of the light source, the service life of the light source, and the number of driving times of the light source (the number of driving pulses) among the acquired light source information. It is configured to perform control to display on the monitor. Thereby, the user can confirm the replacement time of the light source in use. FIG. 4 shows an example in which information on the replacement time of the light source in use is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a message prompting replacement of the light source is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40. It may be displayed.

Further, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to display temperature information in the light source unit 10 on the monitor of the display unit 40 based on the temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body 10a in the acquired light source information. Has been. Accordingly, the user can check the temperature in the light source unit 10 in use, and thus can measure the photoacoustic wave AW while taking the temperature in the light source unit 10 into consideration.

The temperature characteristic of the light source unit main body 10a includes information in which the driving state of the light source unit 10 and the temperature in the light source unit 10 are associated with each other. Thereby, it is possible to acquire the temperature in the light source unit 10 from the driving state of the light source unit 10. As a result, the temperature in the light source unit 10 can be acquired without providing a temperature sensor in the light source unit 10.

Further, the control unit 30 performs control to display information on the number of times of charging of the light source battery 11 on the monitor of the display unit 40 based on the number of times of charging of the light source battery 11 in the acquired light source information. It is configured. Thereby, the user can confirm the charge frequency of the light source battery 11 in use.

Further, the control unit 30 displays information on the replacement time of the light source battery 11 on the display unit 40 based on the number of durable charging times of the light source battery 11 and the number of charging times of the light source battery 11 in the acquired light source information. It is configured to perform control to display on the monitor. Thereby, the user can confirm the replacement time of the light source battery 11 in use. 4 shows an example in which the information on the replacement time of the light source battery 11 is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a message prompting the replacement of the light source battery 11 is displayed on the display unit 40. You may display on a monitor.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to determine the driving condition of the light source unit 10 based on the acquired light source information.

Specifically, the control unit 30 performs control to determine a voltage value to be applied to the light source based on at least one of the wavelength of the light source in the acquired light source information or a combination of the wavelengths of the light sources. It is configured. Thereby, even when an appropriate applied voltage differs depending on the wavelength of the light source, it is possible to apply an appropriate voltage to the light source. Note that the wavelength of the light source and the combination of the wavelengths of the light source include information on the connection state (series connection, parallel connection, etc.) and the number of connections of the light source (semiconductor light emitting element 13).

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 includes at least one of the light source wavelength, the light source wavelength combination, the light source light quantity, the light source manufacturing lot number, and the light source directivity in the acquired light source information. Based on this, control is performed to determine the pulse width ta of the pulsed light and the light emission period Ta of the pulsed light. Thereby, when the light source unit 10 is replaced, even when there is a variation in the characteristics of the light source such as the amount of light for each replaced light source unit 10, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of variations in measurement conditions for each light source unit 10. It is possible.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to determine the processing condition of the photoacoustic wave detection signal based on the acquired light source information.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 includes the light source wavelength, the light source wavelength combination, the light source light quantity, the light source manufacturing lot number, and the light source directivity in the acquired light source information. Based on at least one of the above, control is performed to determine the averaging number N of the averaging process of the photoacoustic wave AW detection signal, the correction coefficient of the photoacoustic wave AW detection signal at the time of imaging, and the like. It is configured. Thereby, even if the measurement conditions vary due to the characteristics of the light source of the replaced light source unit 10, it is possible to reduce the influence caused by the variations in the measurement conditions.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 writes the information on the light source operating time, the number of times of driving the light source, and the number of times of charging of the light source battery 11 among the light source information in the storage unit 14 of the light source unit 10. Thus, the updating control is performed.

In the first embodiment, the storage unit 14 of the light source unit 10 is configured to store authentication information of the light source unit 10 as light source information. The authentication information is information for determining whether or not the light source unit 10 is a genuine product.

The control unit 30 is configured to determine whether or not the light source unit 10 attached to the probe main body 2a is a genuine product based on the acquired authentication information.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the light source unit 10 attached to the probe main body 2a is not a regular product, the control unit 30 determines that the light source unit 10 attached to the probe main body 2a is It is configured to perform control to display on the monitor of the display unit 40 that the product is non-genuine. Thus, when the light source unit 10 is replaced, the user can confirm that the replaced light source unit 10 is an irregular product.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the light source information related to the light source unit 10 is acquired from the light source unit 10 that irradiates the subject P with light, and the control related to the light source unit 10 is controlled based on the acquired light source information. A control unit 30 is provided. Thereby, even if the light source unit 10 is replaced, it is possible to control the light source unit 10 based on the light source information of the replaced light source unit 10. As a result, appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit 10 can be performed. In particular, this effect is effective when the semiconductor light emitting element 13 which is highly necessary to replace the light source unit 10 when changing the wavelength of the light source is used as the light source.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the light source information includes the wavelength of the light source (semiconductor light emitting element 13) of the light source unit body 10a, the combination of the wavelengths of the light sources, the light quantity of the light sources, the production lot number of the light sources, and the light source information. It includes information on operating time, light source lifetime, light source drive count, light source directivity, temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body 10a, light source battery 11 durable charge count, and light source battery 11 charge count. Thereby, since the control regarding the replaced light source unit 10 can be easily performed based on the above light source information, the appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit 10 can be performed easily.

In the first embodiment, as described above, from the light source unit 10, the light source information includes the light source wavelength, the light source wavelength combination, the light source light quantity, the light source production lot number, and the light source operating time. If the information on the lifetime of the light source, the number of driving times of the light source, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit 10, the number of durable charging times of the light source battery 11 and the number of charging times of the light source battery 11 is acquired. The control unit 30 is configured to perform control related to the light source unit 10 based on the light source information. Thereby, from the light source unit 10, as the light source information, the wavelength of the light source of the light source unit 10, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light amount of the light source, the manufacturing lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the useful time of the light source, the number of times the light source is driven Since the information on the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit 10, the number of times of durable charging of the light source battery 11 and the number of charging times of the light source battery 11 can be acquired, the light source information as described above is converted into a photoacoustic image. Even when it is not stored on the device 100 side, appropriate control according to the light source unit 10 can be performed.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to display information on the light source unit 10 on the display unit 40 based on the light source information. Thereby, the information regarding the replaced light source unit 10 can be displayed on the display unit 40 to notify the user of the information regarding the replaced light source unit 10.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control for determining the driving condition of the light source unit 10 based on the light source information. Thereby, since the light source unit 10 can be driven on the drive conditions according to the replaced light source unit 10, the drive control of the appropriate light source unit 10 according to the replaced light source unit 10 can be performed. In particular, this effect is effective when the semiconductor light emitting element 13 that tends to cause variations in the amount of light according to the number of times the light source is used (number of times of light emission) or variations in the amount of light for each light source production lot is used as the light source.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control for determining the processing condition of the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave AW based on the light source information. Thereby, since the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave AW can be processed under the processing conditions corresponding to the replaced light source unit 10, the detection signal of the appropriate photoacoustic wave AW corresponding to the replaced light source unit 10 can be processed. Processing can be performed appropriately. In particular, this effect is effective when the semiconductor light emitting element 13 that tends to cause variations in the amount of light according to the number of times the light source is used (number of times of light emission) or variations in the amount of light for each light source production lot is used as the light source.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control to update the light source information (light source operating time, light source drive count, and light source battery 11 charge count). Thereby, since the information of the operating time of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, and the number of times of charging the light source battery 11 can be updated, the updated operating time of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, and the light source battery 11 Based on the information on the number of times of charging, it is possible to appropriately control the light source unit 10.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the light source information includes the authentication information of the light source unit 10. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the replaced light source unit 10 is a genuine product based on the authentication information. As a result, it is possible to suppress the use of non-genuine products whose quality is not guaranteed.

In the first embodiment, as described above, a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, or an organic light emitting diode element is used as the semiconductor light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 10. Thereby, compared with the case where a solid-state laser light source is used, advantages, such as reduction of the power consumption of a light source and size reduction of the light source unit 10, can be acquired.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, an example in which a light source ID is acquired from a light source unit will be described.

(Configuration of photoacoustic imaging device)
As shown in FIG. 8, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the apparatus main body 101 and the probe unit 102, and the photoacoustic imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Is different. The apparatus main body 101 is different from the apparatus main body 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a control unit 130 and a storage unit 150. The probe unit 102 is different from the probe unit 2 of the first embodiment in that it includes a light source unit 110. The light source unit 110 is different from the light source unit 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes a storage unit 114. In addition, about the structure same as the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the second embodiment, the storage unit 114 of the light source unit 110 is configured to store the light source ID. The light source ID is information for identifying the light source unit 110. The light source ID is an example of “light source information” and “light source unit identification information” in the present invention.

In the second embodiment, the storage unit 150 of the apparatus main body unit 101 is configured to store a light source DB (database) corresponding to the light source ID and including a plurality of pieces of correspondence information regarding the light source unit 110. The correspondence information includes the wavelength of the light source (semiconductor light emitting element 13) of the light source unit main body 10a, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light amount of the light source, the manufacturing lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the service life of the light source, and the driving of the light source. It includes information on the number of times, the directivity characteristics (light distribution characteristics) of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body 10a, the number of times of durable charging of the light source battery 11, and the number of times of charging of the light source battery 11.

Here, in the second embodiment, when the light source ID is acquired from the light source unit 110, the control unit 130 acquires the correspondence information from the storage unit 150 based on the light source ID, and the acquired correspondence information. Based on the above, it is configured to control the light source unit 110.

Specifically, the control unit 130 is configured to search for and obtain correspondence information corresponding to the light source unit 110 mounted on the probe unit 2a from the light source DB of the storage unit 150 based on the light source ID. Yes. And the control part 130 is comprised so that the control regarding the light source unit 110 may be performed similarly to the said 1st Embodiment based on the acquired correspondence information.

In addition, the other structure of 2nd Embodiment is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment.

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the light source information regarding the light source unit 110 is acquired from the light source unit 110 that irradiates the subject P with light, and the control regarding the light source unit 110 is performed based on the acquired light source information. A control unit 130 is provided. Thereby, the appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit 110 can be performed similarly to the said 1st Embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the light source information is the light source ID. Thereby, since control regarding the light source unit 110 can be easily performed based on the light source ID of the replaced light source unit 110, appropriate control according to the replaced light source unit 110 can be easily performed.

In the second embodiment, as described above, when the light source ID of the light source unit 110 is acquired as the light source information from the light source unit 110, the correspondence information is stored from the storage unit 150 based on the identification information of the light source unit 110. The control unit 130 is configured to perform control related to the light source unit 110 based on the acquired correspondence information. Thus, appropriate control according to the light source unit 110 can be performed only by acquiring the light source ID of the light source unit 110 from the light source unit 110 as the light source information.

The remaining effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

[Modification]
In addition, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of claims, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims and all modifications (variants) within the scope.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the photoacoustic imaging apparatus using the light source unit that is detachably attached to the probe main body has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Absent. The present invention may be applied to any photoacoustic imaging device as long as it uses a replaceable light source unit. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus in which the light source unit is replaced with the probe unit.

In the first and second embodiments, the example in which both the driving condition of the light source unit and the processing condition of the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave are shown is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, only one of the driving condition of the light source unit or the processing condition of the photoacoustic wave detection signal may be determined.

In the first and second embodiments, the light source wavelength information, the light source operating time information, the light source replacement time information, the temperature in the light source unit, the light source battery charge count information, and Although the example which displayed the information of the replacement time of the battery for light sources at once was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, light source wavelength information, light source operating time information, light source replacement time information, light source unit temperature information, light source battery charge count information, and light source battery replacement time information May be displayed individually.

In the first and second embodiments, the example using the display unit configured by a monitor or the like is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a display unit other than the display unit configured by a monitor or the like may be used. For example, a display unit configured by an LED or the like that displays information by changing a light emission state (lighting or blinking), a color, or the like may be used.

In the first embodiment, the wavelength of the light source of the light source unit body, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light quantity of the light source, the manufacturing lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the lifetime of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, Although the example in which the light source information includes information on the directivity characteristics, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body, the durable charge count of the light source battery, and the charge count of the light source battery is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the identification information of the light source unit body, the wavelength of the light source of the light source unit body, the combination of the wavelengths of the light source, the light amount of the light source, the production lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the lifetime of the light source, the number of times the light source is driven, The light source information may include at least one information of the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body, the durable charge count of the light source battery, and the charge count of the light source battery.

In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the light source battery is provided in the probe unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a light source battery may be provided in the apparatus main body.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,110 Light source unit 13 Semiconductor light emitting element 14,114 Memory | storage part 30,130 Control part 40 Display part 100,200 Photoacoustic imaging device 150 (Photoacoustic imaging apparatus) Storage part P Subject Q Object to be detected

Claims

A photoacoustic imaging apparatus that detects a photoacoustic wave generated from a detection target in a subject that has absorbed light, and performs imaging based on a detection signal of the detected photoacoustic wave,
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that acquires light source information related to the light source unit from a light source unit that irradiates light to the subject, and performs control related to the light source unit based on the acquired light source information .
The light source information includes identification information of the light source unit, a wavelength of the light source of the light source unit, a combination of wavelengths of the light source, a light quantity of the light source, a manufacturing lot number of the light source, an operating time of the light source, and a lifetime of the light source. The information includes at least one of the number of times the light source is driven, the directivity characteristic of the light source, the temperature characteristic of the light source unit, the durable charge number of the light source battery, and the charge number of the light source battery. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus as described.
The control unit, from the light source unit, as the light source information, the light source wavelength of the light source unit, the combination of the light source wavelengths, the light amount of the light source, the production lot number of the light source, the operating time of the light source, the light source Information of at least one of the lifetime of the light source, the number of driving times of the light source, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit, the number of durable charging times of the light source battery, and the number of charging times of the light source battery are acquired. In the case, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, configured to perform control related to the light source unit based on the acquired light source information.
In addition to corresponding to the identification information of the light source unit, further comprising a storage unit that stores correspondence information about the light source unit,
When the identification information of the light source unit is acquired as the light source information from the light source unit, the control unit acquires the correspondence information from the storage unit based on the identification information of the light source unit. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photoacoustic imaging apparatus is configured to perform control related to the light source unit based on the correspondence information.
A display unit;
The photoacoustic image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to display information on the light source unit on the display unit based on the light source information. Device.
The photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to determine a driving condition of the light source unit based on the light source information.
The photoacoustic according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control for determining a processing condition of the detection signal of the photoacoustic wave based on the light source information. Imaging device.
The light source information includes at least one information of an operation time of the light source, the number of times of driving the light source, and the number of times of charging the light source battery,
The photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to update the light source information.
The photoacoustic imager according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source information includes authentication information of the light source unit.
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus including a control unit that acquires light source information related to the light source unit main body from a light source unit main body that irradiates light to a subject, and that controls the light source unit main body based on the acquired light source information Used for light source unit.
Identification information of the light source unit main body, wavelength of the light source of the light source unit main body, combination of wavelengths of the light source, light quantity of the light source, manufacturing lot number of the light source, operating time of the light source, service life of the light source, the light source Storing the light source information including at least one information of the number of times of driving, the directivity characteristics of the light source, the temperature characteristics of the light source unit main body, the durable charge count of the light source battery, and the charge count of the light source battery The light source unit according to claim 10, comprising a unit.
A semiconductor light emitting device,
The light source unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the semiconductor light emitting element includes at least one of a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, and an organic light emitting diode element.