JP2012149902A - Measuring environment structuring agent for probe correction and probe package - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable, in providing a measuring environment structuring agent for corrective use that gives known optical environments to the tip of a probe when conducting measurement for a corrective purpose, a single measuring environment structuring agent for corrective use to reliably and skillfully give a plurality of types of known optical environments by simple operation and thereby to achieve precise correction.SOLUTION: A measuring environment structuring agent for corrective use 60 (70 or 80) having an internal space that gives the tip 11 of a probe inserted through an opening 66 known mutually different optical environments provides the tip placed in one optical environment in the internal space with another different optical environment along with the shift of the tip or of a component (72) in the inserting direction of the tip, with the result that a partitioning member 64 (74 or 84) opposing the tip is opened to develop the other different optical environment.

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe that includes an optical system for receiving radiation light emitted from a measurement target site by irradiating the measurement target site of a living tissue with the irradiation light and measuring the radiation light.

Conventionally, a special diagnostic probe that irradiates a measurement target site of biological tissue with irradiation light such as excitation light and detects emitted light such as fluorescence generated from a biological tissue or a drug that has been previously injected into the biological body by this irradiation light. Has been developed and is used for diagnosis of disease states (eg, disease type and infiltration range) such as degeneration of living tissue and cancer.
In such a probe, an optical fiber and a lens are used for guiding the irradiation light from the light source device, irradiating the measurement target site of the living body, receiving the radiated light emitted from the lesioned part, and guiding it to the detector. An optical system such as a prism is configured.

  In order to make a diagnosis by an accurate optical measurement using such a probe, it is necessary to appropriately perform necessary corrections among the following several types of corrections.

First, as the first type of correction, it is required to correct variations in light intensity and detection sensitivity for each wavelength due to a combination of a probe, a light source, and a detector. As a method for this, the setting contents of the device related to the optical characteristics or the detection of the detector so that the obtained results correspond to the known optical characteristics, with a substance having a known optical characteristic such as reflectance spectrum and emission spectrum as the measurement target. In general, correction is performed by changing the content of calculation processing for processing a signal.
When performing this measurement, it is necessary to accurately detect the optical response of the measurement target, so it is necessary to prevent room light or the like from entering the detector as stray light.

As a second type of correction, for example, when reflected light or light emission derived from the internal configuration of the probe, such as reflected light or light emission from a lens or an optical fiber end face, is incident on the detector, It is also necessary to distinguish between light emitted from the tissue and stray light from the internal structure. For this purpose, it is effective to previously acquire the intensity spectrum of stray light derived from the internal structure in advance.
In this case, it is necessary to prevent stray light such as room light, and to prevent light emitted from the probe from being reflected or diffused from a substance other than the probe, or light emitted from a substance other than the probe from entering the probe. .

  In addition to these corrections, the same configurations as those of the first and second types of correction are used, but there is no need to measure the spectrum shape, and only the light intensity is measured, and accordingly, an apparatus related to the optical characteristics. In some cases, the correction is performed by changing the setting contents or the calculation processing contents for processing the detection signal of the detector. These cases can be regarded as derived from the first and second types of correction measurements, respectively.

  The above correction measurement is not only used for calibrating the apparatus or correcting the obtained result, but can also be used for the purpose of determining deterioration or failure of the apparatus over time.

  A probe that performs in-vivo diagnosis by optical measurement requires one or more types of correction as described above. In particular, it is desirable that the probe be easily performed under room illumination, not in a special environment such as a dark room. Such work is performed at a stage prior to treatment, but there is a demand to avoid as much as possible the compulsory, complicated, and troublesome work of the worker in the medical field.

Patent Document 1 describes an endoscope color balance adjuster. This endoscope color balance adjuster has an opening communicating with the internal space into which the distal end of the endoscope can be inserted at one end and a closed structure at the other end, and is a tube that blocks light from the outside. An inner member (103c in the same document) provided substantially parallel to the insertion axis of the distal end portion of the endoscope and the distal end portion of the endoscope are inserted into the inner surface of the tubular body. And an end face member (102c in the same document) provided so as to fall within the field of view of the objective lens, the inner member has a light absorption surface that absorbs light, and the end face member 102c is fluorescent light that emits fluorescence. Has a generating surface.
Patent Document 2 describes a color adjustment jig for an endoscope. As the color adjustment jig, a jig having a columnar shape, a first opening formed at one end of the jig, a second opening formed at the other end of the jig, A hollow portion penetrating through one opening portion and the second opening portion, into which a distal end portion of a color scope of an electronic endoscope can be inserted, and a lid body movably supported in the vicinity of the second opening portion; The body has a white balance adjustment chart on one side and a color adjustment chart on the other side, and either the white balance adjustment chart or the color adjustment chart has a hollow portion by moving the lid. It is possible to observe from the first opening, and the movement of the lid has been proposed by rotation about a rotation axis that is pivotally supported by the second opening through the center of the lid.

JP 2006-223591 A JP 2005-40210 A

  In order to perform the correction with high accuracy, there may be a mode in which a plurality of types of correction measurements are performed instead of one. However, while this form improves the accuracy of correction, it is necessary to switch the measurement environment for correction to the measurement device, and the user's workability deteriorates and the correction is made by taking an incorrect procedure. There is a risk of failure. It is important how to switch between multiple types of correction measurement environments with good workability and with high accuracy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the prior art, and includes an optical system for receiving irradiation light emitted from a measurement target site by irradiating the measurement target site of biological tissue with irradiation light. In providing an optical measurement system using a probe for measuring the emitted light to provide a measurement environment component for correction that gives a known optical environment to the probe tip at the time of measurement for correction, It is an object of the present invention to reliably provide a plurality of types of known optical environments by a simple operation with the measurement environment components, and as a result, to perform correction with high accuracy.

According to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, the tip of a probe for receiving radiation light emitted from a measurement target site by irradiating the measurement target site of a biological tissue is inserted. A measurement environment component for correction having an internal space that communicates with the opening and provides an optical space that is known and different from each other at the tip inserted from the opening,
A probe that provides the tip with a different optical environment according to movement of the tip or movement of a part along the insertion direction of the tip placed in the one optical environment within the internal space. It is a measurement environment component for correction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a partition member facing the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space is opened to give the tip portion a different optical environment. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to Item 1.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the partition member is opened and moved differently by advancing the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space and pushing the partition member. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 2, wherein the optical environment is provided to the tip portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the partition member is opened by pushing the partition member against the component from the opposite side of the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 2, wherein one different optical environment is provided to the tip portion.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a partition wall member that is displaced with elastic deformation by the tip portion to the side of the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space. The probe measuring environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 1, wherein a different one of the optical environments is provided to the tip by extending by its elastic recovery force by a backward movement and shielding the front of the tip. is there.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the present invention has a light-shielding property that blocks external light from entering the internal space with at least the tip portion inserted into the opening. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of the above.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention includes a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement for any one or two or more of the optical environments. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of the above.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the probe according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the partition member is made of a predetermined measurement target substance to be subjected to correction measurement. It is a measurement environment component for correction.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a locking structure for restricting further insertion of the tip portion inserted from the opening at a predetermined position is configured, and the tip portion is integrated in a restricted state by the locking structure. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the measurement environment component is arranged in the optical environment.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the locking structure restricts further insertion of the tip portion with a predetermined locking force and allows the tip portion to advance by an insertion force exceeding the predetermined locking force. 10. The measurement environment component for correction of a probe according to claim 9, wherein movement of the tip portion for giving the different optical environment to the tip portion is allowed.

The invention according to claim 11 is a measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
A probe package in which a probe for irradiating a measurement target region of biological tissue with irradiation light and receiving radiation emitted from the measurement target region is packaged in the same package.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the probe packaging according to claim 11, wherein the probe is packaged in the package in a state where the tip portion of the probe is inserted into the opening and placed in the one optical environment. It is a thing.

  According to the measurement environment component for correction of the present invention, the probe has an opening into which the tip of the probe is inserted, communicates with the opening, and is known to each other from the tip inserted from the opening. An internal space that provides a different optical environment, and a different one according to the movement of the tip or the movement of a part along the insertion direction of the tip placed in the one optical environment within the internal space. Since the optical environment is provided to the tip, a plurality of types of known optical environments can be reliably and easily given by a simple operation with a single measurement environment component for correction, and as a result, with high accuracy. There is an effect that correction can be performed.

It is a perspective view which shows the accommodation state of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the connection state of the probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of various probes. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the component of the measurement environment component for a correction | amendment which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this. It is an axial direction sectional view of a measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this, and a known optical environment is constituted. It is an axial sectional view of a measurement environment constituent for correction concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this, and a known optical environment different from Drawing 6 is constituted. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the component of the measurement environment component for a correction | amendment which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this. It is an axial direction sectional view of a measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this, and a known optical environment is constituted. FIG. 10 is a sectional view in the axial direction of a correction measurement environment component according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a probe distal end portion inserted therein, and a known optical environment different from FIG. 10 is configured. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the measurement environment component for a correction | amendment which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this. It is an axial direction sectional view of a measurement environment constituent for amendment concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention, and a probe tip part inserted in this, and a known optical environment is constituted. FIG. 15 is a sectional view in the axial direction of a measurement environment component for correction according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a probe tip inserted therein, and a known optical environment different from FIG. 14 is configured.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In the following embodiments, a fluorescence measurement probe will be described as an example.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows a probe 10 of this embodiment and a packaging tray 30. 1 and 2 show the main part of the optical measurement system 1 of the present embodiment. The optical measurement system 1 includes an image display device and an operation input device in addition to the probe 10 and the base unit 20. The probe 10 includes a distal end portion 11, a connector portion 12, and a cable portion 13.
As shown in FIG. 1, the probe 10 is sterilized and stored in a packaging tray 30. Further, the probe 10 is sealed and packaged by a packaging bag (not shown), and is provided to a user such as a medical site.

4 to 7 show a measurement environment component 60 for correction according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The corrective measuring environment component 60 is also sterilized and accompanied by the packaging. A storage portion for the correction measurement environment component 60 is provided in the portion 31 or the portion 32 of the packaging tray 30 shown in FIG. 1, and the correction measurement environment component 60 is stored in this storage portion.
When the correction measurement environment component 60 is stored in the portion 31, the correction measurement environment component 60 is stored separately from the probe 10. When the correction measurement environment component 60 is accommodated in the portion 32, the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted and accommodated in the correction measurement environment component 60 until the state shown in FIG.

The user unwraps and connects the connector portion 12 of the probe 10 to the connection portion 21 of the base unit 20 as shown in FIG.
The base unit 20 includes a light source device for irradiation light, a detector for detecting the light intensity of emitted light from a living tissue or the like, and an arithmetic processing device.

(Example of basic probe configuration)
Here, a basic configuration example of the probe will be described.
A probe for performing in-vivo diagnosis by optical measurement has an optical system in which one end thereof is inserted into the body, and the biological tissue is irradiated with light and reflected by the biological tissue or emitted from the biological tissue. The other end is configured to have a mechanism connected to a device (base unit 20 in the present embodiment) having a light source device and a detector.
The probe has one or more optical fibers for guiding excitation light for optical measurement and light emitted from living tissue. The simplest optical system configured in the probe is composed of a single light guiding optical fiber 14a shown in FIG. In addition to this, an optical element such as a lens or a prism may be provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 (a-1) and FIG. 3 (b), a lens 15 is inserted at the tip of the fiber in order to increase the light collection efficiency, or as shown in FIG. 3 (c). In order to observe and measure the biological tissue 50 substantially parallel to the light guiding optical fiber 14d, the optical component 16 that is a prism or a mirror is inserted. As shown in FIG. 3 (c), a probe that emits light in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the light guide optical fiber 14d generally includes an optical component 16 that is a prism or a mirror at the tip of the light guide optical fiber 14d. A method of arranging and reflecting the light beam to change its traveling direction is applied. Here, the shape of the reflection surface of the optical component 16 that is a prism or a mirror is generally a plane, a paraboloid, and a spherical surface, but is not limited thereto.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the function is shared between the irradiation light guiding optical fiber 14b for irradiating the living tissue 50 with the irradiation light and the signal light guiding optical fiber 14c for receiving the radiated light from the living tissue 50. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3D, a configuration using a plurality of light guiding optical fibers 14e, 14f, 14g,... For the purpose of increasing the measurement area or increasing the light collection efficiency or the amount of light collection. May be adopted.

In general, such probes are broadly classified into those that measure a certain point in living tissue in one measurement and those that measure a plurality of points at the same time, but in this embodiment, the two are not distinguished. It explains according to. A typical example of the probe configuration assumed is as shown in FIG.
The proximal end side of the probe has a mechanism for connecting and fixing the above-described optical fiber to a device having a light source device and a detector. For example, a mechanism for connecting ordinary optical fibers such as SMA, FC, ST, LC, and SC is used, but is not limited thereto. When there are a plurality of optical fibers and there are a plurality of connectors, the individual connectors are installed and fixed in a case or a cover, and the whole corresponds to the connector section 12 shown in FIGS. It becomes.
Since the entire probe and the correction measurement environment component 60 are provided to the user in a sterilized state, the materials used are selected to withstand the required sterilization operation.

(Configuration of compensation measurement environment components)
Here, the correction measurement environment component 60 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The correction measurement environment component 60 includes a first part 61, a second part 62, an O-ring 63, a first sheet 64, and a second sheet 65.
The first component 61 is a cylindrical body having a stepped through hole in which a probe holding hole 61a and an O-ring holding hole 61b having a diameter larger than the probe holding hole 61a are continuous on the central axis A.
The second part 62 has a stepped hole in which a part connecting hole 62a and a bottom hole 62b having a smaller diameter than the second part 62 are continuously arranged on the central axis A, and the outer shape is arbitrary. One end of the component connection hole 62a is opened to the outside, and one end of the bottom hole 62b opposite to the component connection hole 62a is closed to form a bottom surface.
The second sheet 65 is installed on the bottom surface of the bottom hole 62b by adhesion.
The first sheet 64 is disposed so as to close the open end of the bottom hole 62b from the component connection hole 62a side, and the peripheral edge portion of the first sheet 64 is fixed to the surface 62c of the step portion by adhesion.
After the O-ring 63 is press-fitted into the O-ring holding hole 61b, the end of the first component 61 where the O-ring holding hole 61b is formed is inserted into the component connecting hole 62a, and the first component 61 and the second component 62 and the O-ring 63 are assembled together. The opening of the probe holding hole 61a opposite to the O-ring holding hole 61b constitutes an opening 66 into which the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted. The component connecting hole 62a is configured with an inner diameter having a fitting tolerance with respect to the outer diameter of the first component 61, and the first component 61 and the second component 62 are fixed by an interference fit. Or you may fix the 1st component 61 and the 2nd component 62 by adhesion | attachment.

  The first component 61 and the second component 62 are manufactured by molding, and have a light shielding property that blocks the incidence of external light to the internal space in the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which the tip portion 11 is inserted into the opening 66. A black molding material is used for obtaining and preventing noise due to scattering of light irradiated from the tip 11.

The first sheet 64 is made of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state where the tip portion 11 is given the known optical environment shown in FIG.
Moreover, the 1st sheet | seat 64 is corresponded to the partition member facing the front-end | tip part 11 set | placed in the optical environment shown in FIG.
The second sheet 65 is made of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state where the known optical environment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted from the opening 66 and the distal end peripheral portion of the distal end portion 11 abuts against the O ring 63, the O ring 63 causes the distal end portion 11 to have a predetermined locking force. Restrict further insertion. In such a regulated state, the leading end portion 11 is placed at a predetermined distance from the first sheet 64 and placed in a known optical environment.

  When the tip 11 placed in the known optical environment shown in FIG. 6 is further pushed in by an insertion force exceeding a predetermined locking force by the O-ring 63, the O-ring 63 allows the tip 11 to advance, When the portion 11 pushes the first sheet 64 which is a partition member, the first sheet 64 is broken and the partition member is opened, and the different known optical environment shown in FIG. It is expanded in the internal space. In the present embodiment, the optical environment shown in FIG. 7 is given by the state in which the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is in contact with the second sheet 65 in the light-shielded internal space.

  Since the first sheet 64 is broken as described above, the first sheet 64 is configured with strength (mechanical properties and thickness of the material) that can be broken by the insertion pressure of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10. The strength of the second sheet 65 does not matter.

Further supplementary explanation will be given along the use procedure.
The user inserts the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 into the opening 66. The insertability at this time is determined by an appropriate fitting tolerance between the outer diameter of the tip portion 11 and the inner diameter of the probe holding hole 61a, so that the probe 10 has a clearance fit that does not slide off from the probe holding hole 61a. Is preferred.
When the distal end portion 11 is inserted to the point where it comes into contact with the press-fitted O-ring 63, the insertion property of the probe changes due to friction with the O-ring 63, so that the user can perform the first operation under the known optical environment shown in FIG. It is possible to recognize the insertion state in which the correction measurement can be performed.
After the first correction measurement is executed by the system 1, when the probe 10 is strongly inserted, the O-ring 63 is deformed so as to be spread by the front end portion 11, so that the front end portion 11 is lubricated and the first sheet is lubricated. Break through 64. At this time, the front end portion 11 is inserted into the bottom hole 62b, and the torn first sheet 64 escapes into the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bottom hole 62b and the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 11, and the insertion of the front end portion 11 is performed. Will not interfere. For this reason, the inner diameter of the bottom hole 62 b is made large enough to leave the gap from the tip portion 11. In addition, the depth L1 of the bottom hole 62b is set so that the torn first sheet 64 is not sandwiched between the leading end surface of the leading end portion 11 and the second sheet 65 regardless of the position at which the first sheet 64 begins to be torn. Is configured to have a sufficient length not less than the diameter of the bottom hole 62b.
When the distal end portion 11 is inserted to the bottom of the bottom hole 62b, the distal end portion 11 comes into contact with the second sheet 65 and the probe 10 stops, so that the user can perform the second operation under the known optical environment shown in FIG. An insertion state in which correction measurement can be performed can be recognized.

(Correction procedure)
The correction procedure using the correction measurement environment component 60 of the present embodiment including the operation of the entire system will be described again.
When using the probe 10, the user first takes out the probe 10 from the sterilized package. Thereafter, the connector portion 12 of the probe 10 is connected to the base unit 20.
By providing detection means such as a switch or a sensor in the connection portion 21 of the base unit 20, the base unit 20 automatically detects that the probe 10 is connected, and the correction measurement procedure is executed. Here, the system 1 guides the user through the first correction measurement procedure by at least one of voice and screen display.
According to the guidance, when the correction measurement environment component 60 is accommodated in the portion 31, the user inserts the tip 11 into the correction measurement environment component 60, and the correction measurement environment component 60 is partially In the case of being housed in 32, it is confirmed that the distal end portion 11 is correctly inserted into the correction measurement environment component 60. This places the tip 11 in the known optical environment shown in FIG. Thereafter, the user inputs an instruction to start the first correction measurement to the base unit 20, and the light from the light source device of the base unit 20 is guided to the fiber tip and emitted toward the first sheet 64. . At this time, the signal light obtained by the probe 10 is input to the detector in the base unit 20. When the correction measurement environment component 60 is housed in the portion 32, the insertion work by the user can be omitted, so that workability is improved. When the correction measurement environment component 60 is housed in the portion 31, the user is charged with the insertion work and more consciously performing the correction measurement work. There is an effect to suppress that it is carried out in the wrong procedure.

When signal light is input to the detector, the arithmetic processing unit provided in the base unit 20 stores and holds the output value of the detector related to the obtained light quantity and spectral characteristics.
Next, the system 1 displays the completion of the first correction measurement to the user and guides the procedure of the second correction measurement.
The user pushes the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 to the back according to the guidance. This places the tip 11 in the known optical environment shown in FIG. Thereafter, the user inputs a second correction measurement start command to the base unit 20, and the light from the light source device of the base unit 20 is guided to the tip of the fiber and emitted toward the second sheet 65. . At this time, the signal light obtained by the probe 10 is input to the detector in the base unit 20.

When the signal light is input to the detector, the arithmetic processing unit provided in the base unit 20 holds the output value of the detector related to the obtained light quantity and spectral characteristics.
The arithmetic processing device compares the output value of the detector relating to the light quantity and the spectral characteristics obtained from the first and second correction measurements with a preset value. Here, the arithmetic processing unit determines whether the obtained data is in an appropriate error range, or calculates a correction coefficient for correcting to an appropriate result. This is stored in a memory in the base unit 20 and used to correct the subsequent measurement result. That is, the arithmetic processing unit holds and stores a correction measurement result measured in an optical environment by the correction measurement environment component 60, and based on the correction measurement result, a biological tissue according to a predetermined algorithm. An arithmetic process for correcting the biological measurement result for the target is executed.
In addition, when the output value at the time of the obtained correction measurement is greatly different from a preset value, the arithmetic processing unit notifies the user that the correction measurement has not been properly completed. Accordingly, the user performs measurement again or determines that the probe is defective, and prepares a new probe.
When all the correction measurements are completed, the system 1 displays the completion of the correction measurement by image or sound, and the user pulls out the tip 11 of the probe 10 from the correction measurement environment component 60, and the endoscope 1 Insert into forceps channel and guide into subject's body.

The probe of the present invention may be inserted into the body through a channel formed in the endoscope, or may be inserted into the body independently from the endoscope. It may be.
In addition, the system may be configured so that the moving operation of the distal end portion 11 with respect to the correction measurement environment component 60 is automatically performed using an actuator and a control device. In the case of manual measurement, the user can easily recognize the process until the series of correction measurements is completed. Can be prevented. When it is performed automatically, the user can engage in another work during the correction measurement, so that the work burden on the user can be reduced.

  Fluorescence is broadly defined as an object irradiated with X-rays, ultraviolet rays, or visible light absorbs its energy, excites electrons, and releases excess energy as electromagnetic waves when it returns to the ground state. To do. Here, the excitation light (reference light) causes fluorescence having a wavelength different from that of the light to be generated as the return light. Therefore, the radiated light input in the detector is subjected to wavelength spectroscopy, and this is processed by the arithmetic processing unit as described above. And the amount of fluorescence generated is measured. The arithmetic processing unit performs data processing for recording the fluorescence measurement data in a data recording device or displaying it on an image display device. Also, data processing is performed to synthesize an image obtained by superimposing the surface image of the living tissue imaged by the endoscope and fluorescence measurement data, and this is recorded in a data recording device or displayed on an image display device. Data processing is performed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this embodiment, instead of the correction measurement environment component 60 in the first embodiment, a correction measurement environment component 70 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 and described below is applied, which will be described below. Except for matters, the system and procedure used are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The correction measurement environment component 70 according to the present embodiment includes a first part 71, a second part 72, a first sheet 74, and a second sheet 75.
The first component 71 is a cylindrical body having a stepped through hole in which a probe holding hole 71a, a hole 71b, a hole 71c, and a component holding hole 71d are continuous on the central axis B.
The hole 71b has a smaller diameter than the probe holding hole 71a, thereby forming a locking structure 71e for locking the probe.
The hole 71c has a larger diameter than the hole 71b. The component holding hole 71d has a larger diameter than the hole 71c.

The second component 72 is a stepped columnar body in which a protruding portion 72a, an intermediate portion 72b, and a head portion 72c whose diameters are increased stepwise are continuous on the central axis B, and the tip surface of the protruding portion 72a. A hole 72d is formed around the central axis B.
The second sheet 75 is installed on the bottom surface of the hole 72d by adhesion.
The first sheet 74 is arranged so as to close the opening end of the hole 71c from the component holding hole 71d side, and the peripheral edge of the first sheet 74 is fixed to the surface 71g of the step portion by adhesion.
The protrusion 72a and the intermediate part 72b of the second component 72 are inserted into the component holding hole 71d, and the first component 71 and the second component 72 are assembled together.
The opening on the side opposite to the hole 71b of the probe holding hole 71a constitutes an opening 76 into which the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted.

  The first part 71 and the second part 72 are manufactured by molding, and have a light blocking property that blocks the incidence of external light into the internal space in the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the tip 11 is inserted into the opening 76. A black molding material is used for obtaining and preventing noise due to scattering of light irradiated from the tip 11.

The first sheet 74 is composed of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state where the known optical environment shown in FIG.
Moreover, the 1st sheet | seat 74 is corresponded to the partition member facing the front-end | tip part 11 set | placed in the optical environment shown in FIG.
The second sheet 75 is composed of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state where the known optical environment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted from the opening 76 and the distal end peripheral portion of the distal end portion 11 abuts against the locking structure 71e, the locking structure 71e restricts further insertion of the distal end portion 11. To do. In such a regulated state, the leading end portion 11 is placed at a predetermined distance from the first sheet 74 and placed in a known optical environment.

  The second part 72 located on the opposite side of the tip part 11 placed in the known optical environment shown in FIG. 10 is pushed toward the tip part 11 side with respect to the first part 71 holding the tip part 11. Then, the protrusion 72a pushes against the first sheet 74 which is a partition member, whereby the first sheet 74 is broken and the partition member is opened, and the different known optical environment shown in FIG. It is developed in the internal space of the component 70. In the present embodiment, the optical environment shown in FIG. 11 is given by a state in which the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 and the second sheet 75 face each other with a predetermined interval in the shielded internal space.

  As described above, since the first sheet 74 is torn, the first sheet 74 has a strength (mechanical properties and thickness of the material) that can be broken by the insertion pressure of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10. The strength of the second sheet 75 does not matter.

Further supplementary explanation will be given along the use procedure.
The user inserts the tip 11 of the probe 10 into the opening 76. The insertability at this time is determined by an appropriate fitting tolerance between the outer diameter of the tip end portion 11 and the inner diameter of the probe holding hole 71a, and the clearance fit is such that the probe 10 does not slide off from the probe holding hole 71a. Is preferred.
When the distal end portion 11 is inserted to a position where it comes into contact with the locking structure 71e, the locking structure 71e is locked and the sense is transmitted to the user. Therefore, the user can perform the first operation under the known optical environment shown in FIG. It is possible to recognize an insertion state in which one correction measurement can be performed.
After the first correction measurement is executed by the system 1, when the second part 72 is pushed into the first part 71 by pushing the head 72c of the second part 72, the protrusion 72a moves forward. Then, the first sheet 74 is pierced, and eventually the head 72c comes into contact with the end surface 71f of the first component 71 and stops. At this time, the protruding portion 72a is inserted into the hole 71c, and the torn first sheet 74 escapes to the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the hole 71c and the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 72a, preventing the insertion of the protruding portion 72a. There is no. Therefore, the inner diameter of the hole 71c is made large enough to leave the gap above the protrusion 72a. In addition, regardless of the position at which the first sheet 74 starts torn, the torn first sheet 74 does not enter between the front end surface of the protrusion 72a and the locking structure 71e or between the hole 71b and the hole 72d. Moreover, the length L2 of the hole 71c is configured to be a sufficient length that is equal to or larger than the diameter of the hole 71c.
When the second part 72 is pushed into the first part 71, the head part 72c comes into contact with the end surface 71f of the first part 71 and the second part 72 stops against the first part 71. It is possible to recognize an insertion state in which the second correction measurement can be performed under a known optical environment.
The outer diameter of the intermediate portion 72b and the inner diameter of the component holding hole 71d have a fitting tolerance so that the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 72b of the second component 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the component holding hole 71d slide frictionally. Is set.

The inner diameter of the hole 71b disposed inside the locking structure 71e is selected so that the locking structure 71e does not block the light entering / exiting portion of the tip 11 of the probe. It is preferable that the locking structure 71e abuts on the tip portion 11.
The thickness of the locking structure 71e is preferably as thin as possible with respect to the optical axis direction of the inserted probe. This is because the distance between the first sheet 74 or the second sheet 75 and the tip portion 11 can be reduced.

Further, the distance between the tip 11 and the first sheet 74 in the state shown in FIG. 10 and the distance between the tip 11 and the first sheet 74 in the state shown in FIG. 11 are the lengths of the holes 71b and 71c and the holes 72d. It can be designed according to the shape of the parts 71 and 72 including the depth of the same, and can be designed to be the same distance or different distances. Even when the equal distance is a condition, the distance can be set to be equal according to this, so that two types of correction can be performed without affecting the correction accuracy.
The inner diameter of the hole 72d is desirably large enough not to interfere with the light from the probe.

  According to the present embodiment, a procedure for making the first correction measurement executable is performed by inserting the probe into the correction measurement environment component 70, and the second greatly different from this is performed. Since the second correction measurement can be performed by pushing the component 72, the user of the present system can more surely realize the transition to a state where the second correction measurement can be performed. It is particularly effective, and erroneous procedures can be reduced more reliably.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this embodiment, instead of the correction measurement environment component 60 in the first embodiment, a correction measurement environment component 80 shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 and described below is applied, which will be described below. Except for matters, the system and procedure used are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The measurement environment component for correction 80 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which an opening 86 into which the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted and an internal space communicating with the opening 86 is formed. The outer shape shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and the outer shape of the correction measurement environment component 80 is arbitrary.
As shown in FIG. 13, the correction measurement environment component 80 includes a first part 81, a second part 82, a first sheet 84, and a second sheet 85.
The first component 81 is a cylindrical body having a stepped through hole in which a probe holding hole 81a and a rectangular space 81b wider than the first part 81 are continuous on the central axis C.
The first sheet 84 and the second sheet 85 are formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to a cross section perpendicular to the axis C direction of the rectangular space 81b.

The 1st sheet | seat 84 is arrange | positioned so that the opening to the rectangular space 81b of the probe holding hole 81a may be block | closed, and the one side part of the 1st sheet | seat 84 is fixed to the surface 81c (refer FIG. 14) of a level | step-difference part by adhesion | attachment. At this time, the other three sides of the first sheet 84 are fitted with the rectangular space 81b and semi-fixed with a tolerance. In addition to the fitting or instead of the fitting, the other three sides are semi-fixed with a weak adhesive force that is easy to attach and detach.
The second sheet 85 is fixed to the central convex portion 82a on one surface of the second component 82 by adhesion. The central convex portion 82a is fitted into the rectangular space 81b, and the end surface of the first component 81 around the rectangular space 81b and the end surface of the second component 82 around the central convex portion 82a are bonded together to form the rectangular space 81b. The open end is closed and assembled. At this time, the second sheet 85 is accommodated in the rectangular space 81b, and the second sheet 85 is disposed on the central axis C of the probe holding hole 81a. The first component 81 and the second component 82 may be fixed only by tight fitting by fitting the central convex portion 82a and the rectangular space 81b without using an adhesive.

  The first part 81 and the second part 82 are manufactured by molding, and have a light shielding property that blocks the incidence of external light into the internal space in the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in which the tip part 11 is inserted into the opening 86. A black molding material is used for obtaining and preventing noise due to scattering of light irradiated from the tip 11.

The first sheet 84 is made of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state in which the known optical environment shown in FIG.
Moreover, the 1st sheet | seat 84 is corresponded to the partition member facing the front-end | tip part 11 set | placed in the optical environment shown in FIG.
The second sheet 85 is made of a predetermined measurement target substance that is a target for correction measurement by the system 1 in a state where the known optical environment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is inserted from the opening 86 and the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 abuts against the first sheet 84, the first sheet 84 pushes the distal end portion 11 to a predetermined locking force. To restrict further insertion. In such a regulated state, the leading end portion 11 is brought into contact with the first sheet 84 and placed in a known optical environment.

  When the leading end portion 11 placed in the known optical environment shown in FIG. 14 is further pushed in by an insertion force exceeding a predetermined locking force by the first sheet 84, the first sheet 84 allows the leading end portion 11 to advance. When the front end portion 11 pushes against the first sheet 84 which is a partition member, the first sheet 84 is bent and the partition member is opened, and the different known optical environment shown in FIG. It is expanded in the internal space. In the present embodiment, the optical environment shown in FIG. 15 is given by a state in which the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 is in contact with the second sheet 85 in the light-shielded internal space.

Further supplementary explanation will be given along the use procedure.
The user inserts the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 into the opening 86. The insertability at this time is determined by an appropriate fitting tolerance between the outer diameter of the tip end portion 11 and the inner diameter of the probe holding hole 81a, and the clearance fit so that the probe 10 does not slide off from the probe holding hole 81a. Is preferred.
When the distal end portion 11 is inserted to a position where it comes into contact with the first sheet 84, the insertion property of the probe changes due to the contact with the first sheet 84. Therefore, the user can perform the first operation under the known optical environment shown in FIG. An insertion state in which correction measurement can be performed can be recognized.
After the first correction measurement is performed by the system 1, when the probe 10 is strongly inserted, the first sheet 84 is pushed away by the leading end portion 11, and the first sheet 84 is moved to the leading end portion 11 as shown in FIG. Retreat from the front to the side. At this time, the leading end portion 11 is inserted into the rectangular space 81b, and the first sheet 84 retracted to the side escapes into the gap between the inner surface of the rectangular space 81b and the outer peripheral surface of the leading end portion 11, and Does not prevent insertion. Therefore, at least the fixed end side of the first sheet 84 in the rectangular space 81b is formed with a space outside the front end portion 11 so as to leave the gap. Further, the length L3 of the rectangular space 81b is set in the direction of the axis C of the first sheet 84 retracted laterally so that the first sheet 64 is not sandwiched between the front end surface of the front end portion 11 and the second sheet 85. It is comprised in sufficient length more than the extended length L4.
When the distal end portion 11 comes into contact with the second sheet 85, the user can recognize an insertion state in which the second correction measurement under the known optical environment shown in FIG. 15 can be performed.

  When the first correction measurement is performed in a state where the distal end portion 11 and the first sheet 84 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, the locking structure using the O-ring described in the first embodiment is used. It can implement satisfactorily by comprising in front of (close to the opening 86).

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the present embodiment, the first sheet 84 in the correction measurement environment component 80 in the third embodiment is configured to be stretched by an elastic recovery force so as to be restored to the closed state. Except for this, the configuration of the measurement environment component for correction 80, the system used, and the procedure are the same as in the third embodiment.

First, at least a portion of the first sheet 84 that is bent in the state shown in FIG. 15 is configured to have necessary elastic characteristics. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a flexible sheet made of a predetermined measurement target substance is attached to a base material made of an elastic material.
As shown in FIG. 15, the leading end 11 is inserted to the back of the correction measurement environment component 80 and the correction measurement with the second sheet 85 as a measurement target is possible. The correction measurement environment component 80 shown in FIG. 5 is accommodated and packaged, and a set of probes is provided to the user. In such a state, the first sheet 84 that is a partition member is elastically deformed by the tip portion 11 on the side of the tip portion 11 placed in one optical environment within the internal space of the correction measurement environment component 80. It is pushed away with it.
It is assumed that the first correction measurement is performed using the second sheet 85 shown in FIG.
After execution of the first correction measurement, the user pulls out the probe 10 to the state shown in FIG. In order for the user to know the amount of withdrawal, it can be easily implemented by providing a mark on the portion exposed from the opening 86 in the state shown in FIG.
In the process in which the user pulls the probe 10 from the state shown in FIG. 15 to the state shown in FIG. 14, the first sheet 84 is stretched by its elastic recovery force by the backward movement of the distal end portion 11 and the front of the distal end portion 11 is expanded. Shield. Accordingly, one optical environment different from that in FIG. 15 is developed as shown in FIG. A second correction measurement is performed in this optical environment. Thereafter, the user completely pulls out the probe 10 from the correction measurement environment component 80 and uses it for measurement of the living tissue.

In the case of the present embodiment, the correction measurement environment component 80 functions as a protective cap for the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 and, for the user, extracts the probe from the protective cap as a normal use preparation work of the probe. Since the measurement for correction can be performed only by stopping once during the operation, the workability of the user is improved.
When the partition member (first sheet 84) is stretched by its elastic recovery force and can be restored to the closed state as in this embodiment, the first sheet 84 shown in FIG. 14 is measured. The order of whether the correction measurement is performed in the state in which the second sheet 85 shown in FIG. 15 is measured first, the correction measurement is performed later, or the former is performed later and the latter is performed first. Absent.
In the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, after breaking the 1st sheet | seats 64 and 74 which are partition members, the measurement for correction | amendment which made the 1st sheet | seats 64 and 74 object cannot be implemented.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since any of the states shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 can be repeatedly restored by the feeding operation of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10, the correction for the second sheet 85 on the back side is targeted. Even after measurement, any correction measurement can be repeated.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the measurement target site is irradiated with excitation light and fluorescence generated due to the excitation light is received. However, scattered light or Raman scattered light generated due to the irradiation light is used. It is good also as receiving light. Even in these cases, it is possible to diagnose a disease state such as degeneration of a living tissue or cancer.
Also, an image pickup device is installed at the distal end portion 11, and the received signal light is converted into an electrical signal, which is transmitted from the distal end portion 11 to the probe proximal end and further to the detector of the base unit 20 through an electrical signal cable. Of course, it is possible to implement this method. In other words, what type of signal is used at which stage does not affect the implementation of the present invention.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the predetermined measurement object is installed in the optical environment in the first correction measurement and the second correction measurement, but the predetermined measurement object is not installed and is simply provided from the outside. A known optical environment may be given to the distal end portion 11 by placing the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10 in a light-shielded space (dark room). This configuration can be applied to the second type of correction described above.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration for performing the two types of correction measurement including the first correction measurement and the second correction measurement has been described. However, three or more types of correction measurement are possible, that is, This can be implemented by adding a partition member and partitioning the internal space into three or more by the partition member so as to provide the tip portion 11 with three or more known and different optical environments.

  Moreover, in the above embodiment, the form which irradiates irradiation light to the front-end | tip direction illustrated in FIG. 3 (a), (a-1), (b), and (d), and receives the emitted light from a front-end | tip direction. However, the present invention can also be applied to a probe configured to irradiate the side with irradiation light and receive radiation from the side as illustrated in FIG. In that case, for example, in the first embodiment, the first sheet 64 is excluded or simply left as a partition member, and a light-shielded space or measurement necessary for each correction measurement is provided on the side of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10. This can be done by installing the target substance. Further, in the third embodiment, the first sheet 84 is simply left as a partition member, and a light-shielded space and a measurement target material necessary for each correction measurement are installed on the side of the distal end portion 11 of the probe 10. Can be implemented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical measuring system 10 Probe 11 Tip part 12 Connector part 12a surface (upper surface at the time of a connection)
13 Cable portion 14 (a to g) Light guiding optical fiber 15 Lens 16 Optical component 17 Exterior tube 20 Base unit 30 Packaging tray 60 Correction measurement environment component 61 First component 61a Probe holding hole 61b O-ring holding hole 62 Second component 62a Component connection hole 62b Bottom hole 62c surface (first sheet application surface)
63 O-ring 64 First sheet (partition wall member)
65 Second sheet 66 Opening (for probe insertion)
70 Measurement environment component for correction 71 First component 71a Probe holding hole 71b Hole 71c Hole 71d Component holding hole 71e Locking structure 71f End surface 71g surface (first sheet pasting surface)
72 2nd part 72a Protrusion part 72b Middle part 72c Head part 72d Hole 74 1st sheet | seat (partition wall member)
75 Second sheet 76 opening (for probe insertion)
80 Measurement environment component 81 for correction 81 First part 81a Probe holding hole 81b Rectangular space 81c Surface (first sheet pasting surface)
82 2nd part 82a Center convex part 84 1st sheet | seat (partition wall member)
85 Second sheet 86 opening (for probe insertion)

Claims (12)

An opening into which a distal end portion of a probe for receiving irradiation light emitted from the measurement target site by irradiating the measurement target site of the biological tissue is inserted, communicated with the opening, and the opening A measurement environment component for correction having an internal space that gives different and known optical environments to the tip portion inserted from the portion,
A probe that provides the tip with a different optical environment according to movement of the tip or movement of a part along the insertion direction of the tip placed in the one optical environment within the internal space. Measurement environment components for correction.   2. The probe correction according to claim 1, wherein a partition member facing the tip portion placed in one optical environment in the internal space is opened to give a different one optical environment to the tip portion. Measurement environment components.   By moving the tip part placed in one optical environment in the internal space forward and pushing the partition member, the partition member is opened and the different optical environment is changed to the tip part. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 2.   The partition member is opened by pushing the partition member against the component from the opposite side of the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 2, which is applied to the tip portion.   A partition wall member that is pushed by the tip portion with elastic deformation to the side of the tip portion placed in the one optical environment in the internal space is caused by the elastic recovery force by the backward movement of the tip portion. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 1, wherein the tip is provided with a different optical environment by spreading and shielding the front of the tip.   6. The light-shielding property according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding property is such that at least the front end portion is inserted into the opening portion to block external light from entering the internal space. Measurement environment component for probe compensation.   The predetermined measurement target substance used as the object of a measurement for amendment is built in any one or two or more of each of the above-mentioned optical environments, It is any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Measurement environment component for probe compensation.   8. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall member is made of a predetermined measurement target material to be subjected to correction measurement.   A locking structure that restricts further insertion of the tip portion inserted from the opening at a predetermined position is configured, and the tip portion is placed in one optical environment in a restricted state by the locking structure. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The locking structure restricts further insertion of the distal end portion with a predetermined locking force and allows the distal end portion to advance with an insertion force exceeding the predetermined locking force, so that the optical environment is different. The measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to claim 9, wherein movement of the tip portion for imparting to the tip portion is allowed. A measurement environment component for correcting a probe according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A probe package in which a probe for receiving irradiation light emitted from a measurement target region by irradiating the measurement target region of a living tissue with the irradiation light is packaged in the same package.   The probe package according to claim 11, wherein the probe is packaged in the package in a state where the tip of the probe is inserted into the opening and placed in the one optical environment.

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