JP2015029684A - Subject site information acquisition apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a subject site information acquisition apparatus capable of preventing a subject site from contacting a holding member.SOLUTION: One aspect of the present invention is a subject site information acquisition apparatus comprising: subject site holding means having a holding member capable of holding a subject site of a subject person; held position movement means for rotating the subject site holding means relative to the subject person; an aperture of the holding member through which the subject site is inserted; and drive control means for limiting the movement of the subject site holding means by the held position movement means when the holding member is in a position in which the holding member overlaps the aperture in a direction in which the subject site is inserted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a test site information acquisition apparatus.

  Diagnosis by determining the formation of new blood vessels associated with tumor growth and oxygen metabolism of hemoglobin from the light absorption characteristics of hemoglobin contained in blood using light with a wavelength of about 600-1500 nm, which has good transmission characteristics for living tissue There is technology to use. One such technique uses a photoacoustic effect. The photoacoustic effect is that when a substance is irradiated with pulsed light with a pulse width of about nanoseconds, the substance absorbs light energy corresponding to the light absorption characteristics, and an elastic wave is generated by momentarily expanding the substance. It is a phenomenon. This elastic wave is detected by an ultrasonic transducer to obtain a received signal. By mathematically analyzing the received signal, the sound pressure distribution of the elastic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect can be imaged. Since hemoglobin has a higher absorption rate of near-infrared light compared to water, fat, and protein that constitute biological tissue, it is suitable as a method for measuring the above-described neovascularization and oxygen metabolism. Clinical research to apply this photoacoustic effect to the diagnosis of breast cancer and the like is being actively promoted.

  On the other hand, the intensity of the light irradiated into the living tissue is attenuated by absorption and scattering in the process of propagating through the living tissue, so that the amount of light reaching the deep part of the tissue is small. Conventionally, in order to cope with these, the breast is compressed and held between a breast pressing plate made of a glass plate that transmits near-infrared light and a two-dimensional ultrasonic sensor, thereby reducing the thickness of the breast. What obtains the image is disclosed. In addition, a rotation mechanism that rotates the breast compression plate and the two-dimensional ultrasonic sensor plate with respect to the breast is provided, and an image of a portion that cannot be obtained by a single irradiation is obtained by irradiating the breast with pulsed light from different directions. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1).

  As described above, in the inspection apparatus using the photoacoustic effect, another purpose of providing and holding the breast compression plate is to prevent the measurement position from changing due to movement of the breast during measurement. Further, the apparatus of Non-Patent Document 1 uses a configuration in which a bed on which the subject is placed face down is provided, and the breast of the subject is inserted into a hole provided in the bed. With such a device, the subject hangs the breast down from the breast insertion port provided on the bed, which is a support platform, and irradiates near-infrared light with the drooped breast sandwiched between breast compression plates. Measurement is performed. This is because consideration has been given so that the movement of the subject can be suppressed at the time of measurement and the measurement can be performed accurately by adopting a device that can perform measurement in a relaxed state without overlying the posture of the subject. .

  In some cases, the biopsy device inspects a region to be examined from a plurality of directions. For example, in an X-ray mammography apparatus, breasts are imaged from different directions, such as head-to-tail imaging: CC (Cranio-Caudal) and internal / external oblique imaging: MLO (Mediolatal-oblique). For this purpose, there is a device that rotates and moves the position of a breast holding member composed of a breast compression plate made of a material that transmits X-rays and a sensor plate having an X-ray sensor with respect to the breast of a standing subject. It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a slide mechanism that moves the rotation axis of the holding member in a direction that intersects the rotation axis.

Srirang Manohar, et al. , The Tween photoacoustic mammoscope: system of review and performance, Physics in Medicine and Biology 50 (2005) 2543-2557.

JP 2010-110571 A

  In the breast inspection apparatus disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the breast holding member and the breast come into contact with each other by the rotational driving of the breast holding member when changing the inspection direction. If the breast holding member and the breast come into contact with each other in an unexpected state, there is a possibility that the breast holding member or its driving means may be damaged or broken. Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to avoid contact between the breast holding member and the breast.

  One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and is a test capable of reducing contact between a test site and a holding member that can occur when the direction of testing the test site is changed. A site information acquisition device is provided.

  One embodiment of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, a test site holding means having a holding member capable of holding the test site of the subject, and a holding position moving means capable of rotating the test site holding means relative to the test subject When the holding member is at a position overlapping with the opening into which the test site is inserted in the insertion direction of the test site, the drive for restricting the movement of the test site holding means by the moving means The present invention relates to a test site information acquiring apparatus having a control means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a test site holding unit having a holding member capable of holding a test site, a holding position moving unit capable of rotating the test site holding unit, and a position of the holding member are provided. The present invention relates to a test site information acquisition apparatus that includes a holding member detection unit that detects and a drive control unit that controls the rotation of the holding position moving unit according to the output of the holding member detection unit.

  In this specification, restricting the movement, rotation, or driving of a certain means includes stopping the certain means or maintaining the stopped state. Furthermore, stopping the movement, rotation, or driving of a certain means only requires that a certain means is stopped, and as a result, includes the case where a certain means is not completely stopped.

  It is possible to provide a test site information acquisition apparatus capable of reducing the contact between the holding member and the test site when changing the direction of testing the test site.

(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of the test site information acquisition apparatus, (B) is a diagram showing the configuration of the test site holding means and the holding position moving unit, and (C) is a modification of the test site holding means. The figure showing an example. (A), (B), and (C) are the figures showing the installation position of a holding member detection means. The figure showing a drive control flow. The figure showing the structure of the standing type test site | part information acquisition apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. It is not intended to limit the following description.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described by the following examples.

(Embodiment 1)
The following describes one aspect of the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the embodiment, a configuration example of a test site information acquisition apparatus using a photoacoustic effect to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  1A and 1B are schematic views of a test site information acquisition apparatus using the photoacoustic effect. FIG. 1A is a configuration diagram of a test site information acquisition apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a configuration diagram of a test site holding means and a holding position moving means.

  The test site information acquisition apparatus shown in FIG. 1A acquires the characteristic information of the test site (here, the breast) of the test subject E using the photoacoustic effect. The test site holding means 100, the signal conversion means 200, the light irradiation means 300, the holding position moving means 400, the drive control means 500, the holding member detection means 600, and the bed unit 700 are configured.

(Bed unit 700)
Here, a description will be given using the bed unit 700 as the subject support means. The bed unit 700 is a device for placing the subject E on his / her face down (prone position), a bed provided with a breast insertion opening (opening 701) for inserting the breast of the subject, and a bed column supporting the bed. It is composed of The size of the breast insertion opening can be set based on human body dimension data. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, in this embodiment, a circular opening having a diameter D having a size increased by 10% based on the 99th percentile (a model determined from 99% of human body size data to correspond to 99% of subjects). Used.

(Test site holding means 100)
The test site holding means 100 presses and holds the test site inserted into the breast insertion port of the bed unit 700 between, for example, two holding members. Here, an example using a plate-like holding member is shown.

  The first holding member 1, the second holding member 2, the X-axis slide mechanism 3, and the base 4 are configured.

  The base 4 is attached to a holding position moving unit 400 described later, and the test site holding unit 100 is movable (rotatable) around the Z axis in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

  The first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are test site holding means capable of holding a test site.

  A first holding member 1 and a second holding member 2 are provided on an X-axis slide mechanism 3 provided on the base 4. The first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are movable in the X direction of FIG. 1B by the X-axis slide mechanism 3. By moving the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 by the X-axis slide mechanism 3, the operation of pressing and holding and releasing the pressing can be performed. Usually, the test site between the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is pressed and held at a load of about 10 to 300 N.

  By pressing and holding the test site in this way, the position of the test site during measurement is fixed, and thus there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce positional deviation due to body movement or the like. Moreover, light and an ultrasonic wave can be efficiently reached to the deep part by thinning a test site | part by compression.

  When the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are closest to each other, the test site contact portions of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 and the edge of the opening 701 serving as a breast insertion port Is a distance FL and a distance GL as shown in FIG. 1B. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, positions where the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are closest to each other are referred to as O1 and O2, respectively. Moreover, the position of the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 when the position of the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 is not O1 and O2, respectively is made into each retracted position. In FIG. 1B, the movement strokes of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are set to be larger than the distance FL and the distance GL, respectively.

  When the center of the breast insertion opening coincides with the Z-axis, when the distance from the position O1 to the retracted position of the first holding member 1 is F and the relationship of F> FL is satisfied, the test site holding means 100 is Even if it is rotated around the Z axis, the first holding member 1 is in a position where it does not come into contact with the region to be examined. Further, when the distance from the position O2 to the retracted position of the second holding member 2 is G, and the relationship G> GL is satisfied, the second holding member can be rotated even if the test site holding means 100 is rotated around the Z axis. 2 becomes a position which does not contact a test part.

  FIG. 1C is a configuration diagram showing a modification of the test site holding means 100. A Z-axis slide mechanism 11 is provided that enables the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 to move in the illustrated Z direction. Members having the same numbers and symbols as in FIG. 1B have the same functions.

  The first holding member 1 is supported by a Z-axis slide mechanism 11 provided on the base 4, and the second holding member 2 is supported on the Z-axis slide mechanism 11 provided on the X-axis slide mechanism 3 on the base 4. It is supported. The first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are movable in the Z direction in FIG. 1C by a Z-axis slide mechanism 11. By moving the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 by the Z-axis slide mechanism 11, the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are moved when the test site holding means 100 is rotated around the Z axis. The operation of retracting to a position that does not contact the test site can be performed.

  The distance H with reference to the bed surface of the bed unit 700 shown in FIG. 1C is an assumed distance from the chest wall of the subject E lying on the bed surface to the tip of the breast as the test site. Such a distance H can be set on the basis of human body dimension data in the same manner as the size of the breast insertion opening. In this embodiment, a distance H is used in which the dimension based on the 99th percentile is increased by 10%.

  When the first and second holding members are closest to the bed side, the positional relationship between the upper ends of the first and second holding members and the tip of the breast is a distance IL as shown in FIG. 1C. As shown in FIG. 1C, the movement strokes of the first and second holding members are set to be larger than the distance IL, with the position closest to the bed side being 0.

  When the distance I from the position 0 closest to the bed side of the first and second holding members satisfies the relationship of I> IL, the test site holding means 100 is the same as the test site even if the test site holding means 100 is rotated about the Z axis. The first and second holding members are in a positional relationship where they do not contact.

  In the example of FIG. 1B, the first and second holding members are moved by the X-axis slide mechanism 3, but only the second holding member may be moved by the X-axis slide mechanism 3 as in the example of FIG. it can.

  As a member constituting the first holding member 1, it is preferable to use a member having high acoustic consistency with a test site or a signal conversion means 200 described later. As a material for producing these, polymethylpentene having a sound impedance close to that of the test site is suitable. The test site information acquisition apparatus of the present embodiment has a test site insertion region 101 in a portion overlapping the opening 701 of the bed unit 700 in the test site insertion direction. The first holding member 1 is provided between the test site insertion region 101 and the signal conversion means 200, and the signal conversion means 200 receives an elastic wave through the first holding member 1. In addition, an acoustic wave such as an ultrasonic gel for enhancing acoustic matching between the first holding member 1 and the signal conversion means 200 or between the first holding member 1 and the test site (test site insertion region 101). A matching agent (matching agent) is provided.

  As a member constituting the second holding member 2, it is preferable to use a member having a high light transmittance of the light source 5 described later. As a material for manufacturing these, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, and the like having high light transmittance are preferable. The second holding member 2 is provided between the test site insertion region 101 and an illumination optical system 6 described later, and the illumination optical system 6 irradiates the test site with light through the second holding member 2.

(Signal conversion means 200)
The signal conversion means 200 receives an elastic wave generated in the test site. The receiver of the signal conversion means 200 has one or more conversion elements that receive elastic waves and convert them into electrical signals, such as a conversion element using a piezoelectric phenomenon, a conversion element using a change in capacitance, etc. Can be configured. The receiver of the signal conversion means 200 may be any receiver as long as it can receive an elastic wave and convert it into an electrical signal.

  By arranging a plurality of transducer elements that receive elastic waves in one or two dimensions, it is possible to simultaneously receive elastic waves with a plurality of transducer elements, so that the reception time can be shortened, and The influence of body movement can be reduced.

  A signal similar to the above can also be obtained by scanning a conversion element that receives one or more elastic waves in one or two dimensions.

(Light irradiation means 300)
The light irradiation means 300 includes a light source 5 and an illumination optical system 6.

  The light source 5 in the test site information acquisition apparatus using the photoacoustic effect selects a wavelength according to light absorption characteristics such as water, fat, protein, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin constituting the living tissue. As an example, light having a wavelength range of 600 to 1500 nm, which has a high transmittance with respect to in vivo tissues and is characterized by light absorption characteristics such as fat, oxygenated hemoglobin, and reduced hemoglobin, is suitable. From this range, it is possible to use a component that emits light having a wavelength that is absorbed by a component to be inspected in the test site, for example, oxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin, or the like.

  A laser having a large output is preferable because the intensity of light is significantly attenuated when propagating in the region to be examined. As the laser, various lasers such as a solid laser, a gas laser, and a semiconductor laser can be used. In general, the output is smaller than that of a laser, but a light emitting diode or the like can also be used. When using the light source 5 with a small output, it is good also as a structure which obtains a high output using two or more light sources 5. FIG.

  The light emitted from the light source 5 is guided to the test site by the illumination optical system 6.

  As a member constituting the illumination optical system 6, a lens, a mirror, a prism, an optical fiber, a diffusion plate, a mask, or the like can be used.

  In addition, by irradiating the test site with light over a wide range, the time required for the inspection can be shortened, and the influence of body movement on the test site can be reduced. For this reason, in the case of the light source 5 having a sufficiently large output, it is preferable to irradiate the entire test site in a lump. However, when the output of the light source 5 is small and only a partial region of the test site can be irradiated with light, the entire test site can be inspected by scanning the light irradiation region with respect to the test site.

  Moreover, light may be irradiated from the 1st holding member 1 side, and may be irradiated from the 2nd holding member 2 side. Further, the light may be emitted from both sides of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2.

(Holding position moving means 400)
The holding position moving unit 400 includes a rotation mechanism 7 and a brake mechanism 8.

  The holding position moving means 400 is coupled to the base 4 and rotates (rotates) the position of the test site holding means 100 about the Z axis in FIGS. 1A and 1B (rotatable). To do). That is, the holding position moving unit 400 is configured to be able to move the test site holding unit 100 relative to the subject.

  The holding position moving unit 400 is connected to a drive control unit 500 described later, and the driving control of the holding position moving unit 400 is performed by the drive control unit 500.

(Drive control means 500)
The drive control unit 500 includes a control circuit such as a CPU and a memory.

  The drive control unit 500 is connected to a holding position moving unit 400, a drive input switch 9 described later, and a holding member detection unit 600.

  Based on the detection result of the holding member detection means 600, the drive control means 500 determines whether at least one of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 of the test site holding means 100 is within a preset reference range. Has the function to judge. Here, when determining whether at least one position of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range, at least one position of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is determined. This includes the case where it is determined only whether or not it is within the preset reference range. Further, it includes a case where it is determined only that at least one position of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is not within a preset reference range. If at least one of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range, at least one of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is not in contact with the test site. It can be assumed that As the reference range, for example, a region that does not overlap with the opening of the support member and the insertion direction of the test site can be set. Data relating to the reference range is stored in the memory.

  The drive input switch 9 is a pushbutton switch that is operated by an operator of the test site inspection apparatus when the position of the test site holding means 100 is moved.

(Holding member detection means 600)
The holding member detection unit 600 detects the positions of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 of the test site holding unit 100. The detected position information of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is input to the drive control means 500. The drive control unit 500 determines whether the positions of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are within a preset reference range based on the position information input from the holding member detection unit 600.

  As the holding member detection means 600, a camera, a potentiometer, a photo sensor, a micro switch, or the like can be used.

  2A and 2B show examples of positions where the camera 601, potentiometer 602, and photosensor are installed in the apparatus of FIG. 1B. 2A is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2B is a top view of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows an example of a position where the camera 601, potentiometer 602, and photosensor are installed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1C.

  The camera 601 can be installed on the side surfaces of the first and second holding members as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. 2B and 2C, a plurality of cameras 601 are provided, but the number of cameras may be one. The first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are photographed by the camera, and the photographed image is analyzed by an image processing unit (not shown), so that the first holding member 1 and the second holding member within the photographing field angle of the camera are obtained. The position of the member 2 can be detected. The camera is preferably equipped with a CCD or CMOS sensor that can acquire a digital image that can be easily processed.

  The potentiometer 602 can be installed in the vicinity of the X-axis slide mechanism 3 and the Z-axis slide mechanism 11 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C. In FIG. 2C, each Z-axis slide mechanism 11 is provided with a potentiometer 602, but the number of potentiometers can be reduced to one by using a common potentiometer. As the potentiometer 602, a potentiometer having a variable resistor whose electrical resistance value changes according to the positions of the first and second holding members can be used. By associating the positions of the first and second holding members with the resistance value of the potentiometer 602, the positions of the first and second holding members can be detected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a pair of a photosensor light projecting unit 603 that emits a light beam and a photosensor light receiving unit 604 that detects blocking of the emitted light beam are formed on the side surfaces of the first and second holding members. It is possible to install at a position. Although a plurality of photosensors are provided in the figure, the number of photosensors may be one. The photosensor is preferably capable of projecting light having a wavelength different from that of the light source 5 in order to prevent erroneous detection of light emitted from the light source 5.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, a micro switch 605 can be installed at the stroke end of the X-axis slide mechanism 3 and the Z-axis slide mechanism 11 so that the electrical contact comes into contact with the pressing force due to the contact. The microswitch 605 has the first and second holding members at the stroke ends, the distances F and G from the positions O1 and O2 closest to each other in FIG. 1B, and the position 0 closest to the bed side in FIG. 1C. It is detected that the position of the distance I from has been reached. Further, the above-described photo sensor can be used instead of the micro switch 605.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the holding member detection means may be a combination of the above-mentioned ones, or a plurality of the same type may be provided. Moreover, the accuracy of detecting the positions of the first and second holding members can be increased by combining different types of test site detection means and providing a plurality of test site detection means.

  The camera and potentiometer can continuously detect the positions of the first and second holding members. For this reason, the positional relationship of the first and second holding members with respect to the threshold values FL, GL, and IL shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can be detected.

  Microswitches and photosensors have the advantage of being cheaper than cameras and potentiometers.

  Next, a drive control method for the test site information acquisition apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In the test site information acquisition apparatus and the drive control method thereof, the test site holding means and the holding position moving unit that are caused by contact between the test site and the holding member, which may occur when changing the test direction of the test site, The possibility of breakage and failure can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 shows a drive control flow of the test site information acquisition apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, there are six steps S1 to S6. The contents of each process are shown below.

  S1: A step in which the operator of the test site information acquisition apparatus presses the drive input switch 9.

  S2: A step in which the holding member detection means 600 detects the position of at least one of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2. Here, for example, when only the first holding member 1 is movable, the holding member detection means 600 may detect only the position of the first holding member 1. The holding member detection unit 600 has a function of transmitting the detection result to the drive control unit 500 as an electrical signal.

  S3: Based on the detection result of the holding member detection unit 600, the drive control unit 500 determines whether at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range. Process. Here, being within a preset reference range means that the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is located at the position O1 at which the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 described in FIG. The case where it exists in the position where the distance from O2 becomes larger than FL or GL is shown. That is, the case where the 1st holding member 1 or the 2nd holding member 2 is not in the position which overlaps with an opening part in the insertion direction of a test site | part is shown. 1C shows the case where the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 described in FIG. 1C are at positions where the distance from the position 0 closest to the bed side is greater than IL. In other cases, that is, the distance from the position where the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are closest to each other is 0 to FL, 0 to GL, or the distance from the position 0 closest to the bed side. In the case of 0 to IL, it is out of the reference range. The drive control unit 500 stores at least the first holding member 1 and the first holding member 1 based on the memory storing the information about the reference range, the information about the reference range stored in the memory, and the detection result sent from the holding member detection unit 600. A control circuit (for example, a CPU) that determines whether one position of the two holding members 2 is within a preset reference range; Moreover, the movement path | route of the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 is memorize | stored in memory, and when the memorize | stored movement path | route exceeds the said range, it is set as outside a reference range.

  Here, when the drive control means 500 determines that “the position of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range”, the process continues to step S4. On the other hand, when the drive control unit 500 determines that “the position of at least one of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is not within the preset reference range”, the process continues to step S5. In addition, when both the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 move, when both the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 exist in a reference | standard range, it follows the process of S4. On the other hand, when at least one of the 1st holding member 1 and the 2nd holding member 2 exists outside a reference range, it follows the process of S5.

  S4: The drive control unit 500 releases the on state of the brake mechanism 8 of the holding position moving unit 400 to enable the rotation mechanism 7 of the holding position moving unit 400 to be driven, or the on state of the brake mechanism 8 is released. Maintaining the state and maintaining the drivable state of the rotation mechanism 7; The drive control unit 500 has a function of sending a signal for releasing the ON state of the brake mechanism 8 to the holding position moving unit 400 based on the determination result. Thereby, the position of the test site holding means 100 is moved (rotated) or maintained in a movable (rotatable) state.

  S5: A step of limiting the rotation of the holding position moving unit 400 by the drive control unit 500. Specifically, the drive control unit 500 turns on the brake mechanism 8 of the holding position moving unit 400 and stops the rotation mechanism 7 of the holding position moving unit 400 or rotates the brake mechanism 8 while maintaining the on state. A step of maintaining the stopped state of the mechanism 7. The drive control unit 500 has a function of sending a signal for turning on the brake mechanism 8 to the holding position moving unit 400. Thereby, the position of the test site holding means 100 is fixed, or the stopped state of the test site holding means 100 is maintained.

  S6: A step of displaying the detection result of the drive control means 500 on a display device (not shown). For example, a step of displaying on a display means (not shown) that at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is not within a preset reference range.

  Here, consider a case where the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are within a preset reference range. If the trajectory of the rotational movement of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range, even if the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are rotated and moved, There is no contact.

On the other hand, let us consider a case where the trajectory of the rotational movement of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 may deviate from a preset reference range. Even if the drive control unit 500 once determines that the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are within the preset reference range, the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 are appropriately set in advance. Judge whether it is within the set reference range. According to the determination of the drive control means 500, a suitable process among the processes of S1 to S6 is executed. For example, when the position of the first holding member 1 or the second holding member 2 is changed during the movement of the position of the test site holding means 100 and these are no longer in the preset reference range, The drive control flow is as follows.
S1: The drive input switch 9 is pressed.
S2: The holding member detection means 600 detects the position of at least one of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2.
S3: It is determined that “at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range”.
S4: Release the ON state of the brake mechanism 8 of the holding position moving unit 400 to drive the rotating mechanism 7 of the holding position moving unit 400, or maintain the state where the ON state of the brake mechanism 8 is released to maintain the rotating mechanism 7 The driving state is maintained.
S3: It is determined that “at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is not within a preset reference range”.
S5: The brake mechanism 8 of the holding position moving unit 400 is turned on, and the rotating mechanism 7 of the holding position moving unit 400 is stopped.
S6: A display means (not shown) displays that at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is not within a preset reference range.

  The position of the test site holding means 100 is fixed by the above flow.

  The “stop” state in step S5 described above refers to a state in which driving is not started even when the brake mechanism 8 is turned on and the drive input switch 9 is pressed, and power supply is cut off during driving and the brake mechanism is stopped. 8 indicates that the state is turned on.

  In step S6, it is assumed that the display means displays that at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is not within the preset reference range. You may make it notify the operator of the test site information acquisition apparatus. Further, when at least one position of the first holding member 1 and the second holding member 2 is within a preset reference range, the result may be displayed on the display means.

  In addition, although it is more preferable that the process of S6 should be in order to notify the operator of a to-be-examined site | part information acquisition apparatus of the state of an apparatus, it is also possible to abbreviate | omit.

  The first and second holding members are covered with a light shielding cover 10 that is a light shielding means.

  The light-shielding cover 10 shields light that is scattered and reflected when light is irradiated on the test site, leakage light that may occur when the illumination optical system 6 breaks down, and the like.

  The maximum allowable exposure amount (MPE), which is an upper limit value from the viewpoint of safety, is determined by the standard for the intensity of light that can be incident on the human eye, and light is incident on the human eye at an intensity exceeding the MPE. It is not possible. The light shielding cover 10 has a function of protecting the eyes of an operator who operates the test site information acquisition apparatus from the light as described above.

  As a member constituting the light shielding cover 10, it is preferable to use a member that can withstand the light irradiation as described above. As a material for manufacturing such a light shielding cover 10, a metal material or the like is preferable.

  However, the light shielding cover 10 made of a metal material shields not only light emitted from the light source 5 but also visible light. For this reason, it is difficult for the operator of the test site information acquisition apparatus to visually confirm the position of the test site covered with the light shielding cover 10. In an apparatus including such a light shielding cover 10, it is particularly effective to detect the first and second holding members covered by the light shielding cover 10 by the holding member detection unit 600.

(Embodiment 2)
In the above example, the present invention has been described by taking the test site information acquisition apparatus that receives the acoustic wave generated by irradiating light and acquires the characteristic information of the test site as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an X-ray irradiating unit that irradiates the test site with X-rays, and a signal conversion unit that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiating unit and transmitted to the test site and converts them into electrical signals An X-ray irradiation type mammography using a laser is one of the forms to which the present invention can be applied. In this case, the light irradiation means 300 in FIG. 1A can be an X-ray irradiation means, the signal conversion means 200 can be an X-ray detection electrical signal conversion means, and other configurations can be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  It also receives light radiating means that irradiates a laser beam that emits pulsed light in the order of picoseconds or a laser beam that emits intensity-modulated light with a modulation frequency of several tens to several hundreds of megahertz, and light that has propagated through the test site. Thus, diffuse optical tomography using a signal conversion means for converting into an electric signal is one of the forms to which the present invention can be applied. In this case, the light irradiation means 300 in FIG. 1A is a pulsed light and intensity-modulated light irradiation means, the signal conversion means 200 is a light detection electric signal converter, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Can do.

  In the above example, the present invention has been described by taking a prone measurement device as an example. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the present invention can also be applied to a standing type test site information acquisition device. In this case, the opening provided in the subject support means can be configured to be provided in a housing that covers the test site holding means 100 and the signal conversion means 200, for example.

  As described above, in the test site information acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment, the test object capable of preventing the holding member and the test site from coming into contact when changing the direction of testing the test site. A site information acquisition device can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Test site holding means 400 Holding position moving means 500 Drive control means 600 Holding member detection means

Claims (25)

A test site holding means having a holding member capable of holding the test site of the subject;
Holding position moving means capable of rotating the test site holding means relative to the subject;
When the holding member is positioned so as to overlap with the opening into which the test site is inserted in the insertion direction of the test site, the movement of the test site holding means by the holding position moving unit is limited. Drive control means;
A test site information acquisition device characterized by comprising: Furthermore, it has a holding member detection means for detecting the position of the holding member,
The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit controls driving of the holding position moving unit according to an output of the holding member detecting unit. The drive control means has a brake mechanism for controlling the drive of the holding position moving means,
When the holding member is in a position overlapping the opening in the insertion direction of the test site, the drive control means turns the brake mechanism on or maintains the on state, The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein driving of the holding position moving unit is limited. The drive control means has a brake mechanism,
The drive control means cancels the on-state of the brake mechanism or the on-state is released when the holding member is in a position not overlapping the opening in the insertion direction of the test site. The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding position moving unit is driven to be in a state where it can be driven. The drive control means includes a memory in which data relating to a position of the holding member overlapping with the opening is stored;
Based on the data stored in the memory, it is determined whether the holding member is in a position where it overlaps with the opening in the insertion direction of the test site. A control circuit for restricting driving of the holding position moving means;
The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding position moving unit includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the test site holding unit.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support member that supports the subject, wherein the opening is provided in the support member. The test site information acquisition device has a test site insertion region that overlaps in the direction in which the opening and the test site are inserted,
The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the holding member is between the test site insertion region and a signal conversion unit.   A light irradiating unit configured to irradiate the test site with light; and the signal conversion unit detects an elastic wave generated at the test site when the light irradiating unit irradiates the test site with light. The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 8.   The X-ray irradiating means for irradiating the test site with X-rays, and the signal conversion unit detects X-rays transmitted through the test site by the X-ray irradiation means. Test site information acquisition device.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate the test site with light, wherein the signal conversion unit detects light propagated in the test site.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the test site holding unit includes a light blocking unit that blocks light emitted from the light irradiation unit.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12, further comprising a display unit that displays a detection result of the holding member detection unit. A test site holding means having a holding member capable of holding the test site;
Holding position moving means capable of rotating the test site holding means;
Holding member detecting means for detecting the position of the holding member;
Drive control means for controlling rotation of the holding position moving means according to the output of the holding member detecting means;
A test site information acquisition apparatus comprising: The drive control means has a brake mechanism,
When the position of the holding member is not within a preset reference range, the drive control unit turns the brake mechanism on or maintains the on state, thereby driving the rotation of the holding position moving unit. The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The drive control means has a brake mechanism,
The drive control means releases the on state of the brake mechanism of the holding position moving means or maintains the on state released when the position of the holding member is set in a reference range in advance. The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the holding position moving means can be rotationally driven. The drive control means includes a memory in which data relating to a predetermined reference range of the position of the holding member is stored;
A control circuit for determining whether the position of the holding member is within the preset reference range based on the data stored in the memory and the detection result of the holding member detection means;
The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising:   The preset reference range is an area that overlaps an opening that is an insertion port into which the test site is inserted and an insertion direction of the test site, according to any one of claims 15 to 17. The test site information acquisition apparatus described.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a support member that supports the subject, wherein the opening is provided in the support member. The test site information acquisition device has a test site insertion region into which the test site is inserted,
The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the holding member is between the test site insertion region and a signal conversion unit.   A light irradiating unit configured to irradiate the test site with light; and the signal conversion unit detects an elastic wave generated at the test site when the light irradiating unit irradiates the test site with light. The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 20.   21. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate the test site with X-rays, wherein the signal conversion unit detects X-rays transmitted through the test site by the X-ray irradiation unit. Test site information acquisition device.   21. The test site information acquisition apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: a light irradiation unit that irradiates light to the test site, wherein the signal conversion unit detects light propagated in the test site.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to claim 21 or 23, wherein the test site holding unit includes a light blocking unit that blocks light emitted from the light irradiation unit.   The test site information acquiring apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 24, comprising a display unit and displaying a detection result of the holding member detection unit.

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